Member Reviews
I love anything paranormal and this book definitely ticks those boxes. It tells us about haunted places and what happened there, with quite a bit of history. Its a really nice book if you want to know more about the "hotspots" of paranormal research!
Fab, Fab, Fab! I love all things paranormal/ Historical/ Myths/ Legends….you name it. I find the whole array of the genre and sub-genres fascinating.
This book, I found to be extremely well researched and well presented.
I particularly enjoyed that this covered a larger portion of the globe, rather than focusing on specific regions.
Id recommend this without thinking twice. Really lovely read.
Thank you!
A pretty impressive selection of spiritual, ghostly and downright weird places, from Venezuela's lake that takes more than its share of the world's lightning, to UFO sighting hotspots in America and Australia, and from Irish and Scottish country houses to the lore of Bhutan. Each get four to eight pages, with map, and photos, and a decently written mini-essay. These don't prove for one bit that the author has been to any of the sites, but they're also written well enough to prove this doesn't matter – when you know your stuff you can get it across with the conviction it needs, and this author can discuss the Japanese spirit world behind a forest riddled with suicides, just as she can talk vampires and other such demonic characters. That's fine, but I did tire of all the photos being through a silly, washed-out blue filter – it was clearly a bright sunny day when the photographer went to La Recoleta cemetery to show us Argentina's relationship with her dead, but it looks greyer than Spitting Image's John Major puppet instead here. Daft, when the writing can give us all the chills a serious reference book should need to give.
Ultimately that stops this getting high grades, as of course does this sitting in the weird middle ground between personal selection of the author's favourites and all-encompassing encyclopaedia. It's too far from either to really work, but it does tell the person with an average Fortean knowledge (such as me) a fair bit that's new, and ground all this in serious discussion of the science behind the spookiness. That's almost enough to make me think three and a half stars too tight – but that's what it's getting today.
This book is AMAZING! Capital letters and an awful load of exclamation marks AMAZING! It is a terrific, invaluable addition to the library of any paranormal/folklore aficionado, written in beautiful language that is neither simplistic nor verbose and allows Evelyn Hollow’s knowledge and love for the Paranormal to shine through. It is enriched with maps and absolutely stunning photos of the places described in a concept that hasn’t been done with such precision and in such detail.
The marvelous volume is divided into six parts and this is just a handful of the plethora of places and legends contained in it.
Haunted Places: This entire section is perfection! Charleville Castle in County Offaly, Ireland, a castle full of secrets and strange interactions, where Freemasons and Celtic lore meet. The Catacombs of Paris. The Chase Vault with the moving coffins of their barbaric inhabitants in Oistins in Barbados. The Borgvattnet vicarage in northern Sweden has proven an unbeatable foe for more than a dozen priests. Poveglia Island in Venice, once inhabited by victims of the bubonic plague, the Winchester Mystery House in California with its blind windows and staircases that lead nowhere.
Witchcraft: El Mercado de las Brujas in Bolivia, a market ideal for those who believe in witchcraft and such nonsense (but enticing nonetheless…), Rose Hall in Jamaica, a land scourged by the terrible actions of slave owners, Catemaco in Mexico where Santa Muerte, curanderos, Santeria, and the whole Satanic lot of it exploit the ones without faith. Pendle Hill in Lancashire, the spot of the infamous witch trials and one of the most tragic places in Europe.
Sacred Sites: Discover an exquisitely built city of the dead in La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, take in the silence of Luxor and its ancient secrets.
Myths and Legends: Learn the true history of Elizabeth Bathory in Slovakia, shiver at the descriptions of the Satanic acts in the Campanillas district in the paradise of Malaga, discover the myths of wizards in Haddington in Scotland, listen to the voices of the ghosts (100 of them!) that reside in Dragsholm Castle in Denmark and the spirits that haunt the Han river in Seoul.
Strange Nature: Iceland is the land of ice and fire and within its soil, angry ghosts are said to reside. Who hasn’t heard of the tragedy enclosed in Aokigahara Forest in Japan and who hasn’t read of Skinwalker Ranch and its endless UFO theories?
Cryptids and Creatures: The writer provides a superbly written chronicle of the origins of the Vampire with the chance of Slaghtaverty Dolmen and its strange dwarf in Ireland. In Shanghai, the opulent life of two brothers led to mystery and tragedy. In Ukraine, in Donbas, the protectors of the mines can be either benevolent spirits or female demons and in Bhutan, this magnificent land of mystery, the mists hide dragons.
100 parts of our planet full of legends, myths, strange phenomena and deeply humane stories are waiting for you to discover them. From Britain to New Zealand, from Ukraine to Chile, from the USA to Bhutan, this is paranormal Earth as you’ve never experienced it.
Many thanks to Ivy Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This has to be the most historically accurate and full of details book of horror tales I have ever read. The pictures only add to the spine chilling shivers, the more accurately you can see a location, the more real it gets. All the tales were written so well-researched, and so well-written, I actually felt it’s loss when I finished reading it.
The writing is clear, strong, and engages you in this world of mystery where everything can happen. All the locations being actual places makes this book even more scary. Because if it can happen to someone somewhere in India or France, why can’t it happen to you?
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, Ivy Press Publishing for the ARC.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6709084871
A fascinating read about some of the most haunted places across the globe. Descriptions were atmospheric and beautiful, albeit creepy, full colour photos really helped bring the entries to ‘life’. I especially liked how the author grouped the content into themes such as haunted places, witchcraft, cryptids and creatures etc. as this helped to navigate between interests easily. I found this is a satisfying read as my curiosity was often piqued which, in turn, made me want to investigate these places in more detail. Overall, the book would be great starting resource for beginners interested in the topic.
Thanks to Evelyn Hollow, the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
Extremely fascinating, if you're interested in all things haunted / paranormal. Many of the articles, podcasts and books I've encountered so far concentrate mostly on the USA, so I'm very happy to see a book give a wider view of other continents and countries.
‘Atlas of Paranormal Places’ by Evelyn Hollow invites readers on a captivating journey to the world's most supernatural locations. This book is a guide for those fascinated by the eerie and the unexplained, featuring a curated selection of haunted sites, mythical landmarks, and mysterious phenomena from around the globe. Hollow combines historical context with ghostly lore to create a comprehensive and intriguing exploration of these enigmatic places.
Accuracy: ★★★★☆
Hollow's research is thorough, providing detailed descriptions and historical backgrounds for each location featured in the atlas. The book is well-researched, though the supernatural elements are presented with an acknowledgment of their speculative nature. While some of the claims may lean towards folklore and anecdotal evidence rather than empirical proof, the accuracy in terms of historical and geographical data is commendable.
Perspective: ★★★★☆
Hollow presents a balanced perspective, blending historical facts with supernatural lore. The book acknowledges the blend of myth and reality, offering readers a view of how paranormal claims are interwoven with historical narratives. This approach respects both the historical significance of the places and the cultural beliefs surrounding them, providing a nuanced perspective on paranormal phenomena.
Relevance: ★★★★☆
The book is highly relevant to enthusiasts of the paranormal and those interested in the intersection of history and mythology. It taps into the growing interest in supernatural tourism and the allure of haunted places. For readers who are keen on exploring the stories behind well-known paranormal sites or discovering new ones, the atlas provides a valuable resource.
Engagement: ★★★★☆
‘Atlas of Paranormal Places’ is engaging and immerses readers in the eerie and mysterious aspects of each location. The descriptive writing and intriguing anecdotes capture the imagination, making it a page-turner for fans of the supernatural. While the book may not be as gripping for those who prefer purely factual content, it effectively holds the reader's interest through its compelling storytelling.
Readability: ★★★★☆
Hollow's writing is clear and accessible, with each entry in the atlas presented in a straightforward manner. The book is well-organized, with each location detailed in a consistent format that makes it easy to navigate. The balance between historical information and paranormal lore is handled adeptly, making the content engaging without being overwhelming.
Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
For readers with an interest in the supernatural, ‘Atlas of Paranormal Places’ is a highly enjoyable read. It combines the thrill of ghost stories with historical insights, providing a rich tapestry of eerie tales and mysterious locations. The book is both entertaining and informative, making it a satisfying read for those who enjoy exploring the unknown.
‘Atlas of Paranormal Places’ by Evelyn Hollow is a fascinating exploration of the world's most supernatural sites. With its well-researched content, engaging storytelling, and balanced perspective, the book offers a compelling journey into the realm of paranormal phenomena. Whether you're a seasoned paranormal enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Hollow's atlas provides a captivating guide to some of the most intriguing and mysterious places on Earth.
I'm a spooky travel book lover, and this one is a perfect addition to my collection!
This book is really well made. From the pictures to the maps to the descriptions/history behind every different location worldwide, it feels like everything is there and the only thing missing would be to actually go to these places.
I also really loved the categories that were studied in this work, which were:
1- Haunted Places
2- Witchcraft
3- Sacred Sites
4- Myths & Legends
5- Strange Nature
6- Cryptids & Creatures
Overall, this was an excellent read and I can't wait to go to all these paranormal places.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press for the ARC!
Fascinating book for anyone that has ever wondered if there is more to folklores than what we think we know. The selected places are engrossing and there were quite a few I've had never heard of before. A sure 5-star read.
A very well-written book with lots of excellent information about the history of the places featured, as well as an exploration of the most popular purported hauntings believed to have occurred at each location. There are also many excellent photographs. Overall, an excellent book. My only problem was that, at certain points, the formatting was a bit wonky, but I suspect that will be fixed before the book is released for publication.
This is like the lonely planet guide for the paranormal. It looks at so many places from around the globe from Paris to Luxor, from South Korea to Iceland. Not only that but it does also deal with cryptids and creatures.
This book is well compiled with maps diagrams and photos.
This really is a fascinating book that makes for an excellent read especially if you are travelling around countries and have an interest in the paranormal.
This was so well done, my favourite part would have to be the Photos, they are eery and beautiful really giving you a feel for the places. I am impressed by the amount of research and detail that has been given to every aspect.
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As a fan of the paranormal, I appreciated the was this was formatted. I could stare at the photos for hours.
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This is something that I will re read over and over again. Beginning a Kiwi (from NZ) I loved that we even got a mention with our own paranormal site.
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Brillant, Well Done and Would highly recommend
Even for pseudoscience this is poorly written. There are several entries where Hollow doesn't even talk about alleged supernatural phenomena about the place in question; she also swings between treating other cultures' practices as inherently "spooky" and giving self-righteous lectures on not judging other cultures based on your own biases.
Steer clear of this one.
Received via NetGalley.
"Atlas of Paranormal Places" is a book about a lot of places where there is paranormal things happening. It explains in detail each place, its history and what appears to be happening there. It's a great read for anyone who is interested in paranormal places and I have definitely added a few places to visit on my bucket list after reading this book!
I absolutely loved this book. The short profile like chapters were very engaging and the added pictures made it even better.
Evelyn Hollow takes us around the world and gives us an insight into the paranormal places.
From Witches to mythical creatures, if you are interested in the supernatural this is surely the book for you!
Atlas of Paranormal Places is such a treat for those who love the spooky and superstitious. Covering everything from hauntings to cryptids with accompanying maps and color photographs, it's a captivating and informative way to immerse yourself in these supernatural places -- without leaving the comfort of your couch!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.)
Be prepared to take an eerie trip to 100 global sites of paranormal activity. Splendid photos and spooky stories will take you from Paris to New Zealand, the US to South America to Africa, and Ukraine to India and Japan. Absolutely intriguing, but don't read it at night!
I discovered Evelyn Hollow through the Uncanny podcast hosted by Danny Robins, who also wrote a great introduction for this book. I find her to be a measured and knowledgeable paranormal researcher. I am personally a hopeful sceptic, and when I saw Evelyn had written a book I knew I would enjoy it, and so will you.
'Atlas of Paranormal Places' is a must-read for fans of Evelyn and the podcast. This book isn’t just a bunch of rehashed ghost stories; it takes you on a fascinating journey through history, cultural beliefs, and the strange happenings that have intrigued people for ages.
The book is organized really well, making it easy to explore the different places and tales. Each page features stunning photos that capture the eerie vibe of these locations. From the moving coffins in the Chase Vault to the Winchester House (a personal fave), every story is interesting and well-researched.
Evelyn Hollow writes in a way that draws you in and feels warm, taking into account both sceptics and believers. She looks into the history and legends of each place, discussing what might be made up and what could have natural explanations. Whether you believe in the paranormal or are simply curious about the stories that have influenced cultures globally, this book is definitely worth your time.
I highly recommend 'Atlas of Paranormal Places' to anyone who loves the supernatural, history, and beautifully told stories.
This was absolutely spectacular! The writing was amazing, it felt scholarly in like the best way possible! It is definitely a very engaging read in how each place is described and how the information is presented. Though I would argue that the best part of this novel is the imagery. The detail in each image made them pop out the page, so I imagine the physical book is going to be awesome! This is for sure a must read for those who love all things paranormal!
5/5