A Review – The Cipher

It has been about five months since I last did a review of a podcast. I did not mean for this to happen, I just never started listening to a new one.

So, I picked this one (mostly at random) and started listening. It took me about a week of daily walks, listening to it, to finish. Unfortunately since I have neither started another podcast, nor gone for another long walk.

Anyway, that's enough of that, let's get this post going!

When 16-year-old Sabrina cracks the cryptic Parallax, she’s recruited to track down a serial killer... who might not be from this world. Starring Anya Chalotra and Chance Perdomo.

Apple Podcasts • Spotify


My Review!

There is nothing too out of the ordinary about Sabrina. Her mother passed away, her father makes umbrellas for a living. She goes to school, and hangs out with her best friend. She is really good at puzzles. And she has a recurring dream, that leaves her waking up with nonsense words coming out her mouth. The same words every time.

There is nothing too out of the ordinary about Sabrina. That is, until she solves a puzzle called the Parallax, a cryptic that had been going around the internet. One that no one else has solved. And after solving it, things start to change. Everything she ever knew falls apart, and things she never knew seem to become important in her life.

There is a serial killer, targeting scientists. Leaving their bodies destroyed. Sabrina is recruited to find the killer, but how can she possibly do that? She solved a puzzle, that didn’t make her a detective. Plus, she is not sure if she can trust any of the people around her.

Sabrina is a character who is very easy to like. She isn’t up for anything, she would rather have her normal life back than move forwards with the path put in front of her, but she doesn’t have a choice. However reluctant she may be, she has to keep going. Sabrina narrates the story, sometimes pausing the action to give some backstory in a very calm manner, as if she’s simply telling a story and nothing else is going on. Surprisingly, this doesn’t take away from the story at all, but adds to it in a way that meant I enjoyed the pauses, where everything faded away and Sabrina told me about this conspiracy theory, or that thing about that place. 

There are some very likeable characters in this. Sabrina being the main one, but Benny and Fergus also deserve a mention. Both end up joining Sabrina on her journey. It is difficult to talk about this without giving away anything, because there are some very big plot twists that would be very easy to accidentally spoil. Talking about anything that happens after episode one would end up as a spoiler, and I don’t want to do that. So, I will be annoyingly vague. I loved that Benny was not a stereotypical strong guy, able to deal with anything. Most of the time, Sabrina is the one dealing, while trying to pull him together as well. Fergus is absolutely amazing, and there is not much more to say on the matter. Listen to the story, and you will love him too.

Alongside likeable characters, there are some who are very easy to hate. Sabrina meets so many new people, all who are telling her different things, that it is hard to know who to trust. Do you trust the people you’ve been with for two episodes, or the newcomers? And then, once you trust someone else, did you make the right choice? Were the first people actually the ones you needed to believe? The mystery throughout this, as you try to place the good guys and the bad guys, keeps you on your toes, and does an excellent job of capturing your attention.

I have to mention Ernie. He isn’t actually a part of the story, but he gives an extra depth to the whole thing. He is a struggling actor, who has recorded messages for the start of each episode. The whole thing is scripted (unfortunately I can’t find out who voiced Ernie) but it’s great. He gives content warnings, while talking a little about himself. He is a character taking part in the production of the show. It’s great. 

This is a wonderful sci-fi, fantasy, thriller, semi action podcast. If you like any of those things, as well as sarcasm, for Sabrina is a sarcastic narrator, you can’t miss out on listening to this.

And done!

It's so difficult to write reviews when all of the things you want to talk about are spoilers. I want to talk about it all! The plot twists, the ending...

But I won't, because I hate things being spoiled, and I refuse to do so.

That's all for now...

Bye!

Feeling like an accomplished writer

Accomplishment

Every writer has doubts about their writing. It doesn’t matter how many times my Mum will tell me that my writing is good, there’s always a little thought in the back of my mind, wondering if it’s really that good. Plus, she’s my mother. She’s biased. 

But, sometimes, you will get someone you’ve never spoken to before leave a comment on a blog post, or on a tweet, saying just how much they loved reading your story. Sure, you will also get those saying that you should change your entire writing style, because they don’t think it’s an acceptable way of writing, but still. 

I had a bit of a moment, a few minutes before writing this, where I felt something I am not sure I have ever felt before – unquestionable faith in my ability to write a good story. And it wasn’t because someone told me they liked reading something I wrote, or because my Mum told me I was a great writer. It was simply because I spent nearly 17 minutes listening to someone read my own writing back to me.

I submitted a story to the podcast, Nonbiographical, which I wrote in its entirety on the evening I said I would write it. 2368 words, which then sat in a document, on my computer desktop for nearly two weeks before I opened the document again, checked it over, and sent it. I will admit, I had my reservations about the whole thing. The only place I have ever published my stories before has been here, on my blog, and I certainly have never had anyone read out anything I have written.

But then, I was sent a link, and I followed it to Spotify. I proceeded to sit in shock for the entirety of the podcast episode, and for a good few minutes afterwards. What I heard read out didn’t give me the experience I get when reading my own work. When I read the words I write, I hear my own voice in my head, reading them out. I skim the words, think about what would make it better, wonder if it’s any good. What I heard was something strange – I listened to my story as if it was the first time I was experiencing the words, even though I had read through all them at least ten times. I experienced my story as a reader might, reading the words for the first time, except I had the added aspect of ‘did I write this? Really?!’

The conclusion I came to is that you can never truly judge your own writing, because you know the thought process behind every word, you know the struggle of trying to remember how to spell that word, and you know how long it took you to get over that plot hole. With the words on a screen, or a page, in front of you, you know that those two paragraphs were switched around when you were editing. You see the words, the concepts, the plans, you don’t lose yourself in the story. Take away the words from in front of you, close your eyes as you listen to someone read your story to you, and you see what inspired the story. You see the images you tried to put down into words, and you know that you succeeded. You brought those images, those feelings, to life, and they live within those words, even if you can’t see or feel them when you read it yourself.

And, of course I named this story something strange, a last minute addition to the email I sent, just to make sure the weirdness of who I am came across… ‘A Cup of Mint Tea, With A Side of The End of The World’. So aptly described by Nonbiographical as a ‘post-apocalyptic story about a young girl left to fend for herself after the end of the world.’ 

You can listen to A Cup of Mint Tea, With A Side of The End of The World on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

I really hope you experience what I did when listening to my story.

And done!

It really is rather odd to listen to a podcast of your own story. Nonbiographical is accepting submissions of short stories, if you are interested in writing one for the podcast. You can find out more by listening to the episode with my story, or you can get in touch with Nonbiographical on their Twitter.

That's all for now...

Bye!

A Review – Carrier

Carrier
By QCODE
A Review

At this point, I know I enjoy these podcast stories, especially considering the fact that they are immersive. This was, if I remember correctly, the third of these kinds of podcasts I listened to.

And, if I remember correctly, I have listened to this at least twice now. I have been meaning to write a review for this for ages, hence listening to it more than once, to get back into the feel of it, and am only just getting around to it.

So, now that we're finally here, let's get into it!

What happens when a truck driver picks up a loaded trailer, but has no idea what’s really inside? Tony, Grammy, and Emmy award winner Cynthia Erivo journeys down a dark and lonely highway in this original scripted thriller from QCODE and creator Dan Blank. With immersive audio techniques that create a dimensional listening experience, the audience is strongly advised to use caution, wear headphones if possible, and listen... carefully.

Apple Podcasts • Spotify


My Review!

Some forms of storytelling do exceptionally well when the story is creepy and suspenseful. This story is certainly both of those, and combined with the whole auditory experience that puts you in the cab of a truck, not entirely sure what cargo you are hauling, this is a story worth listening to.

Turning up barely past when she was due, Raylene quickly finds herself stuck, far from home, without a trailer to haul home. Without one, the journey will simply cost her money on fuel, rather than making her money with work. Her boss cannot find her a paid gig, and so, she takes matters into her own hands. She might have taken over work for her father, while he is unwell, but that doesn't mean she didn't have access to his contacts, people who will certainly have something she can haul.

But, when she hooks up to the trailer, and starts on her journey, she starts to suspect things aren't all that they seem. She wasn't allowed to inspect the trailer, which was bolted shut, and she wasn't exactly given a clear answer of what was actually inside. All that she knows, is that she must make sure the trailer stays at a constant temperature, and that she will have to routinely check it to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Raylene is the kind of character who is stuck where she should not be. Her children are at home, and she hasn't seen them for far too long, and with her father sick, she should be near, in case something happens. Instead, she must put her trust in her boyfriend, looking after her children, and her brother, looking after her father. She is trying to get home, but making the progress she needs to make grows difficult as her worries about what she might be hauling intensifies.

The whole trucking business is one that, in this podcast, Raylene finds difficult as a woman. At times, she feels incredibly unsafe, especially so when she is parked around other truck drivers, and not alone out on the road. Her frustration towards some of the treatment she receives, and her inability to do anything other than her job, when things happen at home, comes across incredibly clearly.

There is a whole element of mystery in this podcast. It is clear that whatever is in Raylene's trailer, it is not good, and it is certainly not food produce, but the whole question of what it might actually be goes unanswered throughout most of the story. As the story progresses, the truth starts to come to light, and Raylene must stop simply driving, and start fighting to make it through this journey alive.

The ending of this podcast was a little confusing the first time I heard it. There is a lot of chaos, and we almost lose Raylene's voice as more sounds are added. While the rest of the story works well as an auditory story, the last scene almost seemed like it needed visuals for me to understand it. Other than that, though, the audio was incredibly immersing, pulling you into the story and making you feel like you are actually there. I enjoyed listening to this, proven by the fact that I listened to the whole thing twice through, and I would certainly listen to it again.

Do not, though, listen to this while driving. It begins with a very loud lorry horn being sounded, and I can easily see it scaring people while behind the wheel. After all, the audience is strongly advised to use caution, wear headphones if possible, and listen... carefully.

And done!

In case you are keeping up with my podcast/colouring notes at the end of these podcast reviews, I actually did not do any colouring while listening to this, instead I listened to it mostly while out walking, or while doing some work. This does mean, though, that I still have to finish my colouring.

Who am I kidding, I'm probably never going to finish it.

Never mind!

Bye!

A Review – Ronstadt

Ronstadt
By QCODE, Wood Elf & Mythical
A Review

After being introduced to the world of podcast stories (I don't know if there's an actual name for them) through The Edge of Sleep (read my review HERE) I instantly wanted to listen to more.

In the Spotify playlist of The Edge of Sleep, there were two extra 'episodes'. These were both first episodes to two different podcasts. Episode one of Ronstadt was one of them. So, I clicked it, started listening, and the rest is history!

I'll introduce the podcast, and then we'll get into the review!

RONSTADT, starring Rhett & Link, is a supernatural noir comedy set on the mean streets of LA about a 9-1-1 phone jockey whose night job, along with a self-described “Craydar,” leads him deep into Side B - a world filled with magic, monsters, and all things Mythical. RONSTADT was created by Jonathan Strailey & Brandon Bestenheider and produced by QCODE, Wood Elf, and Mythical.

Apple Podcasts • Spotify

And now, my review...

Ronstadt's life has been a whirlwind, going from a job putting cherries on top of ice-creams to seeing supernatural creatures that no one else can see. With no doctor able to diagnose him, Ronstadt eventually gives up, and lets his ability to see the supernatural, and the voice talking in his head, land him a job that no one wants – to be given all the 9-1-1 calls that involve something freaky, strange, or simply unbelievable.

Amidst an onslaught of calls that do not involve actual danger, supernatural creatures, or any kind of emergency at all, Ronstadt finds himself on the phone with a young girl who is clearly terrified of something. Somehow, Ronstadt knows what the thing is the girl is describing, and tells her how to stay safe, how to stay alive. After saving the girl, it becomes clear that something is going on, and somehow, Ronstadt is mixed up in everything.

Ronstadt is the kind of character that you can't help but like. He's sarcastic, funny, and kind of strange at times, but overall he seems like a good guy. As he finally starts to make some friends, including Estevez, the new guy at work, and Faye, a girl who seems to be able to look past his weirdness, Ronstadt starts to get some answers – and they come in the form of Hattie Honeybutter, a witch who takes Ronstadt under her wing. Hattie may be the only mentor that Ronstadt has, but that doesn't stop her from holding him back at times. Ronstadt is powerful, clearly, and why his powers only recently started to show themselves is a mystery that they both must try to figure out.

As Ronstadt tries to learn everything he needs to know about Side B, the supernatural world hidden from the everyday lives of everyone without a connection to the supernatural, evil lurks around the corner. In particular, a dark corner. The Shadows are collecting people, marking them, and warding them off with light only keeps them away for so long. As Ronstadt tries to figure out how to keep the Shadows away from both himself and the people who are in danger, the Shadows seem to be one step ahead of everyone else.

The world that has been created is one that is both fun and intense at the same time. Ronstadt isn't an automatic hero, he's the kind of person who instantly gets the urge to do something as soon as he has been told not to. He is both relatable and entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to his story. The world presented gives a glimpse into a world hidden, that normal people aren't meant to know about, much less learn about. Through Ronstadt's fumbling discoveries, and Hattie's guidance, we learn alongside Ronstadt about the world and the creatures inhabiting it.

There are certainly a few loose ends in the story, such as characters who come and go without a conclusion and scenes that could do with more explanation. Ronstadt seems to have forgotten his past, and there was never a true conclusion to the how and why of this. However, the ending was very open, with the introduction of a new character and a cliffhanger, opening a wide door for a second season to swoop in and pick up where Ronstadt left off. I must say, I hope there will be a second season, as I am excited to see where Ronstadt will end up next!

Finished!

I will add, I mentioned that I did some colouring while listening to The Edge of Sleep. I continued this, as I never finished the whole picture, some fantasy world autumn trees, and even after listening to this podcast as well, which, according to my addition of the episode lengths, is about 6 and a half hours long, I am still not done. Granted, I spent one episode out walking, another doing household chores...

I guess I'll just have to find another podcast so I can finish my colouring!

That's all I have to say for now...

Bye!

A Review – The Edge of Sleep

The Edge of Sleep

By QCODE & Wood Elf

A Review

Watching a movie takes about 2 hours of undivided attention.

Reading a book takes longer, and you must give it even more attention as, if your mind drifts, you must reread parts to understand what is happening.

Recently, I've been getting into podcasts, and I found something out that I never knew before – podcasts are not all simply people talking. They can be stories.

Since I'm familiar with the lead voice actor, and have heard this podcast mentioned many times before, I decided that I would start listening to it one evening when I was cooking dinner...

Let me introduce the podcast, and then I'll get into my review!

When a night watchman finishes his shift at work, he is terrified to discover that everyone in the world who went to sleep the previous night has died. Now he and a band of survivors must stay awake and uncover the secret of this global epidemic, before they fall asleep.

Apple Podcasts • Spotify

My Review...!

The cover for this is amazing, once you've listened to the whole story you can understand every aspect of the cover, and it all makes sense. The intro music is even better, and by episode 5 I was banging my head along with it.

David has always had trouble with sleep, ever since he was a child, being plagued with nightmares and suffering from the physical effects of exhaustion. After recently breaking up with his girlfriend, Katie, Dave is still struggling to get over her, despite his coworker and friend, Matteo, trying to sign him up to dating sites. Dave's night goes from bad to worse, with a suspicious van trespassing on the property and then leaving work to try and find Katie...

When Dave arrives at the party Katie was at, he finds the party finished and an unresponsive man. Rushing him to the hospital, Dave quickly finds that the man in his car is not the only person to die that night.

Joining up with Linda, who was working at the hospital when all of the patients mysteriously died, Dave desperately tries to figure out what happened. Both Dave and Linda come to the same conclusion – not under any circumstances must they fall asleep.

The whole premise of the story is intense enough, but the way the story is told is even better. You get a first person narrative from Dave, along with listening to conversations as if you are there with the characters. There is backstory, flashbacks, you learn about Dave's dreams and why Katie broke up with him. As you progress through the story, more information is revealed and things start to slowly piece themselves, albeit not everything makes sense immediately.

The way this story is told, forcing you to live the story alongside the characters by giving you the story through sounds instead of words made it all the more dramatic and gripping. You don't get told that people are walking around, or that someone is panicking, you hear footsteps and heavy breathing. You live the story, and you can almost feel the panic alongside the characters – you must not fall asleep, or you will die.

The story tackles many different themes, such as mental health, and the struggles that Dave already has are amplified with the epidemic that he finds himself trapped in. The longer everyone is awake, the more they slowly lose their sanity, and some of these changes are so small and happen so slowly, you almost don't notice them. The progression of the story has been created so incredibly well that such changes, with you already feeling a part of the story, embeds you so much deeper in the narrative.

I listened to this entire podcast in one evening. I think it's about four hours of story, and I finished it at about midnight. If you want to listen to, and live, a thriller story that will stay with you and genuinely make you slightly nervous about laying down and closing your eyes, this is definitely worth a listen.

And done!

I ended up colouring in the evening, which is something I haven't done in a very long time. In case anyone is curious, it was one of those nature adult colouring books, and I was colouring trees. I made it autumn, so half of the leaves were reds and oranges!

I really want to do more of these podcast reviews, now I have discovered the world of these stories that I never knew existed. Better still? There are tons free on Spotify! I can put up with the ads to get stories like this. Also, I don't have premium because I can't be bothered to spend money to simply get rid of ads and let me choose what songs I actually want to hear. I'm fine with shuffling and being interrupted!

That's all I have to say for today...

Bye!