Books matching: folklore
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- #1
Save:The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is a fantasy novel set in medieval Russia, where the protagonist Vasya can see spirits and is caught between the world of Christianity and the old gods. The story follows Vasya's journey as she navigates the magical and mysterious woods, facing challenges related to family, courage, love, and magic, all while defying traditional gender roles.
The book is written in a lyrical and fairy tale-like style, drawing heavily on Russian folklore and mythology. It explores themes of resilience, tradition, family, and the clash between old and new worlds, creating an atmospheric winter setting that captivates readers with its intricate and layered storytelling.
It was late winter in northern Rus’, the air sullen with wet that was neither rain nor snow. The brilliant February landscape had given way to the dreary gray of March, and the household of Pyotr Vlad... - #2
Save:"Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a reimagined fairy tale based on Rumpelstiltskin, following the story of three young women from different backgrounds who find strength and agency in challenging circumstances. Miryem, the daughter of a moneylender, discovers her ability to turn silver into gold and attracts the attention of the powerful Staryk king. Alongside Wanda, a poor girl seeking to escape her abusive father, and Irina, the daughter of a duke caught in a political scheme, the women's lives intertwine as they navigate magic, danger, and self-discovery. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the perspectives of these characters, showcasing Novik's talent for intricate world-building and character development.
The real story is, the miller’s daughter with her long golden hair wants to catch a lord, a prince, a rich man’s son, so she goes to the moneylender and borrows for a ring and a necklace and decks her... - #3
Save:"Uprooted" by Naomi Novik is a fantasy novel set in a world where a wizard known as The Dragon takes a young girl every ten years to live with him and protect the area from the dangers of the nearby Wood. The protagonist, Agnieszka, unexpectedly chosen instead of her best friend, discovers her own magical abilities and becomes an apprentice to The Dragon. As they work together to combat the threats from the Wood, Agnieszka navigates themes of magic, friendship, self-discovery, and love in a richly imagined world filled with folklore elements and moral ambiguity.
The book is praised for its beautiful and descriptive prose, creating a vivid and realistic world for readers to immerse themselves in. The story unfolds slowly, subverting expectations and revealing surprising twists that keep readers engaged until the very satisfying end. The character development, particularly of Agnieszka, is highlighted as she embodies girl power, bravery, and independence, becoming her own hero in the face of challenges and mysteries presented by the magical world she inhabits.
Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley. We hear them sometimes, from travelers passing through. They talk as though we were doing human sacrific... - #4
Save:'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that follows Shadow, a man fresh out of prison who is recruited by Mr. Wednesday to assist in rallying forgotten gods from various religions across America for an impending clash. The story delves into the concept of gods existing based on belief, exploring a war between old gods and new gods like media and technology. The plot takes readers on a journey filled with myth, magic, dreams, and visions just beneath the surface of reality, set against the backdrop of tacky American tourist spots and idyllic small towns.
Gaiman's writing style in 'American Gods' is described as stunningly beautiful, clever, and surreal, combining elements of philosophy, mythology, humor, and depth. The novel weaves together various religions' gods into a cohesive and engrossing narrative, providing thought-provoking insights on belief, life, and the relationships between humans and their beliefs. The book incorporates twists, interesting characters, and plot developments that keep readers engaged in a journey that works on multiple levels, offering a mix of entertainment and reflection.
The boundaries of our country, sir? Why sir, on the north we are bounded by the Aurora Borealis, on the east we are bounded by the rising sun, on the south we are bounded by the procession of the Equi... - #5
Save:'Norse Mythology' by Neil Gaiman is a collection of retellings of Norse myths, centered around gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki. Gaiman's writing style has been described as engaging and reminiscent of oral storytelling, with a mix of humor, seriousness, and a touch of fantasy. The book covers various incidents such as Odin becoming the All Father, Thor's journey to the Land of the Giants, and the coming of Ragnarok, the end of all days.
Gaiman's interpretations bring new life to familiar characters like Thor, Odin, and Loki, adding depth and humor to their personalities. The book offers a fresh take on Norse mythology, making the ancient tales accessible and entertaining for a wide audience. Through short stories and narratives, Gaiman navigates through the complex world of gods, giants, and magic, providing an engaging and quick read for both newcomers and mythology enthusiasts alike.
Loki was handsome, and he knew it. People wanted to like him, they wanted to believe him, but he was undependable and self-centered at best, mischievous or evil at worst. He married a woman named Sigy... - #6
Save:In "Circe" by Madeline Miller, readers are taken on a journey through Greek mythology from the perspective of the enchantress Circe. The book beautifully weaves together mythological cameos, showcasing a transformational arc for Circe as she evolves from a naive nymph to a powerful witch and reluctant mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author reimagines Circe's story, offering a fresh take on a character previously known for turning men into pigs in Homer's Odyssey.
When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist. They called me nymph, assuming I would be like my mother and aunts and thousand cousins. Least of the lesser goddesses, our powers were so modes... - #7
Save:'Daughter of the Forest' by Juliet Marillier is a retelling of the fairy tale 'The Six Swans' set in 12th century Ireland. The story follows Sorcha of Sevenwaters, the seventh child of a seventh son and the only daughter, as she embarks on a journey filled with family, faith, and a touch of magic. Sorcha must overcome arduous tasks and remain silent to save her cursed brothers, all while navigating complex relationships and battling against evil forces.
Three children lay on the rocks at the water’s edge. A dark-haired little girl. Two boys, slightly older. This image is caught forever in my memory, like some fragile creature preserved in amber. Myse... - #8
Save:'Deathless' by Catherynne M. Valente is a novel that intricately weaves together Russian folklore with the historical backdrop of pre and post-revolutionary Russia. The story follows Marya Morevna, the human bride of Koshchei the Deathless, as she navigates a world filled with magical elements such as firebirds, Baba Yaga, and house spirits, all set against the grim realities of the Soviet era. Valente's writing style is described as seductive, mesmerizing, and poetic, drawing readers into a dark and enchanting narrative that delves into themes of love, power, and the duality of life and death.
In a city by the sea which was once called St. Petersburg, then Petrograd, then Leningrad, then, much later, St. Petersburg again, there stood a long, thin house on a long, thin street. By a long, thi... - #9
Save:'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones is a horror novel that delves into the consequences of a past mistake made by four young Blackfeet men during an illegal elk hunt. The plot revolves around a vengeful entity, the spirit of a slaughtered elk, seeking revenge on the men ten years later in a chilling and suspenseful manner. The writing style is described as intense, lyrical, and poetic, with a strong focus on Native American culture and folklore. The story explores themes of justice, revenge, cultural identity, tradition, and the respect for nature, all while providing a unique and eerie setting on an Indian reservation.
So far it only comes on with its thready glow at completely random times. Maybe in relation to some arcane and unlikely combination of light switches in the house, or maybe from the iron being plugged... - #10
Save:'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.
MY FATHER WAS A KING AND THE SON OF KINGS. HE was a short man, as most of us were, and built like a bull, all shoulders. He married my mother when she was fourteen and sworn by the priestess to be fru...
