The Pocket and the Pendant

A young-adult magical realism novel by Mark Jeffrey. Your comments are welcome!spacer

From the Kirkus review:

“A sci-fi adventure steeped in the lore of an ancient civilization that will appeal to children and adults alike…driven — and driven well — by good old-fashioned sci-fi storytelling.”

Max Quick’s life drastically changes after time suddenly stops. The young man of 12 — harassed by bullies, living as an orphan in a violent home for boys and about to be thown into juvenile hall — is mysteriously immune to this chrono-freeze. He soon discovers other children who are impervious as well — namely, Casey Cole and Ian Keating — and the three find themselves embarking on a thrilling quest … Heavily inspired by the folklore of the Sumer civilization of ancient Mesopotamia, the narrative shines brightest in the chapters that focus on the re-telling of this fascinating history. Jeffrey skillfully infuses the story with authentic historical context, and then thrusts this narrative into the future by introducing aliens, time travel and massive gems with the power to stop time and minds — and difficult task indeed, but one that he successfully accomplishes.





Add to del.icio.us | Digg this

--> This entry was posted by Evo on Thursday, September 1st, 2005 at 5:25 pm and is filed under New Books. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

45 Responses to “The Pocket and the Pendant”

  1. Evo Says:
    December 23rd, 2005 at 10:56 am

    Who would have thought a technology mogul had a young adult novel inside of them? Meet Mark Jeffrey, the guy who does it.

    I tried to read the paperback version of PnP in November of 2004, but it just didn’t stick with me. Probably because I’m not a young adult any longer. But after speaking with Mark, I realized he would be perfect to make a podiobook, so I gently persuaded him (some might say forced) to do this, and I’m amazed at what he did.

    Not only did I listen, but I enjoyed it every step of the way! Something special about listening to the guy who wrote it, read it, I suppose. On to the cold, hard facts:

    Audio Quality: Top Notch. Mark did this right, using various bed music under the entire book depending on the mood of the story. It really brings you even deeper into the story.
    Narration Performance: Outstanding. I’ve got the feeling Mark is a perfectionist, spending lots of time with each clip to make sure it’s just right. And it was.
    Writing Skills: Quite good. As I said before, the print-version failed to captivate me. But after listening to the entire podiobook, I don’t know why. Great job.
    Overall Rating:Four point Five damned dirty apes. Mark showcases how it is to be done.

  2. Japester Says:
    January 25th, 2006 at 6:36 am

    I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which was my first podiobook, so it was an auspicious start.

    The story was well thought-out. The writing style was fit for teens but accessible for adults like myself.

    I really enjoyed Mark Jeffrey’s narration. He’s got a lively intonation and doesn’t stumble. I agree with what Evo “Something special about listening to the guy who wrote it, read it….” I’ve always felt that the author would be the best narrator as he’s fully invested in the work. I liked the bed music. Most other audiobooks I’ve listened to that don’t have it seem to need it.

    All in all, a very good listen. I hope Mark sees a lot of success with this one!

  3. Charlie Says:
    March 8th, 2006 at 5:11 pm

    This was my first audiobook ever, and my first podiobook as well. I loved it! The characterization was wonderful. The voices of the characters came alive for me, and I have to wrench myself away from it in order to get anything done in my day. Its availability through my iPod make it easy for me to listen to over and over again, which I love. Thank you Mark Jeffrey!

  4. Mike Rice Says:
    March 10th, 2006 at 1:13 pm

    This also was my first podiobook … and I must say, WOW I’m hooked!

    Starting out I thought the book was kind of childish but I stuck with it, and soon I just couldn’t stop myself from wondering about what’s going to happen in the next chapter … and I love at the end, were it talks about “end of the book depression” … I so thought I was the only one who got this way, and I’m so glad that podiobooks has tons more to listen too!

    Great job!

  5. Oslin Says:
    March 16th, 2006 at 5:57 pm

    Very frustrating.

    Listened to the first three audio files and I’m hooked. Now I want to hear the rest. But where? I keep getting directed back to podiobooks where I can only find the three installments that I have already heard. Want to listen and not read. Says it is available at podiobooks.com but I can’t find it.

  6. Chris Billman Says:
    March 18th, 2006 at 6:06 am

    I’m an avid reader. I finally made the switch to Podiobooks. This one wasn’t my first but man do I like it. At first I thought maybe it wasn’t for me, but by the third episode I really got into it. Now by the seventh I’m hooked and want them all, I can’t wait.

    Awesome story!

  7. ocm185 Says:
    March 19th, 2006 at 10:34 am

    I listened to this book a year ago from Podcast pickle. I think it was my first Pod Book. Loved it Loved it. What a cool story of Slowing down time. WOW. Thbis is a must listen too book.

  8. MadJo Says:
    March 27th, 2006 at 12:11 pm

    Oslin, you subscribe yourself to the book, and all episodes are at your disposal.

    Now my review of this book. I’m not really a young adult anymore (with my 26 years of age), but this book really gripped me, from the beginning, the way it was told really painted a picture… and I’m actually sad that it has ended. Hope to hear and read more from mr Jeffrey.

  9. Glitch Says:
    March 28th, 2006 at 7:37 pm

    This was the Third Podiobook I ever listend to I realy enjoyed it, Untill Mr.E’s several chapter explanation at which point I got very borde and only continued to see how it ended. Over all I did like the book but the were spots that made me wonder, Why. I am not a fan of over done explanations especialy, repetitive ones that take energy away from the storie.

  10. Nick Says:
    May 12th, 2006 at 12:23 am

    I’m really enjoying this book. The only niggles are that the background music can be too intrusive, and the narrator’s attempts at an English accent don’t work. Nevertheless, well worth listening to.

  11. Stephen Nelson Says:
    June 8th, 2006 at 10:20 pm

    If Hollywood had any brains, this series would be the next Harry Potter. The images in here are bold and compelling; in the hands of a decent director, the scene with children skipping over time-frozen birds caught in mid-flight would be astonishing.

    The best way to describe this novel: “Harry Potter” meets “Snow Crash”. I thought that the reading and production were first-rate, and the story itself drew you in like… like… like one of Mr. E’s books.

    The only downsides: the writing in Casey’s introduction didn’t quite work for me; I’d prefer to be shown about her, not told. The ending made sense and provided resolution, but for reasons I won’t go into here was a bit of a letdown.

    Still, I could see this story as launching a very successful and enjoyable series.

  12. Christiane Levesque Says:
    June 16th, 2006 at 4:37 pm

    I loved this book. It was a lot of fun to listen to.

  13. MrKrrtft Says:
    July 4th, 2006 at 10:22 pm

    I was looking for podcast audiobooks for my 3 1/2 hour drive home today and stumbled upon podiobooks.com. I found this book and am really enjoying it. The only thing I would change would be to either make the narration a bit louder or bring the background music down a bit. The background music, while it does enhance the story, can tend to overpower the text and make it a bit difficult to follow along.

    Still an excellent book spacer

  14. Sarah Says:
    August 25th, 2006 at 9:19 pm

    Hi, nice site, good work! Thank you!

  15. Robert Says:
    August 27th, 2006 at 10:23 pm

    Hi, nice site, good work! Thank you!

  16. Craig Says:
    November 11th, 2006 at 8:13 pm

    Good Audio Book. I agree with a couple of posts from above. I could not read this book in printed form at all. The first couple of chapters of the audio book was questionable mainly from the Rod Sterling monotone and very discriptive, but I hung with it and it turned out to be an imaginative story with alot of twists. The background music could be turned down a tad. Over all a good listen. You’ll definatly want to know what happens next.

  17. gail Says:
    November 30th, 2006 at 12:59 pm

    Mark, sweetie, search your manuscript for the word “suddenly” and get rid of some of them!
    You have written a riveting tale. Thanks!

  18. Brian Says:
    March 6th, 2007 at 3:46 pm

    I enjoyed the story, but the incessant background music was really annoying. It’s a good tale, so don’t weigh it down with distractions.

  19. Kate Says:
    March 17th, 2007 at 9:41 pm

    This was an excellent book. I think Mark did a great job. The reading was really well done. I really enjoyed the story.

  20. Sarah Alawami Says:
    May 16th, 2007 at 4:15 pm

    I think the backround music made it a good thing. I get to imagine wha the stage seen looks like in my head and with me using rocksteady and winamp the music was just fine. Good job.

  21. Marlene Says:
    August 19th, 2007 at 8:06 am

    The plot was well thought out, and the story was very nice. The pacing was a little uneven, but the build up and climax were very well done. I think the background music had the potential to be annoying, but it was very well done and I enjoyed it. It added a lot to the feeling of strangeness in the story.
    That being said, there were some problems I think.
    There were a couple of scenes that ended up being fairly irrelevant.
    I understand that he had to show that Casey was insecure, but he went over the top on occasion, especially at the end with the other girl, and it was more annoying than anything else. And the issues between Casey and the other girl were too easily resolved with the amount of tension they’d had previously.
    And finally, the ending was very unsatisfying. The question of who is Max Quick was never answered. Unless there is another book forthcoming, (and I don’t see the plot set up for that, but I could be wrong) that lead to a very unsatisfying resolution.
    Over all I think it was a good book, and with some tweaking, it would be an excellent book.

  22. Cory Says:
    September 22nd, 2007 at 7:44 pm

    Great job. Mini-review here. strongdynamic.blogspot.com/2007/09/substitute-reading-list.html

  23. jjd1 Says:
    November 9th, 2007 at 2:32 pm

    This is the first of the Podiobooks that i`ve listened to that has music in the background and to be honest i found it very distracting . it spoiled it for me sorry .

  24. Bianca Says:
    December 27th, 2007 at 5:28 pm

    this book is an absolute tresure!! i love it and I find myself wanting more after i listened to it. but i find the background music anoying. i loved the charictars and the whole plot of the story!! keep up the good work =]

    wishing for a sequel….

    Bianca

  25. John Taber Says:
    January 28th, 2008 at 4:32 pm

    I am REALLY enjoying this book. I wanted something light to pass the time while I drive to and from work…this podiobook does the trick. The story is tight and the narration is excellent! In fact I love the accents by the author. Great stuff!

    So…when is the next book gonna be on podiobooks.com?!? COME ON! spacer

    Enjoy!
    John T>

  26. Heather Says:
    March 10th, 2008 at 5:40 pm

    This audiobook was awesome. I listened to it with my 2 kids ages 6 & 11, a girl and a boy, and we all loved it. It has a nod to every age group, making it a great choice for family listening. As soon as I have some spare cash I will definitely be making a donation, although that many hours of quiet kids is priceless. The kids are dying for a sequel.

  27. PuddyRat Says:
    April 7th, 2008 at 12:38 pm

    This book is billed as being suitable for young adults but, in spite of my, um, “maturity,” I still enjoyed it. It made for a delightful diversion and made the hours at work go by just that much faster.

    I did have a nit, however. While I enjoyed the premise of the story, in my opinion, the story line fell apart a bit with the long explanation in the middle. In fact, I found myself quite bored until the “action” picked up again. I think the author should have found another way to explain what was happening and the reasons.

    In spite of that, it was a good story and worth listening to. Definitely appropriate for young adults who won’t question the “science” or some of the details of the story.

  28. John Says:
    April 16th, 2008 at 8:40 pm

    Bianca and Heather, there is a sequel: www.lulu.com/content/220520

    I, like Mr. Taber, am wondering if and when it will become a podiobook.

  29. Mark Jeffrey Says:
    April 16th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Well. Wonder no more. This morning, on JC Hutchins’ podcast, I (the author) just announced that Max Quick 2: The Two Travelers will be coming to podiobooks.com on May 1. One hour interview + ‘audio trailer’ at the end is here: jchutchins.net/site/2008/04/16/ultracreatives-interview-11-mark-jeffrey/

  30. Audri C. Says:
    June 1st, 2008 at 9:07 am

    Absolutely digging this podiobook! Guess i’m still a young adult at heart spacer I’m not quite done listening to it yet but i’m glued to my ipod trying to get more and more of this great story, and looking forward to checking out number 2 as well!

    You’re also a really awesome reader, you really catch the mood and attitudes of the characters. Just out of curiousity though, would you ever consider using some guest voices to liven it up a bit? It would’ve really sweetened the story up if Casey’s voice could’ve been well… more girlish spacer She’s a great and cute character none-the-less and i just have to say keep up the good work!

    -Audri

  31. Cayce Says:
    June 3rd, 2008 at 10:05 am

    I thought this was a great and creative story! I hope we get to discover in the future Max Quick Books who Max Really is! If I could suggest one thing to improve the podcast, I would say that there are quite a few times that the music overpowers the narration and I had to turn my ipod up almost to a painful level to hear the story.

    Overall though, I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old. Great job, and thank you for sharing this with us!

  32. Michelle Says:
    June 22nd, 2008 at 3:46 am

    BEST BOOK ON PODIOBOOKS.COM, PERIOD, END OF STORY!!

  33. Bob Fletcher Says:
    July 20th, 2008 at 5:56 am

    This is a great story. I like many who have commented here are far from being a Young Adult. The formula of the the story is one that works well. Max Quick reminds me of Matthew Freeman in Anthony Horowitz “Power of Five” series. Both Max and Matt are orphaned and both boys have special powers. But there the similarity stops and whilst I have not finished this story the adventure has got me enthralled.

    The reading is excellent and very professionally presented. Unfortunately the music is a bit overpowering in places.

    Great work Jeffrey and keep up the good work.

  34. Timothy James Says:
    October 4th, 2008 at 4:12 pm

    I truly enjoyed the story, reminded me of my childhood years reading the The Green Futures of Tycho and A wrinkle in time. The characters were fantastic, although to the reader-author, your English accent sounds more austrailian than anything.

    A word of caution to some more “conservative” christian parents who may download this for their children the fiction proposes a much different “Genesis” account of human creation, the flood, the tower Babel and who exactly gave humans freewill. If you think the dinosaurs where around 6,000 years ago, you may take issue with some of the story line.

  35. Jason Buberel Says:
    April 12th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    One request for the next installment: Please drop the background music! It was highly distracting.

  36. Jeremiah Pena Says:
    May 25th, 2009 at 5:58 am

    This was the best podiobook I have ever heard. It is better than any traditional audiobook I’ve ever heard either. There are no mistakes, and the background music helps it be even more interesting then it would be! I absolutely love this, and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a great story!

  37. Lee Says:
    June 14th, 2009 at 5:39 am

    This book was one of the first audio books i listened too and has really got me into them now, i think the audio quality is amazing and the characters are really deep. great book 10 out of 10 =].

  38. Lee Says:
    June 14th, 2009 at 5:53 am

    Ohh and does any one know when the 3rd book will be avaqilable on podio? thanks lee.. spacer

  39. Henry e Says:
    September 9th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    Just finished the second book brilliant…. Its one author that You can keep coming back to… If you only listern to one podiobook make it max quick… Well done Mark…

  40. Traeonna Says:
    May 8th, 2010 at 5:05 am

    I love this book I’ve listened to this book at least three times now, that’s how much I’ve enjoyed it. I don’t typically listen to an audiobook more than once. Typically I listen to a book, enjoy it while it lasts, then move on. Once in a while, if it’s been a long time, I may listen to it again. After the first two times listening alone, this time around I am listening with my 9 year old son, who is enjoying it as much as I. It’s also spawned off conversations about Sumerian mythology, which is a subject of interest of mine. I highly recommend this book not only for adults, but also for children. Thank you so much for podcasting this!

  41. Collin Says:
    November 1st, 2010 at 3:00 pm

    Just wanted to let everyone know that we are discussing the Pocket and the Pendant for our online Book Club. If you liked the book and want to join us, just come and sign up. We will be talking about the book in its whole so don’t come if you don’t want to be spoiled!

  42. Candice Says:
    April 11th, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    I really enjoyed the story in this and I would like to be able to listen to parts 2 and 3 but I am hard of hearing. Does anyone know if there is a version without music playing in the background? That made it very hard for me to concentrate and understand what the author was saying.

  43. Mike Says:
    April 13th, 2011 at 8:11 am

    I was ready to subscribe to this book until I read the comments about the music being obtrusive. I listened to a couple random samples and will not be able to use this selection. It is difficult to find things the kids can share with me but we listen while driving and the spoken word must be clear. Too bad, this plot has potential for me.

  44. Mike Says:
    May 16th, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    Good story but the ever present bed music is just annoying too much of the time. While it often does match the story line it often doesn’t. Bed music should not be a cheap thrill in competition with the narration. I can not recommend this audio book even though I did manage to get through it.

  45. Mathis W. Says:
    September 30th, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    This is a great audiobook, the plot is great, and despite what the other people have lied…. The music is a great addition to the book, and isn’t distracting to anyone with a moderate attention span…

Leave a Reply

Related searches:
really listen enjoyed podiobook listening
gipoco.com is neither affiliated with the authors of this page nor responsible for its contents. This is a safe-cache copy of the original web site.