A Man and His Unicorn
Please welcome Anthony Matthews to the site with his fantasy novel, A Man and His Unicorn:
Vern was an ordinary college instructor and looking forward to spring break. But on the last day of classes and dreaming about a gorgeous gal, he woke up in a white washed world with nothing there! … That included his clothes (oops). He found himself on the other side of the mirrors and could look out of any mirror. With a few false starts (didn’t that woman ever hear of someone asking for directions), he got himself out and back into the real world and his own home … He then wished he stayed put.
A wizard from a race of humanoid toads wanted Vern to come to his world to aid in defending the toads from two different races. Vern’s talents were hidden – he was a special bachelor (did that mean “easy to get rid of”?). He would be a powerful though inexperienced wizard in the other world. “Please come, the situation is desperate”, pleaded the toad. Vern, of course, refused. Then after some persuading (and turning Vern’s world even more upside down), Vern said he’d think about it.
Sunday morning, Vern found himself in another world. “I said I’d THINK about it!” snapped Vern. But he was now committed. After meeting a few individuals who wanted to slice, dice, or otherwise harm him, Vern got into the quest. Then he met a beautiful Red unicorn stallion with magical powers. The unicorn took immediately to Vern. Vern was thrilled – then he remembered why unicorns took to certain people … Vern didn’t have too much success in dating (he swore he was a good kisser). Hopefully, he’ll have more success in staying alive.
April 16th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Hi Anthony,
I have to be honest, I have not listened to your novel… yet
I was attracted to your book because of the cover art. I love it!!!!
Being a graphic designer, I think it’s great.
I am sure your story is great. I look forward to listening to it soon.
For now, congrats on the art work.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:35 am
The story was only poor to fair (though there were some mildly humorous portions). Not only was the audio bad but the narration was (IMNSHO) poor. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this: I fear teenagers would be bored, it’s a little risque for children, and adults (like me) might slog through it, but…well, it’s just unremarkable. Sorry — just not my kind of story.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I thought this book was fantastic! (Which is probably a good thing for a fantasy book…) I was absolutely hooked within the first couple of minutes. I loved the humour in it which was often understated and hence all the more amusing. The purity and innocence of the characters was like a breath of fresh air. It was a truly delightful book and I loved every minute of it. Thank you for such good entertainment and I eagerly await your next book!!!
January 31st, 2009 at 12:08 am
I have just finished The Man and His Unicorn and I loved it and had trouble putting my MP3 player down. The humour was subtle and the story was fairly unique.
I have found recently that alot of fantasy novels have the same standardies fight scenes, love scenes and magic. While this novel had all of these categories I didnt seem to be done in the same way and I really enjoyed the change.
As for the narration – it wasnt the best, though I found Anthony’s voice easy to listen to and complemented the humour well. I think one thing about having the author narrate their own book is that they read it how they meant in to be read. I have listen to a few CDs where there has been a proffessional narrator and found that they emphasies words I wouldnt have had I been reading it and made me wonder if it was how the author intended it to be read. (sorry side track) However I do have some negative feedback with the narration – while I enjoyed it some of Anthony’s made up voices for characters (particularly female or children’s voices) I found slightly grating. this would be my only complaint about the novel.
Overall I found it a fantastic “read”. I would recomend it to anyone who is looking for something light, funny and who enjoys fantasy.
To Anthony – Congradulations on such a great book. I hope to find more of your work on Podiobooks in the near future.
PS I loved the idea of the mirrors and wish you had done more with it.
December 5th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Listening to it now — love the whimsical voicing the author gives his characters. Light and whimsical. Great
December 7th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I have to say that the narration is THE WORST EVER (Well OK the Seventh Mountain was maybe worse). The story was OK, funny in parts. But gahh, the narration doesn’t get any better. It’s flipant and slurred throughout.
December 15th, 2010 at 9:50 am
I’m more than half-way through the story so far. (I’m listening to Chapter 15 now.) I’m really enjoying it.
While it is a little risque in places, the story is actually pro-abstinence (unicorns have certain requirements for their owners, after all). Vern is strong-armed in to being a hero, and yet he’s also against killing and winds up healing his enemies more often than killing them. He’s very likable, and it is refreshing to have a male main character who is both involved in a war and has so little machismo.
I’ve not heard anything I wouldn’t let my children listen to. The risque scenes that I’ve heard involved Guinea pigs — they would likely incite laughter from kids. As I said, nothing I wouldn’t let my kids listen to.
It is a lot of fun, and left me chuckling aloud at times.
March 15th, 2011 at 11:19 am
I’ve listened to the whole “book” now, and while I found it whimsical and fun, the author really needs to practice his reading/speaking skills. The storyline was pretty cool, and I laughed a LOT…but really, the author’s voice and timing was a distraction. I know I’m being critical, but I’m also being honest. If he writes another equally amusing tale, I hope he selects someone with a good voice and good timing to record it for him.