Now releasing The Prince of Hazel & Oak by John Lenahan
Squee!
The Prince of Hazel & Oak by John Lenahan:
Part 2 of the Shadowmagic Series
Podiobooks no. 1 voted podcast returns for another action and laugh packed sequel. Finally listeners can find out what happened to Conor on his return to the Real World from Tir na Nog. (He was arrested for his father’s murder.)
Join Conor (and a very confused Scranton cop) as they try to survive The Prince of Duir’s chaotic return to The Land.
The Prince of Hazel & Oak is the second novel from real life magician and comedian – John Lenahan. John’s first novel, Shadowmagic, is available in paperback, epub and Kindle editions from HarperCollins UK. For more details go to www.shadowmagic.co.uk
Did I mention squee? The first five episodes are up. More added as John can get them. Your custom feed will give you them one at a time. The default feed always has all of them. Or you can listen on the book’s page. Just listen!
May 21st, 2010 at 12:17 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Podiobooks.com, Jeanette Marsh. Jeanette Marsh said: Squee! RT @Podiobooks On the Podiobooker – Now releasing The Prince of Hazel & Oak by John Lenahan http://goo.gl/fb/4J5Zp [...]
May 21st, 2010 at 1:33 am
Sorry for the long wait guys – bit it’s finally here. Enjoy.
May 21st, 2010 at 3:25 am
I’m going to have a 12 year old begging to be allowed to skip school to stay home and listen to this! He’s been looking forward to this since he finished Shadowmagic. Anything that gets him reading is awesome, even if I have to shove him out the door to catch the schoolbus instead of letting him get his Conor fix immediately.
May 21st, 2010 at 7:14 am
Yay! Thanks, John – I am so glad to finally see that Shadowmagic 2 is now available. I thoroughly enjoyed the first one and love my print edition as well — Shadowmagic is one of the best books ever on podiobooks.com (and I have listened to ALOT of podiobooks, heh).
May 21st, 2010 at 7:40 am
Been waiting for this one for awhile. Might have to listen to the first one quick before diving into this one. It was just that good. Looking forward to it! Thanks for all your hard work and effort in getting this out.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:59 am
Yippee! I can’t wait to listen!!!!!
May 21st, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Shadowmagic was one of those books that positively enraptures you. You can’t help but feel positively rejuvenated and mirthful after reading it. At long last, the masterful John Lenahan has returned to deliver a second helping of literary ambrosia that will intoxicate your imagination and leave you wanting more.
May 21st, 2010 at 3:32 pm
I am so glad to be listening to Conner tell his amazing story. Thanks John and Podiobooks.com
May 21st, 2010 at 7:17 pm
oooohhhhhhh mmmyyyyy GOD when i saw this go up i almost wet myself,this is great
May 22nd, 2010 at 8:37 am
YAAAAAY!…That is all.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
What is the podiobook version of “I couldn’t put it down!?”
THAT is how I felt whilst plowing through these first eps. of Hazel & Oak w/ the kids in the car this weekend…
GREAT JOB John and my entire family cannot wait for the rest. We’re also hoping the hardcover signed limited-editions will be available for this book as well!
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:11 pm
Thanks, John. I am perfectly certain “Prince” is worth the wait.
And yeah. What everybody else said. Me, too.
May 26th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
I just re-mainlined Shadowmagic and topped it off with these first five episodes of Hazel & Oak over the last 48 hours.
I hate waiting for new episodes to post and usually wait until the book is completed, but I couldn’t resist this time. Now I just wish that I could find your hidden trove of mp3s on the internet somewhere so I could mainline the rest instead of commenting on this thread begging for more!
Thanks for the great work John!
June 1st, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Fantastic! I’ve been waiting impatiently for the 2nd Shadowmagic book. Its finally here, and its awesome! Great work, John! Looks like this new book will be the equal of your first book, and that’s saying something.
Please don’t keep us waiting for the next 5 or 10 or 20 chapters!
June 1st, 2010 at 2:42 pm
I loved the first book, looking forward to these episodes. I think I’ll wait until I see at least one more chapter posted, so I can get an idea of how long it will take. At that point, I’ll set up a custom feed on the first book again so when that’s done this one will be close enough to done that I won’t be waiting longer than the normal next episode time period.
John, can you let us know how many chapters there will be? Any e-book versions we could buy that are already complete perhaps?
Thanks for the great work. Podiobooks.com titles vary widely in quality, so it’s wonderful when one comes across an author/narrator this good!
June 1st, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Please… I need…. more…
*Severe withdrawal symptoms*
June 3rd, 2010 at 5:01 am
Hey Zaaj
The Price of Hazel & Oak weighs in at 43 Chapter. This could take a while.
John L
June 3rd, 2010 at 6:42 am
Not if you hurry up!
June 6th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
John, a couple of chapters every week or two will be excellent! I’ve read the first 5, and I’m enthralled already…Pop possibly dying, encased in amber, real world cop in The Land, Kilty still on the loose… Gotta watch every direction for incredible plot point development! Even tho the podcast has barely started, its never to early to say THANKS, JOHN! KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WRITING!
June 6th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Hey Solidgranite, how about warning of spoilers in your comment… geeze.
June 8th, 2010 at 6:55 am
Don’t worry, Come on, when solidgranite says, “gotta watch every direction,” he is not kidding! There is a LOT going on, to put it mildly. Besides, the real beauty of the book is how JL tells it, with word and voice. At the end of this saga, when we know ALL the plot points, we will still listen, again and again. A treasure! And all for us. Forty-three chapters worth! (That’s almost a year, at a chapter a week. Help!)
John, we know you are a professional, and have your standards to maintain, but please do not slay us with anticipation. Keep those episodes coming, please. We don’t mind begging at all.
June 10th, 2010 at 10:40 am
This is a very good book. I hope to see the author’s wishes to get it published come to fruition. The longer he has a live book out here, the more potential purchasers of his first book. If it doesn’t sell… this one won’t be published. I have my copy of Shadomagic . I hope everyone else on this blog does as well.
June 11th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Sorry, come on…I figured everyone would have caught up by the time I wrote that. I’ll be a wee bit more careful in the future.
June 14th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Some people Like me, Wait until its complete before listening. And some people wont find it for maybe a year. Please no spoilers in the comments. Ever
June 15th, 2010 at 6:35 am
Sueper, while I appreciate your request for no spoilers, it really doesn’t make any sense to have a DISCUSSION AREA, if listeners can’t discuss the chapters as they are released! I suggest you NOT read the discussion area until you’re done with the book in its entirety.
June 15th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Hey solid,
You may not realize this, but comments are displayed on the front page of the book’s podiobooks page. So anyone who goes to the book’s page automatically sees the most recent several comments. This includes people who havent listened to a single chapter yet and just want to read the synopsis, etc.
That’s why its polite to not include spoilers in your commentary.
June 16th, 2010 at 2:55 am
Oooh controversy – I like that. I kinda agree with Solid Granite. If people have a real issue with Hazel & Oak then this is the place to air it and that will potentially mean spoilers. Speaking of spoilers – Where is Essa?
Thanks all for your kind words. John L
June 16th, 2010 at 8:39 am
First: Book is amazing just like I expected.
second: I agree that this should be a free discussion page. There can be a way to make both parties happy though, With spoilers we can mark them so it is easily skipped. I know if I see the big capitalized words **SPOILER** to skip over it, or risk knowing some of the story. That’s my opinion.
John, You have out done yourself again!
June 16th, 2010 at 9:46 am
*POSSIBLE SPOILER*
I see the problems inherent with “spoilers” in the comments secition, and I’ll refrain from disclosing any plot developments or information that might take away the enjoyment from other readers. That was never my intent. I was so caught up with the unfolding events that I just let loose.
Shadowmagic 2 is incredible, and I’ll be reading each chapter as soon as its released. By the way…great question, John! Where the heck is Essa?
June 17th, 2010 at 6:38 am
Essa? Who is this Essa of which you speak?
June 17th, 2010 at 7:42 am
*POSSIBLE SPOILER*
Who could possibly forget the beautiful, charming yet tough-as-nails Essa? I’m hoping she makes an appearance soon, and that she and Conor get together for real at last. We’ll see…
June 17th, 2010 at 7:47 am
Essa is probably captured by Cialtie. This second book is beginning to grip! Thanks John for your masterful reading.
June 17th, 2010 at 8:20 am
John! When will you have another cluster out? This is killing me. Well it’s not so bad, im listening to shadowmagic again!
June 17th, 2010 at 11:13 am
I’m not sure I feel comfortable discussing this here, but since everybody else is … Conner was Essa’s only hope to escape marriage to Cialtie. Since he left and did not do his rune choosing she was stuck. If only she would have explained this all to Conner. He may have stayed.
June 17th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
*SPOILER ALERT*
Douglas Baty and Annoyance, I bet you’re right! I hate to think of that lovely young woman in Cialtie’s clutches, but that’s probably what will happen. Then things will get even more interesting! Did he capture her, or did she seek him out as “revenge” against Conor for rejecting her? Will Conor try to rescue her, and get flipped head over tea kettle for his efforts? Will Essa be the new mistress of the Hall of Knowledge? Will the cop fall in love with Neve? WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT??? Only John knows, and he’s only telling us a chapter at a time…LOL
June 21st, 2010 at 12:49 am
Gees, this is one heck of a ride, i have turned on my laptop everyday in th hope that there is one more storie for me to listen to,furthermore i am seriously wondering how this is gonna work… wait **Possible Spoiler alert** connor is the Heir of Hazel and Oak, is it possible that if he takes his Rune choosing he will get both Runes, how will everyone react, he will be the almost complete king of the land(he will own all the Gold and all the Knowladge), and would be a virtually impossible force to beat, next i think i know where Kiatly/Cialtie (whatever.. wait Master Lenehan, how is it said?) i think he was dumped in the reed lands and is building up a force of banshees and other Foul/misguided creatures. I am not so sure that Essa has neen captured, to be honest i don’t think the whole of the land could capture ehr if she did not want to be captured, furthermore i am not sure that she would go to Kiatly/Cialtie because she has already made connor very angry with her, so i don’t think she would pull that kind of trick… though you know the saying: Hell has no fury greater than a women’s scorn. to be honest i also think that the cop is possibly a person who was desended from someone from the land, don’t know why but i do. thanks for listening to my ideas, Now i am gonna listen to Prince of Hazel and Oak and then Listen to Shadow magic one while i wait for the next episode!
June 21st, 2010 at 1:49 am
See, chapter 09, i was right, well at least on one fact! Told you!
June 28th, 2010 at 5:40 am
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER ***
Better and better! New characters, and visits with old friends! Hidden enemies, a dark mystery, and a missing girl friend ( well, sort of girl friend, definitely missing)… My imagination is running wild with all the possibilities! You’re doing great, John!
July 8th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
The much anticipated face-to-face meeting between Conor and Essa! I’m falling off the edge of my seat! Can’t wait to see what happens! The possibilities are mind-boggling! I know what I’m hoping for, but that’s only one of a million possible outcomes.
July 10th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
John, is there any possibility of posting a release schedule? The suspense is killing me, and I’ll bet there are thousands of other listeners in the same boat! You’ve hooked us…and good. We’re here for the duration, but I’d give a nickel to know when each new episode is going to be posted so I could listen to it the minute it hit the website. And although I’m not a rich man, I could be pursuaded to up that to a whole dime!
July 10th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Heck ya! a release schedule would be one major blessing! To be honest is it possible that you could release your episodes/chapters in clusters, it might take longer but it would be awesome…. I have been thinking about our dear detective and i think he is more relevant to the story than he seems, the same might apply to his mother. i think i smell a BIG plot twist coming some where near the end/middle of the book, a plot twist which could really send us to tears…. unless we have a realease schedule
July 11th, 2010 at 5:18 am
A release schedule? That would be nice. I am trying to post a chapter every week but I travel so much with work I can’t promise anything. Get all of your friends to buy Shadowmagic in paperback & I can quit my day job.
When it appears is up to Evo – he’s had Chapter 11 for three days now
July 11th, 2010 at 12:05 pm
JOHN: You’ve got perfectly valid reasons, darn it!
How do we get hold of EVO and convince him to get the episodes posted the minute he/she receives them? I’ve got a nice sharp pin that might provide the right “motivation” if placed in close proximity to his pants bottom!
NOOBKING: *SPOILER ALERT* I totally agree with you. The cop has to be “from the land”, possible taken away as an infant. The description of his grandmother and her tree hugging ways would be too much of a coincidence. Plus even Fand (and Spideog) says he looks exactly like a Feely… I just hope he isn’t one of the EVIL Feeleys!
If Shadowmagic II was published and available right now, I’d have already read it cover to cover, and I’d be yelling for number III… I guess I’m learning the value and virtue of patience, not voluntarily, but learning it all the same.
July 11th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Well John, i hope you get the oppurtunity to win a lottery so you can completly ignore work for a while and get us Shadowmagic 3 crazy! by the way could you give us Evo’s address so we can bombard them with threats and begs for them to give us the next chapter?
Anyway i am quitely sitting listening to almost everything in the hope that when i next open the Homepage i see Big ‘n Bold Prince of Hazel and Oak so i can promptly spend another 15 minutes of my life dreaming and then spending the rest of it cursing you (and now Evo) that they are not superhuman and can not release books at the rate at which i read them….
well, i have to say This is one heck of a book!
July 11th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
By the way John were are the regions were Shadow Magic is sold? i have pretty much looted my bookstores and can not find it…
July 11th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Sorry for the delay, folks. I’ve been at a conference all weekend, due back tonight. I’ll be updating lots of books before I hit the much-needed pillow.
Gimme a few hours, people.
E.
July 11th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Hey N00b King
I keep track of Shadowmagic prices and availability at my website http://www.shadowmagic.co.uk
July 11th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Thanks, EVO! I know how important sleep can be, and we don’t want you totally exhausted. Here’s hoping you can get Shadowmagic II chapter 11 up before you get your much needed rest! If not, tomorrow will be fine.
You’re doing a great job, and it appreciated!
JOHN: I’ll be taking a look on Amazon (USA) first thing tomorrow morning. They’re about the largest bookseller online, and I’m hoping they have a good price on Shadowmagic (I). If I can’t find it there, I’ll check your site for other sellers. If enough of us buy the book, we can help ensure the future of the series, with more adventures to come! I’d be happy to see at least 10 books in this series, so keep that imagination sharp, and your printer full of ink!
July 13th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Evo: well… I suppose you do need you sleep…. WHY CAN’T YOU BE SUPER HUMAN!!!! oh well, thank you and i hope the next one gets to you soon.
John: i had the most brilliant idea why don’t i ask my bookstore if they have Shadowmagic… they dont. though hope is not lost, when i next go to my bookstore i must remember you surname so i can order the book (Slap self in face).
(POSSIBLE SPOILER)Every one else: this is one awsome book, though i have to admit i did not accept that scene with Essa, poor Connor, i think it could take him a while to regain his old position within the land!
July 14th, 2010 at 7:20 am
*POSSIBLE SPOILER*
NOOB, I totally agree. The scene with Essa was really tough to take! Last time we saw Essa, she was kissing Conor passionately, and asking him to stay. But as they say, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”, and Essa probably felt pretty scorned when Conor left. She had no idea whether or not he’d ever return to The Land, but to get engaged after only a month is pretty extreme. I’m surprised that Jarod would even allow her to be “involved” with a Banshee! I’ve got a feeling that there’s BIG TROUBLE ahead for all concerned.
July 17th, 2010 at 10:07 am
hmmm. i am listening to “Prince” and “Shadowmagic” and i swear i keep on getting suspicious, i just feel that there is one peace of puzzle that i am missing, the detective has something wrong with him, i am willing to make a bet that there is something more than he is just from the land, ARG!!!!! like a wiggly tooth you can’t dislodge till your meant to….. if it turns out that the detective is something big and fancy, I told you (ahead of time)!!!
July 17th, 2010 at 10:10 am
P.S. i think Jared would not be to worried about Essa marrying a banshee, but i do agree that she is being a little hasty, possible our banshee is some form of banshee royalty!
July 18th, 2010 at 3:04 am
NK & SG
I love you guys.
John L
July 19th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Thanks, John! I hope we’re not spoiling anyone’s fun by posting our comments, but there’s so much to talk about!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first Shadowmagic podio-book, and I’m getting even more enjoyment out of this one. I love meeting up again with “old friends”, meeting new ones, and even some potential villains, like Essa’s fiance, and “not sure yet” folks like the cop. If I had a hardcopy of Shadowmagic II, I’d read in one fell swoop, but this way is a lot of fun, too! I can’t speak for everyone, but for myself, please accept my thanks for your terrific authorship and storytelling!
July 20th, 2010 at 6:57 am
a well, pleasure to be of service. promise you though we are enjoying your book a thousand times more than you are enjoying our comments!!!
after a hard week of school (which is only half way done) i am going to download my Shadowmagic 2 fix, and i will probably be able to come up with more theories and dreams and other down right awesome things shadow magic 2 genreates at such extreme exesses, at my leisure… ah bliss….
By the way John how would one get into contact with someone to start a podcast? i have so many ideas that if i don’t let them out…. i won’t be able to focus on the Book!!!!
July 20th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
hey N00b King
Drop me a line on john@shadowmagic.co.uk and I’ll we’ll talk. I’m usually slow in answering but I’ll get around to it.
John L
July 21st, 2010 at 9:51 am
**Spoiler Alert**
Hmmmm… that is intresting i sort of expected it but now we know Connor’s a sorcerer, that has all sort of complications
July 21st, 2010 at 5:04 pm
* POSSIBLE SPOILER * I missed Conor’s being a sorceror, but given his mother’s “talents”, I’m not surprised. Maybe he’ll use his “powers” to make Turdlo disappear!
July 22nd, 2010 at 6:16 am
You think Conor’s a sorcerer just because he called a laprog? Interesting.
July 22nd, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Essa taught him how to call fireflies back in Shadowmagic I. If Conor IS a sorcerer, its got to be from his mother’s side of the family. She’s the most powerful witch in The Land, according to Mother Oak, and I believe her.
Only time will tell if Conor has any inherited “abilities”. Maybe we’ll find out after his rune choosing? And if he does get magic abilities, I hope he deals with Turdlow…just met the guy, and already I don’t like him.
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:50 am
SPOILER ALERT
).
I don’t think Turdlow is such a bad guy it’s just that he is the wrong person at the wrong time, if Essa was not involved with Turlow(The Turlow, A Turlow) the situation would be diffrent, I have a deffiniet feeling that connor is a sorcerer, it would jusy well work, i am also wondering does the Hazel lands have a staff or Sword or something, like the lawnmower (
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:52 am
(1)
A
(just for fun!!)
July 23rd, 2010 at 8:53 am
Nevermind FAIL!!!
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
* POSSIBLE SPOILER * N00b, don’t know if the Hazel Lands have a powerful “weapon” like The Lawnmower, but they do have the Tree of Knowledge, and the most extensive library in The Land. And hey, knowledge is power.
I hear you on Turlow, but I still don’t like the guy, and I think he’s up to no good. I think we’ll eventually see that Essa’s still in love with Conor, and Turlow will do something evil that will allow her to break it off with him. Just my guess…
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:58 pm
* POSSIBLE SPOILER *
Solid Granite: i agree with you about Turlow, The Turlow, A Turlow.
he hasnt done anything specific as such but i dont like him, im guessing that there is something about him, possibly in league with Cialtie.
Noob King: i also agree with you, the cop is clearly either from The Land himself or is desendant from someone fro The Land, i think possibly related to the feely who was behind the trouble in the first place.
John: i also dont usually start a book til it’s finished but after loving shadowmagic I so much i lept on this latest one the second i saw it which lucky enuf for me was when it was 10 chapters in. i await with baited breath everyday for the next installment for The Prince of Hazel and Oak.
while i understand a schedule is impossible im sure a post in this thread a day or two before each post would be appreciated by all us fans who desparately check the site each day for the next wonderful chapter.
also i was wondering if you know how many installments you will be making in the series?
my copy of Shadowmagic I is on order as we speak, i cant wait to wrap my hands around it and crack that spine for the first of many times!
am listening to Shadowmagic I yet again to occupy myself til the next chapter.
keep up the good(and as fast as possible) work, as a proud Irish woman i love to hear our folklore told so brilliantly with such a fantastic modern twist.
Rachel
July 24th, 2010 at 1:43 am
Hey Racheal
Hazel & Oak weighs in at 43 chapters. Weekly is the best I can do – we’re in for a long haul.
Thanks for the kind words.
John L
July 24th, 2010 at 3:00 am
**Possible Spoiler**
Rach357113: I was trying to not sat it outright but that was what i was trying to get at, that cop is really (ahem) suspect, I really can’t hold it any longer i have to know, Is the detective the Son of Maeve and brother of Fawn? if i upset anyone with this my appologise i just had to get it out of my system and check if anyone else got that feeling…
John: a well i can survive that… (shoots self in head
) i like the idea of a weekly post (if possible) and hope to see some more shadow magic 2 while i sit through my tedious exams.
Solid Granite: That is a very good point, which means that should not every Piece of the land have something it is best at? Dure/duur Has the Gold, Hazel has knowledge, The Impland place has farming… this can get pretty confusing as it is not difficult to see where each land has speciliased. But then where would the Reed Lands fit in… well there goes that theory…
July 24th, 2010 at 7:32 am
* POSSIBLE SPOILER *
Noob King: i think the anyone still reading the thread has accepted that we are discussing possible plot lines, although i do apoligise if i caught anyone off guard who had just gone onto the page to read the synopous(i cant spell), hopefully most heeded the spoiler slert and didnt read it.
i couldnt not say it, it just poured out of me.
my only doubt that he is related to meave is that the woman who taught him archery and was always banging on about tree hugging(i cant remember at the moment if he sed it was his mother or grandmother) didnt seem very revenge filled. perhaps she had learned her lesson or meave died and he was raised by another feely.
John: i probably should of been more clear, i had read earlier in the thread that there would be 43 chapters, what i meant was how many book would be in the series, if you know. i manly want to make sure that there will definitly be a 3rd one!
Rachel
July 26th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Hey Rachel
I’m writing book 3 now and that’ll be it. (Unless somebody commissions more.)
July 27th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Rach, please don’t apologize for discussing the book in this forum! Unless I’m dreadfully wrong, that’s what we’re encouraged to do! I love to read opinions and thoughts (yours included!) about what’s going on, where things might be headed, who might or might not be “something”…
N00b, always good to hear from you, dude!
John, with a bit of Irish luck, you’ll make enough on the first 3 books to continue the series through book 10.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Oh yes there was that discusion earlier wasn’t there!
**Spoiler Alert**
What is up with the Red eel or what ever it is, i take it that it is not quite what it appears, possibly a weapon but it could just as easily be a actual eel… or a Dragon! maybe it banished all the people in the area of it’s effect thus banishing th gray ones and all the other people!
July 28th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I wasn’t going to say anything. This is to much to take even for someone who is listening to the story as it comes down. I can’t imagine if I were waiting for it to finish before listening. I’m afraid that I am somewhat responsible for it. I apologize. From now on I will get my, hopefully, weekly episodes via podcatcher. Have fun.
July 28th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
* SPOILER ALERT *
Noob: while listening to the latest episode it struck me that being ‘worthy’ to gain entry to the house on the mountain is going to be more difficult than it seems, perhaps you have to choose a major rune in your rune choosing or even if conor is ‘worthy’ im assuming there will be a series of tests to gain access to the red eel blood.
i was surprised that essa wasnt more involved i was expecting her to be going on the quest perhaps bringing the turlow bloke with her, im sure he will have something to do with it since he has a connection with the gray ones.
either way im dying to hear how the conor/essa/turlow relationship developes!
John: im relieved to hear that there will def be a 3rd book and im sending you all of my Irish luck to keep the series going!
noob: i like discussing the book so far with people too, i cant manage to get my friends or family into audiobooks so i have no one else to bounce ideas off that care about the book as i do, this is the first book that ive commented on coz its ithe first one that ive started listening to before its finished, if the forum wasnt here i think id just burst!
either that or leave random facebook messages that noone else would understand!
although im a diehard romantic at heart so if conor and essa dont get it together by the end i may just cry!
July 29th, 2010 at 5:31 am
ah well my friends tell me i have the Romantic capabilities of a Tuna, so i am afraid i will just have to do with Laughing at the poor man at his FAIL attampts to woo the beautiful essa!
Worthy, i reckon it just means you got to say “why” at the door or something stupid like that, probably end up with Spidog in a fury, a Connor laughing like mad!
As far as Essa goes…. I reckon either Turlow has got to die, or be a traitor or Something simmilliar over all it can only mean that some one is gonna get into trouble!
July 29th, 2010 at 10:35 am
* SPOILER ALERT*
conor does tend to come across a little less then cool when he’s dealing with essa, he has had a lot of cringe moments!
i can hear the scene in my head with spidog jumping around like crazy all pissed off and conor doubled over laughing!
im still leaning towards traitor with turlow!
romantic capabilities of a tuna- love the phrase, that will keep me laughing all day!
July 31st, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Hey guys
I’m in Thailand scuba diving. Don’t worry I’ll post Chapter 15 this week.) I’ll be sure to look out for romantic tuna.
JL
August 1st, 2010 at 12:48 am
(Twitch) (twitch) **SPOILER ALERT** WHAT THE HECK!!!! you can’t end a episode like that! (two bucks says that the shodowy figure was Cialtie or associate). that Orcale is no weakling. susspect that Brendan is gonna feel that knife for weeks!
August 1st, 2010 at 2:26 am
You might as well send me the two bucks now. I can make it anybody I want.
JL
August 1st, 2010 at 6:07 am
That is a good point….. luckily i am not a betting man (or more accurately I’m broke!)
August 2nd, 2010 at 5:36 am
Grrrrr. You and your cliffhangers.
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
* POSSIBLE SPOILER * John, have a great week in Thailand, but be careful…the food is rumored to be HOT!
Brendon is most definitely NOT the simple, real world cop he appears to be. His hearing was restored because he’s getting his immortality back. He was probably born in the land, and taken to the real world as an infant. I’m curious to know about his mother…a Feeley for sure!
I don’t think the hooded figure was Cialtie…I think it was possibly the original Turdlow. The big question I have is: who the heck is the oracle? There’s got to be a BIG story behind that guy!
Make it back safely, John. We’re all atop that cold icy mountain with Conor and crew, awaiting the next chapter!
August 3rd, 2010 at 7:29 am
**Possible Spoiler**
That is a good point, i had not even considered the original Turlow (a, the, -) nor had i though about the fact that Detective was getting immortal…
I reckon the Oracle is Probably a god or something, Connor’s mom was very doubtful about his contininued existence…
JL Hope you enjoy your holiday (assuming it is a holiday) and if it’s work you lucky Fish/Tuna! Also my appologises if i am being pressumptious but are you a comedian or a magician, if a comedian maybe you can liven up the comedy here on podiobooks! if a magician keep your magic on this Shadowmagic series and any other books you set your sights on!
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:54 pm
** SPOILER ALERT **
AHHHHHHHH! cliffhanger!
i cant stand the suspence, ill be able to think of nothing else until the next episode, luckily enough i managed to not listen to it til now as i hadnt even checked for a chapter assuming it would be too soom til about half an hour ago.
brendon is def from the other world, although if he is getting his immortality back does that mean conor will???????????
i am agreeing will all of the wonderings mentioned in the last few posts, but i would also like to add one, where did all the other grey ones disappear too? and also why wouldnt the oracle tell them where to find the blood?? is he in cialte’s pocket??? is cialte working for him given that he is more powerful than cialte????? this also supports the theory that the hooded figure is afiliated with the new one handed prince. but what happened while conor was in the land the first time seemed to be news to him so it doesnt look like he has had contact with cialte recently!!!
aaaahhhhhh all the theories. I NEED ANSWERS!
August 4th, 2010 at 12:27 am
hey rach
Coner definaly has immortality. Cialtie said so when he first met Coner way back in Shadowmagic 1. The way it works is that any time any Tir na Nogian goes to the real word they instanly become the age they would be in the Real Worl. It doesn’t matter for coner cause he is still in his teens but that’s why the older bunch like Mom and Neive stay on horseback.
By the way I didn’t make this up this is part of proper Irish mythology.
I’ll put you all out of your misery, The hooded figure is… Damn my battery is running out
August 4th, 2010 at 6:27 am
JL: You savage! :p
by the how did you come across all this Irish History, was it a weird accident on google (it has happened to me) or what?
Rach: i reckon that what ever The eel thingy (assuming it is alive) is, it is strong enough to subdue god/s and Grey One/s, otherwise bamba and them would have come back. If that is the case it is a very good thing that the Oracle has not told Connor YET!
I think Cialtie is on good terms with the Oracle if nothing else! (maybe Cialtie killed Fergul’s Mom after finding out from the Oracle that his son would be his undoing!)
August 4th, 2010 at 6:28 am
OH DAMN!!! **DONT READ POST ABOVE THIS ONE UNLESS YOU ARE CURRENTLY READING THE BOOK!!!!** (i forgot in my exitment)
August 4th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
**SPOILER ALERT**
John,
i remember in shadowmagic hearing that conor and his dad gave up their immortality when they left the land, i didnt connect that they had given it up by just leaving that land, i was clearly overthinking it.
do you know that all of this is taught in irish schools in our history lessons as if they actually happened! the story of Cuchulain and Tìr Na Nòg is a favbourite of mine.
we dont start doing modern history in irish schools until we are about 13 before that is all the myths and legends and the british occupation of ireland.
im assuming that the massive amount of myths and legends we have in our culture probably has something to do with the massive amount of drinking alcohol we do.
even though i know that they clearly arent true stories i remember getting quite emotional at the story of his death.
for those who dont know it, after Cuchulain returned to Tìr Na Nòg and got married he spent 100 happy years there, he travelled back to the real world one day and came across a fallen soldier, while trying to help the soldier he fell off his horse and aged and died and his horse returned to Tìr Na Nòg minus Cuchulain. there are many different stories about his death but this is the one that i learned in school.
but back to the story at hand,
god damm you for teasing us like that.
after the discusion about the, a, – turlow in the latest episode im expecting his role in the story to be signifigant.
whatever happens next i really want to travel to the land and stick a knife in Cialte’s gut. no matter what he knew or didnt know at the time the most evil thing he did by far was to kill Ferguls mother until he killed Fergul of course. grrrrrrrr i am feeling fresh waves of anger at him.
if the eel thingy killed the grey ones, it still means that the oracle told them where to find it, im still convinced that the oracle is in collusion with Cialte!
feel real sorry for Spidog having to go to the yew trees and tell them about his bow!
on a side note, i used to live in a town in Kildare called Kilcullen, and algisised version of Cuchulain.
cant wait for the next chapter John, its gonna be a tough wait since i got 2 chapter in 2 days.
i am both glad and not glad that there will be so many chapters in this book, because i want to hear the rest of the story but im glad that it wont be over soon.
August 5th, 2010 at 4:27 am
While the story itself is great, i’m glad its read so well also. Its easily top five best read I’ve come across.
There have been several that may have been good but I just couldn’t get past the reader’s voice to really get into and stay into the story. Made real immersion impossible.
I’d hate to have missed Shadowmagic and this because John was a mumbling mouth breather.
August 5th, 2010 at 7:40 am
Chapter 15 is up gang. Enjoy it cause 16′s gonn be a little late.
August 5th, 2010 at 8:14 am
**SPOILER ALERT**
Ok rach.
I know a lot of this stuff is just in my head but immortality and The Land is tricky. As in Irish legend, anyone from Tir na Nog, when they step on the ground of the real world – turns into the age that they would be in the real world – basically they die. If they return on horseback then everything is fine. Immortality as usual.
Now comes the Lenahan legend part. I’ve never told anybody this but it’s been in my head from the beginning.
Not all the Fili/Druids died at the end of the Fili war with Oison’s father Fin of Dour. Fin wanted to kill them but Ona (of the One Handed Prince prediction) came up with a way were they could be banished to the real word and just age there normally. (In reality no one knows where the real Druids in Celtic history come from so – maybe I’m right.) When Oison escaped to the real world with Conor, Derdra did the same thing to him. It is now apparent from Oisin’s illness that he did not get his immortality back when he returned.
Make sense? Comments?
I love you guys speculating. Don’t stop. It actually is helping me with the paperback edition. If you guy get it too right – then I’m gonna have to be more cryptic.
John L
August 5th, 2010 at 10:09 am
I still remember listening to shadowmagic for the first time and the feeling of being completely emmersed in the story. When I found out that not only would there be a second book, but that 14 chapters of the second book had already been released, I was absolutely thrilled. So far, The Prince of Hazel and Oak is a perfect continuation of Connor’s story, and I don’t expect the quality to decline. Thank you SO MUCH for writing and releasing this amazing book.
August 5th, 2010 at 10:46 am
**Spoiler Alert**
Ok, that works, Now i know the full story… The history i am doing is not nearly as cool as that…(I can live, i suppose, with the Boer war…)
JL: I think that little piece of Lenahan Magic works perfectly but it definetly means that Maieve is ash and dust… OR is she!!!
Um… does anyone actually know what the banshees protect the Land from?
Maybe the eel thingy Grant or takes away imortality, would sort of explain why The Grey one wanted it.
With the eel thingy i get the definite impression of a dragon, Maybe just my fanciful thinking, but like i said it has to be powerful enough to stop A God/s.
I admit i don’t like the Oracle dude but i Reckon he is not quite “evil” but rather that he is completly neutral, he will help both of them and Cialtie probably got beaten up to when they first met!
Also bare in mind that though Cialtie is portrayed as a bad guy (and he possibly is) if you got told by a oracle that you Brothers son is going to cut your hand of and take your throne…it is enough to brood on for a very long time! (remember Neive was also a bit profecy mad not so long ago!)
I think that is all the question and statemnets i can come up with just give me a moment to download the latest episode and we will talk again.
August 5th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
** SPOILER ALERT**
john,
i can completely accept any and all creative licenses that you that, i bow to you, ever wise lenahanship.
noob: the only thing ill say about your theory about Cialte not being ‘evil’ is that he was already a sneaky bastard before conor was born. i put forward the following reasons.
-he brought guards back to the castle of Door for the time of the race and choosing
-he cheated in the race(leaving aside the fact that conor’s dad did too by training alot, which can we REALLY call cheating?)
-Finn knew that allowing him to take his rune choosing first and be king of Door would be a bad idea, and if a dad thinks that of his som then you know there has to be something wrong
-he killed Finn by wounding his horse.
-spidog sed he saw cialte coming down from the mountain after oisin disappeared so this was after the race were he was such a cunt and even if he went to see the oracle more than once his actions in the race certainly prove he has a mean, power hungry streek.
-Niamh also seemed pained to be trying to kill Conor, Cialte didnt.
i did have more points against him but its very late and im very tired and they are escaping me right now. lets just say i will be very surprised if at the end of story Cialte and Conor are on good terms.
August 5th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
oh and John,
please dont be too late with the next chapter!
August 5th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
** Spoiler alert **
“The hooded figure is…” – ha ha ha. You are such a tease! I think the hooded figure is someone we have met already. Is it Cialte, the Turlow, or Conner’s grandmother? dunno.
Please don’t make me cry by killing off Spidog (even though I’m sure I can’t spell his name right). I like him! I want him to come back. He has such a dreadful fear of not being worthy. He and Dahee need to get things worked out.
I also think something is up with the Yew house and the sorcerer there. I don’t think there were any live yew trees there to keep this guy in check. Many yews gave their wood for the house at one time. He’s old – did he steal yew wood from the “real world” and become old in the process?
I hope they find the dagger that hit Brennan – why would someone throw it with the sheath on? Speaking of Brennan – my theory is that Faun is his sister. She looks just like his mom. And the Fili all disappeared to the real world in a flash at the end of the war.
I’ll stop babbling now…But we’re loving the story and will buy this book too when it comes out!
August 5th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
I am probably wrong, but I wonder if Conner’s grandmother is Brennan’s “tree hugging” mother? Which would make him Conner’s uncle.
August 6th, 2010 at 8:07 am
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER ***
Dan, you raise an interesting point about Brendon’s mother, but I sure hope you’re wrong. I don’t like the guy. He’s been a disrespectful lout since he first came on the scene to accuse Conor of murder. He needs to learn a lesson or two, the hard way!
Amy, also great points! I don’t think the hooded figure is Cialtie because throwing a dagger that far with his LEFT hand would be incredible.
It could be the original Turlow, or Conor’s grandmother, or even Bamba herself! We’ll have to wait until John tells us, but guessing is a lot of fun.
August 6th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Wow this forum has suddenly filled up quickly!!!
) the prince of the Imps, and the feely who is not a feely! Next why would A god throw a dagger at a mortal…feely dude, maybe the figure noticed he was a feely and does not know that the feely have had their exile removed!
**Possible Spoiler Alert**
I have no doubt that Cialtie is a sneaky bastard, i am just saying he may be as caught up in a prophecy as Connor is (because their has to be some long lost prophecy connected to connor!) I am also thinking That Brendan(detective) is related to nieve but certainly not in direct decendants because if i am right the feely were banished a very long time ago! And i am not quite sure that connor’s grandmother even went to the real world, i do however suspect that there is something intresting there if we look hard enough!
I had a idea earlier maybe The oracle is trying to steer the party towards something! maybe this is all part of another prophecy, maybe it involves the master without a bow the prince of the faires, (
I do not think Spidog will die yet i suspect he will first have to train the detective some more and that he will save Connor’s party in a blur of arrows and ownage!!!
That is me done now i wait for the next chapter!
August 7th, 2010 at 6:47 am
Hubby and I were talking more about the yew house. So we’re updating our theory on the sorcerer and the cloaked figure. We believe that the cloaked figure is Conner’s grandmother and she’s the power behind the speaking figure/sorcerer. We think this because:
- people from the house of door seem to gain entrance easily – Cialte and Conner did.
- Spidog was considered “unworthy” and when he did get in his bow was broken. He wasn’t just attacked. How he forms his whole idea of who he is was attacked.
- Conner’s grandmother went off on a sorcerer’s quest and wasn’t seen again. She could be the sorcerer and directing the power through a puppet.
August 8th, 2010 at 3:54 am
**SPOILER ALERT**
Amy: interesting theory about the hooded figure being conor’s grandmother, it makes sense that he/she would be friend rather than foe as the knife was sheathed so i think the hooded figure was giving them the knife(perhaps it is the only weapon that can pierce the eel thingy to get the blood). the only thing i cant reconcile is that it hit brendon, if it were someone less masterful maybe. unless of course she failed the sorcorers quest and the punishment is servitude to the oracle?? may there be another rescue mission.
August 8th, 2010 at 8:56 am
Wow. I can’t tell you how much fun it is reading this stuff. I feel mean not telling you guys if any of you got it right.
On a different note – please remember that this is a family friendly podcast and watch you language.
I have to go now and explain to my partner what all of my evil cackling was about.
JL
August 8th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Hey JL, you’re not the only one getting a reak kick out of these comments and speculations!
The other posters keep bringing up ideas and plot points I hadn’t considered, and that’s excellent! Its really stretches my imagination, and makes me carefully consider the possibilities of what’s coming up next! There are so many potential twists and turns that its mindboggling to consider even half of them!
Let’s hope it not too long between chapters. We’re an impatient bunch, you know.
August 8th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
ME TOO ME TOO!
reading posts and discussing what could possibly come up next helps with waiting for the next chapter.
JL: i dont even notice bad language any more i had to read back to find it!
August 10th, 2010 at 11:09 am
Wow, it is amazing, put a room full of fans in a forum and the ideas that appear are amazing! **SPOILER ALERT**
Sorry about the language earlier got a bit ahead of myself!
That theory concerning the hooded figure being connor’s grandmother is a very good one! I still think that the breaking of Spidogs bow was no mere threat i believe it is motivated by something other than spite… problem with grandma theory, both nieve and deerdra have sent little glowing balls of energy at a opponent, why send a huge shockwave when you can take a portable little ball, and do the same thing. also remember connor’s grandmother dated Spidog why try to purposefully hurt him?
August 11th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
**SPOILER ALERT**
Noob: i think that if the hooded figure is his grandmother then she isnt there willingly so she may not have a choice, which would be why she hurt spidog, i am quite concerned about what the yew trees are going to do to him. i havent thought much about your balls of energy/scockwave theory but ill get to it.
i can just imagine John reading all these posts cackling loudly to himself at the bit bits that we’ve gotten wrong. he must be getting as much amusement out of this as we are frustrated not knowing if we are right!
August 11th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
Who IS the hooded figure, and who IS the oracle? We’ve got mysteries surrounding the whereabouts of: The Original Turlow, Bamba, the Grey Ones, Conor’s grandmother, Cialtie, the Feeley warriors, Maeve…and probably more that I’ve forgotten! I’ve got a feeling that quite a few of these characters will play a part sooner or later, as will the cop’s mother, a transported Feeley for sure!
How will the Yew trees treat Spidog? I think they’ll find him worthy. Some form of very powerful sorcery broke his bow, through no fauly of his own. Spidog, in my humble opinions IS worthy, and if the Yews are indeed wise, they’ll recognize him as worthy. If not, we’ll chop them down and use them for kindling!
August 15th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
***SPOILER ALERT*** So do we all think the hooded figure threw the green knife with the cryptic message? I sure do! But I haven’t figured out what the Pukas have to do with all this…unless maybe one of them can change into the RED EEL! Since they’re the keepers of the animals in The Land, if anyone would know about the Red Eel, it would have to be the Pukas.
Good chapter, JL, but since it was a loooong time between releases, how about giving us a 2-for-1 bonus next time, or a really long, involved chapter?
That Thai food MUST be keeping you up at night, so use that time to write and record!
August 15th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
John – you made me cackle at the thought of you cackling at our comments! :p
** Spoiler Alert **
Solid Granite – I totally agree the Spideog is worthy! If bugs the heck out of me that the group just let him go.
Rach357113 – I think the dagger hitting Brennan was purposeful. People keep thinking he’s a fili/druid and some people still harbor grudges after the terrible war with them.
—
I’m so relieved that they found the dagger. They need to go back to the yew house at some point and figure out who the hooded figure is.
Having to wait between episodes has made me want to dig into the internet to learn about the old lore a bit. It’s been fun to see there is an Oisin, Finn, and Fand and in the stories. And that Spideog means robin.
August 16th, 2010 at 4:23 am
AMY: John prenounces it so different that i didnt even notice the conection with Án Spideogí(the plural-just me showing off a bit) im trying to think of a way to type the correct way to say it in irish, here goes nothing ‘spid’-oo-egg’ thats as close as i can get the oo and the egg kinda have to be mushed together
August 16th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Rach357113 – how cool, a mini gaelic lesson. (I had not known there was a different way to say it – just saw the spelling in the chapter list and looked it up.)
August 16th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
I could use a mini Gaelic lesson.
August 16th, 2010 at 3:27 pm
I just want to comment how great this story is and that I look forward to every new episode.
August 16th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
JL: your doing pretty good for someone who didnt have Gaelic lessons from the age of 4-18, i can still barely speek the language, just managed to scrap enough to pass my exams.
the only ovbious mistake i can think of is Óisin. it should be pronounced ‘Ush-sheen’. i didnt even think about it until amy mentioned the robin/spideog thing. if you need any help for any words in future chapters let me know and ill give you my email address so you dont have to give anything away. i’d love to in some way contribute.
August 17th, 2010 at 2:22 am
Ah Rach Ush sheen may be the way those pesky Irish pronounce it but in my Tir-na-Nog my pronunciation are never wrong.
August 17th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Oh my gosh I saw this and i screamed and hopped up and down my mother thought I was crazy,well I am but. I am so lade this is up I love the way you put so much caritor in to each tree and person when you read.
August 17th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
but of course JL i once again bow to your ever wise lenahanship.
the story is just too good to care about pronunciation.
bring on the next chapter!
August 20th, 2010 at 8:47 am
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
Okay, I agree with Brendan…Conor is acting like a jerk where Essa is concerned, BUT she’s acted like a total jerk towards Conor since their “reunion” during the weapons class at the Hall of Knowledge! She lied to him (“I won’t hit you in the head.”) and assaulted him (k.o.’d him with the banta stick), and generally tried to make him look foolish. Yes, Conor left her at the end of Shadowmagic I, but she had betrayed him, almost unto his death. I was a huge fan of Essa until the betrayal, and now…not so much. I think both she and Conor need a bit of come-uppance.
August 20th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
**SPOILER ALERT**
i think they’ve both def acted a bit childish towards each other but im sure its because they both feel hurt because as SG sed Essa betrayed Conor and then he left her. but im hoping they are both being such jerks because they still have feelings for each other, although i think it will that a big betrayal on the turdlow’s part to get them together!
August 20th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Rach, I like your thinking! Yup, they still have deep feelings for each other, and the Turdlow will have to do something really bad to cause a break up between him and Essa. I wonder if there will be any other beautiful girls introduced to maybe create a little jealousy on Essa’s part? I wonder what JL has up his sleeve?
Only time (and JL) will tell…
August 21st, 2010 at 4:06 pm
***SPOILER ALERT***
oooo im not sure another beautiful girl cud really distract him from Essa but with the way he’s been acting i wudnt put it past Conor to use someone to make her jealous, perhaps a mischievous pooca princess might help him with that!
August 25th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Rach, I like the idea of a beautiful pooka princess making Essa jealous! That would be fun!
I was wondering about a couple of things…we learned that it was Banshees who destroyed the Hall of Knowledge and killed Essa’s brother (and everyone else there), so why in The Land would Jerrod agree to his daughter marrying one of them? Also, since Banba created the yews, I’ve got to believe that she has something to do with the Yew House, and the oracle’s power to shatter a yew bow like he did. Could the oracle be the original Turlow? Hmmmm… And the hooded figure has GOT to be Conor’s grandmother…or not. LOL
August 25th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
***SPOILER ALERT***
SG: im nearly positive that the hooded figure is Conor’s grandmother. i have my doubts about the oracle being the original Turlow(i think spidog and araf would have seen that he was a banshee but sonce he is pretty ancient im not going to rule it out)
oh another thought occured to me just now, maybe the hooded figure is the feely that caused all the trouble(her name escapes me at the moment) and she threw the knife at brendan because she recognised that he was a fellow feely? cud serving the oracle be some sort of punishment for fucking up all those years ago?
you are also right to question Jerrod’s agreeing to let Essa marry a banshee it does seema bit suspect although he did mention that he had gotten over his thrist for revenge over his son’s murder in the first book when he was talking to Conor about his mothers persuit of shadow magic in order to get revenge maybe he is just a forgiving guy. id like to think that there is something else behind it. or maybe the turlow was the first guy Essa met after Conor left and as we women tend to do she convinced herself that she is in love with him to get over Conor and she wore her father down into agreeing.
i def agree with you that Banba has to have something to do with the yew house although i have no idea what!
maybe the oracle draws his power from the house with allowed him to destroy the yew bow?
August 28th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
***SPOILER ALERT***
sooooo the turdlow doesnt like trees in his head. something to hide much???????
the Conor and Essa reunion is looking more likely everyday!
August 29th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
** Spoiler alert **
Rach and SolidGranite – I so agree. If you can’t talk to trees in Tir Na Nog, I don’t think you can be trusted! Though I must say Essa and Conner are likely to be a bit more stupid before they buy a clue. (I can’t believe Conner was acting like such a baby!)
SG – good call on Banba. I’d forgotten that she created the yews. My hubby thinks there’s something to do with her too. But neither of us can put a finger on it right now.
August 30th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Amy and Rach, I am really surprised that after going through the wars, the battles, the death of a good friend and such, that Conor and Essa could BOTH be acting like such spoiled brats! Essa treats Conor very badly, considering her betrayal of him, and Conor acts like a jerk. I hope they get their acts together, even if they don’t end up together. I’m getting tired of the immaturity.
Yup, Banba must have something to do with the Yew House. That house took a lot of wood to build, and the yews won’t even part with a little stick unless you’re proven worthy! Somebody with a LOT of power must have been behind the building of that place!
And the jury is still out on Turlow…as much as I want to dislike him and Brendan, they’re the only ones being at all reasonable! I’ve got them both pegged as villians, but I’m probably wrong. Brendan deserves a good butt kicking for his actions in the real world and in The Land, and Turlow…well, there’s just something wrong about a guy who doesn’t like trees. Guess we’ll have to wait ’til JL gives us more. I hope its soon, and I hope its a much longer espisode than the last couple!
August 31st, 2010 at 3:50 am
Hey is it possible that Turdlow is Cialtie in disguise.. he would certainly have a lot to hide then!
September 1st, 2010 at 7:48 am
Noob: Now that would be something! But I don’t think so. If Turlow was Cialtie, how did he get his hand back? And why hasn’t he tried to kill Conor already? Even tho Conor isn’t the son-of-the-one-handed-prince anymore, Cialtie would surely want revenge for Conor chopping off his hand. No, I think Tulow is just Turlow…but with a dark secret. Fergle was a Banshee, and he had no problem talking with trees, so there’s got to be a problem with Turlow…something that he doesn’t want the trees to know about him.
September 3rd, 2010 at 1:13 am
Hey guys.
I’m on a cruse ship in the middle of the North Sea. Next chapter might be a bit late. I blame the satellite.
JL
September 4th, 2010 at 10:43 am
Hey JL! Hope you’re having fun! Enjoy yourself! You can make up for the “lateness” by giving us a DOUBLE or TRIPLE episode upload next time.
And not those short little 13 minutes jobs…we want LONG episodes, so we have lots to speculate on, and lots to discuss in here!
September 4th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
solid i completely agree, we need longer episodes to pick thru with a fine tooth comb, more twists to discuss, more half revalations to chew over and more cliffhangers to lament over
September 4th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Enjoy JL!
I’m in with the Pretty Please more story, more chapters and all crowd. Though, I’m sure we could get the entire rest of the book and still want more story!
September 8th, 2010 at 12:41 am
Howdy, enjoying the 2nd book immensly sofar.
But, I’m going on my honeymoon next week – any chance for a new chapter before the 16th… I’m hooked, I need my shot…
Next chance will be in november… It will be a good, long honeymoon…
September 8th, 2010 at 9:49 am
****SPOILER ALERT****
the turdlow is looking more dodgey every day! wont talk to tree’s, is quick to attack the pooka’s when everyone else wont! i think his secret is a world domination thing as revenge for the banshees being ‘the outcasts’!
something has def gone very wrong in the pine lands, and as usual JL has left us a cliffhanger.
grrrrr JL grrrrr!
September 9th, 2010 at 7:04 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** I agree, Rach! Turlow is NOT what he seems. Banshees are NOT among the people and creatures of The Land, and this seems to bother Turlow…a lot. LOL
I’m glad that Conor isn’t acting like a 12 year old anymore, and that we got a glimpse into Brendan’s life. I’m pretty sure it was one of Cialtie’s spies that caused Gem’s accident and blindness, even tho the cop won’t accept it…yet. When he finally does, watch out, Cialtie!
The conversation between Conor and Neve was excellent. She’s been sort of shrouded in mystery all along, and we’re now getting to know her a little bit.
Great work, JL. Keep ‘em coming!
September 9th, 2010 at 7:18 am
**spoiler alert**
I’m just saying, if one of Cialtie’s men rode in front of Brendan’s wife’s car…. In a twisted way, it could be turned around on Connor. I could imagine Brendan at least getting angry with Connor out of greif. After all, if he hadn’t been there, Brendan’s wife and daughter would have been fine.
Now I’m not dismissing the possibility that the horse and rider were somehow related to someone else, like perhaps Brendan’s mother, because that would equally make sense. But they did mention that Brendan and Connor didn’t live too far apart in te real world.
September 14th, 2010 at 6:41 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Epic, I agree…it probably WAS the horse of one of Cialtie’s henchmen, but I don’t think Brendan would blame Conor. He’s already accused an innocent man, and he seems to be an honest man. On another issue, I’m convinced more than ever that Turlow is a BAD GUY. His willingness to hack down the trees blocking their way makes me think he’s evil underneath the surface…and not too far underneath.
Great work, JL! Keep ‘em coming!
September 14th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
***SPOILER ALERT***
so basically we are all in agreement: no matter what else anyone else does, The Turdlow is BAD!
September 15th, 2010 at 7:45 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Rach, YES! And I don’t think we’ve even scratched the surface of his badness! I’ll bet we see him do some real villianous stuff in chapters to come. And when he does, Essa will have to reconsider her “honey”. LOL
For the moment, I’m wondering who the heck Tuan is, and why the Pooka queen won’t see anyone (except Conor), and what’s driving the other Pookas crazy and wild? And where’s Cialtie hiding? You just know he’s got to show his mug before long!
September 15th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
***SPOILER ALERT***
SG, maybe Cialtie has something to do with the mess in the pine lands so Conor is the only one that the pooka queen will trust????
September 15th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Oh my gosh. King of the cliffhangers. Possibly speed up the releases….
September 16th, 2010 at 7:00 am
*** SOILER ALERT *** Rach, I bet you’re right! Cialtie may even be in cahoots with Turlow. Those two would fit well together. BARRY: JL is well known for his cliffhangers!
We’re ALL after him to speed up the chapters, but unfortunately, his “life” get in the way. LOL
September 18th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
id like to just take a moment before listening to the latest episode to give a big thanks to JL for managing to get the last 3 episodes out in only 5 days apart each undercutting the one episode a week we managed to get you to promise us!
Barry dude we all feel your pain, If only JL wasnt so good at cliffhangers………. naw, id rather have him keep them in, wud not like to distract from the story at all.
SG: i love it when people bet that im right but dont put any money on it, you JL God(if one exsisted) wudnt even know whats gonna happen!
September 18th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
***SPOILER ALERT***
barush eh?? wonder if that will come back to kick him in the ass somehow? or will that be the key that helps him over a major barrier?
really want to know what Tawn didnt tell him!
September 20th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Rach, I think becoming a Barush is a very, very GOOD thing for Conor…maybe the key to finding the red eel. Seems like he’s the only Barush since his grandfather, Liam. His mother will be extremely impressed! I wonder if the magic necklace thing will allow Conor to transform into an animal? JL, it just keeps getting better and better! Now get back to work, and give us the next 17 chapters all at once! LOL
September 25th, 2010 at 5:32 am
Thank you JL for bringing us episodes in such a timely manner!!!!! MWAH!
***SPOILER ALERT***
SG – yes, I’m very curious about the necklace too.
Rach – I’m in a agreement with SG, I think it will be more of a benefit than a problem. (Friends are good to have in the land.)
hmm…Turlow and Cialte in cahoots. Definitely a possibility.
Liam seems like he would have been a hoot to know. Why did the pooka queen let Liam stay in that room after such a crazy admittance by him that he wanted to see her naked? Did they have some sort of relationship?
So the “red eel” is an island? Or did I get that mixed up? I’m also very curious about the fact that the mermaid was old. Must be on the border of the land and the real world.
My hubby has a theory that Essa is only engaged to the Turlow so she can expose some plot of his. I’m not convinced of this yet. But she is an amazingly determined lady and capable of putting aside her emotions when needed.
September 27th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Amy, I don’t think the Pooka queen was at all concerned about Liam seeing her naked. Pookas seem to spend a lot of their lives naked. She was probably flattered by Liam’s ogling. LOL I can’t agree with your husband about Essa and Turlow. I think she was so devastated when Conor left that she needed someone…anyone…to mend her broken heart, and Turlow hapened to be available. After all, she did betray Conor, and was the main reason he left The Land.
As for Conor being a Barush, gotta be a good thing…a very good thing! The “mer-people” around Tal Tine are Pookas…just another branch of the same family tree. And remember when Conor and Fergle caught the two Brownie boys stealing their stuff, and let them go? And then Conor didn’t rat them out to their dad? I’ll bet that pays back big dividends when they travel trhough the Brownie lands!
Great stuff, JL! Keep it coming…just faster! LOL
September 27th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
SG – Yes it will be very fun to see how their travels in the Brownie land will be after Conor’s run in with them in book 1.
Hope we get to see “Frank and Jesse” again.
September 29th, 2010 at 7:56 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Well now… the second knife was made for “Dahi’s true love”, eh? We KNOW who that was! So Conor’s grandmother is alive at the Yew House! And since Conor’s visit with the Oracle, she knows what’s been going on with her family. Is that why Cialtie went there when Spidog met him at the base of the mountain? I think we’ll be seeing more of her.
And our lovely but fierce Essa seems to be warming a bit towards Conor, so maybe she really heard what the Pooka Queen had to say. Things are getting sooooo interesting now!!!
JL, contrats on the contract! You certainly deserve it! Hope this means many more books to come!
September 29th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** “Turdlow” is totalllllllyyy working for the Mr.Uncle. I just know it! The guy doesnt like trees, the pooka queen doesn’t liek or trust him and she knows her stuff and this is right up Keelty’s (forget how to spell his name) ally to pull something like this.
September 29th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
*** Possible Spoiler Alert *** I believe that the reason that Turlow doesn’t want the trees in his head is that he is indeed involved with “Mr. Uncle”. Also, I feel that the confusion that Essa showed after meeting with the queen is something that Turlow has over her, i.e. she could be “bewitched”. It would make sense seeing as she has these mood swings, (the big fight with Connor on the trip, wanting a drink in the last episode, etc.). It might be that the Pooka Queen can catch a part of that due to the empathy they have to animals. Having Essa under Turlow’s control could be Cielte’s (forgot how to spell his name as well) plan to control things from the background.
September 30th, 2010 at 3:06 am
***SPOILER ALERT***
after all the debate about who the mystery knife thrower in the yew house was we finally have almost confirmation that its Conor’s grandmother(although knowing JL there may be a twist there.)
Dereck: i think the idea that Essa is bewitched is an interesting one but the only problem i have with that is that she has been around a powerful sorceress(Naimh) and she didnt notice anything. it would be a nice tidy solution though.
JL congrats on the contract, hopefully youll get many more too!
September 30th, 2010 at 11:50 am
*** PERHAPS a SPOILER ALERT ****
I also dont think Essa is bewitched I think she’s just needed a rebound she was hurt and down about Conor a perfect time for turd to sweep in. But you never know maybe she is
Another theory (that is going off topic) I think Brendon the cop his mom is from the land. The Feely (once again I cant spell anything) didnt die as mentioned in the letter to Dahee, they disappeared. Where did they disappear to? the real world. Brandon’s mom is a “tree hugger” and made him practice archery and seems like a woman from a different world. ALSO FAwn looks EXACLY liek Brandon’s mother…. coincidence?? I think not! She’s either his sister or aunt or some relative of his. That’s why Brandon didn’t die when he was taken to the land. not because it was that weird time when the two worlds are close together because he is a descendent of the Feely, theres a chance he was even born there. this is good because that means that Brandon will be able to bring his daughter to the land and she wont die … Also she will be able to see again and probably have a kick ass step mom Niamh. yeah Ruby!
has someone already come up with this theory? if so opps and i agree with you
September 30th, 2010 at 11:59 am
and I looked and I am way behind the balll… people already said it.
September 30th, 2010 at 12:48 pm
claire: dont worry we have been disecting every bit of information from each episode since the second JL realised the episodes! although as JL sed in a previous post, he has been pissing himself laughing at some of the theories!
September 30th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Claire, like Amy said, don’t worry! We have a ball discussing what’s going on, and we value every opinion. You might see something we missed, or have a different take on what it means to the future! You’ll catch up in no time.
And I totally agree with you about Brendan…he’s GOT to be from The Land…or his mother is. Maybe his mother is Faun’s long lost sister! And wouldn’t it be cool if Ruby came to The Land, and magically got her sight back??? It could happen! This is, after all, the land of real magic and shadowmagic! 
October 1st, 2010 at 6:31 am
Congrats JL on the book contract for books 2 & 3! Huzzah!
*** Spoiler Alert ***
Claire – yes it would be cool if Ruby could come back to the land and regain her sight. And for her to have Neive (sp??) as a step mom would be cool.
Happy dance that we have a confirmation on Conner’s grandma!
If our pooka queen doesn’t trust the turlow now too…I think we were on to something with him.
I’m still lamenting Spideog leaving – I liked him alot. But the trees talk and maybe they’ll have something of interest to tell him, instead of kill him. (Crossing my fingers!)
October 1st, 2010 at 6:54 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Rach…oops! I meant YOU in my note to Claire.
Amy…I totally agree! And Spidog HAS to come back! He’s a good guy! Maybe he and Dahi can resume their courting duel over Conor’s grandmother! LOL
October 1st, 2010 at 7:25 am
*** Spoiler Alert ***
SG – that would be really funny! (thanks for the laugh!)
Rach and Derek – Perhaps Turlow does have some power over her, but I’m not convinced yet. But what if he got engaged to Essa to use her and her connections?
October 2nd, 2010 at 2:10 am
Congrats on the book contract – now I know not only 43 chapters in this book, but also another one besides. Possibly boxed sets for Christmas gifts next year?? I just had to say how much I am enjoying the books and look forward to each chapter as it comes.
Rach & SG: I agree that Brendan has to come from the land – besides after being away for over a year, how will he every be able to return to the Real World wo missing everyone the way Connor did?
October 2nd, 2010 at 7:29 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** IceGirl: Good point on Brendan, and if he’s in a relationship with Neve, how can he even think about leaving? But he’ll have to go back to get Ruby…and maybe his mother! Amy: I’m with you…I don’t think Turlow has any power over Essa. She was feeling rejected and lonely when Conor left, and along came this Banshee “king”. She obviously still has feelings for Conor, but we’ve got to see Turlow dealt with before that can really develop. And anybody who doesn’t like trees can’t be good. LOL Hmmmmm…what’s JL cooking up?
October 3rd, 2010 at 10:56 am
Just came by to make sure there were plenty of positive comments for the author so he doesn’t feel unloved, but I see that is being taken care of. (And I’ve missed some great conversations.) I am so grateful for every episode!
October 3rd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
I think Cialtie knew his mother was in the yew house, because it said earlier on in the book spidoge saw Cialtie come down from the mountain. Maybe he got her to reattached his hand for him.
The Pooka queen also said the banshees where quite loyal to Conor’s uncle, and maybe Turlow was one of Cialties men, and his dark secret was that he wasn’t even the Turlow!?He might have been one of the men that took over the hall of knowledge, which was mentioned in the 1st book. Again, just guessing. If anyone knows what his secret is plz share!
October 3rd, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Now we are hearing that the Brownies were also allies of Cialtie… sounds like darker times are coming. If Cialtie’s mother is in the Yew house – is she on his side, too?? I always assumed she would be one of the good “guys”, but mb not???
October 4th, 2010 at 11:22 am
I have to say I love the music in the beginning it pumps me up for the oncoming chapter but I hate it at the end… because that means its over and I have to wait for the next chapter to come out.
Loved the last line of this one though. I too “make blunders where no else has made blunders before” HA!
**Spoiler**
I’m not quit sure that Cialtie Knew his mother was there.. he could have been going to the Oracle for some evil business since the Yew House guy doesn’t seem like a very nice person. He could be Cialtie’s evil mentor of sorts. This might be a little far fetched but remember in the first book Cialtie killed the families oracle? maybe he did that for the yew house man. So don’t worry I think Conor’s grandmother is a good “guy” because she helped her grandson a great deal with that letter. My thought is that she is a spy at the yew house to see what evil is coming to bay. but perhaps your on to something, she could have helped Cialtie because what mother can refuse to help a troubled son no matter how evil he may be?
October 4th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
*** Spoiler Alert! ***
Carter – ooh, good point! I hadn’t thought of that. Cialte going to his mom to get “healed” would make perfect sense!
Claire – Oh my – your thought on Cialte got me to thinking and I think you’re on to something! I’ll take thought thought a step further. What if the nasty yew house guy is really Cialte’s dad? Cialte seems nothing like Liam.
BTW, The song is Island Paddy by Lunasa. I had to hunt it down one day and buy it from Amazon.
(And other songs from them too!)
(I’m still trying to figure out what the heck the nasty yew house sorcerer is doing in the yew house – i.e. why the trees let him be there in the first place.)
October 5th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Does anyone know when the next chapter is coming out, im really eager.
I was thinking to my self and came up with an idea. Cialtie may even be hiding in castle muhn. Since Bansees were very loyal to Cialtie he could of persuaded the Turlow[who knows if the Bansee who claims hes the Turlow, is even the Turlow] into having a relation ship with Essa so he could spy on Gerard and on castle Duir, by using Essa’s connections and plot Conors demise.You can tell the Turlow doesnt like Conor very much cause insults Conor all the time. Cialtie could also have asked his mother to transform his body image into”the Turlow” so he could marry Essa[It was stated that he wanted to marry her in the 1st book]. Once he married here he would take full control of Castle Muhn and make his way and take over Castle of Duir.
Again just another idea what the Turlow’s great sercret could be.
October 6th, 2010 at 8:21 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Wow! I’m so glad to see a whole bunch of “new” folks adding to the discussions! Gives me lots more potential plots to think about!
Carter: No one but JL and the Podiobooks elves know when the next chapter will be released. I’ve tried bribing them, but to no avail. By the way, you raised some really interesting points in your post. Like you, I’m on the edge of my seat, waiting to hear what happens next!
October 10th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I had to walk 4 miles and almost get mugged in Panama City to find wifi and post Chapter 25. I hope you guys appreciate me.
John L
October 10th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
WHAT??? No WIFI on your cruise ship??? You should demand a refund! LOL Just kidding, JL… Can we assume that you meant chapter 26 since we’ve all heard chapter 25 (Yogi Bear)? Chapter 26 isn’t posted as of this moment, so you’ll have to chastise the Podiobook elves again…a little more vigorously this time!
Great to see al the new listeners chiming in! My mid is awhirl with the possibilities, plots, subplots and potential romances… Keep us fed, JL, or we’ll become 19′ tall Pooka bears!
October 10th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
OOPS! I keep getting the chapter numbers confused with the numbers attached to the episode file name. Ok, epsiode 25 IS on the way…and confusion reigns supreme at the house of Solid Granute. They’ll be taking back my degrees soon…LOL Mea cupla…
October 11th, 2010 at 9:41 am
I wish you had been working some signings while in panama city. I would have drove in for that.
**Spoiler**
Conor’s grandmother being in the yew house was huge confirmation for me like everyone else. I get the feeling she is trapped against her will but still is trying to fight from the inside.
The Turlow still doesn’t quite sit right with me, but I don’t exactly think he will be an overall evil character quite yet. I do think isn’t exactly a nice guy and is a bit off to be sure.
Brendan is definitely a good guy. His family is totally from the land in my opinion. I think he is going to have major decision though on whether to be loyal to connor or turn bad. This being linked to his family background (feely/druid) and maybe the safety of his daughter. Maybe she will die or be harmed if he doesn’t betray Conor in the future.
Poor Spidog..I think Conor’s grandmother saved his life before by somehow making or saying he was unworthy. Or maybe he was told he was unworthy so Spidog wouldn’t discovered she was being held against her will there.
The brownie brothers are definitely going to be involved soon I think. You just don’t waste good ink and paper writing background like that just to let it sit unused.
@JL–Totally loving the second book. I have already bought a few copies of the first one for family members including an aspiring writer. They have been having some issues about switching voice and having two worlds etc in their story. I thought your book was a good thing for them to read.
October 14th, 2010 at 6:33 am
JL…12 days without a new chapter!!! We’re going nuts out here! Hope you make this a DOUBLE or TRIPLE chapter release!
PLEASE!!!
October 15th, 2010 at 7:32 am
Tried twice to send latest chapter from Guatamala and Panama and both failed. Trying again today.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:30 am
JL, we all know that you’re doing your absolute best to keep the chapters coming! You’ve done such a great job with this book that we’re all chomping at the bit for the next release, and I hope you take that as a HUGE compliment! You’ve got a zillion of us hooked!
October 16th, 2010 at 9:23 am
JL:
just keep trying, we know you wudnt keep us hanging(for too long) on purpose
October 16th, 2010 at 9:39 am
ssstttaaarving… must have Lenahan…
October 16th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Okay – I’m better now…
Is it just me or is Conor suddenly starting to grow up a bit?? On time for leaving, then misses an opportunity to tease, then apologizes to Tuan… maybe the new maturity will be what it takes to finally win over Esse!
October 16th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
‘Royal Hoity-toitys’ – love your droll and wicked humour.
October 18th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
JL
Thank you for such a great escape. I listen at work and have enjoyed every bit. keep them coming, because i’m hooked. I enjoy it so much, i want my friends to listen, so, i post your stuff to my friends on Facebook.
I have always told stories to my little girl, and when i read that you started this book series for your own child, I just had to listen. Thank you for this and the inspiration to continue writing for myself.
chris
October 18th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Thanks Who-leo
You can remind your facebooks friends that Shadowmagic is in paperback!!!!!
JL
October 19th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
— Spoiler Alert! —
Fun! I’m so glad Conner is starting to act himself again! That’s the Conner Essa originally fell for.
He’s also back to being the one that can draw in people to unite them. And goodness knows he’s going to need help to deal with the problems coming up.
And the Alders – oh they’re a hoot!
Frank and Jesse – did Conner ever really know their names? I can’t remember. Hopefully they’ll be of help…
October 22nd, 2010 at 9:45 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Amy: I agree! Conor is starting to act like an adult at last! And he’s so supportive of his friends…I liked his talk with Tuan, telling to stop talking badly about himself or else…LOL Yes, Conor did learn the Brownie king’s sons’ names, but he couldn’t pronounce them right, so he called them Frank and Jesse. LMAO I think they’ll repay his kindness when it counts…like if their father, the Brownie king, decides to do something evil with Conor and his friends. Maybe they’ll be his guides to the outer lands? Those alders must have ESP or something. That one Conor talked with was a hoot for sure!
Here’s a question: who holds the major rune to the Yew Lands??? The ancient Oracle? Conor’s grandmother? Hmmmmm.
October 23rd, 2010 at 5:14 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** So Turlow is showing his true colors at last, eh? What’s the Banshee up to? He’s conspiring with the Brownies…but about what? He’s up to no good, and soon Essa will REALLY understand that she’s with the wrong man!
And when will we hear back from Spidog? No way the Yews killed him…I just won’t accept that. Besides, he’s go to stick around to challenge Dahi for Conor’s grandmother’s hand!
And where in The Land is Cialtie hiding? He’s been silent for far too long. Is he hiding with the Brownies, or maybe with the Banshees? Come out, come out, wherever you are, Cialtie…we won’t to chop your head off next time!
October 24th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT ***I wonder if the Turlow knows that Essa tried to kill Conor. Imagine if Conor replied to Turlows question on why he left Essa, by answering, “I left because, she tried to FREAKING kill me”. That would be totally epic. I bet Essa never told him that.
October 25th, 2010 at 10:37 am
—- Spoiler Alert —-
@SG – Yes! The fact that there’s been no confirmation of Spidoeg either way has me biting my nails and just waiting to hear from him in the story! You really think he’ll want Conner’s grandmother’s hand? I’m thinking that she’s a two timer like Conner said.
Turlow, Turlow – speak the truth or we can’t trust you!
@carter – lol! I like how you think!
October 25th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
When Brandon/Brendon introduced everyone by rank to the brownies and we saw the “royal” entourage, it got me wondering if he will turn out to be a prince as well.
October 27th, 2010 at 6:00 am
I love these books. I stumbled upon Shadowmagic earlier this year and truly enjoyed the story that had me laughing out loud in the car and just smiling for no reason. Then about 2 weeks ago I found the Prince of Hazel and Oak and was delighted for more of the same. The writting is brilliant. Since I read a lot, normally plot twists in the storyline usually do not surprise me but Prince of Hazel and Oak (and Shadowmagic) keep me surprised and entertained where I just can’t stop listening. John you are doing a wonderful job!
November 1st, 2010 at 11:04 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** RAE: yes, its possible that Brendan is a royal, but Fand is Queen of the Feeleys…did she have a sister who went to the real world? How would the cop be related to Fand? Was it one of Cialtie’s soldiers who caused Gem’s accident and blindness? hmmmmm…
AMY: we’ve GOT to hear more about Spidog! He was too good a character to be gone forever! I bet he’ll show up exactly when he’s needed the most, and with the new bow given to him by the Yews.
Turlow is finally starting to show his real colors…conspiring with the Brownies, lying to the cop, etc…I expect him to do something EVIL before long…like when they meet up with the Grey Ones!
Why did Conor give Jesse his grandmother’s knife? Are the Brownies Secretly) at war with the fairies? What will they find on Tal Tine Island??? The episodes can’t come fast enough for me! I’m chock full of questions!!! LOL
November 1st, 2010 at 2:18 pm
I don’t understand why John hasn’t already quit his job so that he might get episodes published sooner. This series is awesome and it seems obvious that these stories are his true calling. Are Turlow and Kielty one in the same?
November 3rd, 2010 at 11:48 am
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
) . ALl in all a BIG THANKYOU , JL you are quite a talented fellow.
I definitely think that Conor might have a war on his hands ( the Turdlow may have teamed up with King Bikwa to attack castle Dur ), and withought Oison and Spideog castle Dur may be in BIG trouble. Also does anyone think that Conor may have an affinity for magic ( he is Deirdre’s SON
November 3rd, 2010 at 8:23 pm
— Spoiler Alert —
Jesse – yes indeed he has a war to deal with. Why didn’t he ask about it and “suing for peace”?!?!?!? GAHH!!!!!!
Daniel – I’ve wondered if there’s a link, if Turlow is Cialtie in disguise, or if they’re both in cahoots. I’m anxious to know!
—
What in the world happened between Finn and Bikwa? (Yes the Brownie king is a twit. But something made him that way. He’s got an “I’ve been bullied” type of axe to grind.)
My hubby and I think that the dagger Conner gave to “Frank” will end up saving Frank’s and Conner’s lives.
Turlow – golly you’re looking guilty right now. You’re going to have to do some serious explaining or heroing for me to like you…
Araf – you were there in the room to make sure the brownies didn’t swipe stuff weren’t you?
November 3rd, 2010 at 8:27 pm
— Spoiler Alert —
SG – I’m sure the knife gift to Jesse for Frank was a “oh and I have a knife” to give back. I don’t think Brownies ever give something back after it’s stolen. That was a special act on Jesse’s part. Making friends with some of the brownies is likely important. Thoughts?
November 3rd, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Argh one more —-Spoiler Alert —
SG – I’m pretty sure that Fand’s and Brennan are brother and sister. I think it was Fand’s mom that lead the Fili part of the war and she’s the one that cast the spell that took the Fili to the real world. That’s why Fand looks so much like Brennan’s mom. IMHO – wink.
November 4th, 2010 at 7:53 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** AMY: I’m not sure about the Brendan/Fand relationship. That would make Brendan’s crazy mother Maeve! Could it be??? No doubt he’s a Fili…and no doubt it was Cialtie’s soldier that caused the accident with the cop’s wife and daughter. I’m stunned the cop doesn’t get that!
The gift of the knife was indeed special. I’m also surprised that Conor didn’t tell the Pooka Queen that he had the mate of the one she gave him. But yes, having Jesse as a real friend will come back as a good thing. King Bwika thinks he should own the mines of Dor because his ancestor was “cheated” by the sisters. That’s why he’s such as a**…LOL
I wonder why Essa doesn’t use her magic slate to check up on things back home? If there was a war going on, they’d be sure to tell her. I think Cialtie is making allies of the Brownies and the Banshees for an upcoming war which he’ll wage before his brother gets well again. Wonder if Cialtie will be one handed when he does reappear? LOL
November 8th, 2010 at 11:36 am
— Spoiler Alert —
So Turlow isn’t going back with Essa. Does this point to his motive for coming on the trip? I’m thinking it might. The Banshees have wanted to go back “home” for a long time. There was that legend that Connor read about the blood of the red eel (Ta Tine?). We also have a pooka (Tawn) that has a knack for asking for a creature’s life. Is Turlow after the red eel? Thoughts?
Short rant…Connor needs to tell Turlow what Cialte did to Fergal and his mother!!!! (end of rant)
SG – I think you’re very right about the war. Though, I hate to think of Connor’s family fighting the brownies and banshees. Thanks for remembering what happened with the brownie king!
So what will the Brownies do with Essa’s slate?
Jesse – I keep wondering about what you said about the possibility of Connor having an affinity for magic. Will be interesting to see.
November 8th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Sorry the next chapter is late. I’m on a transatlantic cruise and my computer just died. try to get you 2 next week.
John L
November 9th, 2010 at 8:06 am
JL: Sorry about the computer, but happy about the double episode to come! LOL Enjoy the cruise! AMY: Turlow is definitely up to something. Might be the eel’s blood, or just diverting Conor so the war can happen while he’s gone. I don’t think the Brownies will be able to use the slate. Jerrod would recognize Essa’s writing, and her “tone”. They just like to steal stuff. LOL By the way, Conor was given an ATHRU by the Pooka Queen…wonder if he can change into an animal? Which one??? One last note…for anyone wondering why JL doesn’t quit his “day job” and write full time, take a look at what he does! The man cruises the world for a living!!! Not too bad…LOL
November 10th, 2010 at 1:00 am
Taking cue from Solid Granite, I’ve just educated myself on what John’s day job actually is and can only laugh. Who knew. Sometimes we miss out on worldly entertainment in the small town of Los Angeles. Though we do have restaurants where Conor could order a side of eels blood.
November 10th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
JL- Ooh, sorry to hear about your compy! But have fun on your cruise! (must be rough… /wink) Looking forward to more episodes!
— Spoiler Alert! —
Daniel – oh ghads! That’s all Conner has to do – go back to the “real” world? I have to go back to LA some time…
SG – you are two steps ahead of me lately! :p hmm the pooka medallion – that is a thought to ponder. My vote on an animal for Conner – a wolf hound (because I like them and he seems mellow like a dog) or a stag. Other votes?
November 12th, 2010 at 7:59 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** AMY: I just had an interesting thought about Conor’s potential Pooka animal…what if HE’S the only one who can turn into the red eel, and its HIS blood that will save his father??? Spooky, huh? LOL DANIEL: I spent 25 years in Orange County, and you’re right. Conor could probably get a bowl of eel blood in Little Saigon in Garden Grove!
But its got to be from a RED eel, and I’m not sure they serve that kind.
November 12th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
Hahah Solid Granite , im thinking that the red eel is not going to be all it seems – Im think that Connor may have to defeat a monster and steal some of its blood ? It would be a shocker if Connor’s blood was needed to save Oisen , but I may get annoyed if it saves Oisen because of the opportunities that Connor has had to save his father would be countless.
Amy I think Connor will have the ability to transform in to a hound of sorts – he has great loyalty to his friends and is persistant when he needs to be.
November 12th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
SPOILER
i dont think conor cah turn into an animal, the amulet is probably just ceremonial
November 12th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
SPOILER
sorry meant can. also, the person who through the blade from the yew hose might be Dahies new love, or they could have stolen it
November 15th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** So, Turlow or Essa LIED about Turlow volunteering to go with Essa, huh? I’ve got to guess it was Turlow. JOE: you’re probably right. Conor has no animal Pooka self…yet. But I do think the knife came from Conor’s grandmother. But I’m surprised the Pooka Queen didn’t say anything when Cobor told her the “whole story” including the knife being thrown. Hmmm… JESSE: I agree…it can’t be that easy. Conor will have to defeat some monster to get the red eel blood. AMY: I’m doubting the wolf hound for Conor since we’ve already seen Taun turn into one. Gotta be something different…if anything at all. JL: we’re all waiting for the 2nd episode to drop this week!
November 15th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
*** Spoiler Alert ***
Oh my goodness we were howling with laughter over the last part of this episode! My fave episode of this book – so much drama and fun!
JL – you taunt us! I know you read our comments and said – “how can I mess with them in this next chapter?” regarding our suspicion of the Turlow. Thanks for making it such a terrific episode!
Kyaaa! Who is the extra there????!????! My hubby is thinking it may be Spideog. Maybe it’s Jesse the brownie or Frank? I remember something about brownies and gifts (outside of this story). But both are a stretch. Thoughts?
So which one was it – Turlow or Essa that is fudging the truth? I’d like to just say Turlow. But I’m failing for reason, other than our unfounded suspicions of him.
Jesse – Yes, I’m starting to think the same way about the issue of the red eel. It’s a mystery to yet unlock with serious surprise.
SG – yeah, you’re probably right about the Connor possible animal change. Though, I haven’t given up on the idea. He just acts like such a friendly pooch and Jesse agreed with me.
But regarding the Pooka Queen and the blades – I think she gave enough info for him to figure it out if he just ponders it.
Joe – that is also a possibility. Or it could have been passed down to someone…
November 16th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
SPOILER
What if the 5th person around the fire is some sort of magic shape shifter, they might not have noticed since they were so deep into the dance. Also i think turlow is in league with ceilte, since he was so quick to defend himself from the accusation. Also turlow said he couldn’t kill conor, maybe essa’s freindship is protecting him, or maybe it’s somthing more sinister, somthing like ceilte wanting to kill him his self.
November 17th, 2010 at 11:58 am
*** Spoiler Alert ***
I think that the 5th person cant surely be an enemy could he ? I think taun or the others might just realise if Cailte just joined in like “whats up guys ;D – just warming myself up hahah
Joe – I do agree with you about Turlow being quite shady – with his response to Connor about killing him too. Although I think the Turlow might just want to betray Connor to Cailte withought knowing??
Amy – I believe I may have found evidence that Connor (if he has a pooka transformation – would turn in to a dog
– I may be wrong but the name Connor might suggest “someone who likes dogs” in Irish naming tradition.
SG- Im almost certain that Turdlow lied to Connor – I also think that Turlow might have been the one who stole the Allen Slate.
*****POSSIBLE HUGE SPOILER ALERT*** (speculation ahead)
Finally does anyone have the sneaking suspicion that Ta Tine is a shapeshifting beast ? Due to the Pookas small affiliation with red eel ?
November 18th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
I’ll post some discussion type comments tomorrow, but I wanted to take a moment right now to say HOORAY FOR JL !!! Two new episodes tonight! You’ve outdone yourself, sir!!! And with only 10 more episodes, I hope you’re hard at work on Shadowmagic Number Three!
November 19th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
JL – Thanks for the extra episodes – we’re all on edge waiting for every one, so it’s great to have them coming quickly even though you’re travelling.
The latest twists still have me puzzling – I think I’ll listen to them again a couple of times…
November 20th, 2010 at 12:48 am
John you are a master story teller and The Prince of Hazel and Oak is a Great story I listened to book very fast and this a bit tough to wait for the next chapter so I just start back at chapter 1 both books would be a great movie as they are truly great books.
I live in Germany now and when I drive thru the forest I feel that I’m driving thru the different lands in the book.
Jim
November 20th, 2010 at 9:13 am
What a treat to listen to two new episodes in one day! Thanks!
November 22nd, 2010 at 2:44 am
***SPOILER ALERT***
So the “red eel” is really a fire worm… does that remind anyone else of other stories where they have fire wurms and what those were?? Red travels to the lake on the island by another route that the others would find difficult – mb he goes as the crow flies???
Can’t wait to hear what comes next.
November 22nd, 2010 at 11:39 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** I’m curious about just who Red really is…and WHAT he is! He’s apparently not a Fairy, Banshee, Imp, Pooka or Fili…so just what IS he? I’ve got a feeling he’s a “mertaine” (merman), and his boat was pulled to the island by others of his kind. And didn’t he say he KNEW the grey ones…not KNEW OF them? Hmmmmm… And what in the land is a fire worm? Does Red know where to find them? And how does Red expect our group to leave his island unless they use his boat? Very mysterious stuff going on…
November 22nd, 2010 at 11:57 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** To IceGirl an Solid Granite, I may have an answer to what a fire worm is. I enjoy reading about mythical creatures and believe I see where JL is going with the Tautine (probably misspelled) creature.
Now if you can follow my logic, Red seems to be able to show up anywhere with no one seeing him, being built like a pooka but with massive arms, was last wearing a reptile print pair of pants, and seems not to know how to speak to anyone normally. That, coupled with the fact that he says that the others couldn’t go to the top like he does, and the cabin was unused even though he lives on the island, point to him being a type of magical creature. Fire worm, now that is a great thing there JL, I congratulate you on that one. If we assume that it is spelled Fire Worme, in the old english spelling, we can answer all of the aforementioned points. Worme’s were a type of DRAGON, some with only two legs (the forelegs) and some had wings. Fire Drakes were an important creature in celtic folklore, and is not a far cry from Fire Drake to Fire Worm. That would explain why Red would not help them. Dragon’s blood is a great curative, and since Red says he no longer has any friends, we can guess that he is the last dragon. I assume that he is using an old tale of dragons who could turn into humans to interact with them to have someone to talk to, and since dragons could live a really long time on Earth, I expect that he would live even longer in the Land, thus knowing the Gray ones.
The only way I remember reading in mythology to acquire dragon blood was to outright kill the dragon, which would be why Red was so (scared?) angry and left them making the shrubs go back.
P.S. Even if I am completely wrong, JL I commend you for writing a book that has so many twists and turns to keep anyone interested.
November 22nd, 2010 at 1:35 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
I agree with you Dereck, although I thought Red isnt the Dragon – I think that Tal Tine is actually a dragon ?? I think Red was more annoyed with the Hall of Knowlege being destroyed.
ALthough I think that you might be right about Red – only time will tell .
November 22nd, 2010 at 8:48 pm
*** Spoiler Alert ***
JL – you are really throwing us for a loop!
—
I’m throwing my lot in with the Red is the Fire Wyrm (or how ever you want to spell it). I think that would explain his rage at hearing of the need for Tau Tine’s blood and the loss of the Hall of Knowledge, his hoarding of the guys’ stuff, being able to go to the lake in a different manner, KNOWING the Grey Ones.
Taun had better do some quick talking (as the one who can talk to beasts better than any of them).
Why is Conner being so poopy? He always does really well, until he gets to thinking only about himself.
SG – “worm” threw me, but then I remembered variations on the word and hunted down Wyrm. And does Red care how they leave his island at this point? (He’s a little mad at them right now.)
IceGirl – yes indeed – as the crowflies. I’m with you!
Derek – It would truly be sad if Red is the last fire dragon.
Jesse – I think he started to get upset at the Hall of Knowledge issue and then the last straw was the blood of tau tine.
November 23rd, 2010 at 2:05 am
***SPOILER ALERT***
Now all we have to do is figure out the Brownie connection to the Yew land – remember there were Brownies guarding the guy in the hall made of yew wood and there is yew wood with axe marks on the edge of Brownie territory… and then finally where does Cialtie figure into all of this in only 10 more chapters!
I’m still pulling for Conner – he still has one more book to grow up in. I hope JL is ready to follow this one with the next without too much delay. Likewise, I can hardly wait to purchase the boxed set (of 3) for gift giving seasons in the future!
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:13 am
***SPOILER ALERT***
After re-listening to the chapter and re-reading Dereck’s post – I think I am won over by the great theory ! I think Dereck is almost definitely right about Red.
(Amy) it would indeed be very sad if Red was the last of his kind , and I dont want him to die !
I definitely agree with Icegirl , there is so much yet to be told ! Turlows true aliegiance , Who is the invisible man that Connor dreams about , and what of the war with the brownie King ? Essa ??? these last 10 chapters are going to be AWESOME!
November 25th, 2010 at 2:43 am
***SPOILER ALERT***
I have been re-listening to the earlier chapters and I have a theory about the invisible man in Conner’s dreams. I think Cialtie knows that Conner uses his dreams as clues (remember their discussion of this in book 1?) and so has made it impossible for Conner to see him in his dreams – hence the invisible man. If you sub in Cialtie to all the dream sequences that feature an invisible man, it makes it more interesting to interpret the dreams. It also leads me to theories about Turlow, the Brownies and where the war plans are coming from.
Very convoluted theory, I know, but what good conspiracy theory isn’t a bit convoluted??
November 26th, 2010 at 9:11 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Okay, I’m convinced that RED is probably a dragon. That would explain his “easier way” to get to the eel lake…flying up there! But he has some connection with the mer-people because of the way he got them to pull his boat. Hmmmmm… ICEGIRL: I’m not sure if Cialtie is the invisible man. Essa was walking with him in some of the dreams, and why would she do that? And yes, Turlow is in league with the brownies. He had a chat with that one in the forest, then denied it, and he was okay with the brownie restrictions at their castle. Like the cop, I don’t trust Turlow.
Got some questions: what’s happening at castle Dor? What’s up with Spidog? What’s up with Conot’s grandmother (if that WAS his grandmother)? What’s up with the axe hewn yew wood? JL has a lot to explain! LOL
November 26th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT***
SG – what if Cialtie and Turlow are one and the same – he says the last Turlow left by the sea and he came into the job, but what if this is actually Cialtie playing a part and he has done something with the last, less than cooperative, Turlow?? Like I said – it’s a conspiracy theory, but those are the most fun!
I can hardly my breath long enough for the next chapter. I’m starting to shake already!
November 26th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
***Spoiler Alert***
IG – That is an interesting conspiracy theory, and I would like to add my two bits to it! Turlow seems to be quite concerned about those saddlebags of his. First it was not letting anyone look in them, then he risked drowning trying to dive to get them when the boat broke. Could there be something, (potion, amulet, etc) that is in there that he would need to keep up the banshee appearance?
I am also looking for the end of this book, or perhaps the next novel, to have Brendon’s daughter coming to the land to cure her blindness, perhaps live there? Brendon has said that she is the only reason he wants to go back, and the land cured his partial deafness…
November 27th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
***SPOILER ALERT****
Dereck – that is a great idea – both the hiding of the amulet/potion and Ruby coming to the land! Do you suppose that Brendan’s mother will be able to come back or is there a reason she has chosen to be exiled??
November 27th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
***Spoiler Alert***
IceGirl- I don’t know. If she just left the Land, for whatever reason, she would have to have given up her immortality at some point. That raises the question if Conner and his dad are special cases to come and go to the land or not. But I have been wondering if she had something to do with all of the fili who disappeared with that giant shadowmagic spell? We are hinted that they might have been teleported somewhere, the weapons lying on the ground, could they have been sent to the real world and a few have survived?
November 29th, 2010 at 2:11 am
*** SPOILER ALERT***
Dereck – If she was one of the Fili from the battle, what about the rest of them?? That is the point that has me wondering. Wouldn’t Brendan know more druids if they all escaped to the “real world”?? I think we’re still missing a piece that will tie this all together. It seems like there are a few different possibilities – even Spidog was in the real world for a while.
November 30th, 2010 at 6:59 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** I am bowled over by the thoughts and speculations of everyone recently! WOW! You’ve given me a ton of things to consider! I have a question that can probably only be answered by JL himself…it has to do with Conor’s grandmother. Conor’s father said she went on a sorceress’s quest when he was a baby, and she never came back. BUT, when Conor was throwing knives into the wall in his room at the castle, he was told that his father got in trouble with HIS mother for doing the same thing! Babies can’t throw knives, even in The Land! So Conor’s grandmother HAD to be around until Conor’s father was at least a small boy. Or is Conor’s father lying once again??? Was this an author’s slip, or is there some meaning to this contradiction????
December 1st, 2010 at 2:55 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
Hmmm SG maybe its a mistake on JL’s Part , Maybe it was Finn who used to use throwing daggers in the Connors room? Hmmm agree with you that there is just sooo much to consider. I must say that there are some REALLY CLEVER PEOPLE on this forum -_-
we are at JL’s mercy – he could throw a spanner in the works with the upcoming chapters .Has anyone acctually considered the possibility that Oisen might not get better at all? I mean that would certainly make Connor grow up faaast . I dont want to even want to think about it ! I still want to know more history and mythology about the land and its inhabitants.
December 2nd, 2010 at 10:18 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Holy cow! So RED is a dragon after all! JL left us a real cliffhanger with this episode, but I’ve got to say that I think everyone (except Turlow) will be okay. After all, MORAN is supposed to be the smartest of the Pookas, so he’d have to be suspicious of what Turlow told him. I’m guessing he’ll spot the magic needle in Conor’s neck, and remove it. Then Conor cal tell him what’s really going on. And when Turlow was setting Conor up outside, RED probably removed “the guys” from the digs. The cop was right…as were all of us…Turlow is not to be trusted, but who knew he’d even used the beautiful Essa as a pawn, and not even care if she got killed? What a piece of work Turlow is! I hope Conor lops off his head at some point…
December 2nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
WOW!!! A great episode. I didn’t see the needles coming back into the story – what a great way to do the traditional evil gloating scene! I agree that Red is certainly smarter than Turlow gives him credit for – besides if Turlow is such a great liar, why did Connor, Brendan, Araf and the Pooka Queen all see him as a suspicious character?? Plus, won’t the Allan slate give that same message to Essa’s father – I know it will seem like a weird message to him, but it should at least give him warning that all is not right in the Land. I’m thinking the baruche necklace may play a role very soon – possibly this will even help Connor convince Red to help them further. If Turlow has had the ability to be invisible all along, it makes me wonder why he let anyone see him talking to the Brownies in the trees… also what other conversations he has been secretly part of – like possibly the dinner in Pooka land where everyone was doing so much speculation about the tree of knowledge. If he is acting as Cialtie’s spy, I wonder how they are communicating with each other. Maybe another Allan slate?? Since Cialtie still has a couple of lephrachans, who knows what gold toys he may have manufactured.
December 2nd, 2010 at 5:55 pm
I do love you guys. Ok SG the bottom line is I screwed up. I forgot that in book one that Oisin said he never knew his mom. Thanks for pointing this out to me I’ll fix it for the printed version.
Ice girl. The seathe amulet only makes Turlow invisible to dreams. It also stops the ewien slate from working so Essa’s father didn’t get the message. Maybe I should make that clearer.
Now for some bad news. I know things are really heating up but I am going on an Amazon cruise and I am sure it is going to be almost impossible to podcast from down there – so it’s one more chapter next week and then you’ll have to wait till the new year.
John L
December 2nd, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Hey JL – THANKYOU for explaining the amulet and for writing to me… I’ll be thinking of you here in the Arctic while you cruise on the Amazon… I hope you enjoy your trip and the Christmas season.
p.s. You’ll have to include a Gaelic spelling/pronunciation guide with the boxed set for people like me – I seem to be hopeless in figuring it out myself.
December 3rd, 2010 at 11:20 am
JL: no problem…you can correct it by saying he got in trouble with his FATHER (instead of his MOTHER), and that will resolve everything! No further explanation required! LOL
I hope you and all the ShadowMagic readers have a very Merry Christmas, and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year!
And I’m hoping that EVERYBODY keeps up the comments and thoughts in this forum! I get so much to think about, and find things I never caught! Thanks, everybody!!!
December 3rd, 2010 at 2:03 pm
possible spoiler alert
i think taun will turn out to be a fire wyrm (tau tine) and hel be able to hold that form. so maybe red would fly off or something and conner wouldnt be able to obtain his blood but taun wil transform and hey presto.
heres hoping for a happy ending and another book to come
December 5th, 2010 at 8:04 am
Never comented before so Hi!.
#Possible spolier*
Oh my gosh DRAGON!!!!!!! crap crap crap crap.
I want Terdlow dead dead! DEAD,DEAD,DEAD. Slow and painful.
December 5th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Hahaha Welcome Enna – yeah I thought among similar lines when I heard the latest chapter ! lol :s
spartanH99: yeah I think that would be awesome if Taun was able to transform in to a Dragon !Maybe thats why he has a knack for asking animals to die for him lol ( because they are scared of him in some wierd primal fear way.
I wonder why Taun isnt able to keep his transformation? Hopefully Moran could be an ally to Connor… providing that he doesnt destroy him first . Nom Nom and Connor becomes the one handed prince lol
December 5th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
It’s become hard to wait for new updates. I am so addicted to this story!
December 6th, 2010 at 2:17 am
** SPOILER ALERT***
I’m wondering if Conner can make some transformation with the amulet he received, or maybe he can be like his mother and grandmother and be able to talk to the horses.
December 6th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Hey everyone, a new poster here. I discovered Shadowmagic a few years ago and only recently discovered that the Prince of Hazel and Oak was available. I’m officially caught up through chapter 32 now, and I have to say that after being able to listen to that much straight through, waiting for the next chapter is super difficult!
****SPOILER ALERT!****
I’m going to side with Icegirl here in that the “friend of the Pooka” amulet Connor received (was it “baruche”? All of these names are spelled so differently than I imagined from hearing the pronounciation, but that’s what ya get for not know Gaelic, I guess) is going to tip the scales in the next chapter. I imagine that Red/Moran/Tau Tine will recognize it and realize that Conor is a friend to the Pooka and not their enemy (and that Taun is a Pooka in good standing, not a traitor like Turlow said).
I also like the idea of Taun learning to turn into Tau Tine.
My biggest question is about what Cialtie is planning, exactly. Obviously he’s trying to reclaim the throne, and I’m guessing that he’s going to try to eliminate Oison (probably by just letting his immortal hand kill him) and Conor (through Tau Tine/Turlow) to remove any competitor. Based on the last book, Cialtie obviously cares very little for the banshee people, and I imagine he’s just using the brownies, the banshee, and Turlow to create a threat to the rest of Tir na Nog so that he can betray them and become a hero for the Land.
I’m also wondering what the Turlow’s motivations are. We know he wants to forward the banshee people, but he was one of the banshees that DIDN’T go with Cialtie the first time, so I was always under the impression that he didn’t trust the guy. Despite his many failings as a person, Turlow really did seem like he cared about Essa, so I’m having a hard time figuring out why he wants to kill her too.
Also, When is Spideog coming back? I can see him rushing to the rescue of Conor’s party at any moment, with his new Yew bow.
December 6th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I forgot to mention this in my previous post, but I wanted to complement John on the implementation of Tau Tine in the story.
The whole “go on a quest to get dragon blood to heal the dying person” idea is a tried and true fantasy trope. It’s cool, and it works for a number of reasons. It also has the downside of being a little overused, to the point that I would have been upset if Conor had discovered that Tau Tine was a dragon at the beginning of the quest.
However, the mistranslation kept things fresh and interesting, and it made the reveal significantly more powerful, while still having the impact that dragons traditionally do in fantasy storytelling.
I also enjoyed that Moran adopted the name “Red” because they had referred to his island as “Red Eel Island” and he was only one who lived there, and therefore must be “Red Eel”. The irony that he actually was Tau Tine was pretty awesome.
December 7th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
This is the best Podiobook I have listened to by far. 5 Stars all the way. Excellent writing and performance. It’s very entertaining. It’s clean too. Start with Shadowmagic and enjoy the ride!
December 8th, 2010 at 9:47 am
It’s been 7 days…. the shakes have started….
December 8th, 2010 at 9:48 am
Love the books…keep them coming. Buying a few for friends for christmas.
December 9th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
ACK!!! This is where you leave us until January? I’m not sure I will survive my curiosity though I will admit you have given me some interesting things to think about with episode 34. Hopefully it’s not too late.
December 10th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
*** Spoiler Alert ****
JL – Thanks much for the story so far! You’re really adding some crazy twists and turns and it’s awesome! (We will try not to pout too much while we wait until the new year. /wink) And see see see – Lorthyne, SG and I are all hoping Spideog comes back soon!!!
I must admit there are days Connor’s denseness drives me crazy. But I don’t think I’d put things together any better in his place.
I’m really starting to suspect that the land is made of the lore and it may be possible to add to the lore and change the land and events that come to pass. No real basis yet for this idea though.
spartanH99 – OMG! I love your idea of Tawn being a fire wyrm! Maybe that’s why he’s never been able to keep his animal forms – they aren’t the right one for him.
Lorthyne – Yes – that amulet will likely come into play in the near future. Gifts don’t seem to be given in the land if they don’t play a part later on.
Regarding Cialte and Oisin – yes Cialte needs to take Oisin and his kin out of the picture. Cialte used Oisin’s had to get the Oak rune – does this have something to do with it as it was used twice? Would Conner choosing a rune and getting the oak rune solve the whole problem? (i.e. why did conner wait to choose his rune?)
As far as Turlow goes I’m with you Lorthyne – I think he just wants what he sees as the best for his people. I’ve been going crazy wondering why Conner didn’t tell Turlow what Cialte did to Fergal and his banshee mother!
December 10th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
I’m intrigued by all the new characters late in this novel, and especially by the ‘fishies’ in chapter 34, the last as of today. I was so justified in telling JL to keep writing back in the day. Lots of people told him this, and I am so glad. What a story.
December 11th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** AMY: We’re right…Spidog WILL come back, and he’ll be more powerful that ever! The Yews will see him as totally worthy.
Okay, why hasn’t anyone seen Conor’s barushe amulet? Both the “old woman” and Gracie have seen him naked, so they must have seen it hanging around his neck. I’ll bet the Mertain King will see it and recognize Conor as a friend of the Pooka. That’s going to be an interesting meeting for sure!
I refuse to believe that Hraf, Taun and Brendan were burnt up…just won’t accept it. They HAD to escape the somehow. I have no idea how…but they cannot have all died in one fell swoop.
I think Turlow is so single minded about getting the Banshee’s their “due” that he doesn’t care about anyone or anything else. He’s a true villian, like his cohort Cialtie. And now that Turlow has been exposed, the path is clear of an Essa-Conor reconnection…I hope.
JL: great work so far! Have a terrific trip, and a very Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year! But between celebrations, write and record, PLEASE!
December 11th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
*** Spoiler Alert ***
SG – I’m sure about Araf, Tawn and Brendan all being alive. But exactly where they are – not sure. Red had to take them somewhere while Turlow was distracted with Connor. Boy Connor has some groveling to do before Red…
Regarding Turlow – perhaps you’re right.
Though I’d like him to “see the light”.
Chanting – “Spiedog, spiedog, spiedog….” (will my voice be gone by January? Yep. We’ll all have to take turns chanting so it goes on.)
JL – Have fun in the warm south! As my clan and I are huddled together with -20F temps we’ll be thinking warm thoughts of you! Merry Christmas!
Have some seriously Happy Holidays everyone!
December 11th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
**SPOILER ALERT**
More new stuff!! I can hardly wait for New Year now. I’m planning to listen to both of the books from the start to keep myself occupied during the holiday. I’m thinking between the mertain’s ability to heal with their fish tails and the dragon blood to restore a person’s long life, Oison only has to wait for Conner to figure out a way to get hold of the slate and send Essa’s dad a message.
Meanwhile – if the Brownies and Banshees are both on Cialtie’s side and there were Brownies acting as guards at the Yew house on the mountain, does that mean Cialtie is holding his own mother hostage?? Do you suppose that Brendan’s mother might figure out where he disappeared to and come into the story at some point?? If so, what powers will she have?? Do you suppose anyone will go crazy waiting for book III?
Merry Christmas to all from the Great White North!
December 15th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Remember this from Chapter 1?
I felt the message before I saw it. My cheek was resting on the emain slate and a tickling sensation stirred me enough to lift my head and take a look. There underneath my cry for help was a sentence. “Are you in trouble?”
“Yes!” I screamed. I don’t think I had ever been happier in my life. Like a bawling child lost in a shopping mall, I was found, and my mother was going to hug me to her breast and wipe away my tears. I reached for the pen and realized that Fallon had taken it with him. I frantically searched around the room trying to find something I could etch a reply with but the only thing in the room was me, two chairs and a table. I tried to use my fingernails but I had bitten them down to nothing. I hammered on the door and shouted. After what seemed like ages it opened. Standing there was Detective Fallon and a uniformed cop holding a club.
“Gimme your pen!” I shouted as I jumped up and down.
“Back off Conor,” he demanded.
“Ok, ok,” I said putting my hands up and doing as I was told, “just give me a pen.”
The two policemen cautiously entered the room. “Why do you want a pen?” Fallon asked.
“I just do! Give me your goddam pen!”
“I’m not going to give you my pen,” the detective said in pacifying tones, “until you tell me what you want it for.”
“Ok, I did it. I killed my father, chopped him up and buried him. I want to confess. Give me your notepad and pen and I’ll write a confession.”
“Where did you bury him?”
I can’t tell you. I… I’m having trouble speaking. Give me your pen and I’ll write it all down for you – everything.”
The two policemen looked at each other in amazement. Fallon gave me a sceptical look but he offered out his notepad and pen. I snatched the ballpoint, ran over to the table and turned the slate around to write on it. Fallon grabbed the pen back before I could etch a mark and tried to read the Gaelic sentence aloud. “Did you write this?” he said.
“Yes, yes I did. See I’m crazy. I’m writing letters to myself in made-up languages. Here I’ll show you.” I reached for the slate but he pulled it out of my reach.
We stared at each other, his eyes narrowed with an effort to figure out what was going on. I gazed back wide-eyed and pleading. “Please,” I said. “Trust me, this is important.”
My publisher thinks it too contrived and unbeavevable – comments…
December 15th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
I don’t think that it’s contrived at all, given the extraordinary circumstances Connor was in at that time, I would probably react in a similar fashion. If your publisher is speaking about Fallon though, I think that he acted as any police officer would react to a person going crazy over needing a pen that badly.
December 15th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
It’s not contrived if your readers have already enjoyed the first book.
December 15th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
JL: Who are you going to listen to…your publisher or your millions of fans around the world? LOL You had to have some way for Conor to communicate with The Land in order to get him out of jail, and the slate was just the ticket! I think the whole scene worked really well!
December 15th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
JL: I agree with the rest of the replies. I read it several times, several hours apart, and I could not discern what would make the publisher this this part “contrived”. Have they listened to the audio version of this scene?
December 15th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
He thinks the part about admitting to the crime to get the pen is unbelievable.
December 15th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Many things Connor does seem unbelievable if each one is looked at in isolation. Connor is impulsive at times, only thinking of how to get things done, not always how best to get them done.
December 16th, 2010 at 2:18 am
I think that Connor knows that if he gets the pen, it won’t matter what he has admitted to. He is receiving a message on the slate – it is finally working after all this time – now he just has to write that one word that will convince his mother to come and get him… Your publisher is not paying attention to the number of false confessions that happen every year in police interrogations with far less reason than Connor had.
If she still doesn’t think that a false confession is believable, I refer her to the book I just read “The Confession” by John Grisham. His character also confessed to a crime he did not commit, because he felt in the end, it would be proven he was innocent. Grisham’s publisher seemed to think it was believable.
Stick to your guns – your book is awesome to listen to. I felt that the reaction Connor showed was entirely believable. Teenagers, and Connor certainly, often act first and ask questions later. The other thing this helps to show is how desperate Connor is to return to the land, and how unprepared he is to live on his own in the real world. I think changing this would remove some of the dramatic tension created in this scene.
December 17th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Just to play devil’s advocate, I forced myself to be critical even though I disagree with your publisher. I liked the scene very much. But I think there is one line you could tone down that would remove any hint of contrivance from the whole thing:
“Ok, I did it. I killed my father, chopped him up and buried him..”
This line feels like it came too easily despite Conor’s obvious need to seize the moment, and it might stand out as shockingly vivid compared to anything in the first book, partly because of how early it occurs in this story.
December 21st, 2010 at 10:04 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** In case anyone hasn’t noticed, JL gives us little peeks at future events whenever Conor describes his dreams! We don’t always “get it” because of the timing, but everything Conor dreams comes to pass…eventually!
In a recent dream, Conor saw himself surrounded by an army of Brownies all coming at him, then everyone looked up towards the sky! I’ll betcha they saw good old Red (Moran) in his dragon form coming to save the day! And after he decimates the Brwonie/Banshee army, Red will give some of his blood to Conor’s dad, and all will be well in The Land…until…well, there’s always an “until”.
December 21st, 2010 at 9:12 pm
I suppose you could have him saying ‘give me a pen I want to confess,’ but that isn’t Connor. Connor’s impulsive, he’s excited, he’s 18, and he wants a pen!
We’re not in the real world. It’s fantasy. Connor (and the rest of it) is really well written. The reader/listener suspends belief and is pulled into a super tale. Don’t let them stuff it up!
December 22nd, 2010 at 2:58 pm
*** Spoiler Alert – for prev book ***
JL — regarding the written scene
I have to agree with those above me. Conner is an of the moment kind of guy. Much like his dad was. (I mean who but Oisin would cut off their hand thinking it was going to be a solution. But the situation was desperate so desperate means were needed.) Fallon isn’t going to believe that the slate allows him to communicate with another world!
December 22nd, 2010 at 3:03 pm
*** Spoiler Alert ***
SG – You think Moran will actually come to Connor’s rescue after he was stabbed by connor? I’m worried.
IceGirl – I’m sure Brendan’s mom is at least thinking it’s a possibility. People don’t just disappear from the real world. What will happen if she returns? I doubt she’ll be welcomed by many. What about Brendan’s daughter? She’ll be a real surprise won’t she?
December 22nd, 2010 at 3:22 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT*** AMY: Yes, Moran will realize that he made a huge mistake when he learns that Conor is “barushe”, and that Taun is the son of the Pooka queen! He’ll possibly fly Conor and friends back to Dor in time to join the battle with the Brownies and Banshees. Then he’ll “donate” some blood to Oisin, and when he recovers, he’ll make Conor take the rune choosing.
IceGirl: Yes, Brendan’s mother is thinking about ways to get back to The Land. Brendan said she chose the location of their house because of ley linea and portals…so she’s probably trying to figure out how to return, and when.
December 23rd, 2010 at 6:06 pm
*** Spoiler Alert ***
SG – so you think the rune choosing will be part of a deal for the blood donation? (Sneaky dragons…)
December 23rd, 2010 at 6:09 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I love reading your comments. At the moment I’m in Atlanta airport waiting for a plane back to London. My Amazon adventures are done and I hope to get a chapter to you guys before the calendar says 2011. Thank you all for all of your support and may I wish you a happy and healthy new year.
December 24th, 2010 at 11:12 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** AMY: Oops…no, I meant Oisin will make Conor take the choosing. After all, Conor promsied his father he would, but never did.
JL: Thanks for the good wishes! The same to you! Have a safe trip home, and thanks in advance for the next chapter!
December 25th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
SG: I agree the dreams are quite often literally right. I wouldn’t be shocked if it turns out he was trying to help Conner and was surprised that he got stabbed, but who knows. JL has managed to come up with better twists than us a few times already.
JL: great to hear you are working on the next installment already. We’ll be waiting patiently. (well more or less patiently). Have a Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!
December 27th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
just spent two days listening to nothing but shadowmagic. hurry up JL! the suspense is killing me =^.^=
December 29th, 2010 at 7:18 am
** I hope to get a chapter to you guys before the calendar says 2011. **
W00T!
December 29th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
YAY!!
i feel like a kid waiting for Christmas. u should see me bouncing up and down!
December 31st, 2010 at 9:03 am
We’re counting down the hours, JL ! 2011 is almost upon us, and you’ve got millions of us Shadow Magic fans on the edge of our seats, waiting for that next episode! What will Conor’s meeting with the Mertain king be like? Will he learn that Conor is “barushe”? Will he even care? Will Moran survive the wounding, and realize his error in trusting the Banshee? What’s up with Essa and Yogi? How’s Oisin doing? Has the war started yet? Of course, these and all other questions will be answered in tonight’s episode, right? (wink)
December 31st, 2010 at 1:51 pm
JL – Happy New Year! Looking forward to spending some time with Connor and his friends in the coming year.
December 31st, 2010 at 4:42 pm
happy new year, JL. i’m sure ur three sheets to the wind already over there in ur corner of the world, and most of us will forgive u if the new episode does not magically appear by midnight. (i stress the word most) my new years resolution is not to bug the worlds best author about his podcast mor that once a week =^.^=
December 31st, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Conor’s three sheets to the wind on aged Mertain hootch and can’t make it to the ewien slate.
January 1st, 2011 at 9:59 am
Well JL, a new epidose didn’t magically show up, and in fairness you didn’t PROMISE, you said you HOPED to be able to post one. We’ll forgive you…but now you have to post THREE episodes all at once!!! LOL And get to work on the third volume as well! Then you’ll be able to sell them as boxed sets, and at least 1/2 million Shadow Magic fands will rush out and buy them! I’m saving up for mine right now!
January 2nd, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Chapter 31 “THE DIGS I see your housekeeper is on vacation” is the best chapter subtitle ever.
January 2nd, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Connor and those lips of his, when will he think first . . .
January 2nd, 2011 at 11:04 pm
i feel like i’m being thrown crumbs! u r truly a master JL. I promise to by ur book next payday.
January 3rd, 2011 at 1:30 am
goodie, goodie, goodie!!!!!! a new episode!!!!!
January 3rd, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Sry i havent commented in a while, i was lost for words.
I looks like Connor has found some new material to make Essa jealous, cant w8 to see what happens. I think Connor will somehow message Red and request him to preform the blood giving ceremony earlier, which would allow Connor to verify him story.
January 3rd, 2011 at 7:43 pm
*** Spoiler Alert ****
JL – you mad and evil genius! Taunting us with the idea of 3 years!!! GAHHHHHHHH! (/trying not to faint as I wait for the next episode.)
January 4th, 2011 at 1:08 am
This is great book, but I think more than 6 months is an unreasonable amount of time for a story to be completed, particularly when the episodes aren’t that long. I have found I often have to re-listen previous episodes as the new chapters are deposited because I’ve lost track of what has happend.
I have also decided to wait till the story is completed then start from the begining because as it stands I am find it it too interrupted and it’s spoiling my enjoyment. I’ve switched to owners share, equally brilliant but far more regular chapter submissions. Great work though.
January 4th, 2011 at 1:22 am
Hey GullDucott
Sorry this book is taking an “unreasonable” amount of time. Just tell me how much you donated to podiobooks and I’ll send you your money back.
John L
January 4th, 2011 at 6:17 am
Hello,
I bought my 11-year-old son Shadowmagic for Christmas, and he loves it. He knows I’m listening to book 2 and asked me when can he start reading it… what should I tell him?!? I listen to podiobooks during my 40 minute commute in Los Angeles, so these pretty much keep me from ripping out my hair while sitting on the 405. For my son it’s just entertainment, and he has all his hair still. It sounds like you may have been off doing real life things instead of popping out episodes, which is much better than what I imagined had happened (car accident, coma, destitution, etc). Happy new year!
Scott
January 4th, 2011 at 6:52 am
I’ve donated $10 but podiobooks can keep it, I think its money well spent. In the meantime I can cut you a personal cheque if it will help inspire you.
January 4th, 2011 at 11:13 am
Scott Life is calming down in the new year. In fact I’m locking myself away in a mountain cottage and writing book 3 for most of the winter. Hazel and Oak is being launched by Harper Collins on April 28th.
January 4th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
JL – My hubby is seriously stoked that Book 2 is launching on his birthday. (Much better for him than sharing his birthday with Saddam Hussein.)
January 5th, 2011 at 12:19 am
That’s it, I can’t handle the inter-episode suspense any more. I’m tapping out until book two is complete. But I did get my kids the hard copy of book 1, which they loved.
January 5th, 2011 at 1:38 am
JL: Looking forward to the launch of the book on the 28th – will that be the date in Canada as well??
I really enjoy the episodes as they come out and feel privileged to be one of the first to enjoy such a fabulous book.
January 5th, 2011 at 8:09 am
JL: That’s great news! And I’m sure you meant to include the podcasting of the final episodes of Shadow Magic II in your “to-do” list for this winter! The three book “boxed set” will be a smash hit for sure! But please don’t keep us hanging too long in the present story!!! How can Conor possibly wait 3 years? What if Moran can’t return to Mertain Island because he’s too badly wounded? What’s up with the war, and Essa, and Oison, and Turdlow…and…and…well, you get the point. LOL
January 5th, 2011 at 9:43 am
SG: Remember the merpeople are able to take pain/injuries away and during their transformation back to human they can leave their injuries behind. Since he is brother to merking, as long as Moran could transform, my guess is he’ll be able to leave the injuries behind.
January 7th, 2011 at 11:49 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Raederle: you’re aboslutely right! I for got all about their power to recuperate instantly! I guess we can expect Moran to appear anytime he chooses…hopefully soon, and not in 3 years time! LOL
Now here’s a thought…I was wondering why everything in The Land seemed so BIG…the trees, the leaves, the animals (bears, horses, Celtic deer, even dogs and fish), and then it occurred to me. The Hawthee are the LITTLE PEOPLE! Its not that everything else is so big, its that they’re so small! Now why Conor and Brendan aren’t bigger than the regular folks of The Land is a mystery, but maybe its because they have Tir Na Nogian blood, and immediately adjust to the “right size” upon arriving in The Land. Any thoughts?
January 7th, 2011 at 9:09 pm
***SPOILER ALERT***
I wonder what happened to Araf, Yogi, and Tawn?
I think that they must have survived. I think that they must have somehow escaped, but how?
I still don’t understand one thing. Why won’t the Mertain king just go to Moran”s island. I thought they were neighboring islands.
January 9th, 2011 at 7:01 pm
lol, solid, very funny. it’s true that our illustrious author has not specified what kind fairy conner is, but i think the little people were already mentioned
January 10th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Just sent Chapter 35 to Evo. I’m back on schedule.
January 10th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Thanks, JL…hopefully Evo will get it posted soon, and we won’t have to send the posse after him. LOL Have a great winter up there in the mountains, and keep on writing and recording!
And by the way…no one says there can only be 3 books in this series! That number will make a great boxed set, which we can buy and read while you’re writing and recording books number 4, 5 and 6. Your mulitude of fans would probably agree with me!
January 10th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
I’d love more book from The Land, but I also need plot closure. I think my poor little brain will implode if I have to ride the roller coaster that is Osin’s health for 3.33 more books. I probably could handle Ceilty as I have read other long running series with villains that last the duration. I just think he is very lucky with how often he double crosses “allies”.
January 10th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Great chapter really enjoyed it. I hope Gracy comes back the look of Essa’s face would be priceless! I wonder how Connor will get back to Duir from the beach he was left at, hell probley run into one of his companions, and he might even run into the mother tree
January 10th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
I love loved this last chapter and I’m sooooo thankful for gracy, Connor really needed that
@Carter that would be to funny I was hoping the same I’m so not on essa’s side right now
January 11th, 2011 at 3:16 am
Having just listened to 3 chapters in a row on a sleepless night (i get to “wake up” to go to work in about 2 hours….), I feel a need to write a wall of text in response.
I’m in just as much denial about the assumed fate of Araf, Brenden, and Taun as the rest of the masses. They’ll turn up here soon, along with Spideog and his new yew bow.
I’m feeling pretty conflicted about the whole Conor-Essa-Graysea love triangle that’s cropped up. Assuming of course that the whole Conor-Graysea thing isn’t just a temporary fling Conor decided to take advantage of as a typical teenage boy.
I totally get that Essa’s situation was pretty rough. She and Conor had some kind of thing going on, and he pretty much just ditched out on that in deciding to go back to the real world. She had to get over that, and hten the Turlow shows up. I can imagine that there’s a lot of pressure and expectation both from society in general and from her father to marry the Turlow. Politically it would be super advantageous for Jared to have an alliance through marriage with the banshees, especially considering how unprecedented any alliance with the banshees seems to be. Secondly, I’m sure Jared wants his daughter to marry well, and being more or less the queen of the banshees is certainly not a bad gig. I can see how Essa would feel pressured to stay committed to that, and she’s certainly not desperate enough to drop everything when her ex shows up out of nowhere and drops a “Hey, baby…”
It’s pretty unrealistic for Conor to expect that Essa was just pining for him the whole time he was gone and would gladly take him back, but he’s a teenage boy, so I totally buy that he would think that way. His emotional response to the situation and the Turlow specifically was very real, and I very much appreciated that Conor was able to mostly get over his personal problems with Turlow so that when Turlow’s true colors showed, we as the readers could see that he really was a dirtbag, in spite of his charisma and Conor’s bias.
Conor’s relationship with Graysea seems to have surfaced (pun intended) a little too fast for it to be as real and intense as what Conor and Essa have going on. It’s easy to get excited about making Essa jealous, but I feel like the estrangement between Conor and Essa is more his fault than hers, although both certainly have some responsibility. At the same time, Graysea is definitely much more deep and intelligent than anyone gives her credit for, and I can’t believe that she and Conor don’t care about each other without my conception of Conor’s character radically changing.
I’m also worried that Graysea is going to get in A LOT more trouble than she thinks she will about helping Conor get off the island and stealing the dragon’s blood from the king. It seems most plausible that that Graysea could be exiled from her people by the Mertain king and ends up marrying Conor and living on the mainland, which could be a way for Duir and the Mertain to open up lines of communication. However, from a storytelling perspective, I think most of the readers (myself included) want to see Conor and Essa together in the end, so I don’t imagine that happening. I don’t want Graysea to disappear entirely because I like the character, but a “breakup” between her and Conor would be difficult to listen to, so it’s a lose-lose situation there.
I’m also thinking that healing Oison has to be more complicated than just bringing the dragon blood home. Granted, there’s the incoming brownie invasion to deal with, but I feel like after all the effort that’s gone into this quest, having Graysea show up with the solution is a little too easy. I’m worried that there will be some sort of magical catch, that the dragon blood won’t be effective for preventing age unless it is willingly given to the person to be healed. Perhaps I’m just hopeful that Conor and Moran can someday be friends and that Moran will choose to help Oison, but I suppose that receiving the Lawnmower to the gut would take a little more than an awkward conversation to resolve.
All in all, I’m loving it, John! Keep it up.
January 11th, 2011 at 3:24 am
I had another thought while I was rereading my last post.
I think Taun is going to end up becoming either Tautine Round 2 or one of the Mertain, more probably the latter. Taun has tried to meld with every animal form but has not found one that can stick. Taun is the only Pooka we’ve seen so far that can (or actually does, at least) change only parts of his body into an animal form, which is pretty much exactly what the Mertain do, change partly into fish. Taun could end up as a Mertain, maybe settle down with a nice fish-wife, and could reestablish the lost family ties between the Pooka and Mertain.
Just a thought.
January 11th, 2011 at 7:37 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Lorthyne: wow, you raised some great points! But we do need to keep in mind that Conor left The Land and Essa the first time because she betrayed him, and he felt he could never trust her. Essa was really the cause of their break up. He could have (perhaps should have) forgiven her, but being immature, he didn’t.
One other point…the Lawnmower is with Moran! Last time we saw the blade, it was stuck into the belly of the dragon, Moran. Maybe the dragon’s blood won’t work on Oison unless the Sword of Dior is present?
I totally agree with you about Grey Sea. She’s wonderful, and while the triangle aspect bothers me, I’m happy to see Conor get some affection without betrayal.
If she and Conor do get together, she might age, like the mermaid found on the Pooka beach long ago. Maybe she can’t live anywhere but Mertain Island and the sea?
January 12th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
I am sort of against gracie. I think she is a nice person, but Connor can’t just abandon Essa. Connor finally has a chance to get back together with Essa. He cannot make the same mistake twice.
Lothryn I agree with you about Taun turning into Tautine completely. It is the most interesting solution. I do not want Araf and Taun dead. on the plus side Taun turning into the Tautine would be amazing because the names are similar
The tautine would be able to fly away along with araf!
Another question is about Turlouh. Turlough went to go back, but wouldn’t he have already launched the attack since he was traveling the whole time connor was in mertain island. I also think that if araf and taun escape they may go looking for Red. they may just explain the situation to red and then they’ll have red on their side. And also I need to know what has essa been doing. she must have warned everyone about the incoming attack by now and if so that does that mean that the war has started.
If connor’s grandmother is an amazing sorceress and has been with the oracle this whole time, then shouldn’t she be way more powerful. maybe she will come to the rescue. maybe she’s training under the super-Oracle. I wonder what will happen with that
If the tree of knowledge has grown and has hazelnuts and etc. then why did nobody ever ask the new tree of knowledge how the hazel lands were destroyed. I understand why Connors mom didn’t, but there has to have been someone to talk to the tree. The tree would probably have some of the memories of the old tree of knowledge if it came from it.
January 12th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Spoiler Alert
personaly im positive araf, taun, etc. all survived, dont know how but they did. i also think thet if taun is alive hes going to fall in love with gracie. im kind of defending conor by saying this, but he didnt really think he would ever see essa again when he got a crush on gracie.
January 12th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
OK-so we all know that Taun can become any animal that any other poocha can, I would assume that Moran showed himself to be dragon at some point. Perhaps the fireball that Moran threw at his hut was because Taun escaped with everyone by turning himself into a dragon after seeing Moran change and flew away with all of them, thus angering Moran that his “enemies” got away. Who knows how long Taun held form for, so they could have made it to mainland or landed in the ocean.
As for Connor “abandoning” Essa, that’s hardly an accurate description of events. Essa started it in Book 1 and continued it by pairing off with the Turdlow. She deserves what she gets, she loses Connor to Gracie/GraySea or not. Connor is not without blame, but he has tried several times to “sue for peace” with Essa and has been rebuffed at every turn.
January 13th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
This book is far less funny than the first one. It’s kind of hard to make failure and death as funny as the comedy of errors and disbelief that was in the first book. But I like this book for it’s own merits. It builds a part of the world we didn’t get to see in the first book. And it’s a much more sobering part. Tir na Nog has it all. And I can’t wait to know what happens to the group in the end!
BY THE WAY, I think Gracie helped Connor to feel again. He was rather depressed and “cold” from his recent experiences. I’m fine with it either way. Both women have merits and demerits. Given that Essa still doesn’t know (as far as I know) about the Turdlow, she might turn around IF Connor can restrain himself from throwing it in her face. They were all lulled to a certain extent, with the exception of the other guy who was a cop (his name escapes me at the moment). But Connor is Connor so it could still go either way. For all we know, we’ll never see Graysea again. Have to see how the story plays out. Only John knows……!
January 16th, 2011 at 9:07 am
I love you guys. Maybe I should start selling TEAM GRAYSEA TEAM ESSA t-shirts.
January 16th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Chapter 37 just went up on Podiobooks. I’m recording in a new place. Let me know if the audio quality is too different.
John L
January 17th, 2011 at 8:40 am
Podiobooks.com is having issues and I can’t get it. I saw that there was a new episode last night, but then I couldn’t get here, to the podiobook page nor would iTunes load it either. I’m surprised I was able to get here though the page loaded without its stylesheet. I NEEED episode 37
January 20th, 2011 at 6:47 am
Raederle Podiobooks feeds are up and kicking try it now ive just got ep 37.
John,
I had the same issue on itunes it wouldn’t let me download or play to my iphone yesterday it has just let me play on my PC though?
I’ll have a team Graysea T shirt I like Essa but she’s as bad as Connor and I think there is more to Graysea than we have seen so far although that may not be all good?
January 20th, 2011 at 7:15 am
Ah…the incident with the Brownies.I was reading Shadowmagic (the paperback) and then found the Shadowmagic Podcast and I noticed that The “Brownies” were not mentioned. I thought maybe I had skipped something. And then I started listening to the Prince of Hazel and Oak and immediately was like, “THERE IT IS! I’m not Crazy!” Ha! Thank you John. I love your books. My best friend bought it for me for Christmas and thought I’d like it. She was wrong.. I LOVE IT! After the Harry Potter series ended, I had nothing new to listen to. Of course this is not exactly like the Harry Potter series but it has the same feel to it. In other words, it’s an EXCELLENT alternative for people who grew up listening to Harry Potter/Lord of The Rings etc. Thank you thank thank you! You have a loyal listener here! And thank you so much for reading this as an audiobook. A lot of times you get an audio book read by someone other than the author and they pronounce things wrong. Now I know how to pronounce each and everything thing because you are the author and not some actor that was hired to read the story. So there is another A+++.
Thanks Again!
January 20th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
I want both shirts…wen i’m mad at Essa, i can just slip on the Graysea tee
January 20th, 2011 at 8:33 pm
@JL – Oh my gosh – I want both shirts too! They need mermaid and banta sticks for symbols? (I don’t suppose there can be a Team Spideog shirt with a bow.) (wink)
**** Spoiler Alert ****
Huzzahh!!!!!! Spideog! Spideog! That stick has to be yew for a bow!!!!! (You wouldn’t believe how loud I shouted with joy!)
Ok, Cialte – What lies are you weaving? I don’t believe you.
January 21st, 2011 at 4:49 pm
lol, Amy! you’ve got to do the t-shirt thing, JL
that stick is yew for sure! that’s why he wouldn’t let Connor touch it!
January 22nd, 2011 at 8:58 am
Hey Guys
You got to check out the Team Spideog logo that Amy drew. I’m definitely getting a T-shirt made.
Thanks Amy you’re a star
http://twitpic.com/3sdmjx
January 23rd, 2011 at 3:17 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** Excellent episode, JL!! We saw a whole new side of Cialtie, and the return of Master Spidog, sans bow! During Cialtie’s dialogue about his plans, he said something about regaining the Oak Throne…but wasn’t it stated earlier (Cialitie quoting Ona at Oisin’s bedside, I believe) that a one handed price may NOT take the throne? Did Cialtie get around this by having someone else doing his scond choosing, or will he run into a roadblock when he tried to regain the throne?
Now we’ve seen Spidog alive and well, I’m filled with hope for the three other lost souls, Hraff, Taun and Brendan, and for Essa and Yogi as well. Can’t wait to see how they pop up! LOL
One last thing…we know that Conor’s dreams are usually prophetical, so maybe he will be riding the dragon through the magnificant skies, on his way to sway the battle for the good guys!
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Hey SG
Oisin couldn’t take his choosing because he lost his rune hand. Cialte is still holding a major oak rune even if he got it by nefarious means (carrying Oisin’s hand through the choosing.)
January 24th, 2011 at 11:22 am
Aha! Thanks, JL…that explains it. By the way, I sure would like a brief peek at Ona’s book! LOL
January 28th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Awesome episode JL
WHOOP! 
. Essa is awesome. I wonder what Essa is going to do when and if she sees Turdlow. She’s probably going to be very mad. The story has gotten even better after learning the reason why Cialtie is evil. I actually think that Cialtie isn’t that bad. He has most likely just become mad and corrupted. I actually feel a bit sorry for cialtie, but book one told us he was sort of evil even before seeing the book. I am certain that there going to be something with Connors grandma, but I can’t figure it out. Is it possible to have a yew banta stick… I mean like If yew is like super powerful, then maybe people can use yew banta sticks to win the war. Does anyone here think that Connor might learn magic. Maybe it is possible to use magic and swords together, like by Getting yew wood gauntlets and holding the sword of dor. It would be awesome if he used 
Yay!!! Essa isn’t dead!
JL If the dragons blood renews immortality, couldn’t people also use it to bring back the dead, like connor bringing back fergal.
January 29th, 2011 at 3:47 am
I reckon that maive has something to do with all this. I mean spideog said that someone had killed one of the yews, and before everyone went to Tau tine island araf discovered yew wood remains on the beach. Also maive is probably out of the very few the strong enough to destroy one of those trees.
maybe Caultie saw something in oonas book about it. Who knows? (except for john).
Also from the beggining of this novel i have been having this wierd feeling that furgal will be back soon, it is a massive hunch but you never know with Shadowmagic.
January 29th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Hey Callum.
Don’t read too much into starting this book with a chapter about Fergal. That chapter was written after Shadowmagic was podcasted but is included in the printed paperback (my editor wanted the book to be a bit longer.)
Since I introduce the Brownies in that chapter I had to shove it into H&O as a prologue. If you buy the paperback (and why haven’t you already?) You will find that the prologue is in chapters 6 & 7.
JL
PS I’m recording Chapter 38 now and it’s very good – if I must say so myself.
January 29th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
JL: YAHOO! A new chapter on the way, and YOU think its very good! That guarantees that we’re gonna LOVE it! I can’t believe how close we are to the end…and you have a lot of loose ends to tie up, so I’m guessing the last chapters will be really LONG ones?
How far along are you with Book 3?
January 29th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
SG – you know how darn good JL is with cliff hangers. Who says he has to tie up all the ends before book 3? My bet is on a serious cliff hanger at the end of book 2.
JL – looking forward to the next chapter! (You taunt us so! It’s just like saying “Go for a walk?” to a puppy.)
*** Possible Spoiler Alert ***
Callum and Veer – I’d love for Fergal to come back into the story too. But I don’t see the hints for it, atleast yet. It’s also driving me crazy that Conner hasn’t told Turlow how Cialte treated Fergal and Fergal’s mom. GAHHH!
I’d also forgotten the reference to yew on the beach – hmm, hmm, hmm….
January 30th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
I am dying for the next episode. I love how you hint about Brendan…(not saying anything more!) I would donate a million dollars if I had it. I knew Turlow was a turd when you first introduced him. Essa makes me so mad! But you have to love her. I love how you are branching out more in this book. The other book left me with unanswered questions and I start this book and I’m like, “yep there’s my answer”. I was so scared you wouldn’t write a sequel. Some authors do that or you have to wait like 5 years after you’ve read so many books that you forget what the book was about. Please please keep em’ coming. You have a life long fan here. And it’s obvious everyone else is as obsessed as I am.
I am so thankful that my best friend bought me the shadowmagic podiobook. It’s genius and really teaches a lesson about how to treat nature. Love it! Thanks again JL. I’ll be waiting patiently.
January 30th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
ah! ***correction*** ( I cannot type today!) , I’m so thankful my best friend bought me the shadowmagic paper back and that I found this great web site. With my busy schedule, it’s really difficult to sit down and read.
January 30th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
I like your friend Stephanie. Thanks for the kind words.
John L
January 30th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
*** Possible Spoiler Alert ***
Can’t wait to see in future books if Bredans mother returns to the land and brings his blind daughter with her… now that would be totally cool.
February 1st, 2011 at 12:11 am
Hey John
Just have to say I love your book. But I just think that there is more to what happen at the the diggs don’t know if that is cuz can’t deal with what happen or what. I love the address to the troops. It’s such a grate book and I have been telling every one about this. Also just have been thinking of all the clue you put in the book and try to see when the pay off. I was also wondering how menu chapters are left hoping there are all really long and a lot more of them. Is the banta stick based off a real weapon or is it a real weapon because I look into it and did not find any thing. Keep up the good work.
Aubrey Hart
Ps sorry about the spelling
February 1st, 2011 at 11:17 am
Well, if you’re going to have a cliffhanger you might as well make it a good one. Grrrrrr. A whole week to wait! It’s sooooo not fair.
I jonesing for the paperback to come out!!!
February 1st, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Hey Aubrey
Banta stick fighting is a real Irish thing. Sometimes they call then shillelaghs.
NDC
Hazel & Oak is out in paperback on April 28th
There are only 5 chapters left folks.
John L
February 1st, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Just looked up Banta stick fighting and realised that the Real World spelling is Bata. But in The nLand it’s Banta. (My land my rules.)
John L
February 3rd, 2011 at 10:50 am
JL: great episode…it seems like Conor is turning the corner to maturity as he faces the harsh relaity that surrounds him. I’m still thinking Conor’s “dreams” are scenes of things to come, so I’m choosing to believe that we’ll se Hraf, Taun and Brendan, along with a healthy Oisin, in the near future…as the dragon, who recognizes his error at last, flies Conor to the castle after blasting the Banshees and Brownies with his flame breath.
February 3rd, 2011 at 1:44 pm
SG: That would be a fun twist, Osin becomes a dragon? Shadowmagic so it’s a permanent transformation? Pooka like or mer-people like, so it’s temporary? I like mer-people better because they can leave injuries behind and that might heal the hand.
February 4th, 2011 at 8:57 am
Rae: my mistake…lol…I didn’t mean that Oisin becomes the dragon…I meant Moran (the dragon) brings Conor back to the castle to see Oisin, Hraf, Taun and Brendan. And by the way, isn’t Conor supposed to take his choosing? He promised his father he would. Well, if not in this book, definitely in the next one…right, JL???
February 4th, 2011 at 11:40 am
**** Spoiler Alert ****
SG – yes, Connor’s dreams usually are prophetic. He’s got to see his dad and friends again. While he’s there – he does need to take his choosing.
JL – So much to wrap up…so few episodes of this book left! Kyaaa!
—
Will Connor’s grandmother knowing that Cialte had a son come into play again?
Will Connor see Oona’s book? (Golly I hope not. I don’t think I’d like to read the thing with what we’ve seen of it.)
Gotta love Spideog and Dahee’s attitudes.
I’m still cheering for Taun to turn out to be a dragon, so Red isn’t the last.
February 4th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
*** Spoiler Alert ***
It’s what I’m doing.
@James – feel free to join the conspiracy theory club that Brendan, Araf and Taun are still alive.
February 4th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Hey gang
Now that we are getting down to the wire let’s remember to put
*** Spoiler Alert ***
at the beginning messages that give stuff away.
I hope this reaches you all well.
John L
February 4th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
***spoiler alert**
@amy,
I agree. unless John is just going to leave us hanging those characters are essential for the next book. I think that the next book will include Brenden’s mother RETURNING to the land. (at least I hope so).
February 4th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
*** Spoiler Alert ***
@briang – agreed, she has to return to the land! John is tricky and a master of cliff hangers. So I’m not sure where he’ll leave us at the end of book 2…
February 5th, 2011 at 9:49 am
What part of ***Spoiler Alert** do you guys not understand?
February 5th, 2011 at 11:26 am
Respectfully, a spoiler alert is giving away plot points. When did guessing about what an author might or might not do become spoiling the plot if we have no idea what’s coming next? Scrolling back, there was a discussion in June of 2010 where the general consensus was that people shouldn’t read this board anyway if they didn’t want to face the possibility of reading about the plot of chapters they haven’ heard yet.
February 5th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
***Spoiler Alert**
Yea but the most recent comments show up automatically on the main page. Remember, when someone talkes about Brendon being dead – there are newbies who didn’t even know he was sick.
At this point I think all you guys should just start every post with it – especially now when all hell is about to cut loose. Just cut and paste it from above before you start writing.
Do it or I kill Acorn.
JL
February 5th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
(THERE IS A POSSIBLE SPOILER IN THIS POST****)
I really do try not to give away much when writing comments. Sometimes you cannot help it. You just want to tell somebody! lol So I do want to go ahead and say ****spoiler ALERT* just in case! I noticed this when I was listening to Hazel and Oak all over again for like the 3rd time. Both Brendan and Connor both said, “you can’t have a crime if there is no body”. This was said twice. When Spidog was talking about the fillilands, he was saying, “how do you know they are dead?” and Brendan said, “can’t be dead if there are no bodies” and you wrote that Connor said “now where have I heard that before”. So if I’m right, that’s a hint about the boys. We knew that the digs were burnt but how do we know that the force of the blast of fire did not knock the pins out like it did with Connor? That’s just my theory. Not saying anything more.
Oh! and don’t kill ACORN! lol!
February 5th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Kill Acorn, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m just going by what you stated on June 16th, 2010 that this was the discussion area and you can’t expect us not to chat. If you are now changing your position, you may just want to ask for all the comments to be removed and begin a discussion area on your site where you can control the flow of conversation.
February 5th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
@Raederle
He was just joking………..
Are you channelling Essa?
February 5th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
@JL – Sorry about that…and please don’t axe Acorn…or Cloud!
February 6th, 2011 at 12:50 am
****SPOILER ALERT****
Speaking of the filli conversation – if there weren’t any bodies but they did leave their bows behind (remember they’re all hung up in the armory at Dore) then mb that is the reason someone needed to cut down an entire yew tree… But whose side would the filli be on? They were against Dore before, but would they side with Cialti now?? Would he side with them?? What about Connor’s grandmother – obviously Spiedog recognized the source of the throwing blade, but we’re still waiting to hear what he had to say about it — why can’t Connor ever turn up in time for the meetings so we can hear what they had to say??
February 6th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
*** Spoiler Alter *** ICEGIRL: alarm clocks don’t work in The Land because they’re real world technology! LOL
No body, no crime…Brendan said that wasn’t true! I think the Fili/Druids went to Ireland, and many of them died natural deaths there, while others, like Brendan’s mother, somehow lived on and on.
JL has enough material to write another 3 whole books, just tying up some of the loose ends. If every tenth fan buys a boxed set of the first three books, JL will be financially able to write and record full time! And that’s not counting the tee shirt concession! LOL
February 7th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
****SPOILER ALERT****
@sg
It would be very difficult to live in a world without clocks after growing up in one. I think Connors tardiness is very funny.
February 8th, 2011 at 1:42 pm
****SPOILER ALERT****
@briang – I completely agree!! I find it hilarious. I can’t wait until one day he wakes up to Nieve or someone shaking him awake for one of their dawn excursions haha
February 8th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
****Possible Spoiler Alert*****
Has anyone drawn the Mermaid King? I’d love to see that. The way he is described, I know I can get a good laugh. And a painting/drawing of Red would be neat. The way JL described him, he sounds like he’d really neat looking as a dragon.
February 8th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Hey guys. Podiobooks and I are having trouble with Chapter 39 – hang in there.
John L
February 9th, 2011 at 7:59 am
JL: try smackin’ the server a couple of times with a lead filled banta stick! Works wonders on stubborn computers!
February 9th, 2011 at 9:09 am
I think Aunt Nieve can show that pesky server a thing or two.
February 9th, 2011 at 9:36 am
Hey guys. I think I’ve got my wifi problems solved out here. Hopefully Chapter 39 will be up soon.
********SPOILER ALERT****************
I’m interested in a lot of your speculation about Brendon’s Mom being a druid from the original Fili wars. Brendon’s Mom is a descendant of the Filli that were expelled from The Land and became the ancient wise men/woman known as the Druids. She’s not super old. The Filli gave up their immortality when they were banished to the real world. Nora (Brendon’s mom) is just one of the few who still believe in the old legends of the druids that had been passed down to her from her ancestors.
John L
February 9th, 2011 at 10:22 am
********SPOILER ALERT****************
I hope you are not hinting that we won’t be hearing from Nora again…….
February 9th, 2011 at 10:56 am
********SPOILER ALERT****************
@JL – Interesting. I’d bet she’d still love to see Tir Na Nog.
February 9th, 2011 at 11:48 am
***Spoiler Alert***
Okay so apparently Brendan, Taun, and Araf are dead. I have to admit, I am waiting for confirmation on this. Are they really dead? Spideog came to rescue Conor. I am wondering if someone had not managed to save the others. I guess I’ll have confirmation in a few more chanpters either way. I just can’t believe it right now.
February 9th, 2011 at 11:50 am
Oh, and TEAM GRAYSEA
February 9th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT *** The chances/opportunities for the three heroes to escape the fire at the digs are endless. Taun could have utrned into a mouse, slipped his bonds, and gnawed the others ropes so they could make a quick get-a-way. Or Taun could have turned into something huge, snapped his ropes, ansd grabbed the two others and run for the hills. My favorite scenario is that the Dragon suspected something BEFORE he approached Turlow and a pinned and tied up Conor, and he moved the three heroes to safety until he could interrogate them.
Bendan’s mother is not only a Fili, but a direct decendant of Fand and Maeve (Brendan: “You look exactly like my mother!) Maybe Fand had a husband and child who sided with Maeve and were banished…the child grew up in the real world, and was the ancestor of Brendan’s mother. Yes, the mother will return to The Land, with Ruby, and Ruby will regain her sight through either the magic of the land, or a combination of Shadow magic and real magic.
One more little thing…Conor’s grandmother will reveal herself, and fall in love with Dahi, while Spidog and Brandan’s mother will do the same! How’s that for imagination??? LOL
February 9th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
@SG – you are so on a roll! Your prediction about connor’s grandma, dahi, spideog, and brendan’s mom rocks!
February 9th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
It’s been 9 days….. DT’s are starting to set in :=)
February 9th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
Evo’s got the file (I think)
JL
February 9th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Solid Granite:
I have a bit of my own imagination myself, but it is actually pretty similar to yours (lol). Only thing is that I hadn’t thought about Taun changing. Can Taun change without touching his amulet?
Also, *spoiler* I think if John were to kill off a character, it would be different. Like with Fergal. John decided to stab all of us in our little hearts (LOL!) I swear I was hurt for weeks. It would be like Taun fights the dragon as a mouse (lol, never mind that’s kind of funny) or something heroic rather than helplessness. I didn’t feel anything when the three of them “died” all at once like that.
February 9th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
@Marie
I don’t think they are dead. JL is no Scot Sigler and I think the 3 are crucial to the next book and maybe even the ending of this one.
February 9th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
“SPOILER ALERT::::)
So going to be buying first book and Second when it comes out but… This is my Thoughts. The three Friends are saved although they are going to be injured. They Show up In the Battle I feel the Pooka and “Red Worm”(the dragon) as he finds that he was deceived from the TURO. The pooka also learn how to not depend on Hazel nuts. “Dragon” helps cure King, and Connor’s Grandmother does Show although she is altered in some way. Connor will have another Love Struggle again I think with Essa and Gracie. New Land needs to be discovered as per in First book (when you do the choosing then a new land develops if I remember correctly). I think the in the third book the ones that disappeared will return and Brandans mom is one and I agree with above posters that Rubie will regain sight. Cailaltee will escape again….. To the New Land where there is new magick/beings/trees/…Sorry for spelling errors. Spid will die…
February 10th, 2011 at 8:34 am
S McLean: I think that would be a nice twist. It would be heartbreaking if Spideog died.
February 10th, 2011 at 6:45 pm
Can hardly stand waiting for the last few installments.
**SPOILER ALERT**
Predict that Cialtie et al are foiled again by the arrival of our Red friend who then takes Connor to his dreamt of (literally) reunion with his Dad and friends. Essa and Connor may still have a way to go as she will find out about Graysea and not be as understanding as she might. Connor’s grandmother marries Spidog (sorry Dahi) and Brendan brings both his mother and daughter to live in the land because he decides to marry Nieve. Book 3 is the adventure to discover the new land that Connor creates during his rune choosing – because he will have a major rune, but his Dad isn’t ready to give up his. Question to consider – will Connor choose in the “true” magic way or will he choose a shadow rune?? Maybe he will choose the hazel rune and his mother’s rune land will be the one they go explorin’ for…
Can’t wait!!!
February 11th, 2011 at 7:24 am
***SPOILER ALERT*** ICEGIRL: you’re predictions are amazing!
I agree with almost every one of them! And Essa might be less than thrilled by Conor’s relationship with GreySea, but Essa’s been wooing with Turdlow, so she better keep quiet, and hope she wins Conor back! LOL Only time will tell…
February 11th, 2011 at 9:43 am
Ch 39 **Spoiler**
***
***
I thought it was hilarious when it was announced, “That settles it, I am never getting pregnant!”
February 11th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
***SPOILER ALERT***
@IceGirl – excellent, excellent predictions! Though, I wonder if there will be someone for both Spideog and Dahi…
—
Regarding Spideog and his new bow – that bow must be magic infused. Those shots with it were just down right amazing. I know Spideog is a master in archery, but still… Could the magic have been done by Conner’s grandmother?
February 11th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
That was seriously an awesome chapter JL
*************spoiler alert***********
Teehee lots of stars
Lol essa said the same thing as Conner said inbook 1 when they were attked in the land that belongs to cialti
I don’t think that conners grandma will marry again.
I’ve been rereading book 1 I remember that conners mom took a rune choosing and got a new rune. We were never told if new lands came. Maybe that’ll change the tide of the battle. Cialty is a dooshbag for killing those brownies. I think that near the end some of the brownies and banshees will realize the dreadful wrong they were doing and it will be a battle of just about a 40-60 ratio and we will have the 40. Then I believe the dragon will come somewhat near the end. I also believe that Connor will fight with turdlow(lol funny insult) and Connor will show mercy to turdlow. IMPORTANT: I Also think that spideog knows the robed figure is his grandma and is planning on taking him there.
I bet jesse will realize that what his father and people are doing is wrong and will help comvince frank and some of the brownies to either runaway or help Connor
February 11th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Sry… I forgot… Essa is hilarious and beastly awesome
February 13th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
@Solid Granite ,
I don’t think graysea will be a problem for long. It is pretty clear the Connor is Esssa’s “Boy toy” and she pretty much owns him…
Although from y point of view it would be hard to turn down GraySea.. a mermaid.
February 14th, 2011 at 8:44 am
***Spoiler alert***
Might not be a spoiler, but just in case.
I have a theory about Conner’s dreams of his father and friends.
I realise that the accepted notion is that Red will have saved Taun, Araf, Brendon (spelling is probably wrong), and will save Conner’s father with his blood. But I had a strange idea if that isn’t what happens.
When we heard the story of how the brownie lands were created, we were told that the guy’s heart wasn’t in it and the land created wasn’t really great. Same with Cielte and the reed lands, what he was feeling shaped the reed lands.
Conner keeps wishing that his cousin was alive again. Assuming that to be impossible, how else could they be reunited, short of Conner dieing.
My theory is that Conner will have his rune choosing at some point, and will pull a new rune that will bring a “land of the dead” scenario into play. That way, if Red hasn’t saved those mentioned, they would not really be gone for good, they would be in the land of the dead.
I know, pretty silly, but it struck me as an interesting idea.
February 14th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
An awsome book, I can’t get out of it!!! Could be me, but when I downloaded the chapters, chapter 29 should of been after 19. Anybody else notice this?
February 15th, 2011 at 3:14 am
plz plz plz finish the chapters before the next month
after that I won’t have access to the internet for 2 years
plz finish it earlier
I have been addicted to this marvelous story and I really want to know the end
tnx
February 15th, 2011 at 9:59 am
***Spoiler alert***
I’m beginning to think Aunt Nieve is pregnant with Brendan child. Is this possible or is too old for this
February 15th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Hey parinaz
Email your address to John@shadowmagic.co.uk and I will send you a Cd with the last 4 chapters.
John L
February 15th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
@liba,
you know that everything is more vivid in the land…..
February 16th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
Jack can you clarify the download mess-up?
JL
February 16th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
I think is is referring to the way the episodes are out of order in itunes… a pretty common issue.
February 17th, 2011 at 7:26 am
I’ll double check it again when I get home, but the file named chapter 29 should of been after the file named chapter 19. I had downloaded them from here, could of been a temporary mixed up, but at that time, those file names were out of order.
February 17th, 2011 at 7:35 am
I think Briang is right. I think that’s an itunes prob. It’s ok on the podiobooks site. Anybody else have problems?
JL
February 17th, 2011 at 7:36 am
Chapters 40 & 41 are up folks. Only 2 more chapters to go.
JL
February 17th, 2011 at 7:58 am
Yea, two chapters! =D
But I’m gonna be so sad when this is over. D=
February 17th, 2011 at 8:25 am
No Spoiler Alert Required! JL: the latest 2 chapters are simply PHENOMENAL! Not only do they bring the story lines together as closely as a finely woven carpet, they are among your BEST writing to date! Congratulations! Can’t wait to see how the story wraps up…and can only hope that you’re hard at work writing and recording Book 3…
February 17th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
Excellent job so far. Can’t wait to see how everything wraps up.
Oh and
SPOILERS
How you showed the negative consequences of Connor’s “Be nice to everyone” attitude was simply brilliant.
END SPOILERS
February 17th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Oh wow!
– SPOILER ALERT! –
Killing off major characters – or characters you know your readers/listeners like – is a big part of being a great story teller. Nobody likes it, but sometimes it has to be done. But two in one episode (even though we wanted one strung up) was brave.
The archer was warm, curmudgeonly, grandfatherly and why oh WHY?!!!! Poor old Connor is going to torture himeslf over having giving the knife back to ‘Frank’.
Holy close shave, Batman! Fancy changing into a fire worm indoors! Even I wouldn’t be so daft … probably.
– END OF SPOILER ALERT –
Brilliantly read, as always. I’m soooo looking forward to the last episodes I think I’ll slip into a fey sleep until they’re released. Now, where’s that magic manual?
February 18th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
You, Mr. Lenahan, are one talented writer, I am pleased beyond words with the outcome of chapter 41, you sir, are quite talented.
**Spoiler Alert**
I cannot believe you resurrected Oeison (spelling?) in the nick of time! I enjoyed what you did with the whole chapter, I loved it! I cannot wait for the next chapter, you are an amazingly talented person, John!!! You have a dedicated fan, right here
February 18th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
ooh….wow! Those two chapters seriously rock! Brilliant! Thank you John!
**** Spoiler Alert ****
I just have to say, I’m pouting over Spideog. But I’m glad it was him doing his job and doing darn well at it. I will always be on Team Spideog. (Dahi’s cool and all. But I just have a spot in my heart for archers and Spideog’s personality.)
Regarding Tawn becoming a dragon – Booyah! So much more to exclaim about, but all I’d be doing is reiterating the awesome events. I just keep saying, “Wow!”…
@Nick – does Tawn really know his size as a dragon yet? It probably takes some getting used to.
February 24th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
**** Spoiler Alert ****
I wonder is Connors grandmother is in the real world? Maybe she is tied into Brendan’s line as she refers to hugging trees, etc. The next book is going to be really cool. I hope we don’t have to wait too long.
I do recommend purchasing the paperback version of Shadowmagic.. it is a very good read.
February 26th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
JL – you seem to just get better and better as an author and entertainer – I just want to say that the last few chapters were simply amazing . I just hope that everyone who listens can buy the books to support your amazing talent – and maybe you could give us budding writers a few pointers on how to write stories which are entertaining and enjoyable as yours .
February 28th, 2011 at 12:14 am
Have I shared with you guys the art from one of my fans Megan? Take a look at Fergal in manga.
http://whispersinthemirror.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d2uor2f
John L
February 28th, 2011 at 5:08 am
Megan – Awesome rendition of Fergal!!!!
February 28th, 2011 at 6:48 am
MEGAN: Your drawing of Fergal is awesome! I hope you plan on doing the whole cast! LOL Can’t wait to see Essa and Grey Sea and Conor and Deidre and Oison and Neive and…well, EVERYBODY! Can you imagine animated versions of Books I & II??? They’d be incredible! Thanks for sharing with us Megan…and thanks to you, JL, for the stories thus far!
February 28th, 2011 at 10:06 am
I want to see the whole cast, too lol
I have my own image of everyone in my head. Mainly I pictured Fergal with a medium green skin color. I might attempt to start drawing again. Thanks Megan and JL.
February 28th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Megan, as an exercise, did three pages for a Shadowmagic graphic novel, You can see it here. There is also a pic of Conor. I think she’s great.
http://whispersinthemirror.deviantart.com/gallery/
February 28th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Shadowmagic 1 & 2 were both phenomenal! They have made my morning commute to work enjoyable for the last month and a half. Unfortunately I am finished and will eagerly await the third book. Good job Mr. Lenahan!
March 1st, 2011 at 10:02 am
The Graphic Novel pics look great! I would totally buy one to go along with the regular book.
March 1st, 2011 at 11:16 am
Wow, Shadowmagic as a comic would be awesome, and Megan’s three pages ( http://whispersinthemirror.deviantart.com/gallery/ ) are really good … though it would be a BIG comic when complete!
I could definitely see it as a big budget movie!
@John – I think (I hope) there’s one more chapter to come.
March 1st, 2011 at 12:47 pm
There is one last chapter and I have already sent it to Evo so it should be up this week.
March 1st, 2011 at 1:15 pm
“There is one last chapter and I have already sent it to Evo so it should be up this week.”
W00T!!!!
March 1st, 2011 at 5:57 pm
Way to throw me under the bus, Lenahan.
Give me a couiple of hours. I had plans that I suppose I’ll find a way to move around to accommodate.
That, and I wanna hear how it ends too. But I’m still grumpy!
March 1st, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Making you grumpy makes me happy Evo.
Hey guys how about a round of applause for then fabulous Mr Evo Terra. There would be no Hazel and Oak without him.
John L
March 1st, 2011 at 9:26 pm
(clapping hands in a circle motion -> for the fab Mr. Evo /wink)
March 1st, 2011 at 9:32 pm
Thank you Evo…….
March 1st, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Yeah, yeah, yeah…
March 2nd, 2011 at 12:01 am
The last chapter just went up. Thanks Evo.
March 2nd, 2011 at 1:27 am
Aaaa, the last chapter won’t download in iTunes (giving an error ‘!’ at the side). Maybe because it’s just up so we’ll have to wait a bit.
Complaining aside, I would like to give a big thanks to John Lenahan for this wonderful series. I got hold of the first book through a local store since I screen books for a secondary school library by reading them to see if they are appropriate. I must say I loved it immediately but had no clue that it had been published as a podcast before.
After I finished the first one, I looked up further material about it on the net only to find that book 2 was being published as an audiobook! Can’t wait for the hard-copy, i’ll be sure to add it to my and the school’s collection.
So once again, thanks for entertaining me for 20 mins or so once in a while
Joseph
P.S. Book 3 please
March 2nd, 2011 at 8:01 am
JL: Thank you very, very much for giving us SHADOWMAGIC I & II. I’ve been entertained for hours, and had a ball speculating and imagining. I hope you’re almost ready to start posting III. When its complete, I’d love to see a 3 book “boxed set” made available! I think you’d sell a ton of them! (And autographed sets would sell even faster! LOL)
EVO: Thank you and Podiobooks.com for posting JL’s books. I’m sure the site has gained a lot of new fans because of it, and I will continue to send friends to it for the best in podio entertainment!
To both JL and Podiobooks.com, a hearty BRAVO!
March 2nd, 2011 at 8:29 am
Thank you so much for podcasting The Prince of Hazel and Oak for all of us! Shadow Magic was the first book that I listened to through podcast so it has a very special place in my heart.
Without giving anything away, I love the way you ended the book.
I have a new favourite character in Hazel and Oak, Brendon is so great! I also love Gracie.
I’m definitly looking forward to buying a copy [or maybe more] from HarperCollins.
March 2nd, 2011 at 8:36 am
Hey JS
Someone else said they had problems downloading from itunes too. I had no prob. Anybody else have headaches?
JL
March 2nd, 2011 at 8:54 am
Itunes worked fine for me.
Maybe everyone is trying to download at the same time.
That was one heck of an ending by the way.
March 2nd, 2011 at 11:09 am
Hey JL,
Just out of curiosity, not to rush you of course, but we aren’t going to have to wait three years for the next book, are we? I don’t mean to be out of place, but I just wanted to ask. I really love your books, you make them so vivid and full of creation and life.
SG: I like the three-book-boxed-and-autographed-set idea
March 2nd, 2011 at 11:16 am
I promise Marie – I’ll be quicker this time.
March 2nd, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Heya,
I got the last chapter which ended with a Banta Stick, but there is a further download entitled “Ending” on iTunes which keeps showing the “!” and an error. Given that you made acknowledgements on the last chapter, is this “Ending” necessary?
I loved the podcasts and am taking up your suggestion and buying a few copies of the books for friends. Also writing reviews at LibraryThing and Goodreads to encourage more people to purchase the books.
John: Thanks for a wild ride, during my daily commute, and I patiently await Book 3.
March 2nd, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Hey John, the last chapter has downloaded fine for me now (haven’t heard it yet, still got some work to finish) but the other episode “The End” still won’t download as Sile said above. It think it’s just an issue with the episode not being made available globally at once, so it will be in due time.
Thanks once again!
March 2nd, 2011 at 1:39 pm
JL, thank you so much for such a wonderful aural extravaganza! You’re a very talented storyteller and don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise – and if they do refer them to us!
I can’t wait for part III (Cialtie’s Downfall?), and I’m much looking forward to the films, too.
March 2nd, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Hi Jon, Shadowmagic and now The Prince of Hazel and Oak are on the top of my list to be purchased, once Prince is released or course. Just wanted to say thanks for the stories, I found shadowmagic last year and it and book 2 helped me through a slump after college where I couldn’t find work. Your work is uplifting and fun at the same time. I must say that your writing style is without equal and I am waiting eagerly for Book 3!
March 2nd, 2011 at 2:46 pm
John – This book has been wonderful! I’m looking forward to seeing it in print. I re-read the first book after I bought it in the first printing and I know I will this one too. Thank you so much for your delightful stories!!!!!
Now to wait for book 3.
March 2nd, 2011 at 5:05 pm
I think the itunes chapter entitled THE END is a podiobooks blerb.
If you heard the chapter entitled GET A ROOM and then heard my little speech then you got it all – until next time.
Thank you all your kind words. I’m gonna miss this forum.
John L
March 2nd, 2011 at 7:02 pm
I agree with all of the other comments this book is AWESOME! i really enjoyed the twist when graysea came at the last moment and ruin everything conor had worked out with Essa. To be honest i didnt mind much I liked Graysea a lot more then Essa. Looking forward for Shadowmagic 3.
Im also doing my best to get all of my friends to read the books on print as well.
March 2nd, 2011 at 8:18 pm
That’s it Carter. It’s Acorn burger time.
March 2nd, 2011 at 9:20 pm
@ Carter,
I like Graysea a lot better too. I think she is a better find. The only thing Essa has going for her is the unlimited supply of beer and wine.
March 3rd, 2011 at 7:54 am
@ Briang
—Possible Spoiler alert—
I’m not so sure about that, I think Essa might be a bit more stable than Graysea.
I mean sure, Essa has tried to kill Conner in both books, and Graysea saved Conner’s life a couple of times (initial healing, having the bends on going to surface, getting off island). But Graysea had that cryptic comment about how most people think she has only one half of her brain awake at a time. She was quite devious like that, what if she was fully awake?
Also, Mr. Lenahan. A love triangle, really.
March 3rd, 2011 at 8:54 am
I am imagining that Graysea is going to knock Essa out haha. Can’t wait for the next book to see how that turned out
March 3rd, 2011 at 9:29 am
**** Spoiler Alert ****
@ Marie
I think the first chapter where that is resolved is going to be one of the best…..
March 3rd, 2011 at 9:55 am
*Spoiler*
I’m still team Graysea. I just listened to the first book again, and it seems like Essa just keeps treating Conor badly, even though she says she’s sorry. And she was getting married to the Turdlow only after three months after kissing Conor. Anyway… I’d love to hear more about Graysea, too. I imagine that Graysea is fierce and not as forgiving as one would think, but then again she seems to be nicer than Essa. I think someone mentioned earlier that Graysea and Taun would be a cute couple
Oh and also, I can’t wait to hear/read about the new land from Conor’s mom
March 3rd, 2011 at 4:39 pm
*Spoiler*
@ Marie…
Looking back Connor has had much more fun with Graysea then he ever had with Essa. It is going to be a long wait for the next book.
I am trying to remember what other types of people haven’t been mentioned yet…. who could populate the new land?
@John,
Don’t forget you have to ask Acorn first. I would hate him to plant a hoof in you…. we would never get the 3 rd book!
March 3rd, 2011 at 9:31 pm
oh no you DIDN’T!! How long till book 3?!! OMG!…i’m hyperventilating already!
March 4th, 2011 at 2:34 am
@JL, you did it again! Amazing, AMAZING book! I disliked the way you ended it, but I mean that in a playful way, not a “You’re cruel” kinda way. I’m listening to your ending speech lol, and you are very, very welcome for all the posts on here. I look forward to doing it more when book 3 cones out. You did it again, John, and remember, you have a dedicated fan base and we will always be here! Don’t stop believing, John!
March 4th, 2011 at 8:42 am
Briang:
**Spoiler**
I wonder if it would be people to populate the new land? Maybe it would be pegasuses, unicorns, pixies or something animalistic. More relevant, Spideog did say that he “saw no bodies.” Maybe Deirdre’s rune brought a new land with the Fili from the war? It might be a nice tie. It seems that the reed lands came from Cialtie’s emotions and disposition. Deirdre has a good heart, so something good should come out of it.
March 4th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
@ Marie…. I was thinking of Pixies, too.
really mischievous ones…..
March 4th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
There are NO PIXIES IN TIR NA NOG! How many time s do I have to say that.
March 5th, 2011 at 1:55 am
Haha, does that mean I guessed it? Just kidding. JL, you say there are no pixies in the land, but there used to be no banshees and other creatures, too
Looking forward to the third book!!
March 5th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
@ Marie……
Drunk Pixies….:)
March 6th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
No pixies in The Land…and apparently the elves make themselves mighty scare! I think we’ve see ONE elf, at Jarrod’s party. Where the heck do they live, and why haven’t they gotten involved in anything going on in The Land?
*** SPOILER ALERT *** I think Bendan’s mother WILL be coming to The Land along with Ruby, who will magically regain her sight. When Brendan goes back next Halloween (can’t spell the Land version), he’ll be allowed to bring them back with him as a reward for his part in helping to save The Land and Oison.
Brendan’s mother will turn out to be a descendant of Fand…maybe a great-great-niece or something…hence, the strong family resemblance.
One last note…I was pleased to see Gray Sea show up, and was pretty pissed off at Essa for her usual violence against Conor. After all, she was still with Turdlow when the Conor-Grey Sea match happened. If Conor ends up with Essa, I’d love to see Grey Sea end up with Taun…they’d be a great couple!
March 7th, 2011 at 5:35 am
Its over? Do I have anything else to live for? I don’t think so.
March 7th, 2011 at 7:42 am
@Brandon – dude, there’s book three to look forward to!
March 7th, 2011 at 8:55 am
SG: The time around Halloween is called Samhain (sawen). There are a lot of references in JL’s books that you can read more about on wiki. I found the initial tale of Oisin son of Fionn mac Cumhaill, The Salmon of Knowledge, Rune Casting (making your own runes), et cetera. It’s all very interesting stuff, and it hold me over until the next episodes and books. It’s also interesting to look at pictures of hazel nuts, oak trees, elves, et cetera to get an idea of what the characters might look like.
Brandon: I hope you’re joking
Try looking up some up the stuff listed above and I’m sure the thread here will keep on until the third book 
March 7th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
@ SG
i was thinking the same idea with Graysea and Taun. Taun might learn how to become a mermaid and swim off occasionally to the mertaine island. Once he explains his situation to graysea she’ll back off and Conor and Essa will get to gether. Graysea will be really sad so Conor will intruduce her to Taun. lol that would be epic if that match happened
March 8th, 2011 at 3:16 am
The Prince of Hazel and Oak is a worthy successor to Shadowmagic. It brings the same mixture of adventure, danger, and humor that made the first novel so enjoyable. John did a great job reading this, and I’m looking forward to next novel, especially given how the book ended. John should be ashamed of himself!
Great job!
March 9th, 2011 at 8:22 am
Carter: *spoiler* I was kinda thinking, maybe Graysea would teach Taun how to “leave the hurt behind” through the pooka changes. It would be a great way for them to spend time together
I thought it was funny how Moran snatched up Taun to go study 
March 9th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
@Marie
*spoiler*
Connor hooking up with Graysea would “leave the hurt behind” so to speak.
@Brandon
Even though nothing compares to Hazel and Oak you might like The Guild of the Cowery Catchers and the Trader Tales…..
You can also download Lunasa… each time Island Paddy comes up I am tricked into thinking an episode is going to start.
March 11th, 2011 at 8:41 am
Briang: You made me LOL. I’m stuck on my image of Graysea and Taun now, though. Let’s see how it turns out. JL is very creative you know
And thank you for suggesting the book The Guild of the Cowery Catchers, I have already listened to all of the books my Nathan Lowell; those were really good, too 
March 11th, 2011 at 9:17 am
*spoiler*
Is Connor’s mother was in the room how is she going to react to someone hurting her child??????
March 11th, 2011 at 9:21 am
Briang: As much as I love my son, I think I might understand her reaction if that happened to him LOL (I’m 21 btw)
March 11th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Ok so I’ve been having a Shadow magic marathon I am reilizing just how much I miss Furgal.
March 11th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Me too Enna.
March 13th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
The theme music is “gratefully” provided? Unless they were very thankful you played it, I think you meant “graciously.” Or maybe “gratefully accepted?” But I’d say “graciously.”
Minor niggle. Majorly good books.
Griz
March 15th, 2011 at 9:53 am
LOL David… Honestly, I always thought JL was saying “GREATfully” lol. It is really not that big of a deal. He is giving credit to whom he needs to, and the story is great. I am sure that Lúnasa does appreciate him sharing their music, too. It was a nice suggestion, but Lúnasa is also all men, and I’m sure they would rather be grateful than gracious hehe.
March 18th, 2011 at 11:16 pm
i think JL means that HE is grateful.
March 20th, 2011 at 1:21 am
Yes Hoosakitty that is what I mean but… Dave is right. It’s not grammatically correct. It’s gonna bother me now.
John L
March 20th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Hey John I have the limited edition book 1, is there going to be a limited edition for each one? I would love to have the really nice set.
Btw folks if you have not coughed up a donation to podiobooks, please do. They do an awesome job.
March 21st, 2011 at 3:36 pm
I’m sorry to say Craig that Shadowmagic 2 will only be in paperback. April 28th.
March 25th, 2011 at 11:06 am
*** SPOILER ALERT *** I’ve had an ephany! I know exactly how Conor can handle the situation with Essa and Grey Sea! He’s got to marry them both! Hey, this is The Land, and I’ve heard no rules against multiple wives, so there ya go~ Can you imagine the trouble Conor would be in with the two of them? It makes me laugh out loud when I think of the various situations he’d be in day after day. Okay, I know this isn’t a practical solution, and it will probably never happen, but it would be a hilarious twist!
March 25th, 2011 at 11:07 am
Ok, my spelling is awful…”epiphany”…LOL
March 26th, 2011 at 6:28 am
Shadowmagic Utah?
March 26th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Book 4 could be “ShadowMagic – Sister Wives”…LOL
Just kidding…I don’t expect that plot line to ever happen, BUT I am anxious to see how you deal with the “eternal triangle”.
March 29th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
I absolutely loved this and the previous book. I just finnished listening to the story and I miss it already.
March 30th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
Poor Connor..*shakes head* He just got Essa back and Gray Sea pops up. I can’t wait for book 3. I’m curious to see what happens when they go back to the real world. I’m hoping Brendan brings his family over. I’m hoping that if Ruby comes back to Tir Ni Nog that she’ll get her sight back. They should all be able to go since they have Fili blood running through their veins.
April 6th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
I am just dieing to see how Connors mother reacts to Essa knocking him out…….
April 25th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Loved Shadow Magic 1 & 2 — story, pace & characterizations all really good. I loved it.
May 5th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Is The Prince of Hazel and Oak as much fun as Shadowmagic? Yup! Very entertaining.
May 9th, 2011 at 2:27 am
Can’t wait until the third book comes out!!
The first 2 have been the greatest ever and I know the third is going to be even greater!!!
your doing an awesome job John.
May 14th, 2011 at 6:09 am
Hello again,
I just ordered Prince of Hazel and Oak for my sons. I loved the audio version. I can’t wait to do this all again for book 3. There will be a book version, right? Hope all is well.
**** spoiler ****
To be honest, I was also sure Brendan’s mom would turn out to be affiliated with the Fili (sp?) war, but it sounds like your answer to that was no.
May 23rd, 2011 at 5:33 pm
i loved your books since you started and now that i figured out how to do this i can share my thoughts on it. p.s I loved your ending essa must be realy mad.:)
May 24th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Okay, JL…its time for a hint about the release date of the first Podiobooks chapters of Book Three! PLEASE! If you don’t at least give us a teaser soon, I’m sticking you with one of Neve’s magic pins, and the only part of you that will work will be your pen hand (and of course your creative mind).
May 25th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Ah SG we are a long way away from that. Only finished chapter 7 today. In other news, Shadowmaguc is No1 on the iBook children’s chart here in the UK
May 27th, 2011 at 6:30 am
JL, congrats on the #1…there’s no doubt the books deserve it!
We know you’re hard at work on book 3, and the instant you release chapter one, you’ll have thousands or readers and listeners clamoring for more! Have a great summer, but keep that pen hand busy! LOL
May 28th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Great job! But i’m confused, why was greysea their? I thought she would get in more trouble.
************************************************ SPOILER ALERT
OR did she get banished!?!?!?
And whats book#3 going to be called?
May 28th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
How many books long will The series be?
May 30th, 2011 at 6:45 am
one more Zack – working on it now.
June 2nd, 2011 at 11:31 am
John, please consider doing the Special Edition Print fro 2 and 3 I would love to have the Hard bound signed set. Order 50% less than what they printed last time if you have to but do it please. I want the set!
Use your imagination now – hands….. knees…..tears….something…something…tears….
June 21st, 2011 at 1:30 am
Still no title for book three. I’m working on it now but as usual – life is getting in the way.
Zack – yes she did get banished.
June 21st, 2011 at 1:31 am
Craig – Me too but I don’t think there will be a hardback book 2.
June 21st, 2011 at 1:32 am
Shadowmagic ebook for 99 cents (or 49 pence)
Hey Shadowmagic fans. To promote the publication of Shadowmagic Book II – The Prince of Hazel & Oak – Harper Collins and I are offering the ebook of Shadowmagic for 99 cents (45 pence in the UK.)
For the price of a packet of gum you can send a gift certificate for Shadowmagic to all of your ebook, iPad, iPhone & Nook owning friends.
I made it to no. 4 in the UK iBook charts with this promotion – lets try and do it worldwide!!!
I’m working hard on book three – I’ll email you when it’s cooked.
Thanks
John L
June 21st, 2011 at 10:32 am
How exciting! Cha-ching! (<-I just bought them both for Kindle.)
We can't wait to hear more news on the next story!!!!
June 21st, 2011 at 10:56 am
John,
My entire family loved the books; keep up the good work! We have now purchased Nook, Kindle and paperback copies of both books. If there’s anything else we can do to lend some support, let us know.
Any chance of pre-ordering a signed box-set?
Also, I have to say that while I really like the story, it’s your reading style and voice that really push it over the top for me. I usually listen to a bit of the podcast before reading so I can hear your voice in my head. It makes the print versions that much more enjoyable.
July 1st, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Amazing story fell in love… Listen to this and Book 1 in less than a week. Downloaded both to my cellphone! Wonderful storyline and an amazing voice reading it! Cant wait for book 3!
July 12th, 2011 at 7:20 am
Such a fun. I was very excited to know that this book was out there after I finished the first book. I listen to it while I wait for nurses to break equipment at work. Both books just flew by and I almost stayed late several nights just to listen to a little bit more. Please please please bring out book three as soon as it and you are ready. Thank you for making my work day just a bit more bearable.
July 12th, 2011 at 7:21 am
Such a fun “book” rather. To think that english is sadly my first and only language.
July 15th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Listened to both several times. Dying for the next book. I think I have memorized the first two books. God bless itunes. I have both on my ipod touch.
So always around when I need a goid read.
July 15th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
*good*
August 10th, 2011 at 10:13 am
Terrific book. Great reading. So much fun to explore the Land with Conor and Crew this time around.
I know it’s difficult to write a series and keep it fresh for writer and reader, but I say: Keep ‘em coming.
August 15th, 2011 at 10:24 am
Both books are so amazing. You weave a perfectly engaging tale and tell it beautifully. Please, please, PLEASE tell me there will be a part 3.
August 15th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
I’m working on 3 right now
August 16th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
I finished Shadowmagic yesterday and am already half way through book 2. I just wanted to drop you a line to say that you’re an amazing writer. I am engrossed in this story and really care about what happens to Conner and his father, along with the other characters. Thank you so much for bringing this wonderful world to life. I’ve been commuting quite a long way in the last 6 months and have worked my way through the Harry Potter series and Percy Jackson so far. Your work is definitely on par with them. Also, I’m a 30 something girl…so your story appeals to all ages, not just teens. You had me laughing out loud on the way home today. Thanks again, and keep the stories coming.
September 4th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Great sequel, though the first 10 chapters were a bit slow and. Had to force my way through them, though m very glad I did. The reason those were bad chapters were because it was just this brendon character… Anyway, can’t wait for the next. I do have one concern with this book though. When conor gets the green/gold knife and gives it to frank (which was dumb because he already knew it was 1 of 2 special made by dahhee) he doesn’t take it back later. The thing about this is that a real person would’ve either not given it in the first place or at least taken it back. Just one example of a character doing something unrealistically stupid. I do have to say though that comparing this to Harry potter is like comparing a… Well, a good book to a worse book. This is much better than those. When will #3 be out?!?!?!?
September 6th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
@Mike, the reason why we had to hear about Brendon was because we needed to know where his character fit in to this, I don’t blame John, and honestly I believe it was a good idea to put in a fresh face for us, as we were familiar with most of the other characters.
@John, when do you think you will start recording part 3? I think it’s close to recording time, as Hazel and Oak was released around this time last year. I’m just curious and I don’t mean to make you feel pressured, as goodness knows, you probably are already
October 4th, 2011 at 4:53 am
Well, I’m only just beginning Book 2, but I got a pretty good laugh trying to imagine the busting-Conor-out-of-the-Scranton-pokey so far…
No wonder they had to build a completely new Scranton Police station…Conor’s momma and auntie demolished the old one!! (J/k)
Loving it so far, can’t wait to get in deeper!
October 10th, 2011 at 10:56 am
Okay, JL…its been a long time (over 7 months) since we had the last chapter of ShadowMagic II. I know you’ve been busy cruising the world, and living the life of Riley (another fine old Irish gent!), but its time to settle down, and get to work on finishing III !!!! I’ll bet you’ve already got several chapters completed, and you’re making us wait to build anticipation. Well, let me tell ya…the anticipation is almost palpable! And as soon as you’re ready for hardcopy publication, put the three together in a special set, and I’ll bet you’ll sell a ton of them! And if you offered your Podiobooks listeners a special SIGNED set of the three, you’d sell another ton of them!
October 13th, 2011 at 12:15 am
Please sir, can I have some more? I absolutely love this story, and that ending…can’t wait for the third installment. I love the humor, love the action, the emotion…all of it. I hope that Cialte gets his in the last book, and that we finally meet Conor’s granny. I also hope that Brendon comes back to Tir Na Nog with Ruby and his mom!
I’m going to buy hard copies for myself, and also for my boyfriend’s sister (she’s in high school) and my sister (who’s in her twenties like me!). What better way to ring in the coming Christmas season in Scranton, PA than to gift “Shadomagic” and “The Prince of Hazel and Oak” to Scrantonites!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story! Can’t wait for book 3!
October 23rd, 2011 at 9:38 pm
@SG, I totally agree! This is getting CRAAZY!! I can almost cut my anticipation with a knife! Come on, JL, you’re gonna drive us ALL to the Scranton Pokey soon!!
November 8th, 2011 at 8:25 am
@ Everyone, Come on guys give JL a break. It’s difficult to write a novel, much less one with as much backstory as part 3 is going to have. I’d rather wait till JL is satisfied with it before he releases it than him giving it to us piecemeal and there needing to be revisions.
JL, you’re doing a great job with the series and you know that we all will really appreciate the book when it’s finished.
November 15th, 2011 at 9:38 am
Thank you all (especially Dereck.) I’m only half way through but as of today I’m doubling my efforts. I’ll keep you posted.
John L
November 17th, 2011 at 10:03 am
The best things in life are, in fact, worth waiting for. I would rather see John take his time and write an exceptional sequel than to rush to put out a mediocre one.
Remember that very few authors actually make a profit, much less a living, from writing, and doubly-so for those who are awesome enough to release FREE podcasts of their work. Though I know that we are all anxious for the next book, please cut John some slack. He probably has a family, job(s), and other priorities on his time on top of writing.
JL, Please keep doing what you do best! We eagerly (yet patiently) anticipate your next book.
November 17th, 2011 at 10:53 am
Pete and Dereck: I guess you’re not aware that begging, pleading and cajoling JL for more is a long standing tradition in this forum. We do it because we love Shadowmagic, and have been avid fans since the first chapter of Book I. Each of us eagerly awaits the next book, and each of us is fully aware of the time, effort, blood, sweat and tears that JL invests in his writing. I thinks its an honor indeed to have your fans clamor and demand more right now!
December 11th, 2011 at 10:43 am
I’m at 75000 as of this week. But that’s just the first draft.
January 2nd, 2012 at 2:31 am
Please put me on your mailing list for book 3. My BFF and I have been going nuts waiting on the new book. I give both books 5 stars!
January 6th, 2012 at 11:47 pm
I agree with Pete and think JL should take as long as he needs (and hopefully not too long) in the meantime. Good luck JL. I”‘ certain you will make an extraordinary novel.
January 14th, 2012 at 9:51 pm
I’m another listener/reader waiting for book 3. I waited until all of book 2 was out on podcast before listening as I can’t stand to wait week to week! I listened to Shadow Magic first (for the 2nd or 3rd time total), then Prince of Hazel and Oak.
I’m really looking forward to book 3- please add me to your list for announcements. Thanks!!!
January 17th, 2012 at 8:08 am
I’ve adored both the podiobooks and listen to them regularly, I got a paper copy of the first book for a giveaway I held on my podcast, and I’ve just purchased the nook versions of both books. Hooked? Just a tad
But when I believe in something, I want EVERYONE
January 17th, 2012 at 8:09 am
…to know about it! (stupid butterfingers. Sorry for the second post.)
Anyway, I’d love to be on the mailing list, too!
Thanks for the incredible stories, and I’m looking forward to more
January 23rd, 2012 at 5:52 am
Hey guys. to be on the mailing list you have to send me an email at john(at)Shadowmagic(dot)co(dot)uk.
John L
January 23rd, 2012 at 8:30 pm
With an ending like that who couldn’t be eagarly awaiting the next book?
February 11th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
great book. you get 5 stars from me. Can’t hardly wait for the 3rd one
March 5th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Well, I’ve just read everything here… and have both listened and read the books at least 3 times now I reckon.
Usually I have it on when driving though it goes home with me and stays on, long live headphones
Anyhow, can’t wait, I simply just can’t wait and next time when the new chapters come out I’ll actually start speculating with everyone here
April 27th, 2012 at 6:28 am
This is one of the most wonderful stories I’ve ever herd and it came at the same time that not only was Conner’s Dad dying, but my Dad had just died as well.
I found that the story warmed my heart at a time when I so desperately needed it. I plan to buy a few copies of the book to share with family members as well as my Mom.
Thanks John. I so dearly look forward to the third in the series. May God richly bless and protect you and yours in the coming time of turmoil that this planet is about to experience…
April 30th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Can’t wait for number 3 to come out do we have any idea when that will be???? This is an amazing series that i throughly enjoy listening to make my day at work go a little quicker!!!
May 15th, 2012 at 9:50 am
This series is amazing John. Very well put together. I look forward to the next installment.
July 6th, 2012 at 9:39 am
JL: Are you alive and well? You haven’t fallen overboard, have you? We’re worried about you, old boy! We’re all holding our collective breath waiting for Book III, and I’m turning blue. Please give us an update or a clue as to when we can expect to read the first chapters…PLEASE!
August 6th, 2012 at 5:55 am
Hey, just wanted to let you know that I greatly enjoyed this book. I finished Shadowmagic late last week, and was bummed about having to wait for number 2 until I realized the feed I was using had the wrong dates and Hazel and Oak was already out! Now I’m extra bummed I have to wait for 3!
I admit, the writing has improved in this book. Thank you for the excellent time listening to an excellent tale.
I saw something online about 3 possibly coming out in September? Was that a mistake?
August 11th, 2012 at 6:24 pm
Matt: Amazon UK shows Shadowmagic – Sons of Macha with a March 14 release date in paperback for next year. I saw the goodreads info on it, not sure if that’s right or an old date.
October 9th, 2012 at 12:38 am
Just wanted to say that my wife and I have loved listening to your Shadowmagic series, John. I’m happy the series is being received so well. Keep up the wonderful story and good luck with your future writing endeavors. I look forward to reading book 3.
October 26th, 2012 at 4:21 am
Hey! love listening to your audio book, it’s really great work.
I do hope you will continue writing books and giving us happiness through them as you have done with these two books i’ve just listened to.
Thanks alot from Sweden!
April 6th, 2013 at 8:23 am
Just finished it, so much enjoyable like the first book, I just couldnt help myself, just ordered the sons of macha from bookdepository. will miss the narration, I hope you get sometime in the future to post it here on podiobooks. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Mexico
May 15th, 2013 at 1:50 pm
Great series!
I only do paper books at the beach, but Sons of Macha may have to be an exception… Unless you audible is clever enough to pick up your series????
But your narration really does make the story. Please do consider adding it to podiobooks when you can.