These are books that I am presently reading or have recently finished and can provide an on-going review. The reviews will be updated as I read further in the book. If linked, more in-depth reviews can be found by clicking on the book title. Reviews of books that I have finished will remain on this page for about a month, and then will be moved over to the book review page. You can also buy the book through Amazon.com buy clicking on the appropriate link.

Non-Fiction:

A Garden of Pomegranates by Isreal Regardie: I've been really interested in the Qabalah and the Tree of Life lately, and I can't quite explain why. But instead of reading a "Dummies Guide," I managed to find copies of a few of Regardie's books in the discount bookstore in my mall. This is still an introduction book, but since I prefer having something thoroughly explained as opposed to simplified, I find it an interesting book.

The Magician's Companion by Bill Whitcomb: This volume was also picked up at my discount bookstore, and I'm glad I did! Unlike my usual preference, this book does simplify various subjects into "Models" to give a quick overview of the topic. Each "Model" is based on a number, and some numbers have several Models ascribed to them to discuss how the number is important to different magickal systems. While I'm sure there are probably errors due to the simplification (each Model is only a few pages long), Whitcomb does include further reading at the end of each Model. To me, his structure says that he acknowledges how little he's putting in for such a thick book...but the book is made as a quick reference, not a be-all and end-all of all subjects. I found this book useful for two major practices: the first section includes a possible course of study that you can alter to suit your needs and interests, and the second (main) section is great for meditation. I would read one Model per night and meditate on the information given as I went to sleep. It was a nice way to approach such a large book.

The Magician's Reflection by Bill Whitcomb: This book is nothing like The Magician's Companion. Instead, it gives areas of religion for you to consider as you go into the "creation" stage of your "own" religion. Whether we like to admit it or not, we personalize our religions with symbols, actions, and even rituals to suit our own beliefs. The beauty of this book is that it helps pin it all down so you can approach this personalization in a methodical way instead of being overwhelmed.

True Magick: A Beginner's Guide by Amber K: I was curious about some of the other "101" style books that were out there, and decided to give this one a look-through. It's a quick read, though I haven't yet finished it. *grin* I know I liked her style in Coven Craft, and this seems to be similar so far. While I'm sure a new Wiccan seeker would still feel like there is something missing from the book, it is a nice, quick, cheap read that kind of covers some of the major basics. When in doubt, it will help those who are uninterested to quickly rule out Wicca or Paganism if they feel the religions would not suit them.

Fiction: Rhaevyn's note: I *still* haven't had time to finish these because I've either been too busy with work or I just haven't felt like picking up a fiction book when I had some great non-fiction books instead. Please see the Book of the Month page for further books that I have read over the past few months.

The Kalevala or Poems of the Kaleva District by Elias Lönnrot: As a half-Finn, I've always wanted to read this collection of Finnish poems. I think it will greatly add to the fact that I read the Mabinogion, the Iliad, and the Odyssey. I love folk tales, and the Finns were known for their "magical" practices as well. I've read the first four poems so far, and the story is quite good. I find the charms interesting and give a neat insight into the Finnish lifestyle of the time. This is a good translation, and they even sum up what happens in the poem in case something was lost in translation. I wish I could read and speak more Finnish than I do!

The Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart: A twist on the legend of King Arthur from the perspective of Merlin. This is the sequel to The Crystal Cave which detailed Merlin's boyhood. The Hollow Hills begins after King Uther takes Tintagel Castle and the Lady Igraine for his wife, leading to the conception of the future king Arthur. While leaning more towards historical accuracy than The Mists of Avalon, it's a good compliment to Marion Zimmer Bradley's classic.