Mike Gleason's Book Reviews

Soul Breaker By Ciaran Corby

This novella landed, unexpectedly, in my in-box one day. I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened the file, but was soon drawn into a world of magic and intrigue. Since it was a short book I could expect things to move quickly, and they did.

The motivations of most of the characters were obvious from the start, even if their ensuing behavior contained a few turns and twists that took me by surprise. I have to admit a bias for fantasy works written by someone who can make the characters sympathetic and this author fulfills that requirement.

According to the website, there are several offerings from this author with more to come, and at least some of them are in the same general genre. If you enjoy this novella, and I strongly suspect that you will, I suggest you peruse the website and enjoy more of their offerings.

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This book is a collection of articles designed to expand on some of the concepts contained in a typical "Wicca 101" book. As such it does not so much introduce concepts and ideas as encourage discussion and examination of them.

The author brings a specific understanding to this work, as do we all. He apparently began his formal training with a Sicilian Craft group. That colors his perceptions and observations in certain specific ways.

As I read through the first half of the book I found myself agreeing with the majority of what he had to say, although there were times I had questions - like his ascription of the Tenets of the Craft (found in The Complete Art of Witchcraft by Sybil Leek to "the Traditional Craft." Perhaps "the traditional (small "t") Craft" would be more accurate. Most people understand "the Traditional (capital "T") Craft" to refer to British Traditional Witchcraft, and Ms. Leek never asserted her membership in BTW to my knowledge.

While I most definitely don't agree with all of the author's assumptions and statements (we are, after all, very different individuals), I respect his decision to share his thoughts with an audience beyond his coven-mates. He puts forth ideas which are seldom discussed except late at night around the remains of ritual fires, and then usually only by the Elders of various groups. He has brought them before an all-inclusive group, and these thoughts are sure to inspire discussions and soul searching.

Although I don't often say this, if you are looking for a gift for a new initiate, this is an excellent choice.

There are a few typos, but the quality of the writing, and of the physical production of the book, is excellent and I recommend it highly.

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This is a workbook/guide for those individuals who wish to learn more about the worship of the old Gods. It is one organization's understanding of, and attempt to convey, this information to a wider audience. It is intended to be used in conjunction with personal instruction and thus assumes access to a facilitator (or as some may style it, a teacher).

Many of the lessons include recommended books as resources. There are some which are classics, literally, some that are quite useful, and a few which I (personally) would not recommend. In any case, there are diverse views represented and they provide food for thought, which is a good thing.

The second half of the book is composed of rituals created by the Stars of Elysium, all of which are fairly short. The only disadvantage with these rituals is the frequent use of Greek words. If you are not conversant in Greek (I'm not), you may want to consult a source to learn their proper pronunciation.

If you find the Olympian deities calling to you; if you are actively studying in a Greek-based Pagan tradition; or if you simply have a desire to learn more about them, this book can be a good supplement to whatever else you are reading. It won't serve you as a primary source, since it is intended as a teaching aid, but it should provide some guidance and inspiration.