jaymi elford
I loved this book. It's a great guide to spreads in that it gives readers a slim selection to apply to any situation. However, what makes this book so powerful is that it doesn't just quickly toss a spread at you and leave you to figure out how to use and apply it. Fiorini delves into the nuts and bolts and guides you into how to use the spread so that you can get the most out of it. As a seasoned tarotista I learned a few extra things from this book and feel that it's the best beginner's guide for students. You can be assured that all my students will be reading this book to gain insight into spreads and how they work.
After having badgered the authors to add their title to ePub format, I eagerly downloaded this book. It's short (merely “58 pages”) but it does provide useful and informative information. The TarotSeek method delivers it's promise to be a unique, new way of reading the cards for yourself. This technique involves a reader/seeker to write down several themes or questions on pieces of paper. Then you fold each paper up, shuffle them and then set them down on a surface. Then with your tarot deck you shuffle the cards and then lay down one card on each slip of paper. Without knowing which question gets paired up with the visible cards, you then proceed to read the meanings unaware of the question or underlying bias. It's only after you talk about the card and what insights it gives you that you can then open up the question paper and then tie the information you just said back into the question.
I'm looking forward to playing around with this technique and seeing how it can expand my style and knowledge of both myself and the cards. I like the idea of exploring tarot by having “hidden” questions.
I received an ARC of this book and I must say that it was very enjoyable. The characters felt more real than most YA books, they had well rounded lives that involved equal measures of school, modern day internets, and high school participation. The story felt a bit rushed but it was a good opener for a promising series. The supernatural bits kept me guessing and I can say that I look forward to learning more about the world that Walters has created. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, I loved that this book was set in Portland, Oregon's backyard. I also enjoyed how Walters used runes in her story. I don't read runes but I love divination types and seeing that the runes were made into a magical system, that also doubled as a type of tattoo, got me really excited. I can't wait to see how this system develops and morphs later in the series. If you want a good, fun and fast read, then Runes will be that book.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC from netgally in exchange for this review.
I've always wanted to read Datlow and Windling's fairy tale series. Color me surprised when I saw this title being re-released?, eBookified?, on netgalley. I collect books on re-imagined fairy tales. I think it's important to honor both the traditional stories from which we've learned important morals from, as well as updating the stories to fit our changing culture. Datlow and Windling have this to say about these stories, “Like the wizards who roam through enchanted woods, the tales themselves are shape-shifters: elusive, mysterious, mutable, capable of wearing many different forms.” What a perfect description of fairy tales in themselves. With this in mind, I opened the eBook and dove in.
The stories are amazing. Each one has a short preface written by the editors giving information about each author and the original fairy tale from with their adaptation came from. The stories range from traditional fantasy, to contemporary fantasy, to some horror. I also liked the wide variety of sources each story came from. Some are very familiar, while others came from further corners of the world, unknown to me.
If you love mythic fantasy, and have been waiting for this book to come out in eBook format, I recommend you grab it now. So many good stories, and quotes to choose from.
Disclosure: I received an PDF ARC copy of this book from netgalley.com. However, due to the LOVE of this book, I purchased the ePub version as SOON as I found out that google Play had a copy. Yes, this book is that good.
Patrick Dunn's Cartomancy with the Lenormand and the Tarot blew my expectations out of the water, turned what I thought good tarot books were, and indulged my love for language and cartomancy divination techniques. When I requested this title for review, I figured that this book would represent the first in a trend of books that showed tarot/Lenormand enthusiasts how to combine their love of the cartomancy techniques to blend together. I was wrong, but happily so.
This book explains both cartomancy styles side by side. There's a bit of linguistic lore and alchemical history in this book, but it's not enough to scare the layman away. Dunn discusses how the spiritual beliefs at the time each deck influenced their structure, and therefore, their strengths and weaknesses. Much of the later chapters in the book focus on the more practical side of how to use the decks for reading, magic, and other exploration.
Dunn's wit is great (tarot of the fraternities, tarot of the autobots, etc.) and reading the PDF became almost impossible due to the amount of information I wanted to highlight and reference for later. Once I purchased my own copy, I devoured this book quickly and bookmarked the exercises and techniques that I wanted to explore further.
Dunn's passion for languages is well suited to discuss the symbolic language of both these cartomancy types. The way that Dunn presents learning tarot mirrors my own toss the LWB and build your own symbolic language with the cards directly. Readings are explained in the terms of telling the story and relating the symbols in a meaningful way.
Bottom Line: I heartily recommend this to everyone interested in cartomancy. It's become a new favorite of mine and one that I'll be re-reading throughout the years.
Disclosure: I received an PDF ARC of this book from netgalley.com
Relationship questions are one of the biggest draws for a tarot reader. It's been awhile since we had a tarot book that focused on relationships. Molina's A Guide to Tarot and Relationships takes a stab at teaching those who want to know what the cards say about their relationship without going to a reader themselves. The book gives a brief introduction to the cards, how to use them and a small selection of readings.
The bulk of the text, then, is focused around what each card means. Each card has a small, focused passage on what the card means as far as relationships are concerned, followed by sections on a Metaphorical passage (sometimes this is hit or miss), General card meanings, question statement (journalling questions), Affirmations, and a time frame. Kudos goes out to Molina who follows this pattern for all the cards and not just the majors like many of the books on the market who give card meanings.
However, I was hoping this book would help readers improve their relationships with others (in all aspects of a relationship, not just love) or even themselves. I was not expecting yet-another-book-on-card-meanings. The images that accompany the cards are from a deck that is not yet published and set in black and white text. There were also a few inconsistencies with some of the suits and their “attributions”. Wands is said to be a Spring card, but the months listed are those from autumn.
Bottom Line: If you are curious about tarot and want to focus solely on how the cards read into your relationship then this book is for you. The “question statements” are also excellent use for journalling. However, those looking for broader tarot applications should turn to other books.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC from netgalley.com.
Spellbound and Determined is a quick but fun and quirky read. The book tells the tale of high-schooler Cam and her friend Reade as they attempt to gain love and maintain their GPA with spell work. Cam works in her grandma's New Age store peddling spell components and tarot cards. Reade is a lovesick girl who would do anything to get the handsome Troy's attention. When Cam is given a spell guaranteeing “power supreme” she'll do anything to cast the spell and get what she and Reade deserves. The magical system in this book seems to fall on a more realistic pagan/Wiccan scale but there is a hint of supernatural in here.
What I liked: This was such a fun read. Reade is so dramatic and her attempts to Woo Troy over are over the top and hysterial (and the ways that they backfire on her) make the book just fun. Cam's belief that the spell will solve all her english class woes is fairly spot on and I really liked the development of Cam and Zach's relationship goes.
What I didn't like: The Grey Guy as an antagonist just didn't work to well. He is rarely there and doesn't really present a good case for being “bad”. The three kids go around and gather all these ingredients for the spell and then only after it comes together does the “bad guy” appear out of nowhere and just attempt to get what “he” deserved. It just seemed a bit... um...fake. The story was very light on plot and tension; with Reade and her desire for Troy being the only things that give the reader a push to keep reading. Varley also left me wondering why Cam lived with her grandma, and what happened to her family, and why magic in this book seems real but... isn't.
Bottom Line: if you like light-YA books that make you laugh at the folly of dating and reliving the desires for a straight A grade point average then Spellbound and Determined is for you. It's a quick, fun, rainy day read that will pass the time away. I don't know if Varley plans on making this a series but I do hope that we're treated to more of Cam, Reade, and Zach in the future.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC from netgalley.com.
Lenormand is all the rage this year it seems. There have been many books published on the cartomancy technique this year, and I've read three of them. Rana George's book, The Essential Lenormand, is by far the easiest of the 3 to read and use for those beginning with the cards.
Rana George has used the cards all her life. She does not come from a tarot background as the other authors seem to come from. It's as if the cards are in her blood. She's been reading with them since she was a young girl in the Mediterranean area. And this book shows her passion, her wide range of knowledge and examples of the cards.
I loved this book. Her down to earth prose mirrors her speaking patterns (I happen to know her just a smidge). She uses real examples and tells you a single version (hers) of how to read the cards. The first section takes you through what each card means, how it can manifest in a wide variety of life-examples and she even shares stories of how the cards wove their magic in her life. The next part gives you exercises and ways for you to build your Lenormand muscles and reading formats. Then she goes into spreads and the Grand Tableau (the spread that uses all 36 cards), each with a real example and diagrams on how to read the many patterns with the cards. Finally, the book closes out with a series of Appendices that give history, quick reference sheets and more information about the Lenormand cards.
It's hard to find fault in this book. As it was an eARC from Llewellyn, there are some weird stuff going on but I can't wait for this to be released in 2014, for I will be buying a copy for my library.
Bottom Line: If you are a beginner and want a workbook to use with your Lenormand cards then get this book. It's that good. If you already know the cards but want to read real-life vignettes about other readers' experiences with the cards, then you'll also enjoy this book. Rana George is a great teacher and The Essential Lenormand is a fun read!
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this from netgalley.
I've been eagerly awaiting for The Ghost Train to New Orleans as soon as I heard it was being worked on. Campbell Award winning author, Mur Lafferty is a great writer and has done an amazing job in blending a supernatural world (also known as coterie in her books) in with believable settings and characters. Editor, Zoe Norris, is on assignment in the Big Easy and once again she's being dragged into nefarious plans.Zoe is a great character who's quirky and geeky, and still trying to figure out how to deal with the supernatural while keeping to her travel book schedules. Part of the reason I love these books is due to the snippets of travel book writing that Mur adds in-between chapters. It really does show her RPG word building background and makes the world she created alive. Now I'm totally looking forward to the 3rd book in this series. Thanks for continuing to show us all why you're mighty, Mur and I hope you're hard at work on the next installment.
Great start to a new series from Auburn Seal. I AM the editor of this work... so check it out for yourself. :D
Tarot Spreads for Love, Career and More attempts to demystify spreads and show the reader how to harness the power of a good spread. Eshey uses the introduction to frame the rest of the book. He explains his philosophy and how a reader can get the most out of the book. The rest of the chapters break down various spreads by theme. He starts out with many of the most common spreads readers use, and then delves into spreads used for love, money and other topics.
This book is a great beginner's guide to spreads. Eshey takes the time to delve into some popular spreads that can often confuse new readers. He shares the layout of what that spread looks like, then he breaks each position down into what it asks and gives you a example from his real life. There is a wide variety of spreads and examples from Eshey's own life in this book.
What I didn't like about Tarot Spreads for Love, Career and More is that sometimes the stories Eshey uses doesn't add up and really seem to answer the question that the querent gave at the beginning of the “session.” Many of the stories, don't give a specific card and how that card relates back to the position of the spread. I also found that in Chapter 2, his image for the “Card of the Day” spread doesn't seem to align with the description. This threw me off a bit...
Other than the stories being a bit too fitting and not using actual cards, I liked the book. The introduction was were I got my biggest bang for my buck with how Eshey describes his take on the purpose of spreads and how to get the most out of them. He includes many key tips for getting the most out of a spread and I was impressed how he distilled the purpose of the Major, Minor, and Court cards with ease.
Bottom Line: If you are new to Tarot and want to understand spreads and see how they can work for you, then you'll like this book. Eshey's philosophy of “people like to play,” so “make an experience interesting, you get more and more immersed in it. It really is as simple as that.” I think that beginners and advanced Tarot enthusiasts alike can find insights from this Ian Eshey's Tarot Spreads for Love, Career and More.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this eBook from netgalley.com in exchange for a honest review.
The cover drew me to this book. That and the short description and the fact that it was a successful Kickstarter campaign. Jeff Seymour has done something interesting with this book. He has blended fantasy, wonderful worldbuilding, and a multiple character story-telling style all in one. This is the tale of six souls brought, or woven, together to save the world.
Multiple personality stories aren't new. I've read a lot of books that alternate between he said, she said stories. But this one... wow... THIS book manages to progress a single story line and keep my interest with six plus different personalities. Each section has it's own flavor and insight and manages to weave a story as it hops from each character.
Parts of this story feels like a typical journey story, where six friends or strangers come together due to a vision to help save the world they know or love. Much of the story wraps around their common bond and the difficulties of growing beyond their home lands. But the story doesn't end where you think it ends. It ends at the end, and that end, is a new beginning. It was a great change of pace and kept my mind guessing as to where Seymour was going. I am definitely looking forward to reading book two!
Bottom Line: If you like getting to know multiple characters closely and like fantasy that has a great world, then this book is for you. It's got hints of Chinese fairytale in this (I'm not sure why I feel this way, but I do.)
Disclaimer: Marcy Kennedy offered me a eBook in exchange for an honest review. I accepted.
Social media has exploded onto the internet. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, GoodReads... there's so many ways authors and writers can get out there and discuss their works and their words. Marcy Kennedy's Twitter for Authors takes a in-depth look at Twitter and how writers can get a handle on this medium and how they can create meaningful relationships with readers and other writers while promoting themselves.
This guide allows writers of all levels to get new tricks and tidbits of knowledge.Kennedy spends the majority of the book giving step by step instructions for the technologically shy writer in setting up their profile. But she doesn't stop there. She also gives explanation into why one would want to do things a certain way; giving us plenty of “best practices” to using the tool and getting the most out of the dialogs that happen on Twitter.
I've been an avid twitter user for years. Next to GoodReads, it's one of my favorite social media connections. I thought I knew what I was doing on twitter, but it turns out that I wasn't really using the full power of the service. Thanks to Twitter for Authors, I've gotten more ideas and ways to use the service in helping me build an audience by connecting to readers, other authors. I no longer feel like I'm wondering “why the site isn't working” for me.
Bottom Line: Aspiring writers and authors alike need this book. It will help you understand Twitter and how to use it to converse with your audience. Kennedy gives you tools and insights to connecting with others in deeper ways. It will make you want to use this above many of the other networks out there. I've already told many of my writer friends who are Twitter-shy to get this book so that they can join in on the conversation.
Twitter for Authors is also available in hard copy.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through netgalley.com.
The Journey Into Spirit is an important pagan book. Death, the process of dying, and grieving is a deeply personal and somewhat taboo topic in Western cultures. In this book, Hughes brings all this out into the open and has a wonderful dialog about death, grieving, and what goes on behind it all from a pagan perspective. Hughes is well qualified to write this book as he's not only pagan but has been involved in the death business as a certified anatomical pathology technologist in the UK. Talk about a fascinating job!
Hughes blends personal stories of being close to death in with factual information about what happens when we die and where “we” go when we're no longer around. The stories are poignant and are both human and animal companion based. The book also includes personal and group rituals for saying good-bye to loved ones of all types. It's these rituals and practical advice that really put a good spin on this book and make it easy for those of us who want to include rites of passing in our practices.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the use of the term “muggle” to refer to non-pagan/magickal persons. I love Harry Potter and the wizarding world but I really take offense to pagans who use the term “muggles” as a way to differential ourselves. Im my opinion, everyone is magical. Even if they don't believe in pagan magic.
Bottom Line: Go buy this book. It will expand your opinion of what death and dying is, what awaits us on the other side, and gives some advice about how to mourn and include death into a pagan belief system.
Disclaimer: I received a eARC of this book from Netgalley.com.
I really wanted to like this book. It was line from the review page that pushed me into the decision to get it, “The Simplicity of Stillness® (SOS) is a comprehensive, yet simple method for activating the vital life Energy that accesses deep peace and infinite intelligence.” My expectation was for a book that taught me a methodology of using meditation and other tools to allow me to seek the creativity, peace, and enhance a brighter outlook in my life. Karlin's program may be great in person and in class but it fell flat in the book.
Karlin's program combines the use of recorded meditations (3 of which I received from the publisher to help this review), along with 5 other “tools” to supposedly achieve dreams, higher states, and this Energy in your life. The book, as written, didn't really help me learn those tools. Instead, I felt like I was watching a late night sales pitch. One hundred pages into the book, I expected the pitch to transform into a teaching voice... but that voice never came.
This book included a lot of endorsements on how the program helped various people through sickness, challenges, and other growth opportunities in their life. It was interesting to hear but I felt like I didn't come out of reading this book the way most changed. I suspect that if taking the courses from Karlin are much better than reading the book about the project.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this through netgalley.com. I've also had the pleasure of meeting Mr. DuQuette at various pagan conferences and have enjoyed our conversations.
I've never really read one of Lon Milo DuQuette's books before. It's because of the title, and the fact that I've had some fond memories of the man that I decided to read through Homemade Magick. I'm glad this was my first DuQuette book. As I read it, I hear Lon's voice talking back, and smiling as he tells me a bit about himself, shares his knowledge of magick, and gives us a glimpse into his world.
At it's core Homemade Magick is part memoir, part how-to, but it's all Lon Milo DuQuette. In this fast read, DuQuette shows us that anyone can become their own magician. He disperses 40 years of knowledge in between stories of how he and his family navigated the world. He tells stories of how he got initiated, created his own tools, and transformed his own house (or hotel rooms) into a temple of worship. He then teaches the reader how they can do the same.
I loved this book for blended memoir and teaching style. DuQuette lives the life and talks the talk and he gives how to be a magician to us straight. He allows the reader to understand their work, their place in magick, and reminds us that we do not need the fancy, expensive clothes or tools to DO the work. It's all within us. Also, I loved his sections that included tarot– i'm huge on tarot magic and the uses and it's nice to see that he also notes that tarot can be a great tool for setting up magical spaces, temples, and can be used as the magician's implements.
BOTTOM LINE: If you want a true glimpse into a self-made magician, and want to know that you really can become a “homemade” magician of your own creation, get this book. Thanks Lon and I can't wait to see you next.
Disclaimer: I received a eARC of this book from Netgalley.com.
As pagans, we tend to revere nature. We seek solace in the trees, rocks, animals, sun, and the moon. We know about astrology and how the planets affect our studies and magical workings. But how often do we think about the stars and constellations? I know that when I look to the night sky, I see them but until now, I've never thought much to the stars as magical influencers. Sandra Kynes's book, Star Magic, is a refreshing take on how the stars–through constellations– can impact our magic.
This book is a treasure trove of information. Kynes explains our night sky, science behind the constellations and how to understand “star” names, and using the energy of the stars. The majority of the book is spent detailing many of the northern and southern constellations, the prominent stars from each, and what their magical uses could be.
I love the premise of this book! For most of my magical life, while I looked to the stars, I never really SAW them as the tools they can be. I loved how Kynes blends science, myth, and practical information of the constellations and the stars themselves to give us a new way of seeing the sky. It also includes information for both the northern and southern hemispheres, so those “down under” aren't left out.
However, I gave this book a “liked it” rating because I felt overwhelmed at times with all the info. This is a great book but it can be overwhelming for the lay person.
Bottom Line: Have you been wanting to include star energies into your magic? A fan of the stars but not astrology? Then this is the book for you. You don't need to know astrology or astronomy to use this great guide.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through netgalley.com.
Ten years ago, during a yearly check up with my primary physician, he revealed to me that I was pre-diabetic. It came as a shock seeing that I was fit, exercising, and (as to my knowledge) eating healthy. My first few weeks of understanding this condition consisted of me refusing to eat all sugars and wondering what dietary changes needed to be made. The Prediabetes Detox by naturopathic Sarah Cimperman is a well researched and deep foray into what one can do to start working on lowering blood sugar levels. I sure wish I had this book back when I got hit with my news.
Cimperman takes the reader through the science and steps necessary to do a deep body detox for those with Prediabetes. Her detox program includes goals to remove harmful toxins from the body, get the body to burn fat instead of save it, and normalize blood sugar and insulin levels. She claims that “the prediabetes detox program will teach you to take control of your health, lower your blood sugar and insulin levels, and reverse prediabetes.” The first two chapters give in-depth primers on both the disease and detoxes. There is A LOT of science, and well documented studies, in these chapters. The remaining chapters detail the program in great detail: discussing what to stay away from; what foods and supplements to take; exercise suggestions; and environmental and lifestyle changes.
I wish I could say that I've started this program and could report back. However, I have several other medical conditions and old injuries that need to be dealt with before I can wholeheartedly start the detox. All in all this book DOES contain a great amount of good research and good tips for changing some of the continued bad habits I've gained and I'm slowly incorporating them into my meals and life.
Overall, I liked The Prediabetes Detox and I look forward to discussing the program with my doctor in the hopes of giving it a shot.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC from netgalley.com in exchange for my review.
Book two of Amanda Hocking's Valkyrie series, From the Earth to the Shadows, is at it's core, a creation myth story. Hocking jumps right into the storyline events at the moment after the first book ends; with Malin and her friends regrouping after the big boss fight. Throughout this novel, Malin continues to fight, continues to find items to help stop the big bads from destroying the world around her, and dealing with the coming-to-terms moments of what it means to be her. Fan favorite characters appear back in this book (yay for Bowie) and we're also treated to a few new players.
Hocking's writing is crisp and action-oriented. The scenes fly by and there's little room for introspection or sleep. This book is fast paced. It's like we went from setting up an initial sequence of bad events to a whole new level of apocalyptic occurrence in a compressed timeline. Some readers may enjoy this quick pace, however I personally feel the characters and their interactions suffer from the speed. It feels like Hocking wanted to wrap this book up so she could move onto something more inspiring.
With this title wrapping up the series, I wished the events in this book to be broken down across two books. I wanted to see more of the world building that Hocking treated us in book one. I wanted more of those moments of contemplation for what is going on and how the character's actions affect the rest of the human and immortal worlds. I think fans should've been treated to a three book series.
It occurred to me, after finishing From the Earth to the Shadows that this series describes an creation myth as it unfolds. The climax of From the Earth to the Shadows and the ritual of making everyone mortal sets this series up for more stories. The plot may have followed Malin around, but the story is about a world where the rules of who dies and who lives has changed and these struggles could form the basis for more stories. Even Malin acknowledges that there is a place for her and what the old valkyries did in this new world. I'd love to see more books featuring Malin, Oona, Asher, and Samuel, and the others. I want to see how they grow and become leaders during the world's transition period. It's my hope Hocking returns to this series later on and writes more on how the change affects everyone.
Anxiety, doubt, and a fear of being unworthy are common themes in our lives. These are the demons being looked at in Adreanna Limbach's book, Tea and Cake with Demons. Limbach is a buddhist and this book takes a look through the Buddhist tenants from the point of view of self worth. I view this book as both a reference guide and a workbook to help you understand where the demons come from and how to work with them to gain a broader sense of connection and how we can overcome their adversity.
Limbach frames the book through the lens of buddhism: each of the four noble truths, and the eightfold path, gets explained in general terms and then gets applied to the idea of self worthiness. Each truth and path are described in easy-to-understand, modern terms. This way you get a feel to really apply the works to yourself. Each chapter then ends with a practical tip to use the material in your life.
I liked her voice. Limbach uses her own personality and life experiences to remind the reader that we are not alone and everyone experiences doubt in their own lives. Even the enlightened ones. This book is a wonderful companion and guide for creatives, and anyone experiencing their own dark night of self-doubt. Reading Tea and Cake with Demons will broaden your horizon, doing the techniques Limbach explores will help you plant roots and find your seat so that you can continue doing the work you love to do.
I have an essay in this book on using pop culture methods with your tarot deck. I teach how to create tarot resources on your iPod (a grimoire as well as a tarot deck).
Disclaimer: I received an eARC from netgalley in exchange for a review.
Shanti and the Magic Mandala is a interesting book. It's been over a week and I'm not sure what to really write about this story. At it's core, Camargo has written a global, multi-cultural story about hope and working together. However, the pacing of the story is rushed and I feel the fast pacing of the plot does and disservice to the characters and their task. It's fast pace leaves you a bit wanting for more and I think this could have been a great start to a series.
This book tells the stories of 6 kids, located around various locations in the North and South American contents. Each one has been selected to participate in defeating the bad guys. Sounds like a great premise but there's not a lot of substance in how the group builds their dynamics and grows together. Instead, they accept the words from their dreams as truth and act out the parts as played.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the multi-cultural vibe to the story. It's why I requested the book. But I just felt that modern kids wouldn't just accept what they're given and leave home and life to do what they're charged to do without knowing what's really at stakes. Likewise, the baddies in this book... lacked a personality. They just operate around and don't seem to have personalities. I also loved the play on the title: Shanti. It's not just the name of a character, but of an action.
Bottom Line: Want a quick read that attempts to break the stereotype of most YA fantasy books, then this is for you.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through the publisher in exchange for this review. Dario's also a good friend of mine.
I am pagan, and into tarot and esoteric subjects, which is why Dario asked me to read his latest tale. This was such a fun read. It also kept me up all night!
At it's heart, Black Easter is modern ghost story. Paul Hatzis moves away from the States to Greek island, where he rents an old house to relax and rediscover himself. Whenever he tells the locals about the place, they all tell him it's haunted. With the help of his realtor-turned-girlfriend, Elleni, the get to the bottom of this mystery. Things get weird... around Easter. There's a few more twists to this book, but I'll leave that for you to uncover. Spoilers and all that!
The characters are well rounded. Paul seems to be an every day joe, who desires a simple islander life. He's not ready for the events that happen in his house around Easter. Thankfully, with the help of his niece, Alex, and a priest... he's able to overcome the evils that threaten to bring destruction to the world. Alex was my favorite, as I identify goth and had a minor in anthropology.
Bottom Line: Do you enjoy a good, modern day haunting? Curious about why the Nazis were fascinated by the occult? Then this book will be a delight for you. No gore, only great storytelling.
This is an amazing book. It's also a hard one to get through if you are white. Yes, it's about race. It's also about privilege. I put it alongside books like Thirteen Reasons Why.
Hollow Fires, and Samira Ahmed, will make you think about your actions and how you treat others. It will open your eyes and ask/ponder the challenging questions about living in the United States and what being a good citizen means. And for me, living in this day and age is worth it.
Do yourself a favor and read it. Recommend it to everyone you know. And let's all strive to make lives better in the States.
Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through netgalley.com
The Waking Dreamer caught my eye due to the lyrical nature of the title and cover. This is a coming of age/coming into being story about Emmet, who's “adopted” and trying to find his place in the world. We first meet him as he's making his way out of Houston, heading into Florida. The story quickly veers off into urban fantasy when Emmet runs into a Druidic group called “The Children,” who work in tandem with Druids (seemingly the warrior class of the group) and a Bard (the seemingly magical user who directs magic with their voice). In this one night, Emmet's world is turned upside down as he's pulled into a plot between the Druids, himself, and those called the Underdwellers (who are aligned with The Old Ones).
This book introduces us to the overview of the good guys and bad guys and shares with us the powers that Emmet himself holds. It doesn't really tell us flat out what will happen if Emmet goes bad... just that it could be the end of everything we know.
As one who has many friends in the ADF ( a real druidic order), I loved how this book sort of blends the fantasy world in with some reality. Druids are real, they do have some of the ideas that this book contains (albeit very different from the fantasy one): like druidic orders do have Bardic subsets. They also believe in a concept very similar to the underdwellers. The first few chapters are very lyrical in nature and it really sucked me right into the world. The book does take place (in part) here in portland, OR and i've always been fond of books that feature my beloved town.
Bottom Line: If you like your urban fantasy with some magic realism mixed in, then you'll love this book. The writing is crisp and the characters and group dynamic are intriguing. I hope that Alexander is able to continue with the next volume, for I'd love to see what happens with Emmet and the others.