OnlineBookClub.org

One of the things that caught my attention about this book is the fact that vampires are not the only legend/myth it uses. The use of multiple myths and legends, especially if they come from different cultures, is a weakness of mine.
Unfortunately, while I fully intend to read this, the hardcopy is out of my reach at the moment, so it won't be happening while it's Book of the Month, but I'm curious about what all the author drew into the book's mythology?

Obviously, vampires are a big thing, but there's also Bronze, which I remember reading is a golem? (I like golems!) But is also metal, which is a nice twist.

I'm very interested in hearing about what else there is, and their interpretation

I expect some spoilers, but would appreciate nothing story-ruining, please

This is a good one. I don't know much about mythology in general either, and I won't try to spoil anything. But, there is mention of a sun goddess in this book that one particular character, named Tamara, very much believes in her. So much so that Tamara claims the sun goddess speaks through her and tries to convince Eric to believe in the goddess as well. Through Tamara messages are told and at least one ritual was performed.

Was the horse actually referred to as a golem?
I love when authors use golems

I am such a sucker for mythology. That's probably one of my favorite things about books like Harry Potter. She really did her homework!

Gravy wrote:Was the horse actually referred to as a golem?
I love when authors use golems

I am such a sucker for mythology. That's probably one of my favorite things about books like Harry Potter. She really did her homework!

Yes, the horse was referred to as a golem a few times.

Harry Potter is the best!

Another myth that Garon Whited pulls in is the Wild Hunt. I don't think he ever actually refers to it as such, but its clear it is that that what it is supposed to be. The leader of the hunt refers to himself as Master of the Hunt and is some kind of lesser god.

rovet wrote:Another myth that Garon Whited pulls in is the Wild Hunt. I don't think he ever actually refers to it as such, but its clear it is that that what it is supposed to be. The leader of the hunt refers to himself as Master of the Hunt and is some kind of lesser god.

That is so cool! A few series I've read have used The Wild Hunt. Very differently, and mostly successfully, though I must admit to favoring one over the others
I love when authors pull from classic mythology

There was also the wizard angle, that gloved nicely with the medieval knight realm, this was reminiscent of Merlin and King Author's knights of the round table.
I'm pretty sure I fell in love with Bronze, the metal steed. Having worked with horses most of my life, I found that I could really relate to such a loyal and reliable mount, and that fact that she was a golem made it that much better.

There are a lot more things scattered throughout the book. Dryads, mer people, and a bunch of others. There's even some references to the Greek and Celtic pantheons in a few small places. And many of them have some modern changes to them that fit with the updates to the vampire myths. Bronze being a metal golem instead of clay is just one example of them.

And yes, I also admit that Bronze was also one of my favorite characters, and I'm not even big on horses.

Most of the different groups have been mentioned in previous posts, but there are goblins, Orks, and Elves and some other larger creatures that make up the army built by "Bob" the elf. There are many types of demons described, several demigods and demigoddesses mentioned. Also, the people living on the plains past East Gate seemed to be modeled after the North American indians and had Shamans if memory serves. There were also ghosts encountered near the end of the book.

This is so cool! It makes me want to read it more

Jennifer Allsbrook wrote:Most of the different groups have been mentioned in previous posts, but there are goblins, Orks, and Elves and some other larger creatures that make up the army built by "Bob" the elf. There are many types of demons described, several demigods and demigoddesses mentioned. Also, the people living on the plains past East Gate seemed to be modeled after the North American indians and had Shamans if memory serves. There were also ghosts encountered near the end of the book.

I let out a big laugh when "Bob" got his name.......

I just finished this great book. I noticed all the myths that were mentioned in this thread. Although, I didn't know about the Wild Hunt myth. Ones to add to the list are dragons and the idea of enchanted objects holding someone's spirit.

There are a ton of different mythologies happening throughout the book, but they don't necessarily have the same names that we would normally call them. Its a little confusing at first, but definitely adds to the charm of the book as the story progresses.

I'm such a sucker for mythology. I really want to read the book now, sounds like a lot of fun.

Bandersnatch wrote:I'm such a sucker for mythology. I really want to read the book now, sounds like a lot of fun.

I love good mythology. It can be a lot of fun and make a story more interesting, but it comes with added risk of sounding cliche or needing to reach a certain height. There are a lot of options out there.