Nicholas Jubber, Scribe Publications, (352p) ISBN: 9781915590299. Mythology, NetGalley read 12/02/25, Electronic Format ★★★★☆

Monsterland

Wasn’t sure what I was getting into here before starting this and I’ve got to admit that from the cover I was expecting something a bit lighter, and in a really good way I was glad I was surprised.

Nicholas Jubber takes us on an expedition around the world to visit the sources of some of the most enduring monster myths, if not the sources at least to places where the monster myth is lived and breathed.

From Cornwall to Kyoto, Nicholas explores the local myths, customs, and festivals that surround a dozen of the worlds monsters, new and old. Looking at their development and dissemination and how they have been embraced and what this means about the human psyche.

As I said at the start I was expecting something lighter but I’m so glad it wasn’t just a quick survey of monsters of the world and it was this more in depth exploration which mirrors Nicholas’ personal journey where he became as involved as he could in the communities and festivals surrounding his research often taking part in the festivals.

This was such a wonderfully written exploration and journey that I really took my time to get the most out of it, absolutely loved this book and the worlds that Nicholas took to.

I’ve had ‘The Fairy Tellers’ by Nicholas on my shelf for such a long time and this has certainly encouraged me to bump it up the TBR pile.

I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.