| Title | : | Adventures in Mythopoeia |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1912361124 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 726 |
| Publication | : | Published December 16, 2020 |
Adventures in Mythopoeia Reviews
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Even though I’m a huge fan of John Dolan, having read just about everything he’s written, none of his previous novels prepared me for what was in store in his latest offering, Adventures in Mythopoeia. The scope and breath of this epic tale is so wide, it’s inconceivable how he was able to keep it all straight. The cast of characters is huge, and the range of their overlapping into the various plotlines takes a real master to keep it all straight.
I don’t want to give anything away here—not that I could ever summarize all that takes place in this epic tale—but there’s a connectedness between characters and places that adds so much to the story. Nothing that’s introduced is wasted on just one scene; what goes around, comes around in the most surprising and delightful manner.
This work kept me reading frantically as one set of circumstances meshed with another, bringing together this incredible mosaic of characters, from the hapless to the villainess and everything in between. And even though it’s a long, action-packed tome, I feel like I remember everything that takes place, very fondly, as if I actually know these people and their quirks and foibles and was actually present when it all unfolded.
I know I’ll read this book again, at least once. It’s a perfect saga in every respect. -
Don’t start reading this on Christmas Eve or you’ll never get the turkey in the oven. This mammoth page-turner is the author’s most impressive book so far (and I speak as an irredeemable Braddock junkie) and will certainly attract new fans. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of myths and literature, John Dolan sweeps us off in an exhilarating, epic ride, faultlessly juggling different styles, multiple, millennia-spanning, story arcs and a host of richly-imagined characters (not forgetting a hawk). Set mainly in the British Isles, this is a new genre for him but old fans will quickly recognise characteristics which stamp the work as ‘classic’ Dolan.
The book has three parts. In the first, a Dickensian prologue paints a depressing picture of the planet and its inhabitants before setting forth the author’s intentions. We are then whisked to a tent in the mysterious ‘world between worlds’ of Driscoll’s Circus where two Dubliners are huddled around flickering candles, a glowing blue crystal ball and the Tarot of Marseille. While a blood red moon hangs in the night sky and the ghost of T.S. Eliot hovers over the roundabouts, Selene Fortuna foretells a ‘shadow’ moving not just in the direction of her alarmed customer, publican Padraig O’Breasail, but ‘towards all the people of the earth.’ Padraig, Selene and her daughter, Dora, will play key roles in the unfolding saga.
Dolan draws us into the many distinct worlds of his book through evocative descriptions where every detail is telling, putting extra flesh on the bones of the characters while imprinting the physical setting on our mind’s eye. We next see Padraig back on his home turf at The Green Man, slumped in his favourite armchair worrying how he’s going to pay off Ming the Merciless, a terrifying drug empress with creative softening up techniques for the dilatory. Fortunately for the ginger-haired Irishman, the Fates are about to conspire: his nephew, Jason is planning a career change from male escort to bank robber, aided and abetted by three other rogues, Sanjay, Eric and Windy. After hitting the bank disguised in burqas, the robbers need to get out of the capital at the same time as Padraig promises to get a drug consignment to Birmingham to placate the Merciless One. A perfect solution presents itself in the shape of a haunted narrow boat belonging to Padraig, in which 50kg of Ming’s cocaine can be transported discreetly up the Grand Union Canal. With the four burka bandits at the helm, the aptly named ‘Precious Cargo’ leaves London: thus begins the voyage of the Cargonauts (yes, the puns are as unrelenting as the British weather).
As explained in the Afterword, Part 1 is based on the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece. (Brace yourself for five zillion sheep jokes and leave the Afterword to the end if you enjoy playing literary detective.) Without revealing the details, the suspense mounts as numerous perils, tests and temptations confront the travellers, wending their watery way through a dangerous country torn apart by warring factions. With the help of new friends, they finally reach their destination, only to discover a nasty surprise awaits them in the chilling slaughter-house lair of gangster Solomon Lamb.
In a revenge mission for Lamb’s sting, the Cargonauts pull off another robbery, relieving the gangster of a great deal of money and a statue of a golden sheep before splitting the proceeds and temporarily disbanding the fellowship. Their subsequent individual escapades, involving more fascinating characters, are recounted in separate ‘Tales’.
Meanwhile, with Ming’s pliers hovering ever closer to Padraig’s toenails, the Irishman is left with no other option than to run away and join the circus. His odyssey takes him westward in the company of Driscoll’s travellers, freaks and misfits, with occasional Pythonesque visitations.
Sufficient breadcrumbs have now been scattered for us to plunge into Part 2 (my favourite), a world of Arthurian magic and mystery where contemporary ingredients - quarks, time dilation and cosmic playdoh- are thrown into the mix along with a monkey’s paw, three wishes and an earthen jar foretold by a talking cat. The adventure begins in that hotspot of the abnormal, Slough, where an old-young man, Don Knight, is doomed to an early death through his faulty genes. When his archaeologist father, Professor Knight, leaves for a dig in Scotland to unravel the ancient mysteries of the Chamber of Wick, Don, too, longs to undertake ‘just one journey of discovery’ before it’s too late. With the reluctant benediction of his midwife mother, he goes to Oxford where he meets Arthur, Galahad and Lancelot, members of a secret society of chivalric brothers, the Ignoranti (they have another name which I’m not going to reveal here). Don, wishing to join them in their quest for Pure Truth, embarks on an apprenticeship to become a Linkbuilder, whose role is to incorporate new data into a growing ‘Chain of Being’. A series of picaresque adventures ensue, involving a damsel in distress and new travelling companions, ex-butler Sancho Panzer and his old flame Miss Pennymoney. Inevitably ‘an intersection of pathways’ occurs with previously encountered characters and locations, leading up to Part 3 and the fireworks of the finale (which shall also remain a mystery). It’s great entertainment, magisterially done in the way fans have come to expect from the author’s weaving of the great web of connexions in the ‘Karma’ series.
Magic is an important theme of the book, and magic has got into the writing of it. We are swept along, entranced by a siren song - the rhythm of the narrative, the lively dialogue, the moments of emotion, the linguistic erudition and seemingly effortless modulations of style and tone. Of course no Dolan book would be worth its salt without the humour; here, playful Joycean inventiveness collides with shameless gags (at times they’re roll-on-the floor funny). But a darker, satirical undertone runs through much of the book, reminding us of the cautionary tale about another young apprentice in the school of life, Candide. As Professor Elliot points out in a seminal work on the subject, myths, unlike fairy-tales, are concerned with ‘the serious business of man’s responsibilities and his relationship with society and nature’. Ignore the moral message at your peril…
It’s impossible to squeeze the myriad delights of Mythopoeia into a short review. I can only say, grab a copy, it’s a joy to read, like those enthralling bumper albums of childhood Christmases – only this one’s for adults. To sum it up in one word –‘inspired!’ -
Every once in a blue moon you stumble as a reader onto a book that captures the moods and experiences of the times--sometimes intriguing, sometimes meh, but all leading to a cascade of outcomes only the gods could invent, or perhaps the above average writer in the midst of an epiphany of creative conceptualizations. In this extraordinary tale, you will meet a variety of characters from contrasting social circles who perhaps would never assemble much less interact under normal circumstances, but these are not conventional times. Mythical elements from the ancients have come out to play, and life as we know it is about to change.
A thieving gang, a mob-thirsty Madame, circus misfits, a secret society (I so want to be a member of) and a nineteen-year old limited by the ravages of progeria would normally be unlikely cast members, but again their individual and subsequent group tales are not of ordinary circumstances. We'll travel through the towns and villages of England, visit an archeological dig in Scotland, experience forbidden loves, first loves and the trials and tribulations that are stirred by the liaisons. Will their bonds survive what is to come? Or suffer the perils of ill timed fate?
Adventures in Mythopoeia is in my opinion, the magnum opus of author John Dolan. It is an epic tale that takes us to unimaginable scenarios brimming with dark wit, imagination and the boldness to venture into the mystic depths of the origins of being. I am a fan of his mystery series, but I must say this book blew my little gray cells away. If you only read one book in 2021, I highly suggest this one. Prepare to be dazzled. -
Wow, this was one crazy ride! I absolutely loved the mixture of crime fiction with paranormal and dystopian genres - never thought it was possible to pull something like that off, but Mr. Dolan not only did so but created a true masterpiece here! Consisting of three parts, this saga is brimming with action and never-ending intrigue. The characters are all vibrant and real and, despite most of them being crooks and outright criminals, they somehow win you over and make you root for them as they dive from one adventure into another. Under “adventures” I mean being chased by one very angry Jewish mobster they robbed and one very vengeful Chinese drug Empress they had the misfortune to anger. Add to the mix old talismans, a young man suffering from a rare disease, a library where time and space warp themselves, and a deadly virus that wipes out most of the population of the Earth and you’ll get yourself a truly unputdownable saga that will keep you turning pages well into the night. I seriously couldn’t get enough of it and didn’t want it to end. I can totally see this one as an awesome Netflix series!
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All I had to do was read the Prologue to be hooked, line and sinker. And for 842 pages the magnetic allure never let up. When I turned the last page, I can only describe my state of mind as dumbfounded.
What a rogues gallery of spicy characters. What a cast of eccentric, charming, twisted, violent, hapless, lovable, big-hearted rascals (too many to name). What a delicious Harry Potter-esque magical supernatural cosmology. What tangy allusions to mysterious arcana and ancient myths! What savory dialogue. What luscious, elbow-to-the-ribs humor. What saucy commentary on the ills of current society. Ultimately, what poignance and grand apocalyptic vision.
On the surprise meter, the needle repeatedly pings (the scattered clues that help tie the disparate plots together are particularly yummy). Don’t try to anticipate where those intertwined plots are going. It can’t be done.
“About The Author” says that Mr. Dolan is a polymath and occasional smarty-pants. The smarty-pants polymath delivers. Hence the peppering of this book with allusions, historical innuendo, puns, assorted badinage, and an encyclopedic knowledge of ancient mythology. Out of a possible five stars, I give this book six, for originality and imagination.
I’ve been reading Mr. Dolan since his first novel, Everyone Burns, was published in 2014. No contemporary author surpasses his talent for engaging the reader. And he seemingly does it with such effortless and impertinent cheekiness, you’d swear it was smoke and mirrors. I’ve heard authors complain that the writing life is drudgery. Clearly Mr. Dolan is having a whopping good time putting words to paper. I hope he occasionally gets out in the sun.
In conclusion, I believe the overarching themes of this novel are redemption and Karma. It is a dizzying apocalyptic journey, with a deeply satisfying ending, not soon to be forgotten.
Dear reader, I’ve given you all the encouragement you need. For the specifics of what happens, and to which characters, you’re on your own. -
Adventures in Mythopoeia encompasses three parts. It reads like an immersion in a magnificent three-movement symphony or a splendid medley. It starts with melancholy and mysterious notes in the first few pages; then, with the development of its storylines and characters, the tempo builds up, and the actions accelerate. The second part is relatively slow: readers will encounter an array of absorbing cast members and explore some mind-twisting, elusive, intriguing mathematics and scientific terms and theories. Then comes the glide to part three: the pace picks up again, the mood shifts and turns, and the varieties of scenery rapidly emerge and unfold—the script concludes in a heart-wrenching apocalyptic and enthralling sci-fi show of bravura.
Once again, Mr. Dolan has accomplished a masterpiece. The author shrewdly orchestrates a vast range of characters and leitmotifs from famous literature pieces—from ancient Greek mythology to medieval, renaissance, and modern literature, plus some renowned contemporary media works. The composition of themes and variations from all involved is seamless and compelling. Mr. Dolan gracefully shares his inspiration and notes on the sources of his ideas and characters. Therefore, readers have two ways of relishing this superb manuscript: (1) the Botticelli game aficionados can dive right in at the beginning and conjecture about the characters and themes along the way; (2) readers who prefer to acclimate to the characters and gain a sense of the author's behind-the-scenes scheme can jump to page 832 (99%) on eBook (or p. 709 on paperback) before embarking on the adventure. Either way, the readers will appreciate the author's discernment and adroitness in diverse domains, reflected through the text.
Beyond the brilliant writing and "dark" humor, the author bears noble intent and a profound message in the script; they await the readers' grasp and contemplation. His voice is loud and clear; listen to and ponder what he earnestly conveys.
Overall, this relatively long, multi-genre script is worth reading! Strongly recommended. -
John Dolan’s latest novel has it all: heroes and villains, triumph and tragedy, humor and horror. Despite, or perhaps in keeping with its title, it is a coherent, albeit complex and lengthy, story. It is a page-turner. I was constantly eager to find out what would happen next. A word of caution: John Dolan is the most erudite modern novelist of whom I am aware. He uses big words. About once in each novel he sends me to my big American Heritage Dictionary and wishing I had Webster’s unabridged. This time he did it in the title. The closest my AH comes to “mythopoeia” is “mythopoeic” which means productive of myths. My classic Greek is very rusty, but the common Greek root for both suffixes is the verb “to create.” This is close enough for me. While the book is highly entertaining, it may also be a morality tale, which I tend to find in all Dolan’s books. I rate this one “very highly recommended.”
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Mr. Dolan demonstrates his mastery of story and language in a tale that reminded me of a tongue-in-cheek companion to American Gods. Richly drawn characters, elaborately intertwined plots, and subtle humor permeate Mythopoeia. This is a long, delightful book that can be consumed a forkful of triple-layer fudge prose at a time.
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I have been following John Dolan since he started publishing books, and I am a devoted fan. He is one of those authors whose new publications bring joy to my heart, and I’m happy to recommend his novels to all and sundry. His name and his series always come to my mind when I think about detective novels with memorable main characters in unforgettable settings, and he is one of those gifted authors who manage to combine gripping plots with a cast of players that jump out of the page and become people we get to care about. Given all this, you won’t be surprised if I tell you that I did not hesitate in getting a copy of his newest publication, even though it promised to be something quite different to anything the author had written before.
Well, it does deliver on its promise, that’s true, although it is also true that followers of the author’s career will recognise the writing style, the wit and sense of humour, which are also Dolan’s trademark, and will be familiar with some of the excursions the plot and the characters’ thoughts take down philosophical and moral alleys, which are totally relevant when we consider the ambition of the author’s project in this book. As he explains at the end of this long volume (it is long in pages, but it is short if we consider how many stories and characters we can find inside, what a long historical period it encompasses, and how dynamic it feels when reading it), he had initially thought of writing three volumes to cover a large variety of mythological motifs, but when he realised the stories had become extremely intertwined, and there were far too many connections to find a satisfying way to split it up without disrupting the flow, he decided to write the whole story and publish it in a single volume. And it works, because although it seems impossible at the beginning, when one starts reading the prologue and the different parts, we soon realise that everything is interconnected, that characters that might seem to only play a minimal part in the story, might reappear again later in some important role, and the protagonists move around the British Isles, experiencing a variety of events, participating in all kinds of quests, reinventing themselves, and living several lives in one.
I am not even going to try to summarise the plot or to go into a lot of detail about what happens. The description, sparse as it is it, contains enough information to entice readers who are not afraid to try something different, and who are happy to explore stories with a bit of everything: classical Greek tragedies, Old Testament-style stories, pagan myths, Arthurian legend, more than a touch of the magical and paranormal, fate and destiny gone awry, archaeology true and imagined and its share of enigmatic objects, modern politics, race rage, life in the circus, travelling on a barge, characters setting off in their peculiar quests (for adventure, independence, knowledge, or all of the above), time-warps, talking cats and other fabulous pets, UFOs, cheating husbands, murderous gangs, assorted religious beliefs, love, hatred, revenge... Oh, and not forgetting the end of the world as we know it. I have not been all-inclusive, believe me. Readers who are as knowledgeable and well-read as the author —polymath is no exaggeration— will have fun discovering all the references and the origin of the many stories and characters. I confess that although I recognised some, I missed many, and I didn’t have the in-depth knowledge to get all the nuances even for those that I spotted, but I had a whale of a time nonetheless, and I agree with the author’s assertion that it is not necessary to know all the original stories to enjoy the book or follow the plot. You only need a bit of imagination, a willingness to go on a wild ride, and a sense of fun.
Those readers who like to be in the know and check everything don’t need to worry: the author explains which stories he took as a basis for the main narratives, and who the different characters correspond to. And those who worry about getting lost, don’t. On the one hand, this is not that kind of story. There are many connections, but things do come to a clear resolution at the end (although I wouldn’t talk about a happy ending, per se. This is not that kind of story, either). The story is told in the third person, from multiple characters’ points of view, but these are clearly signposted in the text, and the titles of the different chapters are descriptive enough to pinpoint where we are and what we are going to be reading about. Other worries? Well, there is a bit of everything people might feel offended by: violence, racism, prejudice, murders, suicide, sex, even incest, although none extremely explicit, and always in keeping with the mythological theme and the original sources. Although many of the reflections and the underlying issues are far closer to reality than we’d like to admit, I doubt that anybody embarking on the adventure, and with a previous knowledge of the author, will feel outraged or upset by the story, other than, perhaps, by the fates of some of the individual characters (my alliances changed over time, although Don and Dora are strong contenders to the title of my favourites, but other than two or three of the bad apples, I would happily meet and have a drink with most if not all the characters that make an appearance in this book). People who don’t want to read anything related to viruses and/or other causes of massive and mysterious destruction of human life might be advised not to attempt this book. Anybody else, if you have doubts if the book will suit your taste, I’d advise, as usual, to check a sample of the book. As it is quite long, it should give you a good idea of how you’ll feel. And, don’t worry. As I’ve said, there are no cliffhangers.
I won’t talk about suspension of disbelief. Let’s not be ridiculous. What does belief or disbelief have to do with mythology? If you have a sense of wonder, love adventures, accept that in life there should be a balance between joy and pathos, and know that there are stories much bigger than ourselves, and we are not the centre of the universe, I am sure you’ll love this book. If you have enjoyed Dolan’s previous novels, you’ll have a ball with this one, and you’ll spot a few familiar names along the way. I can’t wait for what the author will come up next. Whatever it is, I know it will be amazing. -
A trilogy of books combined into one, the author shows the connectivity between his individual stories, colourful characters and their inevitability when they all come together.
The first part is an hilarious noir crime with wonderful characters and a getaway bid after a bank robbery by narrowboat! Not just your ordinary dilapidated narrowboat, but one which is haunted by the owner, Padraig Killian O'Breasail's dead brother Declan!
Taking the narrowboat Precious Cargo from London to Birmingham is no mean fete when you have to negotiate the Blisworth Tunnel with a dog leg in the middle that even the ghost gets a bit jittery about when they stall and Marley the hawk can't stop squawking. That's before they get to the 13 lock Stairway to Heaven - what could possibly go wrong?
The Burqa Bandits - consisting of Sanjay who could never resist a line of cocaine discovers the boats secret panel behind which drugs are hidden, whilst teetotaller Windy, the 6' 2" Rastafarian boxer, Jayce the irresistible gigolo looking for a career change and their recently released mate 'Leesy' just out of Wormwood Scrubs decide to have a pint at a canal side hostelry. Unknown to them they are taking the cargo for Uncle Peli, little knowing that Madame Mingzhu Tang (Ming the Merciless) is calling in his gambling debt. England has declined into anarchy so her usual distribution outlets are stymied - hence the Precious Cargo's precious cargo!
Part two introduces the Knights of the holey grille, the Ignorati secret society as they join in the story and the author goes on to show just how everything is connected within the Universe. Okay maybe mostly by some tenuous acquaintance and primal urges, not necessarily calculated in Percival's mathematical equations. Don Knight meets Dora, his mother Isabel Knight meets Jayce, Elliot Knight meets Rosie and Kemi meets the aliens and our world as we know it? Meets its destiny, which is Part three.
Part three connects the dots and eternity is explained. (No spoiler alerts) This is the Theory of Everything as John Dolan explains in his foreword showing where his characters and ideas come from, this alone makes excellent reading.
The brilliance of the extremely well-read John Dolan combines with his wonderful humour expressed in excellent prose that you will not want to miss! (Pat McDonald British Crime author) -
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: ADVENTURES IN MYTHOPOEIA
Author: John Dolan
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 16 readers:
12 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
13 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
12 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“It is the complexity of the characters that made this such a good novel. Set all over the UK, the author is a dab hand at bringing that setting alive. He also works well with dialogue. It was a very authentic read, with plenty of dark humor which almost always hits the mark.” Male reader, aged 42
“A strong mythical element to this story, and a host of characters from many different backgrounds and upbringings. It felt a little messy in parts, but it was a gripping read and I enjoyed the darkness of the author’s humor.” Female reader aged 51
“Be warned, this is a long book. But I think most people who enjoy a character-led novel will find this of interest. In many ways, it's rather bold, the author not scared to offer the reader a mix of characters, lots of Greek mythology, and plenty of British dry humor. This book is different in many ways, and the author should be congratulated for his imagination and his writing and plotting skills.” Female reader aged 39
To Sum It Up:
‘A mythology-based story with a complex plot and packed full of charismatic characters. A RED RIBBON winner!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards -
Mythopoeia by John Dolan is a modern epic!
If you don’t have a sense of humor, this one is probably not for you.
I found myself wondering why so many complex and vibrant characters? Then the focus would shift and I was intrigued by the quirky adventures and wished to follow the breadcrumbs. The dark and ironic laughs were often at the expense of another character, but I digress.
Using a super-blend of Greek mythos, nods to Arthurian legend, and a satirical look at humanity (our faults, ideals and weaknesses are on display in a British setting that plays out like the Divine Comedy.) The author creates an unforgettable world that perhaps we might see ourselves and our neighbors inhabiting?
The deadly sins arrive and the goodness of humanity, love, loyalty, friendship and the importance of belief systems and community were an important part of this “battle.” Even the names of places reflected deeper meanings and perhaps hinted at their future roles in the plot. “Honey Cottage,” “Little Humping” and “Arcana Lane.”
The opening scene with Pádraig, Selene and the tarot cards promising dire situations in the future, along with the fabulous character Don (the young-old man) gave a million opportunities to take wild leaps to talk about popular culture, the pandemic and so many other things, always in an imaginative and entertaining way.
Loved the answers to a few of my unspoken questions about this past year. Dang. I was thinking Babylon, when it was Mesopotamia all along. I deeply appreciated the dark humor and laughed out loud at the Arthurian references.
This is the most original book I’ve read in ages. John Dolan, thank you so much for making me laugh and escape. I needed it more than I realized.
Monty Python meets Hellenic-style adventure with a modern and unapologetic spin on modern life. -
Well, 3 days left of the financial year and three days annual leave to take - what to do..
Adventures in Mythopoeia by JD has been bought and sitting on my kindle. I think I'll book the days of work and take a leisurely stroll into the mind of Mr Dolan.
It is now Tuesday afternoon and I have finished it. A day earlier than expected. I have been an avid reader of John's works since his Time, Blood and Karma series and I knew that AiM was something completely different.
I've got to say, It has been impossible to put down - don't be put off by the length, it is long but so easy to read and so quick-paced that you can't quite believe that you've read a massive chunk of it - the only clue to the passing of time was the rumbling in the stomach and the sunburnt arm.
The book is split into 3 parts and the first part is the story of 4 likely lads who embark on a nefarious mission and inadvertently start race-riots all over the UK.. The second part seems totally unrelated until JD weaves his magic and you find yourself going aahhhh!! - I know where this is going and then you grin to yourself and admire the skill with which JD has left you guessing for a good few chapters and then tying plot parts together beautifully.
The last part of the book really does tie all the ends together and lumps them all into a beautiful yet unexpected singularity - At this point, the plot violently twists and you think that you are reading something akin to 'From Dust til Dawn' such is the gear-change but all with the characters neatly entwining – Masterful!
Essentially JD has gone and done it again - I honestly cannot think of a better way of spending 2 days in the sun! Thank you!
Really can't wait for 'Land of Red Mist' -
Myth-building Extravaganza
‘It was neither the best of times, nor the worst of times. It was somewhere in the middle.’ Thus, John Dolan starts his venture into mythopoeia, and what an adventure this is. From the Ancient Greeks, with a sniff at the Celtic pantheon, to the Arthurian legends including the quest for the holy grail, and an extensive visit with the knight of the sad countenance, as well as an unforgettable confrontation with Medea. Towards the end, Dolan throws in a few UFOs for good measure.
The reader is confronted with a three-part novel – without a doubt a nod to Dickens and other old-timers. That doesn’t mean that we stray far from our modern world, on the contrary, the large cast is as modern as it gets. We have a world peopled by misfits, from an ex-footballer to a male escort turned bank robber. There are sheep in several varieties, a hawk, and a talking cat. Add to the pantheon of Dolan’s mythopoeia a nineteen-year-old sufferer from progeria (the old/young man), a soothsayer and her daughter, the publican of the Green Man, Olympians and Titans, a cat lady who ‘discovered the recipe for contentment, and a few extra-terrestrials.
This allegorical read has characters with human flaws who are believable and often endearing. There is hair-raising violence, young and old love, adultery, rune translations, and tarot cards. If this sounds chaotic, don’t worry, Dolan has a solid grip on his multiple characters and manages to tie up every sprawling red thread in his audacious plot. It may not be necessary to bring an umbrella but be prepared for criminals, gags, and enchantment, not to mention sheep. -
Well, what can I say, you'd be mad not to check out this epic by the much talented and demented John Dolan. Written in three parts you have the crime section involving four odd individuals robbing a bank and stealing a golden statue from a notorious crime lord, also involves a canal boat trip with a hawk and a boat full of cocaine. Think, Lock Stock meets Three Men in a Boat. Witty British humour with your Greek mythology chucked in for good measure.
The second part is like an entirely new story with new characters and plots. Here we have the paranormal, X-files meets Benjamin Button section, yes this book has it all, and throw in King Arthur and Monty Python's Holey Grille ... yes, meet the Ignoranti and a bunch of Knights! I think this was my favourite section and I could see the connections to part one.
The third part is just the usual Armageddon post apocalyptic end to the story, exactly what the cards and tarot reader predicted at the beginning, still thought provoking and good humour and shameless mentions to Mr Dolan's other books, hilarious!
Also, the end section includes all the answers to the myths included in the book which is interesting if you care at that point and not jumping up and down with delirium, a real achievement and definitely a book I will remember. Check it out, 5 worthy stars -
A genre busting opus about four young London hoodlums who rob a bank? ... no, that is subplot
The tale of the drunken Kilburn pub landlord with a gambling addiction? ... another minor story
The tale of an old young man from Slough who runs away to join the circus?... in part
The account of a middle-aged midwife who discovers that there is life after her husband runs of with a younger woman? ... it could be
Mr Dolan has produced a funny, intriguing and ultimately bleak book with a cast of a dozen well-drawn characters including a secret society on the verge of collapse. Well worth reading.
Especially if you like stories about Chinese crime families, or Jewish ones!
Or if you like stories about right wing political parties that fail ...
And Dogs and hawks and cats, talking cats, except it has a speech impediment .... Look just read the damn book ...there is too much in it for a review like this. There is so much you will find something to make you laugh or cry! -
The title says a lot about this epic. The author has done considerable research into ancient mythology and wove this skillfully into the plot. Actually, not long into the novel, I was thinking "Shades of Apollonius" to myself.
The plot, by the way, led me along quite nicely, and had me doing a bit of my own research into the various locations and references to ancient mythological characters. I was able to follow the author's ideas, and enjoyed the side trips it sent me on.
The characters, though not pure good or evil, are solid and engaging. I found myself commiserating with some of the situations they found themselves in.
Well done, Mr. Dolan. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read for me. -
John Dolan's "Adventures in Mythopoeia" is a masterful modern epic with nods to Greek myth and King Arthur legend. Populated by a diverse crowd of intriguing characters, the storyline is addictive and highly entertaining...no small feat for a book that's over 700 pages in length. It's easy to get swept up in the lives (adventures) of this colorful cast of beautifully flawed fellow Earth dwellers. There are so many genres in play throughout the storyline that it's impossible to narrow down a recommended reading audience. I'll just say that this is a must-read for any human who loves life, especially when it gets strange. Somehow oddly in-sync with current events, this is a book to savor and well worth the read. Kudos to the author!
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Adventures in Mythopoeia by John Dolan is a tall glass of water. It's an epic achievement and a timely escape from our Covid vacation! The author cleverly wove a tale (three tales) that is no more preposterous than the life we are living now. At least these characters are able to be social without distancing or wearing masks. Sigh...
As troubles lurk around every corner, the reader gets something to laugh about. Very clever, indeed. Smart-ass humor with substance.
John Dolan’s sarcasm and witty sense of humor is a breath of fresh (sometimes a bit dirty) air. -
Great book! I love the author's style of writing. His inspired weaving of an epic tale is something magnificent to behold. He also kindly wraps everything up with a bow at the end.
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The characters are well written and the narrative is amusing. Borrows from great myths and legends as it entertwines the story into a modern day relatable satire.
Great book - highly recommend -
Whether you enjoy classical Greek tragedies, Old Testament-style stories, or Arthurian legends, this hefty book has something for you. The story is a massive page-turner that defies categorization, ranging from modern politics to circus life, time travel, and talking cats. What a vibrant tapestry of characters this book creates! The rogues gallery presented within its pages is nothing short of captivating, with each character possessing a distinct blend of eccentricity, charm, and complexity. The cast is as diverse as it is captivating, ranging from the twisted and violent to the hapless and lovable, and it is impossible to pick a favorite.
But it's not just the characters who shine in this story; the magical supernatural cosmology, reminiscent of Harry Potter, adds another layer of enchantment to the story. The author's masterful world-building brings unforgettable settings to life, transporting readers to realms where anything is possible. What distinguishes this book is the author's ability to create gripping plots that are supported by a cast of characters who jump off the page and into our hearts. The tangy allusions to mysterious arcana and ancient myths add depth and intrigue, while the savory dialogue and luscious humor keep the story moving.
Amidst the excitement and laughter, the book provides poignant commentary on the ills of modern society, expertly weaving in themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. The allegorical nature of the story allows for characters with human flaws who are both believable and endearing, making their struggles all the more understandable. With hair-raising violence, themes of love and adultery, rune translations, and tarot cards, the story may appear chaotic at first. However, the author's deft hand ensures that every sprawling red thread is neatly tied together in an audacious plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the end.
So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of adventure, intrigue, and enchantment, look no further than this extraordinary tale. -
This always seemed to be working upto something but never really got there. It felt like a lot of preamble and plot setting with no pay off.
Certain details are painstakingly des ribed such as the pothole meals and who had which drink. I really didn't care -
Not for me, I'm afraid. I only got 2 chapters in before I was tired of both style and characters, but that's a reflection on me rather than the author.
