The Ninth Avatar
Please welcome Todd Newton to the site. He’s starting the release of the serialized audibook version of his novel, The Ninth Avatar:
Nine Pillars, Eight Avatars
For Starka, an outcast accused of incest, life is about as simple as one could hope. A prophecy of the ascension of the Avatar of Darkness changed that. Starka, protected by the mysterious warrior DaVille, tries desperately to prevent the disturbing prophecy from becoming a reality.
The world is thrown into chaos as the Carrion Army comes to power, destroying the rival nations of Brong and Rochelle. Wan Du and Mayrah are drawn into the conflict when their homes are destroyed and Cairos, a wizard from the betrayed city of Illiadora, likewise seeks revenge for his fallen comrades.
As the leader of the Carrion army seeks to cover the world in death and darkness to become a living embodiment of magic, these uncertain allies battle against an inevitable conclusion.
The Ninth Avatar is coming.
The first five episodes are in the default feed. More will be added on Todd’s schedule. Or if you’re more concerned with your schedule, may I recommend a custom feed? It’s still free, but this way you get to control how often you get episodes delivered to you. Very handy.
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April 22nd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
It begins with a prologue – I was expecting a woman’s prophecy but instead there is a third person narrative about a battle?
The sound quality is a little rough (the vocals specifically) and there is one point about 5 minutes in where there is some overlap of tracks. I sympathize since I’ve been really worried about sound quality myself for my own audiobook that’s in the works.
Congratulations on getting your book posted! I’ll keep listening to see how it goes.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:05 am
Hi Lee, thanks for the feedback and especially for spotting that issue.
April 23rd, 2009 at 10:54 am
Lee, and everyone, I am uploading a new version of Episode 1 so please watch the date stamp. Please feel free to let me know if quality does not improve with the subsequent episodes.
April 28th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
What a sec, does that mean that the Ninth Avatar is part of an ongoing series? Are their other audio books available for it?
April 29th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Hi Arnold, at this time The Ninth Avatar is a standalone novel (original story and unique world) with no ties elsewhere. The title pertains to events in the story. Thanks.
May 26th, 2009 at 10:28 am
A good first effort with a very long ambitious project. Todd you have created a world, religions, culture and setting with considerable skills. The story lags a bit in a few places and could move faster. I’m up to Ep. 15 and awaiting the rest of the story!
On the next book, seek out the services of some drama students. You know I love ya, but I think other voices will do the work more justice. Starka is my favorite character in this story. I’m looking forward to hearing Scions of the Shade.
May 27th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Apologies to all, as recording for The Ninth Avatar is currently on pause while I sort out some serious microphone issues. I’m also planning to improve the presentation, so please bear with me until I can get rolling again. Should not be more than another week or so.
May 29th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Newsflash. I have figured out the microphone issue! Expect at least one episode by the end of next week!
May 29th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I like the world and story so far. I agree with the reading comments but I also like fewer over dramatics that many podcast have. I hope you take up the suggestion of other readers.
Great story.
August 20th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I really love this story! Todd, you are doing an outstanding job here. I hope you will find the time for completing the book soon and hopefully there will be more from you on podiobooks
Alex
August 20th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Thanks Alex, I am recording the final few episodes this very moment.
August 24th, 2009 at 9:36 am
I finished the book yesterday and I have to repeat myself and say that this is truly an outstanding piece! The ending is perfect and answers most questions raised in the book, leaving the listener satisfied but not without some ideas of what could be happening in a possible sequel. (To which I would be very much looking forward…)
Todd, please consider making more of your work available here – I have seen on your website that you are working on a book about hell – wouldn’t podiobooks be the perfect place for that one?
August 24th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Hi Alex, thanks again for your comments. I’m glad you’re interested in what else might happen in this world — so am I.
Regarding other works, I’m considering Thomas Redpool Goes To Hell for the site, but it will take some more thought as to how well the presentation will translate into audio. Keep your eyes open for sure, though.