The pacing of the book is a continuous motion like the waves on a beach, rising and falling. There’s always something new being discovered. Golden attempts to balance “our world” with the world “behind the veil” as these two lands collide in a series of horrifying murders and disappearances. The interjection of the deputy's investigation in “our world” felt to me like an interruption the rhythm of the world-building of the myth. I began to lose the focus of the book as Golden shifted between worlds. The exposition is a bit graphic around the murders and during the fight sequences. Of course, I’ve mostly read juvenile fiction centering around myths, so I can tell this is much more adult oriented. These myth characters were also twisted a bit too much for me to recognize. There’s Jack Frost, Johnny Appleseed, Sandman, but the rest were a bit too far off for me to picture. I wanted a little more background on the rest of the characters. The Nicholas Flamel series does a great job of bringing historical and mythical figures to life and letting the reader in on the backgrounds stories of these figures. I wanted more exposition to really feel a connection to the “myths” I was reading about.The end fight sequences were very cool when the veil characters were in their element. Reading Jack Frost versus the Falconer (don’t mess with Frost!), the trickster and his winged fighting technique, the storm dragon unleashed, and Kitsune shape-shifiting attacks, I admit, was pretty cool… though again, graphic.The final reveal of who was behind the attacks fell flat on me. I wanted a recognizable surprise as this has been Frost’s underlying motivation. But after Frost learns the name, he does not reveal anything more. I found this a bit disappointing as there was no final punch to the story that left me gripping the final pages, white knuckled, for more.I like it enough to keep reading the series, but it wouldn't be my first recommendation. Atlantis, the Mayans, and greater legends await, or at least I hope. I like history and mythology, but there was not enough historical grounding for me. It was mostly fantasy, which had some cool twists and elements, but I wanted more historical injections.
Amazingly satisfying. Christopher Golden takes folk tales and myths and twists them into a believable and wonderful story. Restless lawyer Oliver Bascombe feels stifled by his father's rule and on the eve of his wedding day, seeks to dispel his doubts. He makes the acquaintance of Jack Frost, an iceman he thought only existed in his imagination, when Jack bursts into his room, bleeding and begging for help. With this one act of kindness, Oliver is propelled into a fantastical world and a quest to not only fight for his own life, but to help the stories he worshipped as a child. The array of mythical beings Christopher Golden assembles makes for a captivating cast of characters. Oliver reacts like a real man, not a golden hero, which makes the reading even better. Bouncing back between the parallel worlds, Golden creates a level of mystery and excitement that is completely satisfying to both the child and the adult within me. Oliver's allies are not always nice and don't always seem to have his interests at heart, but they are real characters, not some watered down sidekicks. A sort of Neil Gaiman meets Stephen King (complete with Maine references), Golden has me excited to read more of his series.
What do You think about The Myth Hunters (2006)?
I really enjoyed this book. At first I wasn't sure why the book won a Bram Stoker Award. While it was an enjoyable read, the first section read more like dark fantasy than horror. Then the original sandman escaped and it was clear why the book is considered horror rather than dark fantasy and why the book won awards. In places it reminded me a little of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman series. I can't quite put my finger on what about the writing makes it click for me, but something does. I liked the
—Schnaucl
I really enjoyed this novel. There was a lot of action, mystery and suspense. It was a thriller set in a fantasy world. I loved all of the different myths and legends from a variety of cultures introduced to the story. The story was the first in a trilogy and not much was resolved at the end of the first book. I will definitely be reading the next two books to see where Golden takes the story. If you like a lot of action and quite a bit of magic in your mystery/thrillers, I would recommend you check this series out. One warning is that there were some very violent scenes and the murder of children, so if that bothers you, you might want to take a pass.
—Cora
Does anyone else feel like they fell down the rabbit hole at the turn of midnight on New Year’s Eve and everyday since has been some twist on normal? Do you await the mailman every day in anticipation to get that invite to the tea parties you always hear so much about? Watch the news in a nervous stance waiting to see just when the apocalypse will be announced? Me, too! Oh, believe me it’s coming. And just to prove it, I bring you a five I guarantee no one expected!!! Trust me, I’m just as shocked as you are, but there is no denying it. Golden’s Myth Hunters is the most innovative and spellbinding novel I have read this year. A Grimm Brothers wet dream, the plot is a dark masterpiece. Original and creative, Golden’s tale integrates characters from fairy tales, urban folklore, and world mythology. Walking a tight line to maintain an even balance and all the while keep at bay an imposing atmosphere, I guarantee this story will captivate you and awaken your youth. Sounds like I’m gushing, doesn’t it? Well, guess what, I am! This story has it all, a tight plot, an easy, but steady pace and three-dimensional characters that are fully fleshed and attired with realistic reactions. Each holds relevance and a place in your heart. I don’t care how jaded you are or how bad your childhood was, this cast will hold your attention, there’s no denying them. -As posted on Horror-Web.com
—Kelly
