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Sumerian Mythology: Ereshkigal

Ereshkigal in Near Eastern mythology (Babylonian – Assyrian) was the goddess of the underworld, married to the war god Nergal. Ereshkigal ruled over the Mesopotamian realm of death. She is Inanna’s sister, rival, or alter-ego as descriptions of her and her realm are found in the Sumerian hymn, The Descent of Inanna (available in English… Continue reading Sumerian Mythology: Ereshkigal

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Cabaret of Monsters

Publisher’s Description Saturnalia in Aufleur is a time of topsy-turvy revels, of the world turned upside down. The city’s theatres produce an annual display of reversals and surprises. Women can transform into wolves. Even the rats are not what they seem. Evie has travelled to Aufleur to uncover the city's sinister secrets… but this newspaper… Continue reading Cabaret of Monsters

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Inuit Folklore: The Amikuk

The Amikuk is a monster from Inuit legend that is as deadly on land as it is in the water. They possess a deep hatred for al humans and actively hunt for kayakers in the open waters off the Alaskan coast. The Amikuk are often described as extremely long but almost human-like in shape. They… Continue reading Inuit Folklore: The Amikuk

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Leprechaun Folklore

The stereotype of the leprechaun is of lucky charms and pots of gold at the end of a rainbow. But leprechauns are members of the Fairy folk, a type of sidhe and are unusual because leprechauns are almost exclusively always male. The name leprechaun derives from the Gaelic leith brog “one shoemaker.” The leprechaun is… Continue reading Leprechaun Folklore

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The Hunger of the Gods

*** I received an ARC in return for an honest review *** Publisher’s Description Lik-Rifa, the dragon god of legend, has been freed from her eternal prison. Now she plots a new age of blood and conquest. As Orka continues the hunt for her missing son, the Bloodsworn sweep south in a desperate race to… Continue reading The Hunger of the Gods

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Freyja: Norse Mythology

Freya (Old Norse Freyja, “Lady”) is one of the preeminent goddesses in Norse mythology. She’s a member of the Vanir tribe of deities, but became a member of the Aesir gods after the Aesir-Vanir War. Her brother Freyr also became a member of the Aesir. Freyja is the Norse goddess of love, fertility, beauty and… Continue reading Freyja: Norse Mythology

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Ryujin: Japanese Folklore

In Japanese mythology, thousands of dragons exist. All of them have three common characteristics: three claws on each leg, a mustache and a sacred pearl that is called the "dragon pearl". The magic of the dragons come from these jewels. It is from this jewel that the magic of these dragons comes. The greatest of… Continue reading Ryujin: Japanese Folklore

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Black Cranes

*** I received a free copy in return for an honest review **** Publisher’s Description Almond-eyed celestial, the filial daughter, the perfect wife. Quiet, submissive, demure. In Black Cranes, Southeast Asian writers of horror both embrace and reject these traditional roles in a unique collection of stories which dissect their experiences of 'otherness,' be it… Continue reading Black Cranes

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Nona the Ninth

Publisher’s Description Her city is under siege. The zombies are coming back. And all Nona wants is a birthday party. In many ways, Nona is like other people. She lives with her family, has a job at her local school, and loves walks on the beach and meeting new dogs. But Nona's not like other… Continue reading Nona the Ninth

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Hell Hounds

Hellhounds are demons or evil spirits that take the form of a dog. Throughout history and in numerous cultures there are creatures known as hellhounds which appear in mythology, legend and folklore - sometimes as guardians of forbidden areas or as sinister loners that spread death and misery wherever they tread. A Hellhound is not… Continue reading Hell Hounds