Mystical Mushrooms is a fabulously illustrated foray into the mysterious world of fungi.
Split into different sections, we learn fun mushroom facts, explore the folklore stories that various countries have about mushrooms, and take a more in-depth look into a selection of them, with utterly gorgeous illustrations showing off the varieties within the species, before rounding off with some manifestation practise suggestions for different circumstances.

The book stresses from the start that it is not a field guide, nor should it be used as a check book for what’s poisonous or not, with extra heed taken to ensure the reader won’t go and harvest mushrooms to eat that they’re unsure of, explaining that it is a more whimsical look into the magic of mushrooms.

I had a lovely time reading it. I feel like I’ve learnt some fun facts, have a wider knowledge of mushrooms, their history, the way they work and spread, and where to look for certain types! Plus, the illustrations really make this book shine. It would make a gorgeous addition to any mushroom lovers shelf, or simply someone who wants to learn more about them!

Thank you to the publishers, and Netgalley, for the early copy to review.

This was such a magical cottagecore book. I love reading about mushrooms. The illustrations where super cute.

This was a really interesting look at mushrooms and all the ways they’re significant: culturally, medicinally, scientifically, ecologically, and more. This is a great primer for anyone wanting to know more, and especially an interesting resource for creatives: I’ve read my share of fungus-related horror stories, and this book sheds light on some of those origins, as well as potential new ideas.

The section on individual mushrooms is shorter than expected, but interesting nonetheless. I can think of a few interesting mushrooms that weren’t included.

The end includes manifestations you can do involving mushrooms, and whether or not you believe in doing that, it was still interesting to read.

All in all I feel like I learned a lot that I wouldn’t have otherwise known, and am even left with some creative ideas.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved the art, which is a big part of rating this 4 stars. This book drew me in due to the art style and the potential for information. I, however, don’t know enough about mushrooms/fungi to benefit from this book, even for potential magic. Someone who grows or forages for mushrooms and has a better knowledge may enjoy this book more and benefit from it.

I love this book! Such beautiful illustrations coupled with a lot of interesting information about mushrooms. I'd love to have a physical copy for my coffee table.
If you've ever been fascinated by mushrooms, this is the book for you!

Mystical Mushrooms is a beautifully designed book full of interesting history, folk lore, facts and general info on mushrooms accompanied with stunning illustrations and some new age pages too. It would make a beautiful addition to any bookshelf.

Beautiful illustrations on a fascinating topic! My only complaint was that I couldn’t read this on my kindle or kindle fire, which slowed me down.

I don't judge a book by the cover, but I do pick it up if it has a particularly beautiful one, and this one sure does. What a lovely book - a whimsical, magical dreamscape with beautiful illustrations, but also highly informative. A unique blend of science, history, and a little bit of magic and mystery.

Mystical Mushrooms is a fantastical book full of information on the history and magic of mushrooms. I wasn't aware of how closely mushrooms were tied to pagan beliefs, witches, and the supernatural. Tons of amazing pictures and an amazing amount of information. This is not a "practical" book in the sense of going out and finding & eating local mushrooms. Rather, this is a celebration of the magic and culture behind mushrooms in general, with a lengthy section focusing on specific types. Very interesting!

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this eARC in exchange for my honest review on the book!

Beautifully illustrated, with fascinating stories of the mushroom in folklore, witchcraft, and symbolism. This isn't a guidebook, but instead gives you further insight to the magic surrounding fungi around the world. Perfect for anyone interested in the spiritual side of life. Highly recommend.

NETGALLEY REVIEW | Mystical Mushrooms by Aurora Kane

⭐️ Rating: 3/5
🏷️ Genre: nonfiction, witchy
📝 Review: This book is full of lovely illustrations and tidbits about one of my favorite things, mushrooms. By no means is this a guidebook that should dictate foraging, but rather a fun little book that gives you trivial bits of information about some fantastical and recognizable shrooms. If you’re of the ~witchy~ persuasion you’ll loooove the intention recipes in the back.
✔️ Final Thoughts: Definitely follow this book with a hefty amount of reservations. Sources are cited in the back of the book but I recommend fact checking something before disseminating what you’ve read.
📚 Recommending: Yes - but as a fun, beautiful book. Not a foraging guide or educational text in the least.

"Mystical Mushrooms" takes readers on an enchanting journey through the captivating world of fungi, delivering an awe-inspiring blend of history, mystery, science, and enchanting stories. This brilliant book offers a down-to-earth exploration of these fascinating organisms, making it an absolute delight for both mushroom enthusiasts and curious minds.

The author skillfully weaves together the rich history of mushrooms, unearthing their significance in various cultures and traditions, and shedding light on their mystical allure. Through the pages, readers are taken on a captivating tour of the various mushroom species, each possessing its unique charm and secrets.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its seamless integration of scientific knowledge. Complex concepts are conveyed with clarity, enabling readers to grasp the significance of mushrooms in ecology and their often-underappreciated role in our ecosystems. The blend of scientific insights and enchanting narratives offers a comprehensive understanding of these remarkable organisms.

Moreover, "Mystical Mushrooms" shines in its storytelling. The collection of anecdotes and myths surrounding different mushrooms adds a layer of magic to the factual information, making the reading experience both educational and entertaining.

In conclusion, "Mystical Mushrooms" is a true gem that stands out in the realm of nature and science literature. Its eloquent exploration of mushrooms, filled with historical context, scientific depth, and captivating stories, makes it a must-read for anyone seeking a delightful and enlightening journey into the enchanting world of fungi.

In this work, Kane devotes the first section of the book to information about mushrooms interwoven with beautiful illustrations of the specific varieties that she overviews, and the second section to manifestations and spells that the reader can incorporate into their life using the information that she’s covered.

I thought the overview of various types of mushrooms was done beautifully. With illustrations being a part of nearly every page, the book feels like a mystical field guide. While allowing for mushrooms to be very complex organisms that could take up even more space than she provides, she yet compiles several easy, well-rounded accounts and descriptions for the reader who has little familiarity in the subject. And though she provides detailed descriptions of several species of mushroom, she repeatedly cautions against using the work as a definitive field guide, noting how many species can look similar but be vastly different and dangerous in composition. It is a light, enjoyable read, acting as a helpful introduction to the world of mushrooms, and a great aid for those who have an interest in incorporating mushroom knowledge into their manifesting practices. She provides several different spells and accompanying rituals as outlines to aid the reader in their own practices. This would be a wonderful coffee table book because of it’s easy-to-grasp informative writing and for the beautiful experience that it is simply to flip through the pages and see the artwork. It was an enjoyable read, and a peaceful one.

Love love love! What an enchanting, charming and fascinating read, and so beautifully illustrated. I wish there were more books like this. Definitely worth getting a hard copy.

4.5 Magical Stars

The author relates the mysticism surrounding fungi. She describes mushrooms as possibly having a higher consciousness. I found this "cellular intelligence" very interesting in terms of fungi's adaptability in their environment. This book also explains the difference between toadstools and typical mushrooms. The book goes on to discuss the history of fungi from a cultural and religious standpoint, how they remain clouded in a lack of knowledge of fungi, and how we can better understand a misperceived Kingdom. The author also explains that fungi are more than magic, they are nutritional and contribute to our health and wellness. She introduces a concept that perhaps bees and fungi fate are tied together, an interesting hypothesis that deserves further investigation. I highly recommend this book.

I want to thank NetGalley for providing a free copy of Mystical Mushrooms. This book is fun, informative, and just enforces my belief that mushrooms are awesome. The new-agey parts of the book I could do without; the artwork is gorgeous and would look amazing hanging on a living room wall. Or a kitchen.

Growing up in a pagan family, I was excited seeing this book on the Netgalley website and immediately requested it. I was delighted to receive a digital copy and it didn't disappoint.

Of course, I knew quite a few things already but that definitely didn't reduce the quality of this book.

Firstly, the overall look is amazing. The illustrations are so beautiful, the text as in font and size is comfortable and accessible which is important to mention since quite a few "witchy" books tend to go overboard and make their research rather unaccessible for people that struggle with their vision for example.
Throughout the book you will find the big pictures of mushrooms but also cute little illustrations that keep each page interesting and unique.

The writing in this was fun. It was informing but had a lightness to it which helped in making it feel less like a textbook and more like a nice read on the side that will teach you something.
I loved how the book made you love all these fascinating little details about mushrooms.

I appreciate all the different historical and continental (?) views. It gives you lore and information to mushrooms all over the world. From Europe to the USA to Mexico, Asia and so on. I really enjoyed those bits because they really open up the world to you.

Lastly, the witch aspect. I agree and even recognized a few things from our own practice. Throughout the book this spiritual aspect and the hard facts were interwoven and related to each other. I also enjoyed the whole magickal chapters towards the end. Really lovely explanations and warnings, which I think are really important.

In conclusion, I adored this book for what it was. The lore, the facts, the magick were all amazing, the illustrations breathtaking and the authors voice very lovely and easy to follow along on this mushroom adventure. Having read the full thing, I'd still love to have a physical copy of it and go running in the woods, seeing what I'll find.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Quarto Publishing Group for a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I found this book okay. If it’s truly meant to be informative, then I would have to dock points from my review because the information provided is surface level at best. If it’s just meant to be a fun, quick read then I guess it’s fine.

Some of the writing is really clunky. Sentences either go on way too long or could use more detail. Some of the quips used throughout are cliche and, quite frankly, a bit annoying.

The art is lovely, though. The book is very beautiful to look at.

This book includes so much information paired with stunning artwork of the various mushrooms. Giving a brief overview of classification and identification, lore, and different uses before jumping into an in depth look at some of the species. Overall a fun, fascinating read.

I thought this was a beautifully illustrated book paired with the insight on various types of mushrooms was a delight to read. It had a bit of humor but with the intention of educating readers as well.

I enjoyed the fairy references throughout as well as the intention setting near the end. I also appreciate the warnings throughout to be careful with touching or consuming without consulting a professional. I wasn't aware so many different mushrooms looked the same!

Lovely little read and amazing artwork!
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