Podiobooks Reviews by Craig Robertson

Review taken from Craig Robertson's review site which sadly is no longer available - Many Thanks Craig

Friday, March 26, 2010
The Heaven Field Books I and II

As our first formal Podiobook.com [PB.com] review, as mentioned earlier, we will pick a giant, a wondrous work, to set some standards and to highlight lesser known gems on PB.com. The logical start is with these two, and soon to be four, treasures. We will eventually review the established stars, Chasing the Bard, Billibub Baddings, those type, but they are already PB.com legends.

Author's teaser for THF I: ...The world has changed forever; we have opened the door to something which we don’t understand, and that door cannot be closed. I only hope we can change with the world.” The man had a fevered stare, and Thomas found himself mesmerised by his words, obscure as they were.

The man suddenly stiffened, as if hearing a distant noise, then leaned close to Thomas once more.

“They’re coming,” he whispered.

When Grace Palmer and her team of research scientists discover a way into a mysterious world they name the HeavenField, they trigger a devastating chain of events. Bizarre, unexplained murders and attacks on the Project leave scientists trapped in the Field with no way to return. As their air supplies run low and their equipment begins to fail, their nightmares begin to play out before them...

So, on to The Heavenfield I & II. First, this is our review of each from PB.com and iTunes:

I:

Three cheers for Ian’s inaugural work, it is simply spectacular. The writing is journeyman, the characters are as real as your next door neighbor, and the plot absolutely transfixes the readers, leaving them piled in a heap in the corner delirious with anticipation for the next installment. Top that off with his haunting narration and unearthly art work, and you cannot leave without a smile. HeavenField is undeniably among the top ten Podiobooks ever produced and is not to be missed by any legitimate scifi/fantasy or horror fan.

II:

This stellar sequel to IG's brilliant first volume is welcome indeed. His imagination and completely innovative writing make this haunting tale as compelling as any scifi/fantasy classic, the ranks of which HeavenField will soon be acknowledged to have join. As if that were not enough, his empathic narration style and vivid art work make this a must read. In IG's early writings it is clear he is earmarked for great success and I count myself lucky to be along from the start as a fan. IG, make certain you construct a large band wagon, you'll need it soon!

In terms of our rating system, we would score it:

NARRATION: Clearly a 20. If you read the reviews Ian has received, you'll find they bunch into 2 groups regarding his voice. Either they love it or they hate it. We will not cast stones and say those who hate it are incorrect, we will only encourage them to listen again with an open mind, and see the brilliance. Who liked Picasso or van Gogh the first time they say them, or raw oysters or fried calamari? Stay open, learn, and you will grow minions. Trust us on this, that if Ian had a golden throat do this book, it would be great, but not perfect. His haunting, emotion ladenned breathy voice adds to the intense emotion and impact his word delineate. When he moans, "Oh Alexi", or paints a picture of the passed out drunk Grace Palmer, we are gifted with the richness of his voice. Plus, and a big plus, he effortlessly and convincingly depicts various character voices, distinguishing them well.

EDITING/TECHNICAL: Again, a 20. We really look to see if a podcast is up to snuff, appropriate for the content, and free of errors and glitches. The production qualities are good, nothing detracts from the overall product.

ORIGINALITY OF STORY: Unique, that's all we can say. There is no obvious storyline or drab tradition this draws upon. There is electricity charging the originality he forges, and a driving unearthly force behind his creativity. 20 points for sure!

QUALITY OF WRITING: Wonderful. As far as we know these are his first published works, and they are journeyman to be certain. Ian's prose is free of silly twists and rookie mistakes, being as descriptive as necessary while lean so as to be streamline. We would certainly love to own the paperback versions of his books. A full 20.

WOW FACTOR: And wow it is. If you don't feel my passion above, let us repeat, this is wonderful, fresh, creative, and bold. If the book fails to stagger you, we'll eat a bug! We give it our full 20 point endorsement.

EXTRA CREDIT: We use this category to award additional points, usually ensemble or sound effect. These books get the full 10 points based on Ian's brilliant, powerful, and soulful art work. Check out the gallery on his website for a real treat.

TOTAL: 110, no reservations or doubts on our part. Thanks for this jewel Old Boy.