Books matching: german folklore
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- #1
Save:A gripping and thoughtful blend of history and horror, perfect for readers craving a short, impactful, and original WWII tale with a supernatural twist. Highly recommended if you want a quick, immersive read that stands out from the usual monster stories.
The Wehrwolf by Alma Katsu is a historical fiction novella set in Germany at the end of World War II. The story follows Uwe Fuchs, a simple man who loves his family and is faced with the fear and uncertainty of the advancing Allied Forces. Through Katsu's distinct writing style, the narrative explores the themes of humanity, fear, and transformation, blending elements of Germanic folklore with a unique perspective on the lives of ordinary German citizens during a tumultuous period in history.
September 2022•79 pages - #2
Save:A short, quirky, and wickedly funny Christmas horror romp - best enjoyed by fans of offbeat mysteries and 80s nostalgia rather than hardcore gore-hounds.
'Secret Santa' by Andrew Shaffer is a Christmas horror read that incorporates German folklore, specifically Perchten, into the story. The book takes place at a publishing house and follows the character Lussi Meyer, an ambitious genre editor who finds herself at the center of mysterious and sinister events. The narrative is character-driven, showcasing Shaffer's sarcasm and wit, with nods to other famous horror authors and references to 80s B-list horror films.
Lussi walked up to the front of the Blackwood Building onAvenue A. Although she’d heard the publisher’s East Village headquarters was unusual, she wasn’t prepared for it to be this unusual. The four-s...November 2020•220 pages - #3
Save:Wintersong is a gorgeously written, emotional dark fairytale that will delight fans of Labyrinth and moody, character-driven fantasy - but its slow pace and lingering sorrow aren’t for everyone.
"Wintersong" by S. Jae-Jones is a dark and enchanting tale that combines elements of German folklore, Greek mythology, and the Goblin King myth. The story follows Liesl, an overlooked innkeeper's daughter with a passion for music, who embarks on a journey to rescue her sister from the Goblin King. Set in an Old World setting rich with vibrant music, forested groves, and powerful emotions, the book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery as Liesl delves into an underworld of dangerous magic and makes heartbreaking choices. The writing style is described as beautifully lyrical, with a slow burn plot that weaves together elements of fairy tales and old wives' tales to create a captivating and atmospheric narrative.
I should have gone to my grandmother before. Gone the moment I returned from the woods, gone the moment I knew Käthe was stolen. Instead, I had let my grandmother hover on the edges of my awareness li...February 2017•481 pages - #4
Save:A timeless, fascinating collection that's as enchanting as it is eerie - perfect for fairy tale fans with a taste for the original, unvarnished classics.
Grimm's Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm is a collection of classic stories that blends dark themes with moral lessons. Each tale features common characters who encounter mythical creatures, illustrating the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of their choices. The stories often include bizarre situations and a spooky atmosphere, making them both intriguing and unsettling. Though meant for children, some tales can be quite gruesome, leading readers to share a laugh or think critically about the lessons presented.
1785 Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm is born on January 4 in Hanau, in what is now Germany, to Philipp Wilhelm and Doro thea (neée Zimmer) Grimm. He is the second of their chil dren; Friedrich Hermann Georg,...1812•438 pages - #5
Save:A darkly enchanting, unconventional historical epic that dazzles with wit, depth, and atmosphere - perfect for history buffs and lovers of literary tricksters, but best approached with patience and an open mind.
Tyll follows the adventures of the titular character, a wandering entertainer and prankster living in 17th century Germany during the tumultuous Thirty Years' War. The narrative weaves together historical figures such as the Winter Queen and King, highlighting the futility of wars and the power of belief and superstition. The writing style is described as beautifully written, occasionally lagging but ultimately engaging, with a mix of humor and grim settings reminiscent of the Baroque era.
The war had not yet come to us. We lived in fear and hope and tried not to draw God’s wrath down upon our securely walled town, with its hundred and five houses and the church and the cemetery, where...2019•367 pages - #6
Save:The story of 'The Counterclockwise Heart' revolves around Prince Alphonsus, who embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of his past when the mechanical clock within him starts spinning backward. As he delves into his mysterious origins, aided by a cryptic poem and facing an ominous message, Alphonsus must race against time to find the truth before it's too late. The narrative weaves together elements of Germanic folklore and steampunk, offering a unique blend of fantasy and mystery that captivates readers from start to finish.
The book employs a magical system where each spell is followed by a Balance that challenges the caster, adding depth and cost to the use of magic. Through multiple points of view and a third person omniscient perspective, readers are immersed in a fairy tale-like world where characters navigate themes of truth, survival, and self-discovery. With unexpected twists, engaging character development, and a richly detailed setting, 'The Counterclockwise Heart' presents a compelling story that resonates with middle-grade readers and adults alike.
February 2022•251 pages - #7
Save:A must-have for fairy tale lovers and cultural history buffs - just be ready for some shocking twists and a much grim(m)er take on the classics you thought you knew!
'The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm' is a collection of the original, unaltered fairy tales as compiled by the Brothers Grimm. It provides readers with a glimpse into the darker, more violent and morally instructive versions of these classic tales, shedding light on the cultural and historical context in which they were created. includes prefatory comments by the Grimm brothers themselves, as well as an introduction by Zipes that discusses the evolution of the tales over different editions.
Just a little over two hundred years ago, in December of 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published the first volume of their Kinder- und Hausmärchen (Children’s and Household Tales), followed by a secon...1815•566 pages - #8
Save:'The October Man' is a novella in the 'Rivers of London' series by Ben Aaronovitch, set in Germany and following Tobias Winter, the German counterpart to Peter Grant. The story revolves around Tobias investigating a mysterious death involving a body covered in a fungal rot, uncovering the complexities of magical elements intertwined with police procedures. The narrative offers a different perspective on magic outside London, introducing new characters like Vanessa Sommer and delving into historical magical twists, all while maintaining the trademark style and themes of the series.
The trick with a good autopsy is to try and arrange to arrive just as the pathologist is finishing up. That way you get all the pertinent information while it’s fresh without having to stand through a...May 2019•216 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rivers of London ) - #9
Save:A beautifully written but very dark and complex fairytale mashup best for readers who enjoy mood, challenge, and emotional depth - definitely not a straightforward comfort read.
Gretel and the Dark is a novel that weaves together two parallel stories - one set in turn of the century Vienna involving Dr. Josef Breuer and a mysterious young woman named Lillie, and the other taking place in Nazi Germany following the story of a contrary and immature child named Krysta. The book combines elements of magical realism, dark fairy tales, and historical events, creating a narrative that explores themes of childhood innocence, cruelty, and the horrors of war. The writing style is characterized as atmospheric, with rich characterizations and interwoven fairy tales that require close reading to uncover all the connections.
Mathilde simply could not let the subject rest. The fact that almost two decades had passed made not a scrap of difference. Neither did Josef’s protestations. On and on the argument went, growing more...October 2014•380 pages - #10
Save:Essential for mythology fans and cultural explorers, but not exactly a page-turner - think of it as the ultimate Norse sourcebook more than a bedtime story.
The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson is a compilation of Norse myths and poems, providing insights into the mythology and cultural heritage of the Norse people. The book serves as a crash course in Norse mythology, presenting stories of gods, heroes, and monsters in a concise and approachable manner. Snorri Sturluson's writing style is described as readable and immediate, making the myths feel as if they are being spoken directly to the reader, creating a connection to the cultural storytelling tradition. The book also includes sections on skaldic poetry, offering a glimpse into the linguistic and literary traditions of the Norse.
In the beginning, almighty God created heaven and earth and all that pertains to them. Lastly he created two people, Adam and Eve, and from them came clans, whose descendants multiplied and spread acr...1220•201 pages
