The Story: Recent Episodes
Julie Finn
The Story is a podcast that offers an opportunity for writers to share their own stories. In the first season, a chapter from my own novel, Rise of Asur The Beginning, will be narrated each week. Following that, there will be a discussion about the topics that have been highlighted. Rise of Asur The Beginning is a medieval fantasy book and is the first in a trilogy series that is saturated in drama, suspense and romance. To safeguard humanity's fate, an ex-warrior is pushed into a battle with an old foe. The plot is engrossing and will leave the listener begging for more.
A quick chat about the previous book emphasising the key messages and the significance of some of the characters' parts in exemplifying them. The next stages for the podcast's new season, which will include true stories about the paranormal and eerie encounters. The podcast will also be classified as society and culture.
Sabin delivers some life-altering news. Ada fights the Asur king, and with the aid of her grandmother, she confronts Dardanos for the final time. A devastated village attempts to rebuild their lives.
Ada and Anja confront Dardanos, and Merek is compelled to face his feelings regarding Marta. Merek's village is attacked by the Asur as his people escape into the forest in a state of panic. The Asur are searching for Elenore's child, and Merek experiences a heart breaking loss.
Anja and Ada track down the enigmatic queen, and Eijanbrook offers Anja advice in a dream. Serenity mind travels to alert Axel and Amzi about the approaching Asur and the raging fire. The forest provides a way that will lead them to safety.
A heavy feeling of foreboding hangs over the village as a prophecy predicts a great battle under a full moon. Merek is struggling to recover control of a situation that is rapidly becoming out of control. The last of the forest is on fire, and Anja and Ada have yet to locate the enigmatic queen. Serenity tries to mind travel to alert Amzi and Axel of the raging fire. Flamma advises Merek about the massive army approaching them.
Merek's friendship with Marta deepens when he succumbs to temptation. Elenore has a night terror in which she is confronted by Dardanos. The evil queen is determined on having Elenore's children. Anja discloses that the Seer from Shakurta village is still alive and is assisting the Asur in annihilating his fellow humans. To Elenore's horror, she also suggests that Anhi be used as bait to entice Dardanos out of her hiding location.
The attraction between Krea and Torin begins to bloom. Merek's community becomes concerned as the conflict with the Asur approaches. Elenore becomes an ambassador for her people, and Merek's anxieties about fighting and defeating the Asur grow. The ancient tree reveals critical information that will benefit them in the next battle, including the use of one of the children as bait.
Marta is hypnotised by Serenity, and she relates how she met Merek and how her community was taken over by the Asur. When she becomes traumatised by old recollections, the hypnosis comes to an abrupt halt. Axel is the next person to be hypnotised, and he talks about how he tried to save his sons and gives crucial information about the Asur.
Anja informs Merek of the dream that all the mother's in the village experienced when he returns from a successful hunt. Merek and Anja realise that the Seer from Shakurta village is still collaborating with the devil as the Asur are determined to abduct their children. Merek convenes an urgent assembly of his people and informs them that they must get ready for both battle and the Asur's imminent return.
Anja emphasises the importance of being a leader's wife to Elenore and she announces that she will investigate Dardanos's lair when the moon is full. As their numbers expand, people become anxious about how they will hide in the forest. Elenore is conflicted over Marta, and her nightmare of the Asur kidnapping her children reappears. Is time running out for the people of Merek? Tick tock.
When Axel and Edyth reconcile, an emotional rollercoaster ensues. Axel is left reeling when he learns of Edyth's marriage to Sabin. Elenore is wary of Merek's friendship with Marta and is plagued by a deep fear of the Asur's reappearance.
Elenore realises who the mystery woman from Merek's past is, which brings her sentiments of betrayal. Ada offers advice on her mother's marriage, while Elenore forces Merek to face the situation at hand. Axel arrives with a vast group of newcomers.
Kaiah and Ulric tell Elenore and Anja some great news. Anja advises that a huge group of newcomers are on their way, led by Edyth's first husband. He also brings along someone from Merek's past. Edyth and Sabin are shocked, and Anja warns that the village will be the site of the final battle with the Asur.
Krea and Merek hear about Shondra's encounter with the evil Asur. Torin advises of his find of a treasure trove of supplies and Elenore confronts her husband about being open with her. Krea comes face to face with the lone rider once thought forever lost. He is leading an enormous procession of people. An exotic medicine woman accompanies him she is from Merek's past.
Merek returns home to a community in despair, with residents agitated and afraid following the Asur's last onslaught. Krea brings strangers to the community who tell them about a lone rider and a mass of people approaching them. Merek and Krea head off to search for Torin after he fails to return from a search mission. Who is the lone rider? Will the Asur attack again? Can Merek and Krea find Torin?
Krea is determined to find additional villages, and she quickly learns about a lone rider's warning of a large group of people approaching her community. Merek, Ada, and Ulric rush back to their village after hearing the ancient tree's warning of an Asur raid. What is the identity of the lone rider? Who will survive the Asur's raid?
Krea and her party go in search of survivors and discover that the Asur have kidnapped their children. Ada, her father, and her brother are on the hunt for the ancient tree. It alerts them of the Asur's impending arrival, prompting them to flee to their village.
Who will be chosen from the nominees for head warrior? People are anxious about the Asur's imminent return, and Elenore believes Merek has grown distant.
Anja is struggling with the burden of being a Seer, and Krea confronts Merek regarding female leaders. Anja advises that the Asur are looking for children, indicating Elenore's dream was a foreshadowing.
Elenore is assigned a new responsibility, and Merek decides who will be the next chief warrior, which devastates someone close to him. Elenore experiences a horrific premonition that sends her daughter and mother-in-law into shock.
Merek leads his people to search for a place they can call home. Winter comes early and not all survive. Anja advises they will make a stand against the Asur.
The bonus episode, which I review this week, covers Rise of Asur The Beginning and Rise of Asur Survival. I go over the characters and themes that both books' stories are built around. There is also some discussion of Merek's and his people's prospects for the future.
The Asur are marching towards Merek's village, ready to slaughter anyone who gets in their way. Elenore, assisted by Krea and Edyth, leads the most vulnerable to safety. Will they succeed? Who will be the Asur's next victim? What chance does Merek have of defeating such a formidable foe? Is Merek's and his people's end near?
As a massive army approaches, Merek gathers his closest friends and family to plan a battle. The Seer suggests some unusual battle strategies. When Ada notices the Asur's early arrival, things go from bad to worse. It is critical that they locate Queen Dardanos before time runs out.
Elenore is perplexed and hurt to learn that Merek still has reservations about her relationship with Tallot. Ada witnesses atrocities committed by Dardanos as a biblical-sized army draws near.
Merek becomes concerned when the Asur become silent. Will the arrival of new life in the village bring joy or despair?
Elenore is given a ray of hope when the healer informs her that one of her babies may survive. An evil entity slithers into the minds of the Seer and Ada, driving them to the edge of insanity. Who is the enigmatic figure? How will the ancient Seer defeat such a powerful demon?
Elenore is barely alive as she drags herself to safety. Will she survive the attack? Merek is given another chance. Will he and Elenore get back together? The Seer becomes concerned about the impending battle and the consequences of Merek's curse.
Will Ulric survive the Asur's attack? Zuri expresses her dislike for Elenore. What will her hatred cost her?
As Ada, Ulric, and Krea make their way to Merek, the Asur are stalking their human prey. Ada uses her abilities to try to keep the Asur from catching up with them. Ulric fights bravely to save his sister and aunt. Will he survive?
Takeo and Ulric, accompanied by an increasing number of refugees, arrive at the Seer's home, with the Asur close behind. Ada becomes concerned when she notices the Asur watching them. Is her father's secret valley safe? Will Ada be able to use her powers when she faces the Asur? Anja advises Elenore to work on her marriage to Merek, who appears to have changed. What is causing her husband's behaviour to shift?
Takeo and Ulric are leading an increasing number of refugees to the ancient Seer. Zuri discovers Tallot and Elenore together after Merek makes unreasonable demands of Elenore. Elenore finds out about Anja's impending arrival, and Zuri mocks Elenore and her friends. The healer is concerned about the village's safety. What mayhem awaits the village of Merek? Is the hidden valley safe from the Asur?
Ulric returns to Shakurta village and the ancient tree. Merek is determined to build a home for his people, and Elenore and Edyth form a friendship.
The village of Merek unites to forge a stronger community, and the ancient Seer devises a scheme that will allow Ulric to go back to Shakurta village. What does the healer reveal to Elenore that comes as a surprise?
When Elenore learns of Merek's relationship with Zuri, she is heartbroken. Ulric is unsure how to return to Shakurta village, and who are the newcomers to the Seer's home? What messages do they carry, and how will they impact the Seer's plans for the journey to Merek?
Ulric makes it to Shakurta village, where he suffers a tragic loss and Pancome is kidnapped. Merek and Elenore's relationship is deteriorating. Another informs Merek of Elenore's pregnancy, which shocks him.
Ulric and his companions narrowly escape the Asur, but his pleas for assistance to Ada go unanswered. Tensions between Merek and Elenore escalate, while Zuri makes a discovery that shocks Elenore. The ancient Seer begins to make plans to reunite with Merek and his people.
Serenity hypnotises Huxley, who feels the vile breath of the Asur as they near the location of Merek's people. When Edyth learns of the fate of her firstborn son, she is heartbroken and holds Merek and Elenore responsible. Through Huxley's hypnosis, the Seer learns some secrets about the Asur. Can Anja rescue Huxley in time? Who is the strange voice that guides them when they are in trouble? An episode that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Ulric has been told to go to Shakurta village, where he will find a surprise ally. Who is the exotic woman Elenore finds with her husband, and why has she not yet told Merek her secret?
Pancome reveals how he escaped the Asur, and Elenore devises a plan to release Huxley's memories from his capture by the Asur. Sabin makes a surprise announcement which leaves Elenore reeling.
The Seer sets out in search of villagers who will join him in fighting the Asur as a united front. Elenore is reeling from her growing attraction towards Tallot, the handsome warrior. What has Anja discovered about her future that makes her so sad?
Ulric and his companions are sent east to look for survivors, and Ulric discovers that being different is what makes a difference. Elenore is determined to get to know Huxley and has devised a plan to recover his memories from his capture by the Asur. What is Elenore's plan? Will Ulric's search for survivors be fruitless? Who is the stranger Ulric encounters?
What secrets does Anja discover in her dream about Dardanos? Who is the enigmatic voice that speaks to her? And what is the plan devised by the Gods for the ancient Seer?
Mohsin reveals secrets about the Asur. What truths has he exposed? How will this affect the Seer's plans for the future?
Merek and his people continue their journey towards Dorhall Pass. Elenore learns what her mystery illness is and Merek has a mysterious dream.
The labrinyth of tunnels twist and turn a maze of complexities until Ulric is confronted with a wooden door. What lays on the other side? What will Ulric uncover? Will this hold clues that will lead to the demise of the Asur?
Ulric is given a hidden message revealing the location of the Asur's enigmatic tunnel system. Meanwhile, Merek's memories of being a young teen and joining the Protectors begin to surface, leaving him uneasy. Will history repeat itself? What is the mysterious message?
Rise of Asur Survival is the second book of a fantasy trilogy. The first episode of the series, Misplaced, continues Merek's escape from the evil Asur. Continue to follow the various characters who contribute to the novel's suspense, drama, and magic. Will this family be able to find a safe haven? How long will it be before their adversary catches up with them? Is Merek losing hope?
A snappy discussion on some of the themes and characters of the book and a hint of what is to come in the second novel of Rise of Asur.
Merek is driven by a thirst for revenge as he and Flamma race to catch up to their family before the Asur. Will they make it in time?
Merek and Flamma are summoned to help save their family. Will they make it in time? The Seer's prophecy is fulfilled when Merek looses a loved one.
The suspense is building as Eijanbrook and his people march towards an uncertain future. Could this be the beginning of the end for all of mankind?
The Majestic Forest is on fire and Eijanbrook is forced to make a decision. Will he flee or will he battle with the Asur?
While Eijanbrook introduces Elenore to Edyth, Merek departs to build an army. Edyth has a tragic past and dislikes Elenore. Merek is unhappy that his son Ulric is sent to spy on their enemy. Can Merek raise an army to fight the Asur?
The ancient Seer has to come to terms with a new feeling that he has never felt before - fear. What does this mean? Is is too late to save the fate of mankind?
When Merek, his warriors, and his family learn that the Asur are hunting them, they seek advice from the ancient Seer. After showing them what the future holds if they fail to defeat their enemy, the Seer issues a dire warning. Elenore is taken aback when he shows them the present. What does Merek and his family's future hold? What does the Seer show them that completely astounds them?
Merek and his family have adjusted to their new life. Everything appears to be well until Elenore receives a knock at the door that trembles their world.
Merek and his family continue their journey to his parents' village, and Elenore is excited to have a home again and finally settle into normal life. Will they make it in time, despite the fact that the Asur are trailing them?
Merek has been reunited with his family and Elenore is overjoyed to finally be with her husband again. Merek brings with him a young warrior that will become part of Ada's future. Ada has a premonition that warns of trouble ahead. An evil entity has followed them, reminding the family that their adversary is still looking for them.
Merek has been hurt and is separated from his family in a blizzard, with no idea where they are. He is rescued by a healer and left to ponder the fate of his family, but he never loses hope of finding them. Elenore and her family are taking refuge in a village, and she is growing increasingly concerned about Merek's whereabouts. She seeks the counsel of a Seer in the village. Is the family going to be reunited?
Merek becomes frustrated with the family's slow progress as they begin their slow ascent up Dorhall Pass. He becomes increasingly worried about their safety as winter approaches. Merek's temper is tested by a near-tragic event, and the family is split apart by a blizzard. Will Merek and his family make it through the Pass safely? Or will fate have other plans?
The family is forced to take a different route to reach Dorhall Pass, but they must pass through a forest known to be a haven for witches. This path will put them to the ultimate test as the family is forced to fight for their lives and more of Ada's abilities are revealed.
The second chapter follows Merek and his family as they travel towards Dorhall Pass, where they meet an interesting character. They soon discover that the Asur are closer than they thought, forcing them to take a different path. This leads them to the Dark Forest, where a horde of cruel witches is said to rule.
Episode one is a narrative of the first chapter in Rise of Asur The Beginning. The main characters in the book are introduced to the listeners, who then face an unexpected attack from an old enemy. Secrets are revealed as a long-forgotten past returns to stalk a man who has yet to confess his previous life.
This is the trailer for The Story a Podcast where great stories are shared. Each week the podcast will be narrating chapters from the Book Rise of Asur The Beginning a medieval fantasy first in a set of three novels. The story is saturated in drama, romance and suspense. The podcast allows an opportunity for people to listen to a good story and for aspiring authors to share their own stories. Topics highlighted in the chapters will become future topics for discussion.