Ye Olde Idea Shoppe: A Fantasy Short Story

By: Roberto Scarlato

Narrated by: Maxine Lennon

There is a place just beyond the dream world where writers come to play. It is a mythical place located next to the Field of Gathered Imaginations.

In the land of Olde Country there resides a shoppe filled with ideas for the masses. But what happens when the ideas run out?

©2013 Roberto Scarlato (P)2014 Roberto Scarlato

Want to Buy an Idea?

This quick-read, short-listen book/audiobook has two distinct sections: one focusing on the idea shop—a real-in-its-world place where you can go and buy ideas—and, I think, a very short story written from an idea supposedly bought from it. I listened to the audiobook version of this, and it wasn't clear when the narrative quickly shifted from the bookshop to a story seemingly wholly unrelated to it. I really enjoyed the first part, as the concept of an “idea shop” is intriguing. This particular idea shop was out of commission at the start of the story. The regular owner was out of town, the store was being taken care of by a friend, and this friend sold too many ideas! There was no easy way to get them quickly from their regular idea source. In the store's handbook, the temporary manager finds a source at the back of the book to use ONLY in case of emergency. I won't go into any further plot details, but even in this short story, we learned some interesting background about this for-emergencies-only idea creator. I wish there were a better transition between the two parts of the books, as it felt jarring in an audiobook to go from one very set place and what was happening there to a different, completely unrelated place. Still, this was a fun idea, but fair warning: it's only 34 minutes long!

Ye Olde Idea Shoppe

Any additional comments?

This is an inventive little story about a shoppe that sells ideas.Maxine Lennon tells this story with flair.Sunshine works at the shoppe.Inventory is getting low.How to get new Ideas?"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast or MalarHouse dot com"

Fun

Ye Olde Idea Shoppe is a timeless work that has fun with itself. The characters are all larger than life cartoons with emphasized qualities that made them enjoyable. The literal-ization of an idea shop is fun and done in such a way you want to visit yourself. It reminded me of the best qualities of a small book store, one in which you find yourself browsing longer than you intended on staying.

The story is short but contained, letting the audience be satisfied with what they were given.

There is actually a second story following Ye Olde Idea Shoppe, which is completely different in tone and equally engaging. A story about a woman with supernatural abilities in a domestic setting. It's a simple concept also executed wonderfully.

I must say, the narration starts off a tad robotic, but once the story is in full stride the accent finds a pleasant groove. The free sample doesn't represent the quality of work in the full version.

Ye Olde Idea Shoppe: A Neat Idea

Sunshine works in an old bookshop of ideas. The store was running out of ideas. In fact, there was only one idea left. What to do? Then a man comes and insists on buying the last idea.

Next there was Abigail who was too perfect. She could split herself into two people and control things with her mind. She was able to make inanimate objects come to life. Very bewitching.

This book has two short stories. It was very unique. I liked it and found it to be very neat. I would've loved for it to be longer. I think Roberto Scarlato's a clever author to write these stories.

Maxine Lennon has a beautiful voice. She narrated this audiobook perfectly with spot on voice inflections. I'd like to hear more from her.

Audiobook received in exchange for an unbiased review.

WOW (J)

Very good narrator, love the storyline, this book will definitely get you going. must Listen to. Very enjoyable.