amplificathon

I couldn't think of a theme, but these three podfics turned out to be rather similar anyway: 1) they are all in the due South/Canadian six degrees fandoms, 2) they are all by fairly new readers, 3) they are all rather dark, and 4) they all feature ghosts or the supernatural.

Into A Far Country, by keerawa, read by suzumenoko (1 h 1 min, due South, Fraser/Kowalski, PG-13)
I just listened to this yesterday, and was far more captivated than I'd expected to be. I liked this story when it was posted, but wasn't blown away. Likewise, I've listened to one other podfic by the same reader, and enjoyed it a lot, but this one was exceptional. I think it's a case of a perfect match between reader and story--Keerawa's style is rather dark and gritty, and so matter-of-fact that you believe her completely when she writes about magical spirit journeys. Suzumenoko's voice creates an intimate atmosphere that draws the listener into the world of the story. And I can't put my finger on it, but there's something about the way she reads Keerawa's Ray Kowalski that just feels so right. It's obvious that the story appealed very much to the reader, which may be one reason why the podfic is so good--check out her commentary on the story and the beautiful cover she made.

The Question of Ghosts, by arrow00, read by 2corbies (43 min, due South, Fraser/Kowalski, R)
This is apparently 2corbies's first podfic, but you'd never guess it. It's a lovely reading, clear and easy to listen to, and she is particularly good at reading Fraser POV. The story is a deathfic, but it's not unrelieved angst--there is also that mixture of whimsy, magical realism and love that many due South stories have. I look forward to hearing more podfic by this reader.

Destination, by spuffyduds, read by sionnain (6 min, Hard Core Logo, Joe/Billy, R)
This podfic is short, but wow, does it have an emotional impact. Spuffyduds is known for her sense of humor and the hot sex she writes, but when she chooses, she can certainly bring on the angst (not for nothing did she have "cheerfully pouring vodka on your eviscerated soul" as her journal title for a while). I love the way Sionnain reads Joe and Billy's fucked-up, co-dependent relationship, especially the dialogue, and the delivery of Joe's last line is killer.

I'll end by reccing one of the loveliest podfics I've ever heard. It doesn't match the others (except for how there are ghosts), but I want to mention it anyway.

A Kind of Valediction, by altariel, read by greylin (36 min, LotR, G)
greylin has only recorded three podfics from what I can see, all in Lord of the Rings, but her voice is so lovely that I would happily listen to her read from the phone book. She has a British accent (I think) and speaks in a calm, measured way that nevertheless conveys emotion very well. I'm a fan of rather slow readings, and greylin's speed is perfect for me, and also fits the style of the fic well. The story is about Faramir coming to terms with the ghosts of the past.