Member Reviews
At 96 pages or so, this is a very superficial book. You get a brief overview on each topic, just enough to whet the appetite. It may make you want to read more, and that can be a good thing. However, the bibliography is extremely minimal with just three works by Bloody Mary. If you want to learn more, maybe a visit to your local library is a good idea. Still, the short passages are interesting to read, and they have a nice evocative quality that may make you feel like you are in New Orleans at night.
The strength and highlight of the book is the photographs. The photos are very well, colorful, evocative. These images invite you to come closer and take a deeper look. I do wish some of the photos had a small label or subtitle as I can't always tell what concept or topic they may represent. Still, the photos are great and a good reason to get this book.
Overall I really liked this one, and I think it's worth a look.
I really enjoyed this book. The text is a nice general history of Voodoo, but the photographs are the stars. For anyone not familiar with Voodoo this book provides a good introduction of the religion not the Hollywood version. Even those familiar with Voodoo will learn something new. The photographs accompanying the text capture the Voodoo spirit perfectly. There is some nudity so this book is not recommended for younger readers. If you are easily offended this book may not be for you. If you want to learn more about Voodoo this book is an excellent start. Enjoy
A very interesting book, photographs are fabulous, and the history of voodoo is an eye- opener and puts paid to the way it is depicted on the horror movies of movies and television.
It is a very readable book, and as I say interesting, not for any shock value but as a depiction of voodoo.
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Peer behind the curtain and journey into Voodoo's hidden world. A forbidden and often misunderstood subject, Voodoo has never before been photographically depicted in this way. The people and the spirits of Voodoo are creatively conjured in dozens of photos from world-renowned photographer Justice Howard, coupled with the insightful words of Voodoo Queen Bloody Mary. Subjects include Papa Legba, gatekeeper of the crossroads, and the revered priestess Marie Laveau. See the realities behind Voodoo dolls and meet graveyard rulers Baron Samedi and Maman Brigitte. Voodoo priestess Bloody Mary shares intriguing background information for each of the concepts and explains the meaning of ritual items, from food offerings to libation to the misconceptions of animal sacrifice.
*3.5 stars*
Definitely two different reviews for this book:
The story of voodoo, and the explanation of the rites and rituals that form the basis of it were very, very informative. I learned quite a lot from reading some of that amazing writing.
The photography? Well, let's just say I was less than impressed. I am not going to be rude about it, but it didn't capture my imagination in the same way the text did.
While definitely not a comprehensive study of voodoo, it is certainly a good jumping off point. It puts a lot of the Hollywood "voodoo" stories to rest and tells the real story in easy to read and understand language. Would I recommend it? For sure - anyone who has a passing interest in voodoo could certainly benefit from reading this book.
Paul
ARH
Very cool explanation of voodoo practice and lore, replete with lots of pictures throughout. I learned a lot more than I ever knew.
Have you ever wanted to know more about Voodoo? I mean the real Voodoo, not the Hollywood version? This book takes you on a journey so to speak through the world of Voodoo and its practitioners. Hollywood usually gives Voodoo a bad name, when in actuality it is a religion. It is thought to be the oldest religion. Voodoo was born in Ancient Africa and came across the world during the Slave trading days.
This book is also not just a journey through the written word. The book is filled with photo's. Yes some have full frontal female nudity, some have severed animal heads, and snakes lots of snakes. The nudity is not done in a Playboy manor, it is beauty, it is Voodoo.
There is so much to learn from this book about Voodoo. Justice Howard has done an amazing job along with Bloody Mary, a Voodoo Queen in New Orleans. Between the stories, legends, explanations, and pictures you get the true meaning of Voodoo. This book is a basic version of Voodoo but it gives you enough to know the true meaning of this religion.
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.
Intriguing photographs showcase Justice Howard’s Voodoo traditions.
A beginner’s guide to voodoo that includes the reason behind many of the rituals. It also compares and contrasts voodoo to other religions and myths. Be aware that the photos contain full frontal female nudity, preserved human hand and real human bones as props.
This book will do well in New Orleans gift shops. It is not a deep dive into voodoo but rather a get-your-feet-wet level of knowledge. Within the text, the author’s personal experience with self-portrait was thought-provoking. However, the pictures are definitely the star. The tattoos are beautiful. There is one picture of a female wearing a bone headdress caressing a live snake. On her elbow, you could see a nice tattoo portrait of a Chihuahua. Perhaps a childhood pet? It was an interesting juxtaposition. I was also surprised to see F/X’s Face-off judge Glenn Hedrick as one of the models. 3 stars!
Thanks to the publisher, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., and NetGalley for a copy.
Check it out! https://www.schifferbooks.com/justice-howards-voodoo-conjure-and-sacrifice-6424.html
I received this book from Netgalley and Publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
I really knew nothing about this when coming into the graphic novel but the cover intrigued me. I was not disappointed. The graphics on the inside are stunning work. It was a bit dark and had great character and world building. I highly recommend this graphic novel. There are some nudity content so be aware going into this that I it is not suitable for children.
An interesting insight into modern day Voodoo with accompanying photography. I found the images more engrossing than the text and wished to know more about the actual subjects of the photographs. Those with little to none knowledge of voodoo may find this interesting. I did like the cross references to Catholicism.
Beautiful, vibrant photographs by Justice Howard. Gorgeous models with great tattoos. Just to let you know, there is some nudity that I feel fits with the stories and it is mostly topless. Legends and stories of Voodoo by Voodoo Queen Bloody Mary from New Orleans. Together, they make an impact that you won't soon forget. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review..
This is more of an introduction/art book devoted to Voodoo. Good for beginners and those who appreciate the culture.
This book was very interesting!!! Nice information with pictures to give you a visual of what you had just read. This subject has always facinated me and scared me at the same time. This book was very forthright and easy to understand. I recommend to any that is fascinated about this subject. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
I cant open this, no matter what device I try on. Disappointing, because I truly was interested. I love Bloody Mary, and will purchase this for myself when available.
Wow, what an exhausting text. There is an intensity in the pages and photographs that is both creepy and electric. You feel like the photos are looking back at you. The informational text about various Voodoo traditions and loas (gods) is a good source for teaching about the religion. Although the nudity in many of the photos makes it impossible to use with a high school audience, I will use excerpts from the text to teach about Voodoo beliefs.