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kindwordsgoodbooks's review against another edition
4.0
beaut illustrations, this books makes me want to seek out retellings and more detailed books on all these different merfolk! theres so many!!
syoung's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully drawn and written history of Merpeople. The book is probably aimed at younger readers 8-12 year olds but it is an enchanting read for all ages. Each page tells a different story of a mermaid, merman, siren and other sea creatures. The book takes you all around the world telling tales of good and, not so good if you bump into one not wishing to be met. This is a great coffee table book that I would go back to many times. Whether you belive in these magical creatures or not the book tells tales of history and long told myths.
readingwithsammi's review against another edition
4.0
This gorgeously illustrated book briefly dives into the history of mermaids. It has beautiful maps showing the spread of mermaid stories throughout history (& who you could find where!), I knew about the classic European Mermaid tales but I was astonished to learn about so many that I never heard of: African, North American, Australian and more. The art work is really fantastic and awe-spiring, it really added that extra beauty to the book. Overall, this is a sweet little read, I would recommend grabbing a hard copy to really get the full effect! If you love mermaids you'll love this!
Cover Art: 5/5 absolutely gorgeous!
Audience: Young readers; Fantasy readers.
Setting: The Earth - Americas, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Asia
Overall: 4 stars.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*.
Cover Art: 5/5 absolutely gorgeous!
Audience: Young readers; Fantasy readers.
Setting: The Earth - Americas, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and Asia
Overall: 4 stars.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*.
nomisabi's review against another edition
4.0
Encyclopedia about magical creatures??? I needed it. I love these kinds of books so much.
When I opened it, my mouth remained open. The book is full of beautiful illustrations.
There were a lot of mythical beasts in it, and I haven’t heard about most of them. Every beast has illustration so I could easily imagine them. There was also a lot of new information for me, and a lot of mythology, too. The truth is that I was bored in some places, I couldn’t concentrate on it completely. I’d rather put this book on a shelf and read it when having mood for it, not everything in one place.
My Hungarian review:
Enciklopédia mágikus lényekről??? Nekem kell. Imádom az ilyen fajta könyveket.
Amikor kinyitottam, eltátottam a szám. Gyönyörű képekkel illusztrált lények telis-tele a könyvben, amelyek kontinensekre van szétosztva.
Rengeteg lény van a könyvben, sokról nem hallottam még. Mindről egy-egy kép, így könnyen el tudtuk képzelni. Rengeteg új infó volt benne, rengeteg mitológiával. Az egyetlen dolog, amibe bele tudok kötni, hogy néhol untam pár infót, nem tudott teljesen lekötni. Inkább polcra tenném ezt a könyvet, és olvasgatnám, amikor kedvet kapok hozzá.
When I opened it, my mouth remained open. The book is full of beautiful illustrations.
There were a lot of mythical beasts in it, and I haven’t heard about most of them. Every beast has illustration so I could easily imagine them. There was also a lot of new information for me, and a lot of mythology, too. The truth is that I was bored in some places, I couldn’t concentrate on it completely. I’d rather put this book on a shelf and read it when having mood for it, not everything in one place.
My Hungarian review:
Enciklopédia mágikus lényekről??? Nekem kell. Imádom az ilyen fajta könyveket.
Amikor kinyitottam, eltátottam a szám. Gyönyörű képekkel illusztrált lények telis-tele a könyvben, amelyek kontinensekre van szétosztva.
Rengeteg lény van a könyvben, sokról nem hallottam még. Mindről egy-egy kép, így könnyen el tudtuk képzelni. Rengeteg új infó volt benne, rengeteg mitológiával. Az egyetlen dolog, amibe bele tudok kötni, hogy néhol untam pár infót, nem tudott teljesen lekötni. Inkább polcra tenném ezt a könyvet, és olvasgatnám, amikor kedvet kapok hozzá.
pagesofmilkandhoney's review against another edition
4.0
This is a excellent little atlas of mermaids and other merfolk with gorgeous illustrations. I had no idea that there were more than a handful of tales around the world about creatures that were half-human, half-sea creature. Of course there would be, and that only shows my own naivety. It's fascinating to me that all across the Earth there are similar stories from vastly different peoples, and we haven't always had contact with each other. It makes me feel that we have always been connected, somehow, for thousands of years. How else can you explain that there are similar stories of folklore in Patagonia, but also in Norway? Or South Africa and New Zealand? I'm a little sad there are seemingly no tales of merpeople in Western Canada, where I am from, but I'll be happy enough to know they are in many other places across the world.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
thelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
Really wonderful illustrations!! It's well laid out, and the story flows nicely whether it's a single page spread or the little stories across both pages. The stories themselves are really well balanced between a non-fiction and fairytale vibe. I knew about some of these stories but there were a lot I didn't -- I had a really great time reading and learning about more mermaids! I also really like that instead of focusing on just one area, the book moved around the planet (and even space which is awesome). The informational pages were nice dividers, giving readers a break between some of the areas. It was good to have a bookend to the sections.
amalia1985's review against another edition
5.0
''She is a mermaid, but approach her with caution. Her mind swims at a depth most would drown in.''
J. Iron Word
Mermaids. Complicated, controversial, mysterious, endlessly fascinating creatures of mythology and folklore. Rulers of the waves, protectors and punishers, shape-shifters. Haunting like their haunting song, they dwell in palaces, caves, rivers. They are deities, royalty, fiends, even underwater builders like the Russian Vodyanoy. Known since the early ages of mankind, the Ancient Mesopotamian mermen, the Assyrian goddess Atargatis who fell in love with a mortal man, the Nereids of Greek mythology echo the birth of a myth that grew stronger as the centuries passed. In Greece, we have the myth about the sister of our beloved Alexander the Great. She wonders the seas, asking whether her brother is alive. If the sailors reply ''yes'', she will bless their journey. But a ''no'' will lead them to a terrible death.
In Europe, we have the selkies and the Finfolk of the Hildaland, in Orkney, the finwomen need a human husband to gain immortality. In the Hebrides, there are the Blue Men of the Minch. In Cornwall, we have the famous Mermaid Chair connected to the myth of Morveren. Lamia resides in the Basque Country, Lorelei in Germany. Syrenka protects the city of Warsaw, while Rusalka serenades to the Russian moon. And who hasn't heard the sad song of Melusine?
But we know little about the water spirits of the continents, and this beautiful little book is here to fix this. In Nigeria and the Yoruba culture, the mermaid Yemoja is the greatest goddess, the mother of the sun, the moon, the water and all life. In South Africa, Karoo must not be angered or else storms will follow. In Zimbabwe, the Mondao are terrifying, what with their red eyes and sharp teeth and their man-eating habit. The Dogon people in Mali believe that mermaid-like beings descended from the sky in a basket and created water.
In Asia, the Lobusta resides in Turkey and Central Asia. A frightening, evil creature resembling an old woman whose vile laughter causes storms and disaster. In Korea, the Sinjike once fell in love with a Chinese man. She can be seen on a moonlit night, singing and throwing rocks in the water to warn of danger. In Japan, the Ningyo is a fish with a terrifying human face. If you eat one, you'll remain young for centuries but ill fortune will follow you.
Moving on to America, we meet Lasiren, a strange goddess residing in Haiti, protector of wealth and wisdom, owning the treasures of the shipwrecks. Men are lured into her lair and won't be seen again but women return wiser and with the gift of healing. In Patagonia, we find the Sumpall who trap mortals in their kingdom but give fish in return. La Pincoya in Chile protects the sailors, in Lake Titicaca, mermaids play the charango. In Brazil, Iara is the founder of the Amazonian warrior mermaids that lure men to their death, avenging male cruelty.
In Oceania, the Dakuwaga, a shark-human god, has made its home in Fiji, protecting the fishermen. In Northern Australia, the Ji-Merdiwa are shape-shifters that send sickness to the one who harms the coast. Images of them must never be created but their walking can be heard on a moonlit night. We also learn of Pania, a Māori mermaid, and Vatea of Cook Islands, father to all.
Marvel at the stories of the Japanese soldiers who claimed to have seen mermaids in Kai Islands in Indonesia in 1943, the finfolk sighting in Kiryat Yam, in Israel, in 2009, and the special ceremony that took place in Zimbabwe in 2012 because the mermaids were really, really angry.
A treasure for any mythology lover.
‘’I must be a mermaid, I have no fear of depth and a great fear of shallow living.’’
Anaïs Nin
Many thanks to Laurence King Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/
J. Iron Word
Mermaids. Complicated, controversial, mysterious, endlessly fascinating creatures of mythology and folklore. Rulers of the waves, protectors and punishers, shape-shifters. Haunting like their haunting song, they dwell in palaces, caves, rivers. They are deities, royalty, fiends, even underwater builders like the Russian Vodyanoy. Known since the early ages of mankind, the Ancient Mesopotamian mermen, the Assyrian goddess Atargatis who fell in love with a mortal man, the Nereids of Greek mythology echo the birth of a myth that grew stronger as the centuries passed. In Greece, we have the myth about the sister of our beloved Alexander the Great. She wonders the seas, asking whether her brother is alive. If the sailors reply ''yes'', she will bless their journey. But a ''no'' will lead them to a terrible death.
In Europe, we have the selkies and the Finfolk of the Hildaland, in Orkney, the finwomen need a human husband to gain immortality. In the Hebrides, there are the Blue Men of the Minch. In Cornwall, we have the famous Mermaid Chair connected to the myth of Morveren. Lamia resides in the Basque Country, Lorelei in Germany. Syrenka protects the city of Warsaw, while Rusalka serenades to the Russian moon. And who hasn't heard the sad song of Melusine?
But we know little about the water spirits of the continents, and this beautiful little book is here to fix this. In Nigeria and the Yoruba culture, the mermaid Yemoja is the greatest goddess, the mother of the sun, the moon, the water and all life. In South Africa, Karoo must not be angered or else storms will follow. In Zimbabwe, the Mondao are terrifying, what with their red eyes and sharp teeth and their man-eating habit. The Dogon people in Mali believe that mermaid-like beings descended from the sky in a basket and created water.
In Asia, the Lobusta resides in Turkey and Central Asia. A frightening, evil creature resembling an old woman whose vile laughter causes storms and disaster. In Korea, the Sinjike once fell in love with a Chinese man. She can be seen on a moonlit night, singing and throwing rocks in the water to warn of danger. In Japan, the Ningyo is a fish with a terrifying human face. If you eat one, you'll remain young for centuries but ill fortune will follow you.
Moving on to America, we meet Lasiren, a strange goddess residing in Haiti, protector of wealth and wisdom, owning the treasures of the shipwrecks. Men are lured into her lair and won't be seen again but women return wiser and with the gift of healing. In Patagonia, we find the Sumpall who trap mortals in their kingdom but give fish in return. La Pincoya in Chile protects the sailors, in Lake Titicaca, mermaids play the charango. In Brazil, Iara is the founder of the Amazonian warrior mermaids that lure men to their death, avenging male cruelty.
In Oceania, the Dakuwaga, a shark-human god, has made its home in Fiji, protecting the fishermen. In Northern Australia, the Ji-Merdiwa are shape-shifters that send sickness to the one who harms the coast. Images of them must never be created but their walking can be heard on a moonlit night. We also learn of Pania, a Māori mermaid, and Vatea of Cook Islands, father to all.
Marvel at the stories of the Japanese soldiers who claimed to have seen mermaids in Kai Islands in Indonesia in 1943, the finfolk sighting in Kiryat Yam, in Israel, in 2009, and the special ceremony that took place in Zimbabwe in 2012 because the mermaids were really, really angry.
A treasure for any mythology lover.
‘’I must be a mermaid, I have no fear of depth and a great fear of shallow living.’’
Anaïs Nin
Many thanks to Laurence King Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/
luftschlosseule's review against another edition
4.0
This book is what is says on the tin: An atlas with different mermaid myths from all over the world.
Each section begins with a map that indicates where this mermaid comes from, and then each myth gets one beautiful illustration to accompany the description.
We need to talk about the illustrations. They are colourful, detailed, and inclusive. Not only have we pale and perfectly groomed slim figures, we have a plus size mermaid, and some feauture arm pit hair. Because they are beautiful as they are, however they chose to represent.
I love that.
As was to be expected, I knew all of the European merfolk, but exactly none from the other continents. I learned while being entertained, which is always the best way.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Each section begins with a map that indicates where this mermaid comes from, and then each myth gets one beautiful illustration to accompany the description.
We need to talk about the illustrations. They are colourful, detailed, and inclusive. Not only have we pale and perfectly groomed slim figures, we have a plus size mermaid, and some feauture arm pit hair. Because they are beautiful as they are, however they chose to represent.
I love that.
As was to be expected, I knew all of the European merfolk, but exactly none from the other continents. I learned while being entertained, which is always the best way.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
ascottishlassreads's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book on netgalley in return for an honest opinion.
Firstly, this book is gorgeous. The illustrations are fun, colourful and just as vibrant as you would hope a Mermaid Atlas to be.
I love that the book is divided into continents, and then you move around the various types of mermaids that live in each region. [Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America and South Ameria with a section each]. There are facts, pictures and stories of sightings as you move through the book.
I'm an adult and I appreciated everything this book had to offer, and I'm already considering purchasing it for my niece's christmas.
Firstly, this book is gorgeous. The illustrations are fun, colourful and just as vibrant as you would hope a Mermaid Atlas to be.
I love that the book is divided into continents, and then you move around the various types of mermaids that live in each region. [Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America and South Ameria with a section each]. There are facts, pictures and stories of sightings as you move through the book.
I'm an adult and I appreciated everything this book had to offer, and I'm already considering purchasing it for my niece's christmas.
ascottishlassreads's review
5.0
I received this book on netgalley in return for an honest opinion.
Firstly, this book is gorgeous. The illustrations are fun, colourful and just as vibrant as you would hope a Mermaid Atlas to be.
I love that the book is divided into continents, and then you move around the various types of mermaids that live in each region. [Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America and South Ameria with a section each]. There are facts, pictures and stories of sightings as you move through the book.
I'm an adult and I appreciated everything this book had to offer, and I'm already considering purchasing it for my niece's christmas.
Firstly, this book is gorgeous. The illustrations are fun, colourful and just as vibrant as you would hope a Mermaid Atlas to be.
I love that the book is divided into continents, and then you move around the various types of mermaids that live in each region. [Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America and South Ameria with a section each]. There are facts, pictures and stories of sightings as you move through the book.
I'm an adult and I appreciated everything this book had to offer, and I'm already considering purchasing it for my niece's christmas.