The Mab: Eleven Epic Stories from the Mabinogi

by Matt Brown (Editor), Eloise Williams (Editor), Max Low (Illustrator)

If you think you’ve heard all the fairy tales out there, think again. Inside this book you will find eleven epic Welsh tales from long ago, but not so far away, that are bound to enchant you. The Mab is a collection full to the brim with brand new versions of really, really old stories from the Mabinogi – maybe the oldest written-down stories in the history of Britain.

But as well as being really, really old, the stories in The Mab are strange and funny and thrilling. Alive with mystery and magic, they speak of a time when the gates between the Real World and the Otherworld were occasionally left open. And sometimes, just sometimes, it was possible to step through.

The stories in this illustrated edition have been reimagined by an extraordinary team of writers, and each appears alongside a Welsh-language translation.

Genres: Mythology, Fiction, Short Stories, Fantasy

272 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2022

About the author

Hi there I'm Matt and I'm the author of the COMPTON VALANCE series, ALIENS INVADED MY TALENT SHOW and the creator of THE WORD MONKEYS podcast.

My latest book, ALIENS INVADED MY TALENT SHOW, is about a boy called Eric Doomsday and his best friend, Vinnie Mumbles. Together they have to stop two aliens from destroying the earth.

Compton Valance is a boy who accidentally creates a time machine and does things like wipe out the dinosaurs with a packet of biscuits and turn his dad into a woman. It's funny and totally gross so you'll LOVE IT! ;)

The first book in the series, COMPTON VALANCE: THE MOST POWERFUL BOY IN THE UNIVERSE came out in JUNE 2014. The second book, COMPTON VALANCE: THE TIME TRAVELLING SANDWICH BITES BACK was published in OCT 2014. The third book, COMPTON VALANCE: SUPER F.A.R.T.S VERSUS THE MASTER OF TIME was published in JUNE 2015. The fourth book, COMPTON VALANCE: THE REVENGE OF THE FANCYPANTS TIME PIRATE will be published in APRIL 2016.

I don't check blog comments here on Goodreads so if you want to leave me a message then please pop over to my blog here: http://www.mattbrownwriter.com

You can listen and subscribe to THE WORD MONKEYS here... https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/t...

Reviews

[Ffion · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I’m trying to appreciate the attempt of sharing Welsh tales with a new audience. It felt as if the English format was written in a juvenile way, while the Welsh format was very mature, and so knowing books for younger audiences can be written very well, this didn’t hit the mark for me. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful though, and I did really appreciate the bilingual format of the book. It’s always nice to see Welsh language representation.

[Emma Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully produced book, with retellings of some early Welsh folk tales from the Mabinogi. Colourful illustrations, modern and down to earth language, avoiding literary flights of fancy whilst retaining all the excitement and mystery of the stories. An introduction by Michael Sheen, and each tale in English followed by the same tale in Welsh, plus a useful aid to the pronunciation of Welsh names.
I sponsored the publication through Unbound, as did a great many other enthusiastic people, and can thoroughly recommend this book.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle Rewards | Stylistically disappointing | Because this is a mix of authors in the English section, some of the stories are written for children in a way that stands the test of time. But mostly not. The vast majority of the stories are so firmly planted in the language style of the youth of *right now* that they'll feel dated in as little as five years and make kids roll their eyes in ten. Some older youth would already discard this as "trying too hard", it reeks of adults trying to connect with kids on their own level (see the "how do you do, fellow kids?" meme with Steve Buscemi). All of those also reduced the stories to the absolute bare minimum, sanitizing some nearly beyond recognition and condensing them below interest (there's practically no point in including Culhwch and Olwen's tale, given how little of it is included and how quickly it's sped through).
The Welsh section is better, given that it's done by a single translator.
The book was a good idea done poorly. (I'm sorry to say that the art was also not to my taste, and being presented at the start of each story acts as a spoiler for anyone who isn't already familiar with them. Since it's the art that made the book not interact properly with the Kindle app, I was less than thrilled)

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wish I could give this a higher score, because the stories themselves have been adapted well into a friendly modern format, and you get both Welsh and English text.

Unfortunately, the publisher has decided that disabled or poorly sighted people don’t get to read this, the electronic format DOES NOT support any of the kindle accessibility features. Every page is formatted as an image because they wanted to put pretty stars and feathers in the tops of the pages. This is disgusting - here’s what the publisher had to say when asked for an accessible version…


Lena (Unbound)
Sep 9, 2022, 10:18 GMT+1

Hi Mike,

Thank you for reaching out. I have spoken to the books editor who has explained this epub format was used as there are various colour illustrations that interact with the text throughout. I'm afraid we do not have another format available.

Best wishes,

Lena

[Ronald Schoedel III · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. I’ve read the stories all before, in their more formal tellings, and of course the kid versions will be different. Reading a more kid-friendly version was fun and will be great for my daughter to real aloud with her. Because these stories are all specifically acknowledged as retellings, I suppose some will enjoy the style and some will not. The English versions are often told more whimsically here than the Welsh versions, which whilst being humourous, are still more “proper” than the English versions, which another reviewer says (and I slightly agree) are too “now” in their slang and informality. I do fear that those will seem dated within a few years.

The art is all amazing. I just love the cover and I love that there is a full page colour painting to go with each story.

[Hannah Price · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this one. I understand that the retellings are meant to be modern and more child-friendly than the more traditional versions - but I found each story lacking in the magic that you’d expect to find in any version of Welsh folklore. I’m familiar with some of the tales from my school days, but none of these retellings had enough detail to make me feel connected to or compelled by any of the characters. Michael Sheen’s foreword was lovely and seemed to set the reader up to dive in to a book full of the passion for stories and poetry that the Welsh are famous for; but I couldn’t find that passion anywhere in the stories themselves.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really accessible gateway to the Mabinogion. A fantastic read.

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

lugesin teise Walesi legendide raamatu kohe esimesele otsa ja kuigi ma tean, et legendid nii ei tööta, tahaks ikkagi kurta, et kust ma nüüd tean, kuidas need lood TEGELIKULT olid? kui üks ümberjutustus räägib ühtmoodi ja teine teistmoodi.

mulle siiski selles versioonis istusid need jutud veidi rohkem, sest jutustajad olid vist aru saanud, et tänapäeva (noor) lugeja tahab selgitusi ja põhjendusi, miks tegelased just nii käitusid, ja on neid siia üksjagu lisanud. osa on muidugi lihtsalt et "ta oli kord juba seda tüüpi inimene". aga näiteks Blodeuweddi lugu muutus mu jaoks küll mõistetavamaks, kui seda mulle serveeriti nii, et ta algusest peale ei tahtnud Lleuga abielluda, aga talle ei jäetud valikut. no siis tõesti hakkad koos armukesega abikaasa tapmist plaanima varem või hiljem, arusaadav!

no ja samas ikka ju ei tea, mis päriselt juhtus :P

[lws 💐 · Rating 3 out of 5]

“mae fy nghalon yn gweadu am pobeth a gollwyd”

3.25 ⭐️

GWYCH !!!!!!

Dwi wirioneddol wedi mwynahu y storiau hyn ac dwi’n sicr fe ddaw yn nol at rhai ohonynt cyn bo hir e.e branwen 🕊️ a dilyn y ffreuddwyd 💍 Roedd y adran cymraeg yn teimlo’n auddfed , creadigol a dwfn gyda elfennau a themau y storiau unigol wedi parchu yn digonol !

ond …. roedd y adran saeseng yn teimlo braidd yn plentyanidd ac weithiau yn holloll wirion . Roedd rhai mor dda ac eraill mor mor mor cringy ac nid oedd bob stori cystal fel roedd manylion mor pwysig wedi cael eu anghofio ac eraill yn mynd mlaen and mlaen ac mlaen

er hyn rydw yn credu a chyfres bach gret oedd hwn, yn enwedig hefo’i darlunau hyfryd ( just falle darllenwch y darn cymraeg ) !!!!

[Callie Rowland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never read the Mabinogi, but I’ve recently been wanting to reconnect with my Welsh heritage, and I thought this was a great place to start. The illustrations are lovely, and I appreciate the English/Welsh text because reading the Welsh right after the English helped me familiarize myself with the language—plus there’s a pronunciation key in the back! I’ve given 3 stars instead of 4 because while I enjoyed the down-to-Earth language, at times I thought the abundance of humor took away from the weight the stories could have otherwise had. But that’s a purely personal preference, and I would recommend this to anyone who wants an introduction to these classic Welsh myths.

[Andie Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Mab” or “The Eleven Stories of The Mabinogi” is a hilarious retelling of The Mabinogi, and it’s illustrated. For anyone interested in reading and learning about The Mabinogi, this is a great book to start off with, and just like The Mabinogi, all of the stories are in it. “Rhiannon, Pwyll and the Hideous Claw, Branwen and the Cauldron of Rebirth, and several other stories that are in the original stories of The Mabinogi are also in this book.
The unique factor about this book is that it was written in English and Welsh, so that people who want to have those stories in both languages can read them in those languages.
There is also a beautiful Foreword written by Michael Sheen.

[Steve Fenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mab is a retelling that embraces some of the humour of the originals, packaged in accessible short stories presented in English and Welsh and beautifully illustrated by Max Low. There’s magic, adventures, and battles between knights, giants, and monsters. Hearts are won and lost and a few lessons are learned along the way.

From the proudest and most egotistical king to the most humbly named knight and no matter how mystical the scapes, there’s a little kernel of wisdom to be found beneath the entertainment of the story.

I could have lapped up another eleven!

[Elian Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really wonderful reimagining of the Mabinogi and attached tales, with accessible English and Welsh translations for each story, plus brilliant stylized (and often quite chilling) illustrations.

Though there is definitely a lean here towards the humorous, I feel the strangeness of each tale is still done justice. This book should act as a great introduction to people not familiar with the stories, or who want to experience them in a different form.

Beautiful work by an exceptional team. Lovely to have out in the world!

[Richard Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for the young and young at heart, I was in Aberystwyth when The Mab was released in hardback. Beautiful it was but I travel light and so waited for it to appear as an eBook. If you read it on a tablet you still get the beautiful illustrations. I've read the complete Mabinogion but in what I think was an inferior translation. Some of the tales, especially the ones involving King Arthur are very repetitive and slow but the tales chosen for the Man are the shorter and more interesting ones. Some might decry the modernising of the language but I think it's effective.

[Jenny Editor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!
I absolutely loved this book. The tales are told cleverly but lightly, and they are full of weirdness, magic, loyalty, adventure and romance. Illustrated beautifully by Max Low in bold, vivid colours that are perfect for the stories.
Highly recommended for adults and children (although you might want to read them to yourself first if the kids are very young).
Buy it. You won't be disappointed!

[Janice Bridger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully produced book, retelling stories from the book of Welsh legends- the Mabinogion/ Mabinogi in English and Welsh.
The short stories were all interesting and amusing with good illustrations. My favourites were the Amazing 8, Geraint and Rhiannon, you are left wanting more! King Arthur features in several.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!!
What can I say, this book is quite obviously a labour of love. Translations of what is thought to be the oldest fairytales and fokelaws.
This book is a wonderful experience, with the Welsh translations next to it, so you can and feel more immersed.
The artwork draws you in and I am fully in love with this book.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and great for all ages with the most beautiful stories retold and proper accessible for those dysgu cymraeg. Only flawed by the fact these are interpreted by different authors that makes for an inconsistent style of story telling and I often felt like the stories were cut short and I was left wanting more!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated and clever set of adapted tales from the ancient Welsh folk tales of the Mabinogion. I loved that all the stories were also in Welsh (even if my Welsh is so terrible I can't read them!)

[Brooke Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Welsh person and wanting to know more about my heritage I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling. Suitable for a range of ages and was refreshing to read some short stories for a change. Although I don’t know much about the Mabinogi it was fun to spot the little things I know

[Ruth Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly beautiful book. Such a wonderful way to make historical Welsh stories accessible for today. Truly enjoyed this. I sometimes wished the stories could have gone on longer haha but that was a personal irritation of just wanting more!

[hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyable, fun read. The illustrations add interest and I loved the idea of the translations of each retelling also being included. These would make great bedtime stories for children.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice artwork in the book itself

[J.A. Mortimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book - great reimaginings of classic stories and lovely art from Max Lowe.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is going to change some weird kid's life

[Nathan Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-learning my Welsh reading

[T.A. Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read overall- some of the stories are outstandingly good, others are just good. I really wish this book was longer.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the whole Mabinogion years ago, for my senior thesis in college. This new translation of selected excerpts was a lot of fun and much more accessible than the original. Each story is told in English, and then in a long string of consonants and punctuation marks that is supposedly Welsh. 😂

[George Fowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ A really accessible introduction into the world of the Mabinogi. Very easy to fly through, especially for me who is only reading the English so it only took me 2 hours to read. Although I really appreciate the Welsh being there as it's a great learning tool, and even though my Welsh is only basic rn, I definitely found it useful matching Welsh words to the English. The English stories are written in a quite juvenile way, and you do get the sense that the author's are missing out the darker details to make them more appropriate for younger audiences. According to the reviews, the Welsh is more maturely written, so I look forward to the day when I can read the Welsh stories in this.

[Gethin Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful and relatable way to introduce the stories of the Mabinogion to anyone who’s interested as well as other tales of Wales and the Knights of Camelot.

I throughly enjoyed this book. I knew most of the tales having been brought up with them but the retellings really makes them much more approachable in either language. I don’t read in welsh often despite being a fluent welsh speaker, but even the welsh is written in a really down to earth manor.

If you can read it, read it! The stories in here I can read over and over again! Llongyfarchiadau ar lyfr amazing!!