Monster Folklore

Welcome to the United States of Cryptids, where mysterious monsters lurk in the dark forests, deep lakes, and sticky swamps of all fifty states. From the infamous Jersey Devil to the obscure Snallygaster, travel writer and chronicler of the strange J. W. Ocker not only uncovers the bizarre stories of these creatures but investigates the ways in which communities have embraced and celebrated their local cryptids.

Troy Turner is a writer living in a secluded cabin in the Rocky Mountains. He believes his new home in the peaceful valley, miles away from the busy resort town of Hawthorn, is the perfect setting for his work. When two of Troy's closest friends join him on a hunting trip, they are caught in an unexpected snowstorm. Eager to reach the safety of the cabin, they are suddenly and viciously attacked by a terrifying creature they never believed existed. Separated from his friends and badly injured, Troy tries to leave the mountain to seek help. The winter storm made the drive down the mountain ...

Traditional interpretations of the creatures of the Bible have sanded down their sharp, unsavory edges, transforming them into celestial beings of glory and light—or chubby, happy cherubs. Those cherubs? They're actually hybrid guardian monsters, more closely associated with the Egyptian sphinx than with flying babies. And the seraphim? Winged serpents sent to mete out God's vengeance. Demons aren't at war with angels; they're a distinct supernatural species used by Satan and by God. The pattern is chilling. Most of these monsters aren't God's opponents—they're God's entourage.

The folklore that has shaped our dominant culture teems with frightening female creatures. In our language, in our stories (many written by men), we underline the idea that women who step out of bounds - who are angry or greedy or ambitious, who are overtly sexual or not sexy enough - aren’t just outside the norm. They’re unnatural. Monstrous. But maybe, the traits we’ve been told make us dangerous and undesirable are actually our greatest strengths.

They’ve stalked Europe’s haunted woods and prowled America’s forgotten roads. Now their blood-soaked legacy is exposed. Werewolves have howled through our darkest stories for centuries—but what if the legends were true? In this unnerving collection, author Ethan Blackwood hunts down the origins, folklore, and chilling real-world encounters behind the world’s most terrifying shapeshifters. From ancient European villages to the eerie backroads of rural America, you'll discover: The horrifying roots of werewolf myths across cultures Real-life accounts from survivors who claim they ...

Leaving no headstone unturned, Sacha Coward will take you on a wild ride through the night from ancient Greece to the main stage of RuPaul's Drag Race, visiting cross-dressing pirates, radical fairies, and the graves of the 'queerly departed' along the way. Queer communities have often sought refuge in the shadows, found kinship in the in-between, and created safe spaces in underworlds; but these forgotten narratives tell stories of remarkable resilience that deserve to be heard.

The dark gods of my people are back, and they’re hunting the shadow-winged — like me. Being a bush pilot is the third most dangerous job in the world. I’m Piper Tikaani, and I take that in stride. As an Inupiaq Raven Clan shapeshifter—flying is second nature, whether in my supernatural form or tackling the skies in my Super Cub. Strong winds, rugged terrain, and rough clients are all the excitement I need. But when a family friend is found dead on the roof of his wilderness cabin, I find myself caught in a world of hidden treasure and a new, dark reality. Now the people I love hide ...

"Cryptids of the Deep South: Unveiling Myths, Monsters, and Mysteries of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama" takes you deep into the heart of Southern folklore, where shadowy creatures roam the swamps, mountains, and rivers of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama. From the terrifying Rougarou of Cajun legend to the elusive White River Monster and the enigmatic Honey Island Swamp Monster, this book explores the rich tapestry of myths and mysteries that have fascinated generations. Dive into detailed accounts of cryptid sightings, historical folklore, and cultural traditions that reveal the ...

Jackson and Dustin have faced horrors together that would break lesser men, saving each other’s lives more times than they can count. Their bond, forged in blood and fear, is unshakable. When Jackson’s girlfriend, Doli, vanishes during a visit to Black Mesa, he knows he needs Dustin’s help. Rumor has it that a skinwalker—a creature of legend and nightmares—has taken her. Even though Dustin’s wife, Ash, is eight months pregnant, he leaves her in the care of Lux and his mother to stand by Jackson’s side once again. Ben, grateful to Jackson for saving Lux’s life back in ...

Welcome to The Book of Japanese Folklore: a fascinating journey through Japan’s folklore through profiles of the legendary creatures and beings who continue to live on in pop culture today. From the sly kitsune to the orgrish oni and mischievous shape-shifting tanuki, learn all about the origins of these fantastical and mythical creatures. With information on their cultural significance, and how it’s been spun into today’s popular culture, this tome teaches you about the stories and histories of the beings that inspired characters in your favorite movies, animes, manga, and games.

Lou has spent her whole life running. Now, after a crushing blow from Morgane, the time has come to go home - and claim what is rightfully hers. But this is no longer the Lou her friends knew. No longer the Lou who captured a chasseur’s heart. A darkness has settled over her, and this time it will take more than love to drive it out.

As a witch in the walled city of Chernograd, Kosara has plenty of practice treating lycanthrope bites, bargaining with kikimoras, and slaying bloodsucking upirs. There’s only one monster she can’t defeat: her ex, the Zmey, known as the Tsar of Monsters. She’s defied him one too many times and now he’s hunting her. Betrayed by someone close to her, Kosara’s only choice is to trade her shadow—the source of her powers—for a quick escape.

In the harsh cold winters of north central United States and Canada there has always been an ever-present malicious force. A force that would drive men to devour their families. This psychosis has been so well documented that it has a legitimate medical diagnosis. The Wendigo has twenty-four different incarnations across as many different cultures, all of them warning of this corruption of humanity. A bereaved father, an Ojibwe Elder, and a small-town Police Chief do everything in their power to stop it. They lead it to the ends of the earth or has the Wendigo led them.

Deep in the woods of Ohio, something walks among us. From the legendary Minerva Monster to chilling recent encounters in Salt Fork and Wayne National Forest, Bigfoot in Ohio uncovers fourteen immersive, true narrative accounts of unexplained sightings across the state. Drawing on local witness testimony, public records, and eerie firsthand details, author Ethan Blackwood brings each story to life with suspense, atmosphere, and emotional realism. Whether it’s a hiker hearing guttural growls at dusk or a family terrorized near their cabin, these tales aren’t fiction — they’re part of ...

Journey through the vast landscapes of North America, from its dense forests and vast prairies to its hidden lakes and high peaks. 'Cryptid Chronicles: Myths and Monsters of North America' unveils the continent's most intriguing cryptids—legendary creatures that have captured the imagination of countless generations. Delve into eyewitness accounts, historical records, and cultural impacts to shed light on beings that, though elusive, have left an indelible mark on the American psyche. This volume also pays homage to the indigenous legends and narratives, aiming to present them with ...

In the sixth book of the United States urban legend series we head up to Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts and Michigan. Inside you will read about the legends and folklore from these beautiful states. Some of these stories you may have heard, ut most are only known to the locals. This book contains some of the wildest stories and legendary beasts from these states. You will also learn the locations and read eyewitness accounts from people who have had personal encounters with these legends. Read about, witches, werewolves, vampires, demons, unknown creatures, phantom hitchhikers, ghosts, ...

When socialite Madeleine Saint-Leon reports her fiancé, Benoit Devereaux, missing—claiming he was taken by the Loch Ness monster—the authorities are skeptical. Desperate, she turns to renowned cryptozoologist Dr. Chelsea Buckley. Realizing her limited experience with the Loch Ness monster, Chelsea assembles a top-tier team: Ben Markarios, Gabe Norwich, Dustin McCord, Ash McCord, Francois LeFebvre, and Lux Branson. As the team gathers in Edinburgh, Lux takes charge, uniting this diverse group with unique skills. Venturing to the misty shores of Scotland, they prepare to confront Nessie ...

Think Bigfoot only haunts the deep wilderness? Think again. For generations, we've pictured Sasquatch lurking in remote forests, a shy giant confined to the shrinking edges of the map. But what if the most chilling encounters aren't happening miles from civilization, but practically in your own backyard? This groundbreaking book shatters the myth of the wilderness-bound Bigfoot, revealing a creature far more adaptable, widespread, and unsettlingly close than we've ever imagined. Journey beyond the familiar forests and explore the compelling evidence placing Bigfoot: On the fringes of ...

In a world where rational, scientific explanations are more available than ever, belief in the unprovable and irrational - in fringe - is on the rise: from Atlantis to aliens, from Flat Earth to the Loch Ness monster, the list goes on. It seems the more our maps of the known world get filled in, the more we crave mysterious locations full of strange creatures. Enter Colin Dickey, cultural historian and tour guide of the weird.

Sometimes, the questions can be more interesting than the answers. The Search in Extraterrestrial Intelligence [SETI] has recently hotted up, with a whole new wave of research going to show that we will always be fascinated by what we don't understand. Was 'The Wow Signal' a radio transmission from deep space? Or was it the resonating frequency of a passing comet? Often, it can feel as if professional explainers of all stripes want to put an end to anything mysterious in life.