Tag Archives: mythology

Deborah Hewitt’s debut novel 'The Nightjar' imagines “another London, a magical world hidden behind the bustling modern city we know.” This world draws on the folkloric tradition of the “soul-bird” that carries the souls of the dead to the Underworld. But I struggled throughout to connect the book’s real-world setting and characters with the mythological elements that form the foundation of this otherwise entertaining fantasy novel.

Still going strong at age 78, Peter S. Beagle's version of fantasy is a whimsical one, though he never descends into farce. He takes his characters seriously, even if the reader cannot help but chuckle at their misadventures. Beagle’s charms have not worn off.

The prolific Jo Walton returns with a sequel to 'The Just City' and 'The Philosopher Kings.' 'Necessity' completes the saga of gods and philosophers seeking to make Plato’s 'Republic' a reality. While it has an entertaining storyline, it is a missed opportunity in an otherwise exemplary and thought-provoking trilogy.

I have been waiting with anticipation for the follow-up to Rjurik Davidson’s strikingly original debut, Unwrapped Sky (2014), and The Stars Askew does not disappoint. The “young master of the New Weird” fleshes out his wonderfully bizarre world, a world that blends familiar elements of history and mythology in unique ways.

'Ragnarok' is a must for any comic reader, a compelling tale drawn & written by a legendary skald that demands worshipful attention. Walt Simonson has shown us an age of storytelling and summoned it forward through the ages for us to behold.

He’s been called many things, gone by many names, accomplished many heroic deeds. But now, it’s time for a new beginning. This November, the world’s first super hero is back in the game in HERCULES #1! Fan-favorite writer Dan Abnett (Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians 3000) and artist Luke Ross …

The larger than life characters in Jo Walton's 'The Philosopher Kings'—even Apollo and his semi-divine daughter—are wonderfully human.

N.K. Jemisin loves to shatter the stereotypes of fantasy literature and the theme that runs through 'The Inheritance Trilogy' is the abuse of power. Those with power are regularly corrupted by it, and the real heroes in these tales are the few who can restrain themselves or even relinquish their power.

'Trigger Warning' is an entertaining collection of stories and poems. While not all of them succeed, the best stories here rank amongst the better works of fantasy produced in the last decade.

Jo Walton’s latest novel, 'The Just City,' contains time travel, robots and Greek gods, yet its realistic characters—even the divinities—dominate the narrative with their personal struggles to achieve their “best selves.” This is Jo Walton’s strength—no matter how outlandish the setting, her characters always read as real people I want to get to know.

'Full Circl'e is a must for wrestling fans, as well as those with an interest in the politics surrounding international athletics. But the book is also a “how-to” guide for grassroots organization, demonstrating how a diffuse group with a strong passion overcame long odds in a short period of time. In 2013, wrestling fought off its back to score a come-from-behind victory, and 'Full Circle' gives you a matside seat for every thrilling moment.

Buy Ragnarok. Just go buy it… and lose yourself in a newly-invented Norse mythology.

I will read anything by Clive Barker, anything audacious enough to depict God as a central character and Next Testament fulfills both conditions. For me, it is the rare horror comic that manages to be genuinely unsettling at times. Moreover, it's a darn good yarn.

If you get the chance, pick up Loki: Ragnarok and Roll. It’s a grittier representation of the Norse Pantheon that taps into the true violent nature of the Viking culture while also serving up a delicious slice of sardonic humour on the side. You can laugh at these gods instead of having their nobility and heroism rammed down your throat.

Age of Shiva was such an enjoyable romp that I was sorely tempted to purchase the rest of James Lovegrove's Pantheon canon and go on a week-long reading spree.