Though I've listened to audio books before, this was my first "podiobook". I'm now a huge fan of the format, John Lenahan, and his book, Shadowmagic. My commute to and from school has never been more fun! I deliberately held off on listening to it until I was in my car, unless I was finishing up the last couple minutes of a chapter, which was difficult at times. I frequently had the urge to continue listening, but I told myself it was better to savor it, since it would be over all too soon. I'm already listening to the second book, Prince of Hazel and Oak, and I have a feeling I'll be just a little bit sad when it ends. I'm sure there are other great books on podiobooks.com, but finding them will likely involve a bit of trial and error. Thankfully, they're free.

I can't say for sure, but I think listening to the book, which is narrated by the author, rather than reading a print version, is what got me hooked. I felt like I was being told a story, instead of just being read to, if that makes sense? I think the difference is in the enthusiasm of the author as he narrates. In an author's note at the end of the book, he mentions that he wrote it for his son, and I'm sure that's a factor in his performance. If I had been reading the book, I might have felt that the story was a little silly, but then again, maybe not. I really don't know. I just feel that this is a story that needs to be told rather than read.

With that being said, I have to recommend the "podiobook" version. It's free, so it gives you the chance to try it out without costing anything in case you're not 100% sold on it yet. If you love Fantasy, the childlike feeling of being told a story, or Irish Celtic mythology, you can't go wrong with Shadowmagic. ( )

This is the first book in the Shadowmagic trilogy and was a fun and fast read. I loved journeying to the Land and enjoyed Conor and his interactions with his family over there. There’s a lot of humor in here and it was very fun. I do think that middle grade kids are going to enjoy this more than adults; the plot and level of writing were pretty simple.

Conor lives with his very odd father until one day some Celtic warriors show up at their house to kill them both. Connor and his father end up being captured and brought to The Land. Little does Connor know this is his home world. While there Connor finds out he’s part of a prophecy that makes everyone want to kill him..from there things really get weird.

This book is written in a very light-hearted and humorous style that had me laughing out loud a number of times. There is a lot of action and adventure and the book is a very quick and easy read.

I enjoyed the characters and action. I also loved all the interactions between Connor and his family.

I thought the plot was a bit too simple and at times the writing could have used a bit of editing, sometimes it was just a tad awkward or too flippant. In the end, although the story was a fun read, I didn’t find myself wanting to read more about these characters and this world.

However, I do think my 11 year old son would really enjoy this book a lot and will give it to him to read. In general I think this is a book that middle grade/teens will enjoy more than adults.

Overall this was a fun and easy read. I enjoyed it but wished that the writing and story had a bit more complexity to it. I think this is an adventure fantasy that kids will enjoy a lot and adults will breeze through and think “eh, that was fun...moving on.” ( )

I really enjoyed this, despite being averse to books written in the first person. There is a delightful sense of humour throughout the enchanting lands of Tir Na Nog. Wonderful characters with lots of twists and turns, fascinating spells and the most amazing variety of trees I have ever come across. Looking forward to the next in the series. ( )

Absolutely loved this book. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next one! :) ( )

To be young to be old, the sociology of fantasy and what makes the heart twitter and race, and resign to the future.
I loved the plot twists, the family structuring, the sociological age renditions, and the detail of what is new and old put to the test.
I listened to the author while he took me on a journey to start a new, visit old habits, and rethink the way one looks at the word, the world, the meanings of the present danger, and the meanings of what is family. What is present danger, and what is really just a dream.

We all enter a dream and fear it is real or hope it is real. The book takes us into the stage where we have to decide if the dream state might , or might not actually be better, as real firm earth, is still something to never be taken for granted. ( )