A Study of Household Spirits of Eastern Europe (Spirits and Creatures Series Book 1) by Ronesa Aveela

A Study of Household Spirits of Eastern Europe (Spirits and Creatures Series Book 1) Reviews

• 
  Christy Nicholas

  I adore the history of mythology, especially for a culture for which I have only a passing familiarity with already. The commonalities I find between the different mythos are fascinating and compelling. The author’s presentation of the beliefs in these Bulgarian and Slavic folklore is given in digestible and interesting bits, with illustrations, examples, dark sides and light sides of each entity. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
• 
  Julie Powell

  This is a fascinating look into the beliefs about mythical 'beings' that, although aged ideas, are still thought about even today in Eastern Europe. It also laid out how Christianity took on Pagan beliefs as their own...thus expanding the concepts of 'otherworld' and superstitions that were used to explain the unexplainable.
  
  It seemed very well researched and thought out. Each section included 'facts' and fiction, beliefs and general knowledge, however, I really liked the stories that were set out for each creature - I particularly enjoyed the 'snake' and the story that followed about learning a lesson from a chicken.
  
  Overall, this was interesting, intriguing and informative, and could be very useful for fantasy authors.
  
  Worth a look.
• 
  Thomas Davis

  A huge undertaking and very informative
  
  To collect this much folklore into one book had to require a tremendous amount of effort. I was taken with how detailed each spirit description was and how intricate the superstitions were that surrounded them. How did anyone get anything done in the old world with all of the daily rituals you had to partake in just to appease these apparitions. I enjoyed my reading of this work and I believe you will also. Or else the Kikimora will get you.
• 
  P.D. Alleva

  Super Cool Book
  
  The entertaining way the author presents each myth and spirit made this book a fun read. It is a very well written compilation of myths and spirits that is also educational. I can see this book being read by teachers to their students during Halloween. Very well done!
• 
  Kayla Krantz

  A fascinating study of things odd and unusual, this book reads a lot like a field guide introducing us to 9 different spirits. While I’ve studied a lot of folklore, I’ve never heard of these, and I thought the little tidbits and background information about where the tales originated made the guide that much better. Not to mention the illustrations.
• 
  William Stuart

  If you’ve read my blog, you know I write fantasy. As part of my research about mythical creatures, I ran across A Study of Household Spirits of Eastern Europe by Ronesa Aveela. I added it to my TBR list (one of the few non-fiction books I’ve read for pleasure). Read on for my thoughts!
  
  Synopsis (from the author):
  Eastern European mythology and folklore contain a rich, colorful blend of Christian and pagan tales, customs, and rituals. Many have lost their original significance, but others are still practiced—especially in remote, rural locations.
  
  House Spirits, the first in a series of books, will take you on a journey to discover nine fascinating house spirits you may never have heard of. Here are a few tidbits about what you can expect to find within the book’s pages:
  
  - Unusual noises at night in your attic may be a Talasum or a hungry Stopan.
  - Sacrificing a black hen and sprinkling its blood in the foundation of a new home keeps the building and occupants safe from evil spirits.
  - Builders often measure passersby with string or “capture” their shadow in the mortar of a wall to make structures strong.
  - Forgetting to wash your dishes at night and leaving your house messy anger a Kikimora, and she’ll get her revenge.
  - Don’t kill a snake because it may be the spirit guardian of your home.
  - Have you heard of the Bannik? Taking a steam bath will never be the same again after you learn about his habits.
  
  That’s not all. You’ll learn historical facts, discover fascinating and horrifying stories, and enjoy beautiful illustrations to gain a complete experience of these elusive house spirits.
  
  What I liked:
  A Study of Household Spirits or Eastern Europe was a fun read! I learned much about the spirits and their quirky ways. I also learned how to attract the spirits (or at least get them to move with you) and how to get them to leave. All told, it was an entertaining learning experience!
  
  What I didn’t like:
  There wasn’t much to dislike about the book except many of the spirits had similar characteristics. Combining them might make it an easier read.
  
  Overall impression:
  
  If you want to learn about Eastern European household spirits and their interesting and sometimes terrifying ways, read this book! If nothing else, if you don’t live in Eastern Europe, you’ll be happy they aren’t in your neighborhood!
  
  My rating:
  5 Stars
  
• 
  Ava

  A fascinating journey into Slavic folklore, something I'm new to but utterly enjoyed. Each spirit has origins ranging from innocent to dark, and I love how they all have distinct personalities, some with obsessions and pet peeves (and weaknesses for those who need to fight or tame them, Supernatural-style). Despite their capacity for mischief and harm, so many of these spirits still coexist with humankind, helping and protecting them when given the proper respect. They are as human as the people who created and passed down their stories, and that's what makes them memorable.
  
  While introducing us to these spirits, the book also provides an important glimpse into the lives of the old peasantry - their daily labors, recreation, reverence for life and death, strong family ties - things that I haven't read much about elsewhere, and that's partly why folklore is so important. It's a way of preserving the essence of a people, particularly one that doesn't usually leave behind written histories. Their beliefs speak to the resilience (and sometimes ruthlessness) of people who battled harsh conditions daily, and found explanations in the mysterious workings of nature.
  
  On another note, I found this book useful from an aspiring writer's perspective. Developing ethnic groups for a medieval fantasy is difficult without distinct belief systems and cultural norms; knowing how those of different groups might clash or merge with each other is equally important. The myths and folktales in this book are a great illustration of such a phenomenon - not only how religious beliefs and rituals originate, but how they change over time. I was also inspired by the stories around the Rhodope sanctuaries and lost cities, some of which centered around snake worship and healing rituals. I might be the furthest thing from religious, but this was an enjoyable and informative read, and I'll definitely be checking out the others in this series.
• 
  Book Squirrel

  A most interesting and engaging book. 
  
  This is a fascinating compilation of stories, traditions and collected information about the spirits and supernatural beings of Eastern European and especially Slavic cultures. There is a wealth of detail, including etymologies of the names and instructions for how to appease or banish each type of spirit. Some are similar to creatures found in fairytales and fantasy stories, while others may be completely new to the reader. 
  
  
  The entries on each different spirit are thorough and richly detailed. The writing is clear and expressive while retaining the straightforward style that is conventional for an informative text. The inclusion of traditional stories, poems and ‘fun facts’ adds depth and texture to each chapter. 
  
  
  This book would definitely appeal to those interested in the supernatural world or in cultural superstitions, and could also serve as a very useful reference work for writers and artists. There is an extensive bibliography and links to other sources that demonstrate the author’s diligence in research and historiography, which gives the reader confidence in the information provided. 
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  Joy Goddard

  
  Fantasy writers will find A Study of Household Spirits of Eastern Europe an inspirational and valuable resource when developing mythical characters. In this well-researched and well-written book, Author Ronesa Aveela relates the stories of nine unusual household spirits that are based on Eastern European folklore. Some spirits are spooky, and others merely humourous or strange. But all are fascinating. By reading her book, you’ll discover interesting snippets such as:
  • If you forget to wash your dishes at night or leave a messy home, you’ll anger a kilimora.
  • Some spirits are anti-human while others protect humans.
  • Don’t kill a snake because it may be your spirit guardian.
  I liked the features in the book such as Did You Know . . .? Did you know that the snake in the Garden of Eden was actually a dragon? When God cursed the snake, it lost its wings and legs.
  Along with the tales, Aveela has incorporated illustrations, photos, Fun Facts and more. Overall, the book was impressive. Kudos to the author.
  
• 
  Elle Mott

  I can only imagine the author must have enjoyed the research for this book as much as she enjoyed putting this book together for readers. Each chapter is chock full of info on a certain Eastern European Spirit yet broken up into well-defined parts. Moving through the pages, I became informed of how our current cultural beliefs emerged. When one reads through this book and more so, engages in it (the “Did You Know?” features, for one, as is common in her books), then any and all narrow mindedness of how folklore influences us today is erased. Some traditions are more ancient while other traditions are more recent, like regarding childbirth in the late 1800s. Next time someone annoys me, I’ll tell them, “You are as sticky as a banya!”
• 
  Kat Drennan

  A Study of Household Spirits of Eastern Europe by Ronesa Aveela is fascinating and delightful as well as an adept, scholarly work. What I really loved about this work was the way it incorporated unique works of art with the various spirit stories. It was especially entertaining to see how the stories related to one another and can easily be translated into current cultural practices. (Elf on the Shelf comes to mind, LOL.) Interesting that the stories all seem to relate to household behaviors, such as keeping the house clean and uncluttered. There was so much material and I appreciated they way Aveela was consistent about organizing each spirit, which made some very detailed material easy to follow.
• 
  Gordon Bickerstaff

  Fascinating insight into 'things' that go bump in the night!
  
  Thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a great deal about East European mythology through the richly colourful blend of folklore tales, customs, traditions, superstitions and legends, which would provide great inspiration to fantasy writers looking for scary stories. The numerous artefacts are well researched and this gives depth and credibility, which makes them so much more interesting. The narrative is supported with images, which add an extra visualisation layer to the appreciation of these stories. The author has done a great job drawing out the stories in an easily readable and entertaining form. Highly recommended.
  
• 
  Sherrie Hansen

  A Study of Household Spirits is a well-researched, beautifully organized and lyrically written account of the legends and mythology of Eastern Europe. The intricately descriptive language and the inclusion of art and musical references lend a very thorough, very graphic point of view that is fascinating. Whether you read the book for enjoyment, to satisfy curiosity, or to research a project, you will find the information encompassing and engrossing. Very well done, highly recommended.
• 
  B.J. Tiernan

  If you love legends and mythology, A Study of Household Spirits of Eastern Europe is a great find. Not only is it interesting, fascinating and satisfying - here, you will find a repository of house spirits, good and bad. Well-researched, this collection of spirits will show you how many of our cultural beliefs have emerged. Supplemented by distinctive works of art, this well-written book promises to tease all the senses.
• 
  C.A. King

  A harmless prank - "Causing rifles standing up in a corner to "dance" by themselves" - that made me laugh! The bare butt fortunes did too.
  
  This book is great - I love learning about the paranormal!