Trick or treat?

We're fast approaching Halloween, the blood moon and the generally darker part of the year, and it's become something of a tradition that I review this book when that happens. “Monsters” is Archdruid and ritual magician John Michael Greer's personal take on all things monstrous, regardless of whether they go bump in the night or not! The book contains chapters on vampires, ghosts, demons, werewolves, the fairy and a few other supernatural creatures.

While the self-professed polytheist Greer does believe in the existence of “gods” and demons, “Monsters” is written in a peculiar tongue-in-cheek style, and it's not always clear whether the author believes in all the details he presents, or is simply pulling our leg. Trick or treat? The chapter on mermaids (!) is a case in point. There are also chapters on the ins and outs of monster-hunting, including descriptions of magical rituals that may come in handy. Steel and silver are excellent if you want to combat the more ethereal creatures, but will not work on Bigfoot in Greer's home state Washington, since that's a real animal! Once again, we are left somewhat dumb-founded about what to actually believe…

Perhaps Greer is hiding his true belief system behind a screen of self-ironic humor. I do that myself sometimes, so I know the trick. Or perhaps “Monsters” is best seen as a goad to further research in the field. But above all, it's an entertaining book in its own right, whether you happen to believe in it or not.

Muhahaha!