SO where to begin? Byron it is.

And so the reviews begin. 

So, what do you need to know about the audio drama series Bryon?  Just to be clear, this little missive is going to be about the Byron Chronicles as produced by Darker Projects (https://darkerprojects.com/byronchronicles.php).  The shows are not aimed at the younger listener so if you're the sort of person who doesn't watch anything afther the 9pm watershed, chances are this show is not going to be for you.

So we have Byron, or Alistair, or the Pale Man and they're only the names we know he's gone/goes by!  Living in a house/tower hidden in a park in Portland, he is man who is also something a lot more than he seems.  Dropping hits and comments, we know that he was around at the time of Christ and knew him personally, plus he seems to have a relationship with the Almightly that your average Pontif would give his right arm for.  And speaking of the Holy See, just to make Byron's life that little more difficult he's attracted the attention of the Watch....but I'll let you find the rest out for yourself.

The Byron character seems somewhat conflicted when it comes to life and death.  Perhaps this is a side effect of his true nature, who knows.  But he seems to form deep friendships with people and appears to want to save life when he can, yet has no compunction about letting hundreds or even thousands die while he makes his escape.  One episode saw him select a girl at random, apparently keep her safe from harm only to use her without blinking as a sacrifice to bring about a solution to a problem.  The good of the one outweighing the good of the many?  Of something else, more sinister?  You decide on that one.

But then, the average Byron episode has a body count higher than a whole series of Midsommer Murders! 

OK, the lowdown:

Going since when?

The first episode (according to the website) was published in May 2005

How many series?

Currently on series 4.  Last episode published is halfway through a story and I know there are more on the way....

Can I just listen to one episode in isolation?

Yes, but I wouldn't recommend it.  Most storylines are spread out over 3 or 4 episodes and all the episodes are interlinked and have various plotlines running through them that would mean that although a standalone episode could be enjoyed, you'd miss out on so much of the parallel storylines and back references.  If you do just want to dip your toe in to a single episode, go for the Christmas or Hallow'een specials as they tend to be out of the canon of the main thread of the series.  If you try a special, then you'll want to start from episode 1 season 1 and follow the whole lot from start to finish to get the most out of it.

The verdict?

I like them.  The production values are brilliant and the storyline are very engaging.  I would recommend you check our the Byron Chronicles but they definitely are not for the younger listener.  Definitely not.