Magic Factory

By: James Livingood

Narrated by: Michael Gilboe

In a factory full of magic, some magic is bound to slip out and cause havoc.

Magical industry knowledge is precious and hard to find. Even the most minor spells require enormous nondisclosure waivers. Most of the experts claim the knowledge under patents to ensure they could make the most money possible. The harder that knowledge is to discover, the less competition you have. Magic factories are known to be high risk because of the stigma of sharing information. Unfortunately for the workers at this factory, that includes information on how to be safe.

©2015 James Livingood (P)2015 James Livingood

Sweet Family Story

Magical mistakes can be quite far reaching and their consequences can be difficult to predict, but they don’t necessarily have to be catastrophic. In Magic Factory, James Livingood explores just how strangely things can go wrong during the construction of a guardian angel. It’s a touching tale, with surprisingly human consequences—perfect for the whole family.

I received this book from Free Audiobook Codes.com in exchange for an honest review.

it’s less magic, more industrial politics and hope

Any additional comments?

(I received a free audible copy for an honest review.)

Really? Magic produced on the line? Who in their right mind would think of such a thing?

Well, James Livingood, of course.

Mr. Livingood takes the art of magic, places it into the hands of a line worker with an overinflated ego, adds a defective little angel and completely twists the magical industry into a streamlined production company.

I think everyone should read/listen to this at some point. It takes the battle between good and evil into the morning meetings of a board room and adds just enough dazzle to keep it interesting.

The positive message at the end is fantastic.

New age fairy tale

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Magic Factory is the story of elves working in a highly hierarchical factory where nothing changes. A new worker inadvertantly suggests something and totally changes the way of doing things and a antiquated hierarchy.

I started this audiobook 5 times before I could get past the confusing language and elf-speak. It was really hard to hear the "message" about goodness over this.

What three words best describe Michael Gilboe’s voice?

squeaky
imitative
youthful

Do you think Magic Factory needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I would not read a follow-up book.

Any additional comments?

This review was written after receiving a complimentary copy of the audiobook version.

The Magic Factory!

My rating: 3.5 stars
Audiobook narrator Michael Gilboe rating: 4 stars

I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started reading this book, it made me think of the scene in Shrek 2 where Shrek and company go and visit the place where the Fairy God Mother works, in the magic factory.

I liked the character building in this story and liked the characters. Initially this book had a “Dresden Files” feel to it but it did not capture me as much as other James Livingood’s books have. I still enjoyed it as a short story.

I thought the narrator did a good job with the book too. Thanks for the book, James!

Excellent story with a wonderful narrator!

I very much enjoyed this audiobook. It was well written and fun to listen to. Even though a couple of the voices were a bit corny, I had no trouble distinguishing between the characters at any time.

It does not hurt that the story is short so the listener is not tasked with trying to remember a bunch of details that make it more difficult to follow along. The audiobook is just the right length. I would like to have more like this from this author.

The moral of this story is that there is more satisfaction and happiness in being humble than there is in being filled with foolish pride.

Good job James Livingood and Michael Gilboe!!!

Didn't make sense

I think the biggest problem was that this felt like it was a middle peice of a bigger story. It just doesn't feel complete... It's more like a sample and needs to have the rest of the story written to include it. This story really could be made into great book.

The narrator does a great job and was definitely the highlight of this audiobook.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Good writing, decent story, interesting scenario

What did you love best about Magic Factory?

The writing was really good. The author showed a lot of creativity, and took his magical scenario and applied it to the factory and board room. Company politics in the magic factory! Good stuff.

What did you like best about this story?

The writing was strong.

What does Michael Gilboe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator, Michael Gilboe, did a really good job. I can't specifically remember why, but I felt like he added an easterner sort of feel to the story. A no-nonsense, we're in a hurry sort of feel. He did a great job.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Be careful what you say in the presence of angels.

Any additional comments?

This was a good listen. The story was strong, and straight forward, and for the subject matter, the writing was stronger than I expected.

I didn't have any of the issues some of the other reviews called out as far as understanding the elf language (they spoke normally, I thought) etc.

Good stuff. Give it a try!

Listen with your heart

What made the experience of listening to Magic Factory the most enjoyable?

The narrations is 5 star all the way. It is an excellent story with a wonderful message. They style is enjoyable, not teachy or preachy.

What other book might you compare Magic Factory to and why?

Who Moved my Cheese
Our Iceberg is Melting

The story is enjoyable, it is brief, there is a deeper message

What does Michael Gilboe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Michael Gilboe has a wonderful voice. His tombre and use of vocal variations made the experience more listenable and enjoyable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to this in one sitting and will listen to it again.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this to any classroom instruction at high school level or above.

Bureaucracy + Magic = Entertained Listener

What if magic was industrialized? If you could head over to the factory office and order up your own piece of magic, would you? Those who work at the magic factory have to deal with many of the same hazards that are found in other factories. Accidents do happen on the assembly line.

This is a great example of humor in story telling. We have a setting, the characters, the events – all of which the characters take seriously. But us readers can sit back and enjoy the humor. Told through a character who takes his factory job very seriously, one who has great pride in this abilities and precision, I quickly got caught up in the story.

The piece of magic being assembled happens to be an angel. Today is the new guy’s first day on the assembly line and mistakes do happen. What does a mismanufactored angle do? Haha! Well, give this story a read and see for yourself.

I really enjoyed the mix of modern day quality assurance terms and the fantastical. The manufacturing of magic, in this case, doesn’t take the fun or mystery out of it. Definitely a worthwhile read!

The Narration: Michael Gilboe was a delight to listen to. I really enjoyed his voice of the somewhat egotistical perfectionist. He also had a good voice for the angel, who plays an important role even if it is a minor one.

Whimsical quick and well narrated

Another of James Livingood’s wonderful weird and whimsical tales. This one narrated by the wonderful voice acting talent of michale gilboe a one man production of voices. This tale finds us in a magic factory where everything must be controlled to be perfect when the reality of the world is it’s the imperfect and chaotic nature
Of life that creates true greatness. Loved it. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher