Book Review: The World Of Lore: Wicked Mortals by Aaron Mahnke

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the last instalment in this series, The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures, so was really pleased when I received an ARC for the second chapter which explores the more ‘human’ aspects of folklore and myth. Here, we delve into the murky world of infamous mass murderers, changlings, witches, spontaneous human combustion and more. 

It’s a large, comprehensive list of various stories that essentially outline that humans are often more monster than the creatures we create. Often, it’s fear of the unknown that drives an individual to turn to stories to rationalise their behaviour. This idea is demonstrated best in the chapters relating to changelings, possessions and witches. Of course your wife isn’t suffering from a mental illness, she’s clearly been swapped for a fairy. A ‘changeling’. That lonely woman who seems a bit odd? Witch. This is told in a laid back conversational way, is very easy to read and told with an obvious passion for the subject matter. I would often find myself eager to get back to this book over others I was reading, and could easily dip in and out of the text. 

Sometimes I did find some of the stories slightly repetitive however. We read about H. H. Holmes several times, to the point where I can probably relate his whole life history, and I found the section on witches slightly less interesting compared to the more unusual or unexplainable tales. However, the other stories made up for this, and covered a broad enough area that I came away feeling like I knew a lot more about humans and the development of folklore tales and stories than I did before. I especially enjoyed the chapter on doppelgängers, as it felt the most ‘otherworldly’ and atmospheric. And, perhaps weirdly, also the most believable (other than the true serial killer stories obviously). 

Just like the previous novels, the book is scattered with wonderful illustrations throughout that reminded me of old Horrible History books. They compliment the stories well, and help to add that little bit extra to the overall presentation of the text. 

I look forward to the next book.

 - 4 stars