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Shadows of Myth and Legend
A collection of dark faerie tales, inspired by folklore, myth and legend, told in the haunting lyrical style of dark poet E.J. Stevens.
70 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2010
About the author
E.J. Stevens
53 books1,668 followersE.J. Stevens is the bestselling, award-winning author of the IVY GRANGER, PSYCHIC DETECTIVE urban fantasy series, the SPIRIT GUIDE young adult series, the HUNTERS' GUILD urban fantasy series, and the WHITECHAPEL PARANORMAL SOCIETY Victorian Gothic horror series. She is known for filling pages with quirky characters, bloodsucking vampires, psychotic faeries, and snarky, kick-butt heroines. Her novels are available worldwide in multiple languages.
BTS Red Carpet Award winner for Best Novel, Imadjinn Award winner for Best Short Story, Raven Award winner for Best Urban Fantasy Novel, Independent Audiobook Award winner for Best Short Story, SYAE finalist for Best Paranormal Series, Best Novella, and Best Horror, winner of the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy Novel, Best Young Adult Paranormal Series, Best Urban Fantasy Novel, and finalist for Best Young Adult Paranormal Novel and Best Urban Fantasy Series.
When E.J. isn't at her writing desk, she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles. E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.
Join the E.J. Stevens newsletter and learn about news, events, and receive a free book. http://www.subscribepage.com/n6k1a5 Monthly news updates, tour photos, and exclusive reader perks (FREE reads & giveaways!).
Website: http://www.EJStevensAuthor.com
Ivy Granger Series: http://IvyGranger.com
Blog: http://www.FromtheShadows.info
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EJStevensAuthor
@EJStevensAuthor
BTS Red Carpet Award winner for Best Novel, Imadjinn Award winner for Best Short Story, Raven Award winner for Best Urban Fantasy Novel, Independent Audiobook Award winner for Best Short Story, SYAE finalist for Best Paranormal Series, Best Novella, and Best Horror, winner of the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy Novel, Best Young Adult Paranormal Series, Best Urban Fantasy Novel, and finalist for Best Young Adult Paranormal Novel and Best Urban Fantasy Series.
When E.J. isn't at her writing desk, she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles. E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.
Join the E.J. Stevens newsletter and learn about news, events, and receive a free book. http://www.subscribepage.com/n6k1a5 Monthly news updates, tour photos, and exclusive reader perks (FREE reads & giveaways!).
Website: http://www.EJStevensAuthor.com
Ivy Granger Series: http://IvyGranger.com
Blog: http://www.FromtheShadows.info
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EJStevensAuthor
@EJStevensAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 28, 2011
I love poetry and so when I opened up this particular book for the first time and started reading, I quickly became captured by the imagery and depth that is so beautifully revealed within this amazing collection of paranormal poems written by E.J. Stevens.
This slim book is divided into four parts under the headings of Earth and Below; Air and Spirit; Fire and War; and Water and Ice. The four headings acts as the structure within this book, around which 54 paranormal poems written by E.J. Stevens are presented.
Each poem found within this book recounts a vivid story which at times can be dark, haunting, disturbing and yet beautiful in its own individual way.
For lovers of paranormal writing and those who have not read anything from the paranormal genre before, this collection of poems is really worth obtaining and taking time to read.
This slim book is divided into four parts under the headings of Earth and Below; Air and Spirit; Fire and War; and Water and Ice. The four headings acts as the structure within this book, around which 54 paranormal poems written by E.J. Stevens are presented.
Each poem found within this book recounts a vivid story which at times can be dark, haunting, disturbing and yet beautiful in its own individual way.
For lovers of paranormal writing and those who have not read anything from the paranormal genre before, this collection of poems is really worth obtaining and taking time to read.
July 4, 2010
I enjoyed Shadows of Myth and Legend even more than From the Shadows, Stevens' first book of poetry. Each poem describes Stevens' interpretation of ancient myths and legends. Like From the Shadows, I had some favorites in Shadows of Myth and Legend:
"Vampire's Thrall"---I enjoyed it so much I read it three times
"Love of a Shifter"---which made me laugh out loud although laughter was probably inappropriate as the poem is about death
"Elven Bride"---I loved the outstanding imagery
"Siren Song"---which had a unique interpretation on sirens
I would recommend From the Shadows to anyone who enjoys the paranormal genre, or anyone who is a fan of poetry. You don't have to be a lover of poetry to enjoy Stevens' work.
Just One Gripe:
Just like From the Shadows, I really can't think of anything I'd change about Shadows of Myth and Legend.
The Best Thing About This Book:
The imagery is outstanding!
Appropriate for a younger audience:
Yes
Score: 5 stars
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an impartial review.
"Vampire's Thrall"---I enjoyed it so much I read it three times
"Love of a Shifter"---which made me laugh out loud although laughter was probably inappropriate as the poem is about death
"Elven Bride"---I loved the outstanding imagery
"Siren Song"---which had a unique interpretation on sirens
I would recommend From the Shadows to anyone who enjoys the paranormal genre, or anyone who is a fan of poetry. You don't have to be a lover of poetry to enjoy Stevens' work.
Just One Gripe:
Just like From the Shadows, I really can't think of anything I'd change about Shadows of Myth and Legend.
The Best Thing About This Book:
The imagery is outstanding!
Appropriate for a younger audience:
Yes
Score: 5 stars
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an impartial review.
April 11, 2010
E.J. Stevens is an amazing poet. I was intrigued by the dark poetry and I have to say that it really comes through in this book. The darkness was captured very nicely and there really is some amazing talent here. Anyone who is a fan of vampires, poetry, dark things should pick this up. I was impressed.
April 11, 2011
I saw this book advertised as "the chilling collection of paranormal poetry". I love poetry and the paranormal, but I'd never read paranormal poetry. I was intrigued. I downloaded a sample onto my Kindle, which stopped in the middle of one of the poems; I downloaded the book without even thinking, just knowing I had to finish the poem! (And for only $2.99, there's really nothing to think about.) Wow! I am now an E.J. Stevens fan! Like the other reviewers have mentioned, there are poems involving vampires, werewolves, zombies, faes, ghosts, and much more. My favorite is "Grindylow", about the warnings to a child what happens when you go too near the water's edge. Stevens has a knowledge of the genre, which comes through every poem, as well as a mastery of language. Her imagery and rhyme schemes evoke hauntingly beautiful pictures that are tragic, spooky, scary, sometimes humorous, and always moving, just like good poetry should. These poems are rich, textured gothic tales such as her "Jiang Shi":
Come along now Jiang Shi
It is time to be led
Back to your loving family
To the woman you were wed
You have traveled far from home
Far from your hearth and bed
We must return you to your wife
Whose eyes are rimmed with red
The priest rings the sacred bell
Rice and herbs have been spread
Your flesh is stiff and greenish-pale
Long white hair hangs from your head
We await you in silence
Our prayers have been said
Time to climb into this damp earth
For Jiang Shi you are dead.
The undead never sounded more beautiful and sad. The only complaint is that this collection is too short because once you enter the world of E.J. Stevens you don't want to leave.
Come along now Jiang Shi
It is time to be led
Back to your loving family
To the woman you were wed
You have traveled far from home
Far from your hearth and bed
We must return you to your wife
Whose eyes are rimmed with red
The priest rings the sacred bell
Rice and herbs have been spread
Your flesh is stiff and greenish-pale
Long white hair hangs from your head
We await you in silence
Our prayers have been said
Time to climb into this damp earth
For Jiang Shi you are dead.
The undead never sounded more beautiful and sad. The only complaint is that this collection is too short because once you enter the world of E.J. Stevens you don't want to leave.
April 8, 2011
http://www.fromtheshadows.info , Great Blog if you have a moment to check it out. I honestly wasn't sure what I was going to think of this one. When I read the back I kept thinking ... Paranormal, Fae, folklore .... This could be so good because I am absolutely in love with all things Fae and Paranormal! Or it could be horrible, because the author could just not understand the real folklore behind the Fae and all other paranormal creatures and just make a whole bunch of stuff up and be a poser... All I have to say is I'm so happy I won this book!!! She definitely captured the real Fae, and what I pictured them to be like. I highly recommend this book to all those who are paranormal lovers! I am definitely recommending this one to all my friends! My 2 favorites was called Exile and Love of a Shifter. Such a great read! Here is one of my favorites!
Exile
Legs bound with cold iron
So you cannot flee
Wings wrapped in a glamour
For no human eyes to see
Stranded in the mortal realm
No magic to sustain your youth
A terrible price to pay
For seeking out the truth
Exiled from all Sidhe lands
Sent far from kith and kin
Judged by both Seelie courts
Guilty of our greatest sin
Exile
Legs bound with cold iron
So you cannot flee
Wings wrapped in a glamour
For no human eyes to see
Stranded in the mortal realm
No magic to sustain your youth
A terrible price to pay
For seeking out the truth
Exiled from all Sidhe lands
Sent far from kith and kin
Judged by both Seelie courts
Guilty of our greatest sin
April 23, 2010
The world's darkest creatures have been waiting for this poetry. E.J. Stevens worked magic with these creatures to bring their hearts, desires and needs to the pages of her wonderful book.
Many of the poems give a perspective often not taken, through the eyes of misunderstood creatures seen as evil or dangerous.
As I read the poems I did not feel fear, I felt sympathy for the creatures as they are not too different from those they hunt.
Overall the topic was wonderful and arrangement of the poems was lovely. I did feel as though the poetry itself was a little simple at times. I didn't feel or find complexities or depth in a lot of the poems.
I let two of my 8th grade students read the book who are very much into the dark creatures. They absolutely loved it! This is coming from two students who don't like to read. The topic combined with the shortness and simpleness of the poems was a perfect fit for them.
Many of the poems give a perspective often not taken, through the eyes of misunderstood creatures seen as evil or dangerous.
As I read the poems I did not feel fear, I felt sympathy for the creatures as they are not too different from those they hunt.
Overall the topic was wonderful and arrangement of the poems was lovely. I did feel as though the poetry itself was a little simple at times. I didn't feel or find complexities or depth in a lot of the poems.
I let two of my 8th grade students read the book who are very much into the dark creatures. They absolutely loved it! This is coming from two students who don't like to read. The topic combined with the shortness and simpleness of the poems was a perfect fit for them.
December 20, 2010
Shadows of Myth and Legend by E.J. Stevens is a book of poetry. E.J. Stevens is definitely a talented poet. I enjoyed reading her dark poems. The book is separated into four sections: Earth & Below, Air & Spirit, Fire & War, and Water & Ice. I do not usually read poetry, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked these poems. They have a dark and Gothic feel with creatures such as zombies, vampires, werewolves, unicorns, elves, fairies, and more. E.J. Stevens covers many myths and legends in this book. I think anyone who likes poetry will enjoy this short book. Those (like me) who do not read poetry that often, but like dark myths will also enjoy this.
April 21, 2010
Shadows of Myth and Legend by E.J Stevens, may be only seventy pages long but it is filled with poems about vampires, demons and other creatures of the night. It is not your typical book of poetry but “dark poetry”. I have always been a fan of the supernatural and I enjoyed the book. The author has a wonderful imagination and some of her poems were chilling. I recommend this book to everyone who is not afraid of the dark and what lurks within it.
May 29, 2010
Bravo E.J!
I really enjoyed this little work of Art!
I was lulled into the dark mind of a poet, and taken on a trip. It was fantastic, and I had so many favorites, though this stood out to me: Grindylow - Page 45. I love a great horror, and this was one of those tales that did not disappoint me in the scare department!
I recommend this delectably dark book to every one!
I really enjoyed this little work of Art!
I was lulled into the dark mind of a poet, and taken on a trip. It was fantastic, and I had so many favorites, though this stood out to me: Grindylow - Page 45. I love a great horror, and this was one of those tales that did not disappoint me in the scare department!
I recommend this delectably dark book to every one!
January 6, 2011
good work!
August 29, 2012
My Rating: ★★★½
Book Description:
Paranormal poetry anthology by dark poet E.J. Stevens.
A collection of dark faerie tales inspired by folklore, myth and legend told in the haunting lyrical style of dark poet E.J. Stevens. Filled with poems about vampires, werewolves, and other paranormal creatures of the night.
Take a journey into the pages of Shadows of Myth and Legend and discover what creatures lurk within the shadows.
Includes:
Queen of Elphame, Vampire's Thrall, Exile, Jiang Shi, Love of a Shifter, Last of the Rowan Berries, Shadow Queen of the Sidhe, Spriggan Guardians, While You Lay Sleeping, Loup Garou, Elven Bride, Zombie's Cold Embrace, Unicorn, Barghest and Mauthe Doog, To See a Fetch, Gargoyle Sentry, Siren Song, The Reaper, Warding charm, Possession, Woman in White , The Phoenix Cycle, Fafnir the Wyrm, Vampire Court, Basilisk, Goblin King, Curse of the Seer, The Dullahan, Prince of Lies, The Morrigan, Sating the Selkie, The Winter Queen, Grindylow, Ghost Ship, Garden Pixie, Banshee at Water's Edge, Hippocamp, Wendigo, Kiss of the Korrigan, Swan Maiden, Kraken.
My Thoughts:
This book was not my typical fare. I usually gravitate towards paranormal romance books but this is my poetic take on the genre. The poems were dark and sinister but surprisingly I enjoyed the stories conveyed through the poems. They very reminiscent of story lore told to young children to get them to behave. This was my first E.J. Stevens book and the poetic vignettes peaked my curiosity about Stevens' novel. I just purchased a copy of Shadow Sight because it looks very interesting and rates well.
Reading Time: approximately 2.5 hours
Book Description:
Paranormal poetry anthology by dark poet E.J. Stevens.
A collection of dark faerie tales inspired by folklore, myth and legend told in the haunting lyrical style of dark poet E.J. Stevens. Filled with poems about vampires, werewolves, and other paranormal creatures of the night.
Take a journey into the pages of Shadows of Myth and Legend and discover what creatures lurk within the shadows.
Includes:
Queen of Elphame, Vampire's Thrall, Exile, Jiang Shi, Love of a Shifter, Last of the Rowan Berries, Shadow Queen of the Sidhe, Spriggan Guardians, While You Lay Sleeping, Loup Garou, Elven Bride, Zombie's Cold Embrace, Unicorn, Barghest and Mauthe Doog, To See a Fetch, Gargoyle Sentry, Siren Song, The Reaper, Warding charm, Possession, Woman in White , The Phoenix Cycle, Fafnir the Wyrm, Vampire Court, Basilisk, Goblin King, Curse of the Seer, The Dullahan, Prince of Lies, The Morrigan, Sating the Selkie, The Winter Queen, Grindylow, Ghost Ship, Garden Pixie, Banshee at Water's Edge, Hippocamp, Wendigo, Kiss of the Korrigan, Swan Maiden, Kraken.
My Thoughts:
This book was not my typical fare. I usually gravitate towards paranormal romance books but this is my poetic take on the genre. The poems were dark and sinister but surprisingly I enjoyed the stories conveyed through the poems. They very reminiscent of story lore told to young children to get them to behave. This was my first E.J. Stevens book and the poetic vignettes peaked my curiosity about Stevens' novel. I just purchased a copy of Shadow Sight because it looks very interesting and rates well.
Reading Time: approximately 2.5 hours
July 18, 2011
So I am not a huge poetry fan, I tend to lose interest easily or feel like I'm reading a book for school and it's very rare for me to truly enjoy a poetry book.
Having said that, This poetry collection was ok, I still had issues reading it just due to my general poetry disinterest. However if you really like poetry you'll probably find this to be an excellent example of it. Everything was grammatically correct and it seemed to be of a decent tempo.
I'm reading Out of the Shadows now and so far I like it a whole lot more so there hope for me and poetry yet.
Having said that, This poetry collection was ok, I still had issues reading it just due to my general poetry disinterest. However if you really like poetry you'll probably find this to be an excellent example of it. Everything was grammatically correct and it seemed to be of a decent tempo.
I'm reading Out of the Shadows now and so far I like it a whole lot more so there hope for me and poetry yet.
June 5, 2012
I absoutely loves Stevens' poetry. Delightly paranormal. It put a new fantasy twist on several of my favorite creatures and introduced me to a few new ones. A very great quick read that I just might get out every Halloween to review, put me in the creepy mood. I'm now going to read "From the Shadows" I also recommend her "Spirit Guide" series! Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews