Member Reviews
EERIE LEGENDS is an easy, fast, and entertaining read with beautiful, eye-catching artwork. The book features not only legends like Chupacabra, but also different places and phenomena. I really enjoyed the first person accounts that were included with each one.
This is one of my favorite books I've read this year! The illustrations are incredible! The stories are interesting. I had an absolute blast reading this! I highly recommend this! Special Thank You to Richard Diseno,Steve Mockus,Chronicle Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This illustrated tome explores the creatures that live between reality and fantasy. Everything from cryptids to aliens make an appearance in this collection of tales. Out just in time for the spooky season, readers are sure to get have a scary good time with this book.
This was a fun look into folklore from a variety of cultures and geographical regions. I didn't mind the art style, which used bright and psychedelic colors to depict mythical beings. While this book isn't intended for children, it reminded me of some of the books on mythology I'd come across in my family's study that always had a few absolutely terrifying illustrations. I also enjoyed most of the brief narratives that concluded each section, but this took space away from the descriptions of these intriguing creatures, making the book less cohesive overall. Eerie Legends is a nice introduction to the paranormal for young adults.
Eerie Legends covers a wide range of cryptids, folklore, and mysterious locations around the world diving into strange stories that captivate the imagination. The book provides a brief history of each topic, including variations of the legends to include a broader scope to the tales, followed by a short flash-fiction story focused on the subject in action. The artwork by Ricardo Diseño uses vivid neon colors that juxtapose with the horrific nature of these creatures to create striking images. I loved seeing modern legends such as Loab and Slenderman side by side with more traditional cryptids and spirits from different cultures. These sections show how legends of the paranormal will always have a place in society, revealing new fears about the world as our cultures evolve. Eerie Legends also finishes with a great list of “Further Reading, Listening, and Viewing” with detailed notes about the appeal of the recommendations. Overall, this is a really interesting reference guide to the paranormal with some fun fiction that lends itself to a quick paced read.
Thank you Chronicle Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Several stories are familiar, while others I hadn't heard before and I loved getting to read them now. Many will have heard of the Loch Ness Monster and the Mothman, but the style offers something original to the stories. The illustrations are unique and the eerie style fits the content. With Halloween fast approaching, this is the perfect read to share around a campfire. This is highly recommended to those who enjoy spooky stories but also those who enjoy urban legends and tales. Don't miss out on this amazing collection of stories!
Huge thanks to Chronicle Books and Netgalley for making this ARC available to read. I was so excited to find Eerie Legends: An Illustrated Exploration of Creepy Creatures, the Paranormal, and Folklore from Around the World by Ricardo Diseño and Steve Mockus available for download. This book is like an alphabetized reference book of legendary creatures, cryptids, and other strange and unexplained phenomena from around the world, spanning different cultures and eras throughout history. Each entry features amazing artwork from Diseño, often depicting the creature or legend as well as its impact on people. This was my favorite part of the book. The drawings were in color and really creepy. Diseño featured not only elements of these legends, but also seemed to put his own spin on them, rendering them in bright colors (purple, turquoise, orange, red, yellow) against the dark, black background. Although I received a digital copy to review, I would consider purchasing a physical copy to examine the pictures in more detail. I also read that the book’s cover glows in the dark, which seems like another great feature. In addition to these drawings, each entry includes a brief informational sketch of the legend, often providing some history, context, or other explanatory information, along with a fictionalized story, sometimes told from the point of view of a victim or the creature. The entries were good, but if you’ve read other books about these legends or cryptids, it doesn’t really reveal anything new or ground-breaking. I liked their brevity, which made it easy to read and explore. Although adding the narrative/fictionalized accounts was a clever addition, I didn’t think these were consistently strong or interesting. Some were clever, but I found myself losing interest in these brief stories as the book went on. It seemed like either they were too short to develop any meaningful kind of story, or it was just more repetitive of the informational text. I applaud the efforts to keep these stories to a page, but I think focusing the book on the images and stories behind the legends is more effective.
One thing that differentiated this book from some other books about creatures, cryptids, and urban legends was its recency. While there are some classics like the Loch Ness Monster, Florida’s Skunk Ape, and the Jersey Devil, the book also includes other, more recent phenomena like Loab, an AI generated character that appears to haunt the internet, and Slenderman, a creepy pasta character that influenced an attempted murder. While somewhat familiar with Slenderman, the information provided some additional context and details. I wasn’t as familiar with Loab, but her story helped to show how technology is influencing the facilitation of these legends and tales. I also loved how the book spanned different eras and cultures, focusing on some legends from Japanese (Joroguma) and Mexican/Latin America (Chupacabra, La Llorona). This is a great book to have as a reference and a showpiece highlighted by Diseño inventive images of these creatures. I also found that Diseño created a set of horror movie tarot cards, so I’m interested to see what other work he has available.
A fascinating and frightening collection of folk tale monsters, ghosts, and other scary things that dwell in the dark.
Thank you Chronicle Books & Netgalley for the digital ARC! I enjoyed reading this book and I liked the illustrations. I was familiar with some of these monsters and there were others that I wasn’t familiar with. This book definitely gave me spooky vibes. This book is perfect for people who enjoy folklore, fairy tales, and ghost stories so if this book sounds like something you’re interested in then add this book to your Fall TBR when it goes on sale September 24.
Absolutely floored by the bold, captivating illustrations in EERIE LEGENDS. Between the detailed descriptions of the legends and the accompanying snippets of brief fiction, this book is masterful in its storytelling. The inclusion of diverse, less well-known folklore makes the book a fascinating read. Really brilliant. Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are entirely my own.
"Eerie Legends* by Ricardo Diseño is a mesmerizing journey into the shadows of our world, where the line between reality and imagination blurs into something both terrifying and fascinating. This hauntingly illustrated book delves into the eerie stories and creatures that have captivated the human imagination for centuries, weaving together folklore, paranormal encounters, and the inexplicable into a single, spine-tingling collection.
From vengeful ghosts and cryptid curiosities to internet-born nightmares and alien abductions, *Eerie Legends* covers many eerie subjects from around the globe. Each chapter immerses readers in tales of the mysterious and the macabre, featuring iconic figures like the Mothman, La Llorona, the Jersey Devil, and the infamous Loch Ness Monster. These stories are not just retellings; they are brought to life with Diseño's electrifying artwork, which captures the essence of each creature or event in vivid, sometimes unsettling detail.
But the true strength of *Eerie Legends* lies in its ability to do more than just recount these tales. Diseño pairs each illustration with evocative descriptions, historical context, and flash-fiction narratives that place readers amid the action, making them feel as if they’re encountering these dark presences themselves. The result is an immersive experience that goes beyond mere folklore—it invites readers to confront the unknown and consider the deep-rooted fears and beliefs that these stories reflect.
The book covers well-known legends like the Headless Horseman and Slender Man, but it also introduces readers to lesser-known but equally chilling figures, such as El Silbón, the whistling ghost of Venezuelan folklore, and Loab, an internet-conjured nightmare. This blend of familiar and obscure ensures that *Eerie Legends* will appeal to both seasoned paranormal enthusiasts and those new to the world of creepy folklore.
What makes *Eerie Legends* particularly compelling is the way it connects these stories to the broader human experience. Each tale, no matter how bizarre or terrifying, is presented as a way for people to make sense of their world, to grapple with the fears and uncertainties that have always been a part of the human condition. This thematic thread adds depth to the collection, transforming it from a mere catalog of creepy creatures into a reflection on the power of storytelling and the role of myth in our lives.
For fans of the paranormal, folklore, and eerie art, *Eerie Legends* is a must-have addition to your collection. Ricardo Diseño's passion for the subject matter shines through on every page, making this book not only a visual feast but also a thought-provoking exploration of the strange and supernatural. Whether you're reading it by the light of a campfire or curled up at home on a stormy night, *Eerie Legends* promises to transport you to the dark spaces that lurk just beyond the edge of our understanding.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced copy to review.
This is a brief collection of legends and stories from around the world. It's a nice mix of cryptids, a couple of events, and even a few haunted places. It's really barebones in its information. It's more of an introduction to these stories than anything substantial. The information aspect is a three stars, but the illustrations are pretty cool, so that's what bumped it up to four stars.
I enjoyed SOME of these stories! Some of them were written fairly well others I struggled to get through. They were a creepy collection, just had several different preferences.
**Eerie Legends** by Ricardo Diseño is a masterful exploration into the realm of folklore, myths, and the supernatural, captivating readers with its chilling tales and breathtaking illustrations.
From the eerie glow of the cover to the final, haunting page, this book immerses readers in a world where folklore and the supernatural collide. Diseño, celebrated for his artistry and fascination with eerie tales, brings to life a range of unsettling figures—from well-known entities like the Jersey Devil and the Loch Ness Monster to the more obscure, such as the Brazilian sleep paralysis ghouls and Japanese spider-women. Each entry is not only accompanied by a vivid full-page illustration but also a detailed description and a spine-tingling flash-fiction story, making the book a complete sensory experience.
The diversity of subjects in **Eerie Legends** is one of its strongest features. By incorporating global legends and contemporary horrors, including internet-born phenomena like Slender Man and Loab, Diseño offers a rich tapestry of terrifying beings that span cultures and eras. This approach not only broadens the scope of the book but also highlights the universal nature of fear and the imagination's power to conjure the unknown.
Designo's illustrations are nothing short of spectacular. Each page showcases his talent for capturing the essence of fear and mystery, with intricate, hand-drawn details that bring the stories to life. The book’s design is thoughtfully executed, featuring hand-illustrated borders and spot illustrations that enhance the overall aesthetic. The glow-in-the-dark cover adds a playful yet eerie touch, perfect for a book about the macabre.
The inclusion of flash-fiction stories that end with a direct encounter with the monster or a narrative from its perspective adds an extra layer of engagement, allowing readers to experience these legends in a more personal and immersive way.
**Eerie Legends** is an essential addition to the library of anyone intrigued by folklore, horror, and the supernatural. It’s a perfect gift for fans of the genre, a delightful treat for Halloween, or a fascinating read for anyone looking to explore the dark corners of global myth and legend. Ricardo Diseño’s latest work is a testament to his skill in combining art and storytelling to create a truly memorable experience.
I read this courtesy Net Galley and Chronicle Books. It’s one thing to read about the strange things that go bump in the night, but having the stories illustrated with weird images bumps the effect higher. This is a delightful, absorbing book, the fantastical stories and lore enhanced by the equally fantastical illustrations. I reviewed a digital copy, but apparently the print cover glows in the dark! Included are entries about Mothman and the Jersey Devil, not to mention Enfield Poltergeist and the Skunk Ape, and much, much more. Some of the strange things are familiar, but some are not. A guaranteed winner if you read it by candlelight and it’s a dark and stormy night.
#EerieLegends #ChronicleBooks #NetGalley
If you’re into the spooky and supernatural, Eerie Legends is worth checking out. The book dives into a variety of paranormal folk tales, monsters, ghosts, and all those creepy things that lurk in the shadows. It has a good blend of intriguing lore from around the world and spine-chilling legends that fans of the eerie will appreciate.
The short stories included in the book didn’t quite hit the mark for me. They were a bit hit-or-miss, and I didn’t find them as gripping as I hoped. But here's the real star of the show: the art. The illustrations in Eerie Legends are awesome. They're trippy and vintage. I’d even consider buying a print or two to display at home if they were available.
So, if you’re a fan of paranormal folklore and appreciate fantastic art, Eerie Legends is still a solid pick. Just temper your expectations a bit with the stories and enjoy the visual feast.
If you are a person who lives in an era who loves legend, you will like this illustrated exploration of creepy creatures, the paranormal, and folklore from around the world. I hope you will take a time to read this book. Really good.
The concept of the book is more interesting than the execution. Ricardo Diseno does a great job going beyond the myths we know (Mothman, Loch Ness, La Llorna) and highlights stories and folklore from other countries. While I did enjoy learning about these urban legends, folktales, and creatures from other countries that I am not familiar with, there just wasn't enough. Details on the creature and its origins only last for about two pages. The last page in a section is either a very brief story or poem starring the creature. I understand what it's going for, but it just didn't work for me. I wanted more information about the creatures themselves rather than incomplete stories. Because the book was all over the place, it wasn't engaging, and I was left unsatisfied. I really wanted to like this book, but the fiction entries took me out of it.
⭐4
As someone who is really into the paranormal and supernatural side of things, I knew a lot of these stories already but, there were some I didn’t and I found them interesting. I love the illustrations. they were a gorgeous asset to the stories. I really enjoyed how the information is sandwiched by stories! While the information about these creatures and occurrences is short, they give a great synopsis to the legends. I can see this being the kind of book a child finds in the library and sparking their love for the paranormal.
Both the author and illustrator did amazing work on this book.
Extra Praise:
👽I absolutely LOVED the illustrated page for Betty and Barney Hill Abduction, it is gorgeous, something I would love to get a print of.
🎄I loved the ending story for Krampus, what was done was quite clever.
👩🦳 The ending story for Loab was so creepy, I loved it.
🦋The Mothman illustrated page is beautiful.
I received an uncorrected proof, advanced reader copy of this book.
Eerie Legends is an absolutely gorgeous book which combines the stunning art and design of Ricardo Diseño with the eloquent, well-researched words of Steve Mockus. Mockus opens by stating his intent and the significance of frightening creatures in our lives and our stories, and from there I was hooked. I wasn't sure what to expect, and this book ended up being a thoughtful and riveting study of a multitude of legends.
Ricardo Diseño has a graphic and eye-catching art style that utilizes high-contrast colors in combination with more implied and suggestive linework. It is inspired by elements from folklore to traditional tattoo art, so it may not be to everyone's taste, but I really appreciated it. The resulting artwork was riveting, and held my interest on every page. I spent hours lingering over the pieces of art after reading each passage. I want to buy prints of some of the illustrations, they're seriously that great! I will be seeking prints of the Jersey Devil and El Silbón (The Whistler) in particular.
When it comes to Steve Mockus' passages about each legend, he first included a 'factual' first person account, then explained the creature or phenomena, and finished with his own original scenario. I feel I got a pretty full picture of the legends I didn't already know about, and was truly invested even when I had read and watched media about them before. He writes in a way that compels the reader, catching my interest quickly, and maintaining it with the personability and confidence of his writing.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had with Eerie Legends. I went into this almost blind, only knowing that I loved the art and synopsis provided on NetGalley and Amazon. This book is great, and I already look forward to consecutive readings. My thanks to the illustrator and author, publisher, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
I thought this was a fun read covering legends and folklore from around the world. The illustrations were trippy & the most delightful part of the stories. The Chupacabra story and art was particularly fun. The stories themselves were very short, which made for a quick and easy read. However, I found myself wanting the plot to be fleshed out a bit more.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ricardo Diseno, and Chronicle Books for the chance to read and review! This would be a great read for anyone that loves folklore.