I purchased and reviewed Fairies, Myths & Magic by Colleen M. Chesebro as part of the Poetry Readathon and Poetry Blog Promotion series I am currently hosting.
I follow the author’s blog and find her poetry to be beautifully written, diverse and intriguing. My enjoyment of the author’s blog led me to purchase her poetry book, released earlier this year.
Colleen runs a weekly poetry challenge where poets are encouraged to express themselves using different poetry forms such as haikus, tankas and cinquains. Colleen proves so excellent instruction on how to writes these poetic variations. You can experience Colleen’s blog here: https://colleenchesebro.com/
What Amazon says
Step into a world where fairies, dragons, and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by the celebration of Litha, the Summer Solstice.
Meet Drac, a dragon cursed by his own poisonous deeds, and two pixies who help an old man remember a lost love. You’ll meet a pair of fairies with a sense of humor, and a young girl who fulfills her destiny after being struck by lightning. Learn what happens when a modern witch’s spell goes terribly wrong. Meet the Sisters of the Fey, a group of Slavic Witches who sign a pact with the Rusalki Fey to preserve their magic for the good of all.
Atmospheric and haunting, the prose and poetry, will rewrite the mythologies of the past bringing them into the future.
My review
This book includes a delightful array of short stories and poems with fairies, myths and magic as the central themes that link them all. The author provides an interesting introduction to fairies and shares her own personal thoughts and ideas about this subject. There is also an intriguing overview of myths and how they originated.
The poetry takes numerous shapes and forms and there are tankas, haibuns, double tankas, cinquains and freestyle poems all of which contribute into making this book an interesting reading adventure.
My favourite story was The Leaving – A Story of Supernatural Magic which features the elderly Miss Pensie Taylor as the main character. Miss Pensie has lived in her house in the same town all her life and is a well know character to the older residents. Her house overlooks a swamp and a graveyard and she has an intimate knowledge of the inmates of the graveyard as her father was the caretaker when she was a child. Miss Pensie is a brave soul with a gift that enables her to see the spirits of those long dead.
One evening, during a heavy thunderstorm, Miss Pensie notices something unusual about the graveyard and goes out to investigate after the rain has abated. She has an interesting experience alone in the darkness.
My favourite poem in this collection is titled The magical Tree and my favourite stanza is the following:
“In Autumn –
the Lady shows us her splendor
whose bright orange leaves herald
the darkness of another winter slumber.”
If you enjoy poetry and have an interest in myths, magic and fairies, you will love this beautiful collection. I rated it five out of five stars on Amazon.
Purchase Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration
Other books by Colleen M. Chesebro
The Heart Stone Chronicles – The Swamp Fairies
Fourteen-year-old Abigale Forester, recently orphaned and a ward of the State of Illinois moves from Chicago to Florida to live with her aunt, her last living relative. Magnolia Forester becomes her legal Guardian, and together they claim an ancient inheritance; land that belonged to Abby’s mother’s family for generations.
Holding onto the only piece of her mother Abby has left, a calcite pendant and her mother’s most sacred possession, she discovers the truth of her legacy. The pendant is more significant than she could possibly imagine. Forged from a giant mystical heart-shaped stone found on the very swamp land Abby now owns, it holds the power of her ancestors.
But with that power comes greater responsibility, one that pits her against Rafe Cobb, a greedy land developer, who will stop at nothing to own Abby’s swamp land.
As Abby learns to be part of a family again and explores her love of horses with friends, Savanna, and Blake, the swamp slowly gives up some of its secrets. She is summoned by a primeval nymph, who teaches Abby that her true destiny is to protect the nymphs from evil in an ever-changing modern world.
Can Abby save the swamp and the Naiad Nymph Clan from certain destruction before it is too late?
You can read my review of this lovely book here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1SKYWJRXW8RHW/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01MU69MXT
You can purchase The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy here:
Wow, Robbie you have reviewed her books so intricately and I too love reading these mysterious story books of fairies and witches. I remember our childhood when we used to read such books and felt so glad to read them and then later told our friends these little snippets. Must say you are amazing with all your reviews. Thanks for the awesome share.
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Thank you, Kamal. Some books are very easy to review. I am glad you enjoyed this one.
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Yes they sure are, Robbie. Welcome dear.
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Such a lovely review of Colleen’s book 💜
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Thank you, Ritu
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this review of Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration by Colleen M. Chesebro as featured in this post from Robbie’s Inspiration Blog
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Thank you very much, Don
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You’re welcome.
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Lovely review, Robbie, and Colleen, I have your book on my TBR pile, working steadily toward it. Of course, I’ll have to live to be about 134 to read everything I’ve amassed, but as Browning said, our reach should exceed our grasp, or what’s a Heaven for? (And if I can’t take my books to heaven with me, I’m not sure I want to go. 🙂 ) Great post, lovely themes, and lovely snippets! Thanks for sharing this, Robbie! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you, Marcia. Your comment amuses me as I have open told my family I wish to be buried with my books in a big pyramid with me.
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I plan to take mine, too, but I’ll settle for a headstone, instead of a pyramid, as long as it reads “She’s Off to See the Wizard,” and is over a hole deep enough to hold hundreds of books. 😀 ❤
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Fabulous review of Colleen’s book, Robbie.
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Thank you, Teri. I am reading up a storm. Poetry books are quicker to read, I must say.
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Besides your words, that cover is stunning. I love the blue.
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I agree, Jacqui, it is gorgeous
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Robbie, you have made my blog vacation even better with your lovely and thorough review of my book. I wrote Miss Pensie’s tale when I lived in Florida near Fairy Swamp. There was an interesting magic there, and I am convinced that I stumbled upon an ancient portal between the dimensions, but that’s another story. 😀 Thank you for getting my writing. ❤
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I am glad I did “get” your writing, Colleen. It pleases me that I read it as it was intended to be read.
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Thanks, Robbie. That means so much to me. ❤
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You always give such beautiful descriptive reviews Robbie.. Magical….. 😀
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Thank you, Sue. I am glad you enjoy these posts.
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Lovely review of Colleen’s book, Robbie. ❤ Sharing… xo
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Thank you, Bette. Much appreciated.
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Fantastic review Robbie. I too enjoy Colleen’s writing. 🙂
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Thank you, Debby. Colleen’s writing is very vivid and beautiful.
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Yes it is. 😉
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Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.
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Thank you, Traci.
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You’re welcome, Robbie!
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Wonderful review, Robbie. I love Colleen’s poetry and enjoyed both of her books. It’s great to see her featured here. Happy Holidays to you both. 🙂
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I have read and enjoyed both her books as well. Thank you for your well wishes. I hope your festive period is peaceful and relaxing.
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Colleen’s poems and stories are always full of magic. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful review, Robbie. 🙂
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I agree, Colleen does write beautiful poems and stories, Olga. Thank you for visiting.
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I always love to read your review, Robbie. You have great insight into Colleen’s book. I too love the story “The Leaving – A Story of Supernatural Magic.”
Colleen, you’re a great poet and storyteller! I can see you magic pen moving during you blog break!
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Thank you, Miriam. I agree with you and Colleen gives guidance to us all.
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You’re right, Robbie. I usually write free verse when I don’t write to respond to a challenge.
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Reblogged this on Colleen Chesebro ~ The Faery Whisperer and commented:
I’ve received a stunning review from Robbie Cheadle. It makes my heart sing. ❤
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A lovely book, Colleen. So easy to review.
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Thanks, Robbie. I’m glad you enjoyed.😍
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Lovely review Robbie. I am reading your poetry book right now.
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I hope you are enjoying it, Balroop. I am posting my review of your book in the new year. I will take a short break from my blog over Christmas and New Year.
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Wonderful review, Robbie. Colleen has magic in her fingertips, I’m sure! ❤
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Thanks Jacquie, she definitely does.
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A lovely review of Colleen’s book, Robbie. Merry Christmas!
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Thank you, a lovely book.
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