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Merissa (13942 KP) rated Stalking the Goddess in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Stalking The Goddess by Mark Carter is not a book to be taken lightly or to be read as a fill-in. This book deserves your attention as Mark Carter has tried to do the near-impossible and unravel a book that has long been thought of as a Pagan Must-Have. The White Goddess by Robert Graves has long been considered as one of the ultimate books for a Pagan to own, with links to the Welsh Celtic path and showing how, through poetry, that paganism lived on through the ages.
Stalking The Goddess is written like a thesis or dissertation from a university so will appeal to any academically-minded out there. This did make it quite hard going at times and I would read some and then take a break to digest what I had read.
Mark Carter has “untangled the woods” of The White Goddess and made it more accessible to the Pagan who would like to know more about it and where Robert Graves got his sources. Mark Carter has made it possible to see who has influenced Robert Graves, both in a positive and also a negative way, by showing whose work was used and which was not.
One of the things that I found most interesting was that although The White Goddess boasts a Welsh Celtic basis, Robert Graves had actually pulled on stories from the whole of Europe, as well as from the Bible, the Jews and used stories from the Saracens to compile his book and it somehow all seemed to fit which is where Mark Carter has excelled. Star Wars even makes an appearance!
In no way is Mark Carter dismissing The White Goddess and even states in the Epilogue that without The White Goddess it is unlikely that paganism would have developed as it did.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the history of The White Goddess, or for someone who has an academic “twist”. Thought provoking and a very interesting read.
Stalking The Goddess is written like a thesis or dissertation from a university so will appeal to any academically-minded out there. This did make it quite hard going at times and I would read some and then take a break to digest what I had read.
Mark Carter has “untangled the woods” of The White Goddess and made it more accessible to the Pagan who would like to know more about it and where Robert Graves got his sources. Mark Carter has made it possible to see who has influenced Robert Graves, both in a positive and also a negative way, by showing whose work was used and which was not.
One of the things that I found most interesting was that although The White Goddess boasts a Welsh Celtic basis, Robert Graves had actually pulled on stories from the whole of Europe, as well as from the Bible, the Jews and used stories from the Saracens to compile his book and it somehow all seemed to fit which is where Mark Carter has excelled. Star Wars even makes an appearance!
In no way is Mark Carter dismissing The White Goddess and even states in the Epilogue that without The White Goddess it is unlikely that paganism would have developed as it did.
Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in the history of The White Goddess, or for someone who has an academic “twist”. Thought provoking and a very interesting read.
Merissa (13942 KP) rated Wired For Magic in Books
Apr 8, 2026
WIRED FOR MAGIC is an intriguing mix of hackers and magic. Rowan, a former model turned photographer, inherited magic from her mother, who unfortunately died before she could teach Rowan how to use it. Griff, Rowan's brother, is sceptical of the whole 'magic' thing, but does everything in his power to protect her from her stalker, Jarrod. He has been stalking Rowan for years, using his immense wealth and power, leading her to be forever on guard and on the run.
Those are the pure bones of the story, but there is so much more to it. I will admit, when I read that Celtic magic was involved, my mind immediately went to Ireland, which is where the majority of authors mean when they say 'Celtic'. Imagine my wonder and delight when it turned out to be Wales!!! The descriptions of Pentre Ifan were absolutely spot on, and the warmth of the Welsh personality was perfectly described and enacted, especially by Bron and Huw.
There is a slight romance element to the story, but it is secondary at best. Huw is definitely there as a supporting character, never taking the spotlight from Rowan.
The character arcs of all the main characters were brilliantly written, and the pacing was perfect. I was swept away in Rowan's struggles and determination. I loved sassy Aunt Maya and her outlook on life. Because I'm greedy, I would love to see more of this world, maybe from some of the secondary characters' points of view - Cat, I'm looking at you. And you too, Griff!
Anyway, I was completely absorbed by this story, from the first paragraph to the last. Definitely one of the best I've read, and I don't say that lightly. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 8, 2026
Those are the pure bones of the story, but there is so much more to it. I will admit, when I read that Celtic magic was involved, my mind immediately went to Ireland, which is where the majority of authors mean when they say 'Celtic'. Imagine my wonder and delight when it turned out to be Wales!!! The descriptions of Pentre Ifan were absolutely spot on, and the warmth of the Welsh personality was perfectly described and enacted, especially by Bron and Huw.
There is a slight romance element to the story, but it is secondary at best. Huw is definitely there as a supporting character, never taking the spotlight from Rowan.
The character arcs of all the main characters were brilliantly written, and the pacing was perfect. I was swept away in Rowan's struggles and determination. I loved sassy Aunt Maya and her outlook on life. Because I'm greedy, I would love to see more of this world, maybe from some of the secondary characters' points of view - Cat, I'm looking at you. And you too, Griff!
Anyway, I was completely absorbed by this story, from the first paragraph to the last. Definitely one of the best I've read, and I don't say that lightly. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 8, 2026