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Loreland Bestiary: An Illustrated Mythology of the World’s Most Fantastical Creatures
176 pages, Hardcover
Published November 5, 2024
3 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 11, 2024
Thanks so much to Page Street Publishing for the physical ARC. This is the type of thing that HAS to be read in a physical form!
A truly magical and vivid read that mixes the fantastical with mythology and history. This collection of mythological creatures will have you drooling with its in-depth creature designs, its watercolor beauty, and its heavily researched yet inventive histories for each being. There’s something so special about how deeply magic this feels while also somehow feeling grounded in our world history. I thoroughly enjoyed how different cultures and parts of the world were portrayed has different relatives/branches of creatures, with none of them being depicted as first or more real.
The author delivers this beauty in parts. From creatures of the air, sea, forests, and the plains, this showcases just how wide the range of creation is in this world. While dragons will always be a personal favorite, it’s crazy to me just how many kinds of flying mythological beasts exist, and just how different they can be. I kept thinking while reading through these how so many different places in the world shared some of the same depictions and ideas and yet we’re to believe none of these existed?!
I feel like this book will scratch the itch for those that were upset by the direction the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series went. It’s educational, with tidbits from the author and other ‘mythologists’ that have evidence of, or are lacking it, to prove or disprove previous conceptions or claims. It really is such a fun and unique read. Fantasy and mythology fans will love it, and with its vivid imagery and coloration, so will children.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-lorela...
A truly magical and vivid read that mixes the fantastical with mythology and history. This collection of mythological creatures will have you drooling with its in-depth creature designs, its watercolor beauty, and its heavily researched yet inventive histories for each being. There’s something so special about how deeply magic this feels while also somehow feeling grounded in our world history. I thoroughly enjoyed how different cultures and parts of the world were portrayed has different relatives/branches of creatures, with none of them being depicted as first or more real.
The author delivers this beauty in parts. From creatures of the air, sea, forests, and the plains, this showcases just how wide the range of creation is in this world. While dragons will always be a personal favorite, it’s crazy to me just how many kinds of flying mythological beasts exist, and just how different they can be. I kept thinking while reading through these how so many different places in the world shared some of the same depictions and ideas and yet we’re to believe none of these existed?!
I feel like this book will scratch the itch for those that were upset by the direction the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series went. It’s educational, with tidbits from the author and other ‘mythologists’ that have evidence of, or are lacking it, to prove or disprove previous conceptions or claims. It really is such a fun and unique read. Fantasy and mythology fans will love it, and with its vivid imagery and coloration, so will children.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-lorela...
November 7, 2024
I've been following Hope's work on Instagram for a few years years now. I also have a few of her art prints hanging in my house and always said that if she ever released a book, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
Well, here it is.
The artwork is stunning, fantastical, and gorgeous. I can't think of another place where I've seen mythical creatures drawn so realistically and beautifully. There are creatures featured from all over the world, so it was a joy to learn about ones unknown to me and to discover new things about old favorites like dragons, gnomes, and fairies.
This book is lovely. I'm in love with it. Go get it.
Well, here it is.
The artwork is stunning, fantastical, and gorgeous. I can't think of another place where I've seen mythical creatures drawn so realistically and beautifully. There are creatures featured from all over the world, so it was a joy to learn about ones unknown to me and to discover new things about old favorites like dragons, gnomes, and fairies.
This book is lovely. I'm in love with it. Go get it.
September 23, 2024
Did someone say dragons? 🐉✨ Okay, okay.... not just dragons, but they are mentioned!
Loreland Bestiary by Hope Christofferson is a great introduction to mythological creatures from around the world and does it in an easy-to-follow way. Whether you're a mythology fan or just starting to explore, it's accessible and easy to read.
I always have such a hard time rating informative books, but aside from being super accessible, this book deserves a solid 5-⭐️ rating for the art alone. Loreland Bestiary is fully illustrated and gorgeous! The illustrations are detailed, unique, and really bring the mythical creatures to life, highlighting the most fascinating aspects of each one.
If you’re into folklore, love stunning artwork, or are just curious about mythical creatures, this is a book you'll want to add to your shelf!
A huge thank you to Page Street Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review, I adored this book!
Loreland Bestiary by Hope Christofferson is a great introduction to mythological creatures from around the world and does it in an easy-to-follow way. Whether you're a mythology fan or just starting to explore, it's accessible and easy to read.
I always have such a hard time rating informative books, but aside from being super accessible, this book deserves a solid 5-⭐️ rating for the art alone. Loreland Bestiary is fully illustrated and gorgeous! The illustrations are detailed, unique, and really bring the mythical creatures to life, highlighting the most fascinating aspects of each one.
If you’re into folklore, love stunning artwork, or are just curious about mythical creatures, this is a book you'll want to add to your shelf!
A huge thank you to Page Street Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review, I adored this book!
November 4, 2024
This compendium of mythical creatures is visually the most beautiful book I’ve ever read. There’s real magic in these pages. I didn’t want it to end.
It’s not just the impressive artwork or the cleverness of how these beasts have been catalogued. It’s the vibe. Every single page elicits a sense of wonder. Christofferson’s paint is laced with pixie dust, and you can’t help but be thrilled by the enchantment of it all.
When I was a kid, I had a book about animals that contained facts and pictures of each species, from mammals to sea creatures and sky beasts. It’s how I know who would win in a race between a cheetah and an emu, or how big the wingspan of an albatross is. I treasured that book, not just because it looked cool or kept me entertained for hours, but because it fuelled my love of the animal kingdom. In many ways, this is the equivalent for fantasy and mythology fans. These pages stir a love for the fantastical in your soul. As a creative in the SFF World, it’s impossible not to be inspired by them, and I can’t stress enough how much of an essential collection this is for anyone with even the vaguest interest in the genre.
One of the coolest things about the book is in how it approaches the mythologies of different cultures. It tours the world through the subtle differences between creatures. You’ll see various types of dragons, mermaids, fairies, and unicorns treated individually and not just thrown together into one big soup. From creature size to lifespan to natural habitat, each beast is presented with an acute attention to detail. This lets us see familiar creatures in fresh, revelatory, and mind-blowing ways. It expands our appreciation, not just for these creatures, but for the importance of their lore. I was riveted from the very first page.
What about those who don’t already know the difference between a dragon and a wyvern, a mermaid and a selkie, or a fairy and a mogwai? Don’t worry. You don’t have to be a fantasy nerd to appreciate the marvels of the text or the intricacy of the illustrations, and you may actually find yourself learning some valuable information about these beasts. Watch out, future pub quizzes!
A picture paints a thousand words. But these pictures paint a thousand worlds. They catalogue our history, our heritage, our humanity. They span countless centuries of imagination to bring us the best of what mythology and fantasy have to offer. The research alone that must have gone into this collection is off the charts, and I love the passion that the author/artist has put into their work. It’s a showcase, not just for their art, but for the power of our imaginations. Loreland Bestiary preserves tales and legends that have endured for aeons — it honours the creatures that have shaped who we are in new and exciting ways.
This would make an excellent gift, particularly for a fantasy enthusiast — even it’s a gift for yourself. Buy this book. Get it on your shelf. Get it on as many shelves as you can. And bask in the sumptuous beauty of this unique, enchanting, and definitive collection. Seriously, I cannot stress how much you need this in your life.
Also — it’s perfect in hardback. Don’t settle for the digital copy. Get it as a physical book, and thank me later.
Come for the illustrations. Stay for the magic. An absolute beast of a book, and a real treasure for mythologists everywhere.
It’s not just the impressive artwork or the cleverness of how these beasts have been catalogued. It’s the vibe. Every single page elicits a sense of wonder. Christofferson’s paint is laced with pixie dust, and you can’t help but be thrilled by the enchantment of it all.
When I was a kid, I had a book about animals that contained facts and pictures of each species, from mammals to sea creatures and sky beasts. It’s how I know who would win in a race between a cheetah and an emu, or how big the wingspan of an albatross is. I treasured that book, not just because it looked cool or kept me entertained for hours, but because it fuelled my love of the animal kingdom. In many ways, this is the equivalent for fantasy and mythology fans. These pages stir a love for the fantastical in your soul. As a creative in the SFF World, it’s impossible not to be inspired by them, and I can’t stress enough how much of an essential collection this is for anyone with even the vaguest interest in the genre.
One of the coolest things about the book is in how it approaches the mythologies of different cultures. It tours the world through the subtle differences between creatures. You’ll see various types of dragons, mermaids, fairies, and unicorns treated individually and not just thrown together into one big soup. From creature size to lifespan to natural habitat, each beast is presented with an acute attention to detail. This lets us see familiar creatures in fresh, revelatory, and mind-blowing ways. It expands our appreciation, not just for these creatures, but for the importance of their lore. I was riveted from the very first page.
What about those who don’t already know the difference between a dragon and a wyvern, a mermaid and a selkie, or a fairy and a mogwai? Don’t worry. You don’t have to be a fantasy nerd to appreciate the marvels of the text or the intricacy of the illustrations, and you may actually find yourself learning some valuable information about these beasts. Watch out, future pub quizzes!
A picture paints a thousand words. But these pictures paint a thousand worlds. They catalogue our history, our heritage, our humanity. They span countless centuries of imagination to bring us the best of what mythology and fantasy have to offer. The research alone that must have gone into this collection is off the charts, and I love the passion that the author/artist has put into their work. It’s a showcase, not just for their art, but for the power of our imaginations. Loreland Bestiary preserves tales and legends that have endured for aeons — it honours the creatures that have shaped who we are in new and exciting ways.
This would make an excellent gift, particularly for a fantasy enthusiast — even it’s a gift for yourself. Buy this book. Get it on your shelf. Get it on as many shelves as you can. And bask in the sumptuous beauty of this unique, enchanting, and definitive collection. Seriously, I cannot stress how much you need this in your life.
Also — it’s perfect in hardback. Don’t settle for the digital copy. Get it as a physical book, and thank me later.
Come for the illustrations. Stay for the magic. An absolute beast of a book, and a real treasure for mythologists everywhere.
December 10, 2024
I learned a lot of things i didn't know.
December 22, 2025
This book is absolutely spectacular! A must for every library! The illustrations are sublime. I am reading it aloud with my own little baby dragons.🐲
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews