While the 7th Son podcast novel trilogy has concluded -- and if you haven't listened to the audiobooks, you should; subscribe for free and join nearly 40,000 worldwide listeners by visiting my Podcasting Primer page -- the story and experience still resonates with me. More important, it's made an impact on 7th Son listeners, and recently, several have been moved to "give something back" to me, and the 7S community.
Listener Gemini recently reviewed all three audionovels on her blog, Time Well Wasted. I was thrilled to learn that she enjoyed 7th Son from beginning to end: "J.C. Hutchins has created a story so amazing, and so full of conspiracy, that you have to stop yourself from wondering if he’s really got more information that he’s letting on," she wrote in her review of Book One: Descent. "His grasp of technology during the weaving of this book almost puts Michael Crichton to shame."
Mentioning me in the same paragraph as Crichton is humbling beyond measure. But then Gemini followed up with this comment in her review of Book Two: Deceit: "Last week, I said the man was as good as Michael Crichton. This week, I’m saying he’s better." I'm stunned and thrilled to know that 7S made such a positive impact on Gemini.
Find her reviews here:
These accolades alone made my month, but then woodcarving maestro Keith Burtis blew me right out of my Asics (and my socks) this week when he emailed me this remarkable blog post. Keith was so inspired by 7th Son that he hand-crafted an unbelievably cool, stylized rendition of "The Womb" cloning chamber, described in the novels.
His art -- made from Osage orange, Australian Burl and blood-red Paddauk woods -- is nothing short of miraculous. I nearly wept when I saw his photos of the project ... and I know I will weep when I receive it from Keith in the mail very soon.
Keith, thank you for this priceless piece. I'll do more than cherish it -- I'll be displaying it proudly in my living room for years to come.
Finally, 7S fan "Dan the Demented" recently interviewed me on his podcast, the Polyschizmatic Reprobates Hour. It was a treat chatting with him, and the episode -- which also features podnovelist Seth Harwood -- is a hoot-and-a-half. Find the interview here.
I am deeply touched to know that the 7th Son trilogy continues to move and inspire people ... and I'm doubly thrilled to know that fans can enjoy its forthcoming supplemental short story anthology 7th Son: OBSIDIAN in May, and the release of 7th Son: Descent in print in 2009.
Have you created artwork or a blog post inspired by 7th Son? I'd love to know about it. Please give a shout-out in the comments!
--J.C.