Darkness, embryos, and a big bug?

Sorry for the delay in getting this post up, work gets in the way sometimes. In this episode, JC Hutchins' Obsidian, Scott Sigler's Ancestor, and Scott Sigler's Bloodcast, Season 1. Links to all these at the end of the post.

An update on Cast-A-Line, all is going well. There is so much more interest that I could have hoped. It will still be a little while before this really begins to take shape. The project was really about finding out if there was any interest in this in the first place. Since it seems there is tremendous interest, I have to start thinking about the next step. While I won't say what the project is, I will say it is the first step towards making this a real podcast, and will hopefully get the word out more, and drive traffic this way. The next step is figuring out how I want to record a podcast, getting the headset for it, and finding time to do this. I'm in the middle of a move right now, so it probably will be about a month before anything tangible shows up.

Yesterday I heard the first of JC Hutchins' "Voices from the Darkness" Obsidian episodes. If you recall, Obsidian is an anthology of stories from a variety of authors, including listeners. The listeners were invited to record their own voicemails, "cloverfield style", and let JC know what it is/was like to live through the chaos after the nationwide blackout. These voicemails, MP3s, and videos were put into the "Voices from the Darkness" episodes. Let me just say, that was creepy. And amazing, but creepy. I heard the first one on the bus yesterday, and listening to those calls, I started looking at the others on the bus, wondering if they were going to start looting or rioting, and if I was going to have to make one of those calls myself (which I can't, the deadline for Obsidian submissions was yesterday, I think).

Another anthology I've started listening to is Scott Sigler's Bloodcast, Season 1. Now, let's make a note here, Season 2 has been tentatively scheduled for 09, and Season 1 is dated back in 04-05. Maybe Sigler just got busy, what with book deals, movie talks, a trilogy to finish, etc. (way to go Sigler, on a roll, don't stop now). I can't go into a summary of all the stories in this series, but I can say, the stories all seem to start out innocently enough. But soon, they get their first, seemingly unbelievable, twist. Further on, the twist, which you couldn't believe was true, was too outrageous to be true, turns out to be just that, true. From there, in true Sigler style, the action ensues. Then, before it can really hit you that it all really did just happen, he throws another twist at you to wrap things up nice and neat. Sigler is an awesome writer, with some incredible ideas. I'd like to recommend at least Episode 4 of Bloodcast, and you'll hear why in the next episode.

Over the past week, while waiting for the next episode of Infected to come out (note to Sigler, I'm still waiting), I've started listening to Ancestor, again by the Future Dark Overlord Scott Sigler. (Is there too much Sigler this week, I don't know. If I start chanting for Pope Siglericus XXX, take cover, hide your children, and ... paint lambs blood on your door frame)

Ancestor, at it's core, is about the quest for growing human transplantable organs in animals. Some companies are trying to grow these organs in existing animals, pigs, monkeys. The risk with that is the possibility of a transgenetic virus. A virus that existed in the animal, and with the introduction of human DNA, mutated to a form that could infect humans...humans with no natural defense. Result, epidemic and death. This is how the book starts out, and the outbreak is contained and destroyed quickly. The CIA begins trying to shut down other companies doing the same sort of research. One company, however, is trying to build a new animal, combining DNA from mammals all over the world in an attempt to build the great-granddaddy of all mammals, with human organ traits. They succeed, and the new animal, aptly named the Ancestor, is born.

This book is peppered with Sigler's great ideas, the suspense we've grown to love from him, and, of course, his horrific style. Between the genetics company, the CIA tying to stop them, and trying to keep knowledge from the general public, this book has enough sci-fi, politics, black-ops, and intrigue to keep most readers happy. I should note here, that even Sigler adds a warning that this podiobook might not be suitable for youngsters, with all the violence, language, and blood. My only vice with this book, from what I've heard so far (I'm only a quarter of the way through it), is that it almost seems predictable. Almost. But I trust Sigler to come to these points with his usual twists and turns, throwing anything I think might happen out the window on the lawn.
Update on Ancestor, The Truth

Click the links below to check out these podiobooks.
Obsidian
Bloodcast, Season 1
"Pick-of-the-Week" Ancestor

Next week, Stranger Things, TD-0013, and, hopefully, a new Infected episode.

Update on Blog Status

Well, this blog was originally started as a random rant blog, about everything going on in my life. But since then, I've started moving towards more podcast reviews, starting with J.C. Hutchins 7th Son Trilogy and Scott Sigler's Infected. I'm going to turn this into a podcast review blog, and perhaps make my own podcast form it in the future. I've got plenty of podcasts to listen to, and provide opinions on in the upcoming weeks, and I'll try to keep updates to Friday or Saturday nights.

That said, let's move on to the good stuff. I just finished the 7th Son Trilogy, and must say it was quite a ride. After the trilogy concluded, Hutchins gave the green light to other authors, both print and podiobooks, as well as listeners to participate in Obsidian, an anthology of shorts, as well as voice mails and videos sent in by listeners about their "experience" in the 7th Son fictional universe, shortly after the attack on America's power grid.




Still in progress is Scott Sigler's Infected, which has slowed down a bit due to Sigler's Super-Secret Mission of Death, a writing project he is trying to finish before the deadline. Infected is already out in print, if you don't want to wait.

On the table right now, I'm trying to find time to listen to Infected, Obsidian, Ancestor, A Different Point of View, Stranger Things, Prophecy of Swords, The Rookie, Singularity, and Wormwood. So lots of updates in the coming weeks, and if everything works out, perhaps a few surprises.

JC Hutchins kicks puppies

As promised, although late, here are the conversations I've had with 7th Son author JC Hutchins, and Infected author Scott Sigler. The last one really made it all worth it. On a side note, this blog seems to be turning away from the original programming and project blog I had originally thought it would be. I think I'll have to rethink what I'm posting about, whether to go back to the original idea, or move towards a podcast review blog. If there are any opinions, podcast suggestions, or rants about this, feel free to let me know.

Me to JC:

I just put up a post about 7th Son, along with a banner and link on my blog. The address is http://thecdspace.blogspot.com. Great work JC, I'm looking forward to what else you have in store.

JC to Me:

Hey Jason!

Wow, man -- thanks so much for the kind comments about 7th Son ... and for posting that excellent banner on your site! I'm touched by your generosity. Please let me know how I can return the favor!

Best wishes,

--J.C. Hutchins

Me:

Just getting to hear from you is return enough! 7th Son is a great series, I've started book 3, and the intrigue and excitement keep on rolling. And then getting to hear from you, personally, not just some agent or staff person, is incredible. That is probably what makes 7th Son, and you, a great author, It's not just the writing that you enjoy, but also the fans, and you take the time to let us know that.

If you really feel you want to do something for the free advertising on my blog, I could only ask for two things. 1) Keep writing! 2) A link to my blog on that list of banner links.

On a side note, my girlfriend is saying I've developed the Kilroy 2.0 laugh. She hasn't listened to the books, except what I've made her listen to, like the 12 days of clonemas (hilarious!). She'll be waiting for the print versions to come out next year. I've been listening to both 7th Son and Infected, and have given her synopses of both books. She's in favor of Sigler's book. Hopefully when she reads 7th Son, she'll shift her opinions, but for now, the Hutchins-Sigler feud continues.

Anyway, I don't want to take up too much of your time. My only request, keep writing, turn out more quality like 7th Son, and you've already got a faithful listener/reader. Keep up the great work JC!

JC to Me:

Supercool, Jason! I've added your blog to the list at the "More Evangelism" page:

http://jchutchins.net/site/conspire/more-evangelism/

Thanks again for the kindness, and for spreading the word! Take it easy, and keep in touch!

--J.C. Hutchins

Me to Sigler:

I just thought I'd let you know about a post I recently put up on my blog. I sing the praises of Hutchins and 7th Son, and give you a PS. I know, not very nice, so I put up a post about you and Infected. I hope the new post can make up for it, and ask the General's mercy.

Anyway, great work on Infected. Keep us updated on the movie process. Infected would make a great flick, if directed well. I'm starting to listen to The Rookie, and am eagerly awaiting the next two books in the Infected series.

Scott Sigler to Me:

JC Hutchins kicks puppies. Nice job promoting him, are you happy with yourself?

-Scott-

Twitter

I'm now on twitter. Call it a mini-blog, for random intraday updates. Later today, I'll post some emails from JC Hutchins and Scott Sigler. They are a fun pair.

Don't Forget the Sigler

Alas, JC Hutchins and Scott Sigler seem to be having a feud. The last few posts have made clear I'm a fan of JC Hutchins and his 7th Son trilogy. But I'm also listening to the podiobook Infected by Scott Sigler. I couldn't leave Sigler out of the postings, so here is a post just for him (you're still mentioned Hutchins, don't worry).

Infected is a novel about an outbreak of an never before seen, voracious disease. But unlike other outbreak novels, this disease if different. It starts innocently enough as an itch and a rash, but then becomes something more. I've never heard of a concept like this in any other sci-fi works, and I don't want to give anything away, but this novel has blown my socks off, and I'm only half-way through. Like 7th Son, Infected is the beginning of a trilogy, and I can't wait to see what Sigler has in store for the other two books.

I've heard Infected is in the very early stages of becoming a movie, which would be awesome! It will be years yet, but hopefully worth the wait. I just hope they pick a good crew. Feel free to comment on ideas on who he director and actors should be. Maybe we can influence General Siglerismo to hear the little people.

PS: I should have pointed this out before, but both 7th Son and Infected are intended for mature audiences only. 7th Son has swearing, lots of action, and some suggestive themes, and Infected has, in the words of Sigler himself, "lots, and lots of violence." Yes, gore. Just thought you should be warned.

Diversions

I just wanted to make a quick post about an audiobook I've been listening to. It's called 7th Son, by J. C. Hutchins, and is actually a trilogy. So far, I'm halfway through the second book, and it's been amazing so far. It can be found on podiobooks.com, and jchutchins.net. It's sci-fi, and full of action, plot twists, ethics, philosophy. 7th Son has gained a large, almost cult-like following. My advice, check out this book, now. Click below to go to the 7th Son homepage



I'll have what is turning out to be the regular Friday post later today. Find 7th Son before then, or else!

PS Also check out another great author, Scott Sigler. Search for him at podiobooks.com, or go to scottsigler.com.