The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke
Reviewed by: Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist
Genre: Supernatural History
Suggested Age: Adults, Teens
What is the book about?: This is the first book in a projected series based on the popular podcast Lore, also by Aaron Mahnke. Each chapter is a transcript of a Lore podcast episode, focusing on gruesome and supernatural creatures. The book, like the podcast, features unexplained phenomenon as recorded in history. Each chapter is its own story, so the book as a whole is not a linear narrative. Chapters are grouped in sections focusing on creatures like vampires, werewolves, elves/gremlins/goblins/dwarves, and nature based creatures such as the wendigo. Chapters also take place in various times and settings, and Mahnke also does a good job of relating historical phenomenon to the present day. Two more volumes, focusing on “wicked mortals” and “dreadful places” are coming out later this year.
My Review: I am kind of a big baby about horror, but Lore (both book and podcast) are about as frightening as episodes of The X-Files. So, I don’t need to keep my light on at night, but I’m also not about to go walking in the woods after dark after reading a few chapters. In fact, I do read Lore before bed. The short chapters that each tell their own stories are perfect reading when you aren’t able to stay up all night to finish a book. However, I do feel that the book loses some of the scare factor that is present in the podcast. Mahnke uses his voice and music to create a spooky ambiance that is missing in the book. The book reads more like interesting unexplained history than horror, but is still good. Honestly, I’m more excited about the books coming out later this year, but if you like the podcast, or have been meaning to give the podcast a try, the book is also worth your time. Also, this is a great book for teens and more mature tweens who are into the supernatural – some violence but no swearing or sex.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Historical, Unexplained, Weird
Give This a Try if You Like… Stand-alone X-Files episodes, Unexplained Mysteries, horror movies like The Blair Witch Project
Rating: 4/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!