A happy and blessed Beltane!
Beltane, sometimes called May Eve, is one of the eight Sabbats. If you want to celebrate right, you should get yourself to Scotland for the Fire Festival.
If you're interested in gaining eternal beauty, be sure to climb the highest hill in your neighborhood and wash your face in the morning dew.
Pagan lore plays a big part in Nightshade's world, but since my book isn't available until October (Samhain anyone??) I thought today would be a good day to recommend some of my favorite books that are steeped in history and the old ways.
Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series is gorgeously written and thoroughly researched, reflecting Melissa's graduate work in gender studies and a sharp eye for folklore.
It's a good time to start reading her work too - as the fifth book in the series, Radiant Shadows, was just released.Maggie Stiefvater gained fame for her wolfie Shiver series, but her first books focused on the realm of faerie. Lament and Ballad are wonderful and heartbreaking.
Pick them up!And just 'cause I'm always a bit evil, I'll recommend another 2010 debut that releases a month before my own baby. Brenna Yovanoff's The Replacement is delicious and dark, frequently terrifying and not for the faint of heart, offering an original and haunting depiction of faerie seeping into our world. Brenna and I are Penguin buddies and I'm thrilled that both our books are featured as part of the Penguin Five promotion (I will post more on what that means soon).
(Yes, I have an ARC, and yes I just might be giving it away in a contest...If you think the cover looks cool here, wait till you see it in person. Soooooo shiny and beautiful!)Have a wonderful May Eve and if the books above don't make it clear - you should not mess with the Fey.
OK I think I am the only person who hasn't read the Wicked Lovely series. The stupid thing is, I have all the books on my shelves! I loved Lament and I definitely want to read The Replacement!!
ReplyDeleteIt's okay Lynsey, I've had Going Bovine and The Graveyard Book on my shelves for a looooong time and have yet to read them. Soon! Soon!
ReplyDeleteOooh! Scotland on Beltane?? Count me IN! Pagan lore is huge in my writing as well, I find it all so fascinating. There's festivals all over Great Britain I'd give my left arm to attend. Oh, wait! Then I couldn't type. *sigh* I'll just have to imagine it...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post and reading recommendations!
It's weird--I'm Pagan, but I use Christian lore in my books. LOL :)
ReplyDeleteThe Replacement looks AMAZING, I've always loved that cover. I've reach Shiver, but I've wanted to read Lament & Ballad. All of her books look wonderful. =D
Mandy - I first learned about Beltane when I was studying abroad in Scotland. It's an amazing festival.
ReplyDeleteMireyah - I mashup both Christian and pagan lore in my work :)
One of these years I'm going to celebrate all the pagan holidays. I always miss them because I'm not paying attention or don't know what to do.
ReplyDeleteI've read none of those books, if it makes anyone feel better about their own lacking. In fact, I hadn't heard of most of them. Oops.
I have soon many books on my shelf to read but after the #readitweek (info in my own blog, hehehe) I'm going to try and read a book a week.
Oh and... I'm pagan but use Christian as well. The angel/demon novel is a good example, though I change things. Angels can be gay in my books. :-D
Ooh, how awesome! I've read three of Melissa Marr's books, and have read SHIVER y Maggie S. Both authors are awesome!
ReplyDeleteAnd THE REPLACEMENT cover looks so nice in picture, it's hard to imagine it looks better in real life. :)
I'm actually gonna go take a nap... I had to stay up till five this morning finishing my poetry project that my insane English teacher assigned.
Love, Hannah
Dawn - I'm certain there are gay angels :)
ReplyDeleteHannah - Enjoy your nap! Glad that project is finished for you; I sympathize as I cannot write poetry. At. All. ;)
I want to dance with fire. Oh, yes, I do. My someday list--Beltane in Scotland. Lucky you.
ReplyDeleteI love the Wicked Lovely series and Lament! The Replacement is also on my never ending "to be read" list. And since you liked it and we seem to have similar tastes in books I bet I will love it, great recommendations!
ReplyDeleteDying for The Replacement. Funny that Brenna and Maggie are crit partners and both made your list. =) And, you know that MM is my all time fave.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Yay for Pagan holidays! XD It's funny cuz I'm atheist but I find all religions rather fascinating. 'Cept for Christianity for some reason... oh wells. Just got done reading Radiant Shadows! Was wonderful! Great recommendations!
ReplyDeleteYou NEED TO READ GOING BOVINE! Like now! Lolz. I don't think I've ever laughed so much while reading. It's definitely a great book! XD
Thanks for all the great comments :) Hope you have a lovely May Day today ;)
ReplyDeleteNever messed with the Fey myself.
ReplyDeleteSamhain is also anotherawesome time of the year