Best Folklore Books December 2024

The Buried Giant

In a mist-shrouded post-Arthurian Britain, an elderly couple embarks on a perilous journey to find their long-lost son. As they traverse a land haunted by forgotten memories, they encounter mythical creatures and face their own fading recollections. Ishiguro’s haunting prose weaves a tale of love, loss, and the power of collective amnesia, challenging readers to confront the shadows of history and the fragility of human bonds. A mesmerizing exploration of memory and identity that lingers long after the final page.

The Witcher Series

Immerse yourself in a dark fantasy world where monsters roam and morality blurs. Sapkowski’s Witcher series follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutant monster hunter with supernatural abilities. As he navigates political intrigue and battles fearsome creatures, Geralt grapples with his own humanity. Rich in Slavic folklore and moral ambiguity, these books offer a gritty, complex tale that will keep you spellbound. Prepare for a journey where destiny and choice collide in unexpected ways.

The Tiger’s Wife

In a war-torn Balkan country, young doctor Natalia grapples with her grandfather’s mysterious death. As she unravels his past, she discovers two peculiar tales: one of a deathless man who cheats fate, and another of a deaf-mute girl who befriends a tiger escaped from a zoo. Obreht’s lyrical prose weaves folklore and reality, exploring the power of storytelling in the face of loss. A haunting debut that lingers long after the final page.

The Ghost Bride

In 1890s Malaya, Li Lan’s family is on the brink of ruin. Desperate, they arrange for her to become a ghost bride to the wealthy Lim family’s recently deceased son. As Li Lan navigates the shadowy realm between the living and the dead, she uncovers dark secrets and finds herself drawn to the mysterious Er Lang. Choo’s lush prose brings to life a world of Chinese folklore, bustling night markets, and restless spirits, weaving a tale of love, duty, and the power of choice that will haunt you long after the last page.

The Night Tiger

Stepping into 1930s colonial Malaya, Ren, an 11-year-old Chinese houseboy, embarks on a haunting quest to fulfill his master’s dying wish. Parallel to his journey, we follow Ji Lin, a quick-witted dancehall girl, as she stumbles upon a gruesome discovery. Their paths intertwine in a mesmerizing tale of superstition, forbidden love, and a mythical beast. Choo’s lush prose brings to life a world where dreams and reality blur, leaving readers spellbound until the very last page.

Once Upon a River

Nestled along the Thames, the Swan inn buzzes with tales of a mysterious girl rescued from the river on a winter’s night. As whispers of miracles and magic swirl, three families lay claim to the child, each harboring their own secrets and hopes. Setterfield weaves a spellbinding narrative, blending folklore and science, love and loss, in a story that meanders like the river itself. With lyrical prose and unforgettable characters, this enchanting tale will leave you pondering the power of storytelling long after the last page.

The Odyssey

Embark on an epic journey through ancient Greece with Homer’s timeless masterpiece, “The Odyssey.” This captivating tale follows the cunning hero Odysseus as he battles mythical creatures and faces divine challenges on his decade-long voyage home from Troy. With vivid imagery and poetic language, Homer weaves a tapestry of adventure, love, and perseverance that has enthralled readers for centuries. I found myself completely lost in Odysseus’s world, cheering for his triumphs and aching for his struggles. A true classic that still resonates today.

Rob Roy

Immerse yourself in the rugged Scottish Highlands with Walter Scott’s timeless classic, “Rob Roy.” This gripping tale follows the adventures of Frank Osbaldistone, a young Englishman thrust into a world of clan rivalries and political intrigue. As Frank navigates treacherous landscapes and encounters the enigmatic outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, Scott weaves a rich tapestry of history and romance. I was captivated by the vivid descriptions and complex characters, feeling as if I were right there in 18th-century Scotland. A must-read for anyone who loves a good swashbuckling adventure with a dash of social commentary.

The Grey King

In “The Grey King,” Susan Cooper weaves a haunting tale of ancient magic and modern-day courage. Will Stanton, recovering from a serious illness, finds himself in Wales, thrust into a battle between good and evil. As he grapples with his destiny as an Old One, Will must face the Grey King, a powerful force of darkness. Cooper’s lyrical prose brings the Welsh landscape to life, making the mist-shrouded hills and eerie legends feel tangible. I was captivated by the blend of Arthurian myth and coming-of-age story, losing myself in Will’s journey of self-discovery and sacrifice.

The Dark Is Rising

In this haunting tale, Will Stanton discovers on his eleventh birthday that he’s no ordinary boy, but an immortal warrior in the age-old battle between Light and Dark. As the seventh son of a seventh son, he must embark on a perilous quest to gather six magical Signs before the Dark rises to power. Cooper’s masterful blend of Arthurian legend and modern-day adventure had me spellbound, evoking memories of my own childhood winters and the eerie feeling that magic might be just around the corner.