The Little Book of Magical Creatures: A Revised and Expanded Edition by Elizabeth Pepper and Barbara Stacy. © 2009 The Witches’ Almanac, Ltd. ISBN 9780977370399. Paperback. Cryptozoology/Mythology. 173 pages. $12.95 US. Source: review copy

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Review
This is a delightful little tome devoted to mythical creatures of various sorts. Broken down into four parts—Tame Creatures, Wild Creatures, Fabulous Creatures and Magic Storied Creatures—it covers a remarkable plethora (over two dozen) in only a few pages.

You’ll find domestic animals like the cat and dog here, as well as your more cryptozoological ones like the basilisk and unicorn. None of the entries go into a lot of detail but for the budding mythologist or cryptozoologist this is perfect for dipping your toes into the ocean of mythos without getting in over your head.

Rating: 3.5 chimeras out of 5

The ABC of Magic Charms: A Revised and Expanded Edition by Elizabeth Pepper and Barbara Stacy. © 2009 The Witches’ Almanac, Ltd. ISBN 9780977370382. Paperback. Folklore/Mythology. 188 pages. $12.95 US. Source: review copy

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Review
Like the above companion book, this is also a delightful read. Listed in alphabetical order it covers the folklore and esoteric sides of plants, gemstones, symbols, charms, objects, numbers, talismans, fetishes, and amulets. I didn’t learn anything new myself since I’ve read heftier books on the same subject, but this was still a nice read.

Note: Authors and writers, this would make for a great resource if you are needing to add a little magic to your novels and stories.

Rating: 3.5 tetragrammatons out of 5

Teresa

Teresa (nom de plume: Torrance Sené) is a self-proclaimed geek, a Janeite, a lover of werewolves and bad-ass angels, an aspiring novelist and an avid book reader who freelances as a web designer. You can follow her on Twitter at @eireannoir.

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The Red-Haired Girl From the Bog by Patricia Monaghan. © 2003 New World Library. ISBN 1-57731-458-1. 292 pages. Paperback. $14.95 US. [ Purchase ]

Synopsis
Ireland: land of rambles, burning peat, dark beer, misdirection, lilting speech, enchanting melodies, green hills, ruddy faces, and goddesses. Goddesses? In Ireland? Like many Irish Americans before her, Pat Monaghan traveled to Ireland for the first time as an adult, seeking her roots. What she found was much more than her physical ancestors. She found spiritual forebears in the legends and landmarks of spirited women: witches, hags, wanton girls, mothers. This book is the story of her journeys, and the story of the journeys the legends have made through time. Read more

Teresa

Teresa (nom de plume: Torrance Sené) is a self-proclaimed geek, a Janeite, a lover of werewolves and bad-ass angels, an aspiring novelist and an avid book reader who freelances as a web designer. You can follow her on Twitter at @eireannoir.

Website - More Posts