Podcast novels are variants of the traditional audiobooks, which used to be available on tape/CD. Now, many audiobooks are available in podcast format, and can be easily downloaded through an aggregator. Some podcast novels are available via podcast only. Such podcast novels are typically read and “performed” by the author themselves, and are released on a weekly basis. Podcast novels are a good way of “testing the waters” for new authors, and as there are lots of author-listener interaction. They’re a good (and economical) way of promoting one’s works too. If you like reading, but simply don’t have the time to keep up with your reading list, podcast novels are a way to bring your favorite books to your MP3 player. For a good selection of available podcast novels check out:

• Podiobooks.com
• LibriVox
• BabbleBooks

Today I’ll like to share with you some of the podcast novels which I’ve listened to or am currently subscribed to. Disclaimer: Some of the novels featured here contain mature situations, language and violence.

I’m recently hooked on the 7th Son written by J.C. Hutchins. It is a trilogy of sci-fi podcast novels exploring the adventures of 7 clones trying to solve the mystery of the assassination of the President of the United States, while desperately trying to stay alive and sane. 7th Son is made up of:

• Book One: Descent
• Book Two: Deceit
• Book Three: Destruction

You can choose to subscribe to individual books of the novel, or better yet, you can subscribe to the “catch-all” feed here, where you will also receive bonus episodes, listener feedback, etc.

One of the most prominent podcast novelists out there has got to be Scott Sigler. Apparently, Scott has a penchant for writing sci-fi/horror stuff, peppered with lots and LOTS of violence. I must say he does have talent for it, though sometimes I feel his stuff tend to get TOO gory for my liking. Among his many works, I’ve listened to and enjoyed the following:

• Earthcore
• Ancestor
• Infection

Scott has his own channel at PodShow.com, which features all the above podcast novels as well his latest work The Rookie and BloodCast, a podcast where Scott discusses latest news on his upcoming works.

Another podcast novel I listened to was Shadowmagic by John Lenahan, a fun fantasy adventure loosely based on a Irish mythological folklore. Quite humorous and the background music is nice, though the cliffhangers can turn out to be quite anti-climax sometimes. Or maybe I’m just picky.

Ok, enough of science-fiction and back to some family-friendly reading. One of my favorite novels from my high-school days is now available as podcast novels. Anne of Green Gables by Canadian author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, tells the adventures of a red-haired orphan girl, Anne Shirley, when she is accidentally adopted by the Cuthberts, a pair of middle-aged siblings who were expecting to adopt a boy to help with chores. Anne’s dreamy and, most times, dramatic personality gets her into lots of trouble throughout the book, but also helps gains the hearts of all around her.

That’s all for now. More podcast adventures next time!