Lugares Místicos- Guia para viagens Inspiradoras

by Sarah Baxter

Guia surpreendente sobre a história e o misticismo de 25 locais marcantes em todo o mundo.

Conheça a história de cumes sagrados, edifícios e lagos encantados, com um elenco de elfos, gigantes, fantasmas, golens e criaturas marinhas. Um rol de lugares que trazem um colorido especial ao nosso mundo.

A jornalista de viagens Sarah Baxter traz-nos neste livro, brilhantemente ilustrado por Amy Grimes, uma criteriosa seleção com os 25 mais importantes destinos estrangeiros onde os mitos, as lendas e a magia andam de mãos dadas.

Conheça lugares como Xanadu, centro do Império Mongol; a Sinagoga Velha Nova, em Praga, a mais antiga em atividade na Europa; e as ruínas de Gede, considerado o Machu Picchu do Quénia, entre muitos outros.

Sempre com o misticismo como farol, embarque nesta viagem por todo o globo, da Europa à Ásia, do continente africano ao americano, e sinta o poder de acreditar.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference, Nature, Historical, History, Environment

144 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2020

About the author

Sarah Baxter is a writer, book author and editor specialising in travel, adventure, history and the great outdoors. In the name of exploration, she's climbed Kilimanjaro, snorkelled with killer whales, eaten sheep's brain, walked on the wings of a bi-plane, descended into an Icelandic volcano, learned to salsa in Barcelona and much, much more. Formerly deputy editor at Wanderlust travel magazine, she now writes for a range of outlets including The Telegraph, The Independent, iPaper, Wanderlust, Sunday Times Travel magazine, Country Walking and others. She has also authored many books, including A History of the World in 500 Walks, The Inspired Traveller's Guide to Spiritual Places and Lonely Planet's Where to Go When.

Reviews

[Heidi Wiechert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout history, humankind has told each other stories. Sometimes these stories center on places that become sacred through their association to the legends that are told.

Sarah Baxter highlights 25 such locations from all over the world. Each brief chapter includes a short description of the site and the stories associated with it.

"In these pages we meet mythical kings, sacred summits, and enchanted architecture, plus a cast of elves, giants, ghosts, golems and sea creatures without which our planet might be a more logical and well-reasoned place but also less colourful and compelling." pg 6, ebook.

I thoroughly enjoyed armchair traveling from Africa to Canada, China to Portugal, and more. This book gave me so many ideas for places I want to see when I feel comfortable boarding a plane again.

And, in the meantime, there's always the possibility of travel-filled day dreams.

In the chapter about Cadair Idris in Wales, Baxter writes: "It's said that on the very crown of the peak there is a long, wide platform of stone slabs that is the Bed of Idris and that whoever sleeps on that bed will suffer one of two fates: they will wake up either as the most profound poet or completely mad." pg 18, ebook.

Worth the risk, right?

I was also taken with the descriptions of the Stone Circles of Senegambia, thousands of ancient stone monuments found in Senegal and The Gambia.

"Stories passed down the generations claim that the stones were put in place by the gods at the very dawn of time. Other legends suggest they are the gravestones of an ancient race of giants or chiefs and that a curse will fall on anyone who dares disturb them..." pg 76, ebook.

I had never heard anything about these circles, despite taking a class in ritual and religion in prehistory from Oxford. I am also fairly well-read in world mythologies yet there were surprises on almost every page.

Highly recommended for travelers, armchair or otherwise, who are seeking destinations of mystical significance or anyone who wants to learn about legends from around the world. The only trouble that may be encountered for the mystical tourist is the remoteness of some of the locations.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free advance reader copy of this book. The brief quotations I cited may change or be omitted entirely from the final version, which I believe is slated to be published tomorrow.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Sarah Baxter’s Inspired Traveller's Guides series and her latest offering is absolutely gorgeous! Filled with stunning illustrations and intriguing text, it takes you to 25 of the most mystical areas of the world including Xanadu in China, the Gedi Ruins in Kenya, the Nazca Lines in Peru, and The Pinnacles, Australia.

Ah what wonders await you as you open the first page and find yourself entranced. You’ll want to add these amazing sites to your bucket list as you dream longingly from your armchair.

5 of 5 Stars

Pub Date 15 Sep 2020

Thanks to the author, Quarto Publishing Group — White Lion Publishing, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#MysticalPlaces #NetGalley

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the exquisite Inspired Traveller’s Guides series by travel writer Sarah Baxter this time focuses on destinations renowned for their links with folklore, magic, myth and mystery. This is a delightful romp through some of the most visit-worthy places in the world. From Scotland to Spain, India to Iceland, there is a diverse range of locations for the globetrotting among us and that will tickle the fancy of just about everyone interested in places that have captivating stories attached to them. For those in need of travel inspiration or additions to their bucket list, this series is unmissable as it has both of those in abundance, and Mystical Places is no exception. Each entry is concise yet considered and is written in surprisingly lyrical prose. Perhaps now more than ever, in this time of global health concern, visiting places such the 25 enchanting settings found between these pages can attempt to satisfy our wanderlust from the comfort and safety of our humble abodes.

There's an intriguing mix of prominent mystical locations and those that are lesser-known and the way the book is written and structured allows for you to dip in and out of it as you please. It would make a superb coffee table book for that very reason and the 2-3 double-page spreads dedicated to each setting gives enough of an overview to fascinate you as a reader and entice you to possibly seek out further books on the place in question should you wish to. One of the biggest selling points besides the entertaining writings is the lush and simply exquisite accompanying illustrations which complement everything else spectacularly. Amy Grimes’s artwork is undoubtedly some of the most stunning I've encountered in any book in a long while. A thoroughly entertaining, accessible and informative read from the moment you pick it up. Simply sublime and spellbinding. Highly recommended. Many thanks to White Lion for an ARC.

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also available on the WondrousBooks blog.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

This is my second Sarah Baxter book, and also the second one I read from the Inspired Traveller's Guide series and I can say that I'm really enjoying myself.

The first selling point for me is the travel aspect. Offer me travel advice and I'm in. But even better, I'm a simple girl, I see a travel book about mysterious places, I click.

Mystical Places delivers, too. It offers a variety of locations all around the world, which have certain legends and a strange, magical aura linked to them. If this is the first review of mine that you're reading, let me tell you, I like everything that is mysterious and eerie, so this book is perfect for me. In fact, I added three locations that are easier for me to visit to my travel list off the bat. I even googled how to get from the city where I live in Poland to Harz mountains - the book got me so inspired.

(Weirdly enough, this was the first time I ever read/heard about Nan Madol in Micronesia, which looks absolutely stunning, but then, as it happens, the day after I read about it was the second time I heard of the place in a completely unrelated article. How about them apples? P.S. I also googled how to get from Poland to Nan Madol, just for fun, and Google could not give me a single proposition. )

The charm of Mystical Places is that it gives a brief but interesting information about exciting and potentially unknown places (well, I've passed by the Old-New Synagogue in Prague on one or two occasions), and it mixes practical tips about accessibility and the normal description of the location with the more out-there-mythological ideas which locals, but not only, have about the place. From the City of Elves in Alfaborg, Iceland, past the gate of Hell in the Alepotrypa cave in Greece, to Gedi, the city of the jinns in Kenya and Malinalco, the seat of the Mexican goddess of magic, you're in for a great adventure!



The art of the book compliments the writing wonderfully - it's simple, but absolutely astonishing and relays the charm and mystery of the place perfectly.



I'm looking forward to the other books in the series, my wanderlusts needs to be fed!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mlle Alice, pouvez-vous nous raconter votre rencontre avec Voyages Autour des Lieux Mystérieux ?
"Après un coup de coeur et une autre lecture plus qu'agréable, je continue ma découverte de la série des guides inspirés du voyageur en plongeant cette fois-ci dans les lieux mystérieux."

Dites-nous en un peu plus sur son histoire...
"Ce sont 25 lieux différents à travers le monde qui nous sont proposés ici, ainsi que leurs histoires particulières, souvent liées aux mythes et aux légendes et magnifiquement illustrées par Amy Grimes."

Mais que s'est-il exactement passé entre vous ?
"Je tournais autour depuis un petit moment déjà et au moment où je l'ai ouvert à la première page, je ne pensais grappiller que quelques pages pour alléger une lecture qui traînait un peu en longueur. Je ne l'ai finalement relâché qu'après avoir tourné la dernière page. Que d'émerveillements, que de nouvelles envies de voyages, que de découvertes. Une nouvelle fois, la plume élégante de Sarah Baxter se marie à merveille avec le coup de crayon d'Amy Grimes. Le résultat est tout aussi magique que les sites qui nous sont présentés. Bref, vous l'avez compris, c'est un nouveau coup de coeur pour moi et je pense qu'il fait partie de ces livres dans lesquels je me replongerai régulièrement à l'avenir avec plaisir et délectation."

Et comment cela s'est-il fini ?
"Évidemment, je n'ai plus qu'une idée en tête, me procurer le reste de la collection et la bonne nouvelle, c'est que d'autres sont encore à venir comme par exemple Voyages Autour des Lieux Cinématographiques prévu pour le mois d'octobre."

http://booksaremywonderland.hautetfor...

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like this team's 'Hidden Places' book of secretive areas of wonder, this merges arty artwork and slightly flowery text to convey the magic of places rich in folklore. What we get is not to be used strictly as a guide book, then – although you certainly gain some tips for what you would find in the Harz mountains, and it's got the new bridge to Tintagel covered by both word and image. No, this is more a cosy fireside companion – a way to get a sense of the places and their stories without getting wind-blasted or having to get to the far east of Iceland. Or attacked by golems. It merges the facts of the sites and the folk of the people who have lived or visited there really nicely.

[Graziella (AuxPetitsBonheurs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ce petit guide du voyageur est un petit coup de coeur ! Le travail éditorial est incroyable, il est relié et en tissu, avec des dorures et des illustrations colorées. Il y est question de lieux empreints de mystères, qui existent dans les légendes millénaires des différents pays évoqués, dont il reste des éléments physiques mais dont on ne sait pas grand chose ! L'autrice commence par nous inviter dans les légendes européennes, de Chartres à la Grèce, en présentant un lieu lié à une légende comme l'entrée des Enfers ou Tintagel, accompagné de sublimes illustrations d'ambiance. On poursuit notre tour du monde en passant par tous les continents, avec un gros travail de recherche et du respect pour les civilisations, avec une approche entre émerveillement et logique. Je l'ai trouvé très enrichissant, avec des lieux peu connus et lointains, comme les Ruines de Gedi au Kenya. On retrouve beaucoup d'histoires de villes prodigieuses qui ont disparu du jour au lendemain... Ça donne à l'ouvrage une aura mystique, tantôt magique où inquiétante, dans des lacs, cimetières, montagnes ou même volcans ! Il y a un aspect très géologique qui explique la formation de ces différents mythes, tant dans la mémoire des hommes que dans le sol de la Terre ! Ça donne envie d'aller arpenter ces endroit où la nature a repris ses droits depuis bien longtemps !

https://www.lavoixdeslectrices.com/vo...

[Flaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, we explore 25 mystical places around the world, and we learn the myths and history behind each site.

The illustrations were well done, and they added more mystical feelings to the book. The places were sporadically selected and covered most continents.

However, the writing lacked many important details. The writing style was all over the place. Some places were described in a very whimsical style that suited the monument. Meanwhile, the others were written as a third account the author heard of the place.

Overall the book is fun to read as most of the stories are unheard of.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

How delighted I was to be able to read another book by Sarah Baxter having enjoyed her “Hidden Places” which forms part of a series with this title and two others.
Amy Grimes continues with her vibrant and bright illustrations to compliment this edition which bring each location into a rich focus and prompt further investigation.
Sarah has in this book identified a number of places across the world which create and sustain an aura, stirring the sense of the unknown, spiritual places or unique spots where the unexplained adds to their mystery but where latent magic endures.

What such books do for me is to regard the world beyond its tourist stops which one ticks off, buys a souvenir and gets a selfie with said evidence in the frame. Me with Niagara Falls, on Safari and where that film was made, no not just any Beach!

But this kind of writing opens my mind up to the unfocused, the recently discovered, examples of the endurance of spiritual belief and human endeavour. It creates for me a new type of destination and brings evidence that indigenous peoples the world over were not waiting for civilisation to come to them from Europe or elsewhere.

Having recently been spellbound by Stefan Zweig’s essay on the building of the cathedral at Chartres. I was pleased Sarah included the labyrinth hidden under the chairs in this sacred place of pilgrimage. Along with the Hartz mountains, also mentioned here I have now 2 new places I wish to travel to while I have a mind and an able body to undertake such journeys.
Living in the U.K. I guess planning a jaunt to France and Germany doesn’t capture the global dimension this book brings and should leave with the reader.
Perhaps I’ll surprise you and myself by making it to more far flung locations like: Cadair Idris, Wales; Mount Mani, South Korea or Lake Guatavita, Columbia.
The truth is this book has inspired me like any fine travel writing, as Sarah writes with a wonder and with rich emotive and descriptive language about the places she identifies as inspirational.
I trust you will find this guide equally moving.

[Camilla Perotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love getting to know these places on the less taken and unknown paths. I was surprised of having never heard of them, despite some being in countries where I have lived or that I know very well. This book will surely be a travel companion in my future travels.

For now, however, it has allowed me to travel with my mind to these beautiful places, all nicely described and beautifully pictured. The illustrations are simply stunning.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it has some stunning illustrations that really brought the places to life!

The book was very easy to read and I was able to pop in and out of the book over a few days and read a few chapters each night. I love books like this so it was right up my street.

I thought that the layout was great and the number of images in the book really worked for me and made me enjoy it even more.

It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Baxter does a good job selecting “Mystical Places” from around the world that will jumpstart your imagination into the stories, mythologies and importance of sites that have a spiritual and supernatural meaning. Some of the places that grabbed my attention instantly and would like to visit one day are:

1) Tintagel Castle (Cornwall, England)
2) Chartres Labyrinth (Chartres, France)
3) Old-New Synagogue (Prague, Czech Republic)
4) Lake Bled (Upper Carniola, Slovenia)
5) Takachiho (Kyushu, Japan)
6) Mount Mani (Ganghwa Island, South Korea)
7) Bonaventure Cemetery (Savannah, Georgia, USA)
8) Mount Shasta (California, USA)
9) Malinalco (Mexico)
10) Lake Guatavita (Colombia)
11) Nazca Lines (Peru)

Off to get my mysticism running 🧙🏻‍♂️🔮🪦🕯

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received and voluntarily read an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

This book is an absolute must for anyone who loves old myths and fantasy, especially when colliding with the real world. I absolutely love mythology and reading about how myths have impacted the reality around us. One of my favorite pastimes is falling down the wikipedia labyrinth about mystical places and dreaming about visiting them one day.

The stories are great to read, and even though I've studied many of these stories and locations for years, I still learned something new, which is always exciting!

While the illustrations are nice, almost Disney like in quality, they seem a little more whimsical than mystical. Some of the pictures seemed a little too bright and cheery when the stories/locations would have been better served by something darker and moody to really set the atmosphere.

Overall, a nice job, and something I would have in my library.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this travel guide, Sarah Baxter takes readers to magical, enchanted and, well… mystical places around the world. Starting in her own country, following the legend of King Arthur, and with pitstops on every continent. Colorful illustrations by Amy Grimes take the place of photographs in more conventional travel guides. I must say that I looked up pictures of the places on the internet, because the illustrations are beautiful but don’t show all the details you can see online. I’m curious as to why the author chose these particular places. In the introduction she mentions other places she could have included, but she had to choose 25, even if she doesn’t explain why she picked those. A prettier version of Atlas Obscura, Mystical Places will help readers travel from the safety of their couch.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/White Lion Publishing!

[Pop Bop · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cute greeting card style drawings actually diminish the impact of the sites. And the breezy narrative captures none of their dignity or majesty. An interesting enough list to suggest further research, but I was not otherwise taken by this volume. Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Sara Hill · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mystical Places by Sarah Baxter was a tough read for me. I did not care for the writing. I also did not care for the illustrations. They were too basic and plain for me. There was nothing mystical about this for me.

I received an eARC from Quarto Publishing- White Lion through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Johanna Beachy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sarah Baxter is a British Journalist and editor for The Sunday Times. She also has a collection of beautifully illustrated books that capture the world and tell a tale. Mystical Places is part of a larger group of books from Quarto Publishing known as the Inspired Traveller's Guide series.

Thus far, this series consists of three other books of this type titled: Spiritual Places, Hidden Places, and Literary Places. Each of these books feature locations that fit into a general theme.

In Mystical Places, the author references a number of locations that fit the bill for "mystical" in some manner. The locations depicted in this book include: England, Wales, Scotland, Iceland, France, Germany, Spain, Slovenia, Greece, Czech Republic, Italy, Kenya, Senega & The Gambia, Japan, India, China, Peru, Mexico, South Korea, Micronesia, Australia, Colombia, Canada and even the USA.

Amy Grimes illustrates the book with beautifully rendered landscapes in what appears to be a combination of digitized mediums. Having a small passion for art I was able to notice some of the styles she combined including: gradients, stippling, what appears to be a watercolor-type effect, and some conceptualism. Grimes style is a cross between freehand drawing and vector graphics, which, when crossed create a surreal illustrative illusion that has texture and depth.

Take the cover for example, the perspective is from the ground but gives the impression of the close stream, the slightly distant rock, the trees beyond and farther from that another type of treeline. Frankly, the artwork is the best part of the book. I understand the concept of the series and I love it, however, I just felt it fell short of the mark. I cannot put my finger on it exactly, but I felt as though it just didn't capture me the way something like this should have.

An example of this is the section called the Cyclops Riviera, an archipelago near Sicily, Italy. What should have been a magnificent tale, blending reality and myth, felt forced. The Cyclops Riviera is a collection of small rock islands that date back 500,000 years and are composed almost entirely of basalt rock. It is hypothesized that these massive rocks are a product of a volcanic eruption from the active nearby volcano, Mount Etna. However, myth referenced Mount Etna as a firey, hot-headed Cyclops named Polyphemus, who was blinded by Odysseus and, in a rage, ripped massive rocks from the side of the volcano and threw them at Odysseus and his men.

I suppose what bothered me about this book was that is separated the real from the mythical and I felt it should have combined them more seamlessly. Give us the realistic details but feed us with the details of the myth. Make us drunk on the secrets of legend and lore so that we can experience the magic through the pages.

I felt like this book was one big, "you had to be there," sort of experience, as if the only way I could fully experience this book was if I was there. No! I want to feel it, smell it, hear it. I want to be immersed in the story so much that when I look at Grimes's illustrations I experience the complete mystical aspect.

I felt there was excellent opportunity for this book, it had what it needed but it just wasn't conveyed in the best way. I kept finding myself wanting to look up the locations on my own and see what I could learn about their history and the myth.

[Wayward Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly enchanting book! Baxter takes us to mystical places all over the world, and shares tales of their history and significance. Some are rooted in local lore, some in legend, and some in just a general feeling of aged-ness and importance. As a fantasy reader who also loves to travel, this was a beautiful fusion that really caught my interest and imagination. Each location she discusses has a few pages of text paired with beautiful illustrations, which made this the perfect book to have on my side table for when I just needed a quick escape.

I read this as a digital arc from Netgalley, but I am definitely adding a hardcopy to my booklist as well as the others Baxter has written (Spiritual Places, Hidden Places: An Inspired Traveller's Guide and Literary Places) because I thoroughly enjoyed this pairing of art, travel and story.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enchanting Book Perfect for the Armchair Traveler

What a simply delightful book! Since travel has been so restricted because of the current worldwide crisis, a book like this is the perfect antidote to scratch your global travel itch. While the book has no photos, it is richly illustrated with dramatic depictions of the 25 mystical places the book contains. While the illustrations may not reflect the places with photographic precision, I believe they have captured their essence, at least for the places I've been to or seen. The author has chosen places from all over the globe, both natural formations and elements or man-made ones. Each place has several illustrations as well as commentary that gives us a sense of the place’s history, what it's meant to the people who live there, and how it might be perceived today as a “mystical” place. The book inspired me to Google the places and learn more about what they truly look like as well as get a sense of how they fit into the culture… and why they have a broader appeal to people outside the nation’s borders. I love a nonfiction book that excites my curiosity, as this one did. If you're wanting a little armchair travel to places that have held a special place in the heart of its people as well as others around the globe, check out this book on mystical places.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another of the Inspired Traveler Guide series only this one is locations that hold the aura of folklore and mystery. Lavishly illustrated by Amy Grimes, Baxter gives a background and history of the 25 locales which have that mysterious and magical 'feel' about them. From the ruins at Tintagel in England to the Gedi ruins of Kenya which are the only remains of a society long gone. The rock fingers of the Australian Pinnacles. The Bonaventure Cemetery in the US along with the Majorville Medicine Wheel of Alberta, Canada. The labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral that is available for walking every Friday from Lent to All Saints Day. The ruins of Xanadu as well as the haunted Nan Madol in Micronesia. Lakes and mountains and caves and towns - all long abandoned but holding lingering legends.

Gives the reader a whole new set of places to visit and even gives a basic idea of how to access some of the more remote locales. Of course, no book on mysterious places would be complete without the Nazca Lines but the previous focus has been on certain designs so I had never heard of the dog nor the tree. Which Grimes added to her illustration.

2021-133

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mystical Places” is not your ordinary travel guide, instead Sarah Baxter introduces us to magical locations on every continent (except Antarctica). Forests, mountains, crumbling ruins, lost cities, and mystical desert drawings inspire travel off the beaten path of the regular tourist destinations. Many of these locations have origin myths of the counties attached to them, which make them even more interesting.

I especially enjoyed the artwork. I noticed someone else mentioned they would have preferred real photographs vice drawings. I feel the drawings lend themselves to the mystical qualities of the locations.

If you enjoy travel and learning about the cultures of the countries you visit, I think you’ll enjoy this.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Sabinomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really exciting and creative travel book. The writer selected 25 places in the world that were somehow mystical, special, and beautifully presented them.
I love legends associated with places, so I requested it right away on NetGalley when I saw this book. I think the selection of the 25 places went pretty well: I didn’t know almost any of them, but I was interested in all of them. As for the content, I think it wasn't well-chosen because it couldn’t hold my attention. The stories weren’t bad, but they weren’t special either. I read it and I forgot about it almost immediately.
What makes the book special is that instead of images, there are illustrations about the places ... The illustrations are beautiful, they make the book really unique.
I loved this book, I found the concept exciting, but it was hard to hold my attention.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like poking around a magpie’s nest. Each turn of the page revealed new crisp, brightly colored artwork of locations that are now permanently on my “to-travel-to” list. These glowing pictures accentuated the assemblage of mystical places and kept me coming back to open the book just one more time. I appreciated that this list of mystical places truly spans the globe. For each location entry, readers can find a wide variety of information, from geographical trivia to archeological notes to random “fun facts” sprinkled in for interest. My favorite sections of prose included the descriptions of why these places feel magical and the explanation of legends and possible explanations for the knowledge that time has lost that surround each destination. This light read would make for the perfect in-flight companion book.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A right down the line writing style that is lifted to great heights by the illustrations by Amy Baxter - I would paper every wall of my home with these. The artist's style, to me, is reminiscent of Ludwig Bemelman's Madeline and the best of the fairy tale style of Disney's Snow White; sort of angular, saturated in color, and completely evocative. The writing, well, it's fine? I wasn't blown away but I also found it pretty well suited for the task in that she imparts the information and probably prompts the reader to dig deeper from other sources where a location really strikes their fancy. I'll definitely keep my eye out for the hardcover edition!

I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Theorizing Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated travel guide which take us to 25 mystical places which have rich history with a tinge of fantasy and mythical stories related to it.
Author takes us to 'Tintagel' in Cornwall England which is said to be the birth place of king Arthur, 'Cadair Idris' in Wales , 'Loch Coruisk' in Scotland, 'Alfaborg' in Iceland, 'Harz Mountains' in Germany etc. showcasing breathtaking views, Supernatural inhabitants, Castles , Mountain ranges where witches and devil's dance and many more such folklores.

I found the illustrations beautiful but it was a bit difficult for me to understand the references for these places. It is a short read. Hence, anybody who likes travel books can pick this up. Recommended!!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth in the Inspired Traveller's Guide series. And it is the first I have read. Not sure where I heard about this book or how I came across it. But I'm glad I did. This book has 25 short chapters about places that are magical. The stories are centered around local legend or an ancient feeling.. There are accurate physical descriptions. Along with illustrations. Both the writing and illustrations are good. What I enjoyed most in the book is that it is not overwhelming. Many of these places I have not heard about. I will be reading her other books - starting with #1 - Spiritual Places.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mystical Places is like a travel guide for mythical/spiritual places. It is a collection of places where elves once lived or the ancestors now dwell. It covers the land of King Arthur as well as the home of the Aztecs. What make this book unique, besides the histories and uniqueness of the places, is that each is accompanied by illustrations not pictures. This gives it a more ethereal quality. I found the places Baxter chose to talk about interesting. While I had heard of a few of them this book was definitely filled with more I had not nor knew any of the history.

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, I was less interested in the ´mystical´ aspect of the book, but rather into the travel writing approach and the ways in which the travel experience of different places around the world was convened. From this point of view I´ve found the reading experience inspiring and would be interested to use some ideas in my own travel-related works. The visual content is at a great extent satisfactory and it connects smoothly with the text.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[brightredglow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little miffed at some of the lower ratings at amazon on this book, because I loved it. "Mystical Places" and its companion book, "Hidden Places", both by Sarah Baxter, is a lovely read for me. It is imaginative and reality based. I love the artwork as well. Sure, it isn't the usual travelogue with enhanced photos. Instead, it appeals to me in that it inspires me to want to see the place of topic. I want to experience it and sketch it and see it for what it is and what it is in my imagination.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an enchanting book. This book combines folk stories and travel in to a beautiful creation, each chapter focuses on a specific place somewhere in the world where there are folk stories or myths attached to it. This book takes you all over the globe with evocative writing and little known stories, all illustrated in a way that is modern and lovely. I highly recommend this for anyone who is looking for a little more creativity than a travel guide book.