Review: Levian
A disclaimer for this one, I’m podcast friends with the co-founders of Hug House Productions – but that doesn’t give them special treatment. I loved this podcast so much, and I hope you do too!
Also, if the review is too long, scroll down for a TLDR of this podcast.
The Review:
The sea, the ocean, the great ways of water have always been a recognizable deity for humans. We are subject to the rolling moods of hydrogen and oxygen more than any other elements on this planet. Even in our modern age of prediction and preparation, we all should have a healthy dose of respect – if not fear – of the sea.
Digging into this bone deep instinct, and twisting it into a brilliantly compelling audio drama is Levian. Full of questionable reliability, inevitable power struggles reflected in our present age, this podcast is delightfully slippery. The protagonists, Tamathea and Valentin, are they heroes, or subject to the madness of the magic of an old god?
With slow world building, Levian pulls out drama, intrigue, and layers and layers of dramatic tension, the listener has no choice but to follow the flow of this podcast. Every episode pulls back layers and layers of the world, the religion, and the magics that penetrate these societies.
Overall, the design is exhilarating, although it may not be easy for those with a touch of the misophonia. Squelching and crunching are common sounds in this podcast, maybe try it without headphones the first time. Overall, the design of this audio drama is one where you feel the details under your skin before your mind’s eye can conjure its horrors. Pairing this with an astounding, well-knit cast of personalities, voices, and characters – this podcast is a gripping tapestry of design, performance, and writing. I felt completely captivated, and captured by this podcast as I listned. So much so that I really had to take the time to choose when to listen to it. Levian will pull you under quicker than an angry tide.
Follow the political intrigue and power weaving of Tamathea, who betrays her own brother to solidify her own power. Parallel to Tamathea, follow her brother Valentin – he who chose the sea as his ultimate judge. Around these two swirls every piece of the puzzle in this dizzying world of magic, rock, and brine. Across these twelve episodes, I never knew what direction it was going. Each twenty minute episode packs such a punch, that I wanted to drop everything else to listen.
When it comes to plot and heme, I could sit here and tease out the themes of colonial power and more. I think Levian does this well enough without me trying to explain it. I think the story and overall texture of this podcast is best believed with your ears instead of my writing.
This podcast is for fans of Game of Thrones who want something flavored like Pirates of the Caribbean. Season one is complete, and you should listen to it so that we all get a season two, and beyond!
See more on the website:
Levian is written and created by Samy Souissi (Desperado) in collaboration with Hug House Productions. For the remainder of the season, it will feature Dialogue Editing by Brad Colbroockand Sound Design by Samy Souissi, with Production Management by Anne Baird.
Cast
- Feliks Mathur as Valentin Tellari
- Beth Eyre as Tanathea Tellari
- Chris Magilton as Judge Garson
- Erika Sanderson as Mara Sibi (or rather… Levian Sibi)
- Anna Harris as Meadow (Brothel Owner)
- Jumoké Fashola as Doctor Elaina Vissian
- Giancarlo Herrera as the Merchant Prince
- Will De-Renzy as Anthony
- Samy Souissi as Martin Beau
- Matthew Temporal as the Guard
and more...
TLDR:
Genre: Fiction
Episodes: 12
Episode Length: 20-30 minutes
Vibes: Fantasy, high stakes, mysterious, salty
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