Dark Crescent - by Lyndsey Croal (Paperback)

About the Book

DARK CRESCENT is a collection of seasonal tales inspired by Scottish folklore, landscapes, superstitions, and omens.

Book Synopsis

An omen of spirits dance across the sky. A lonely woman befriends a sea witch as the world ends. The last whale in the world travels north in search of hope. A grandmother seeks revenge on the sea monster that took her family.

DARK CRESCENT is a collection of seasonal tales inspired by Scottish folklore, landscapes, superstitions, and omens. In this book, readers will find reinterpretations of common folklore creatures and phenomenon, like the Kelpie, Selkie, and Will-o'-the-Wisps, as well as lesser known, such as the Sea Mither, Ceasg, Marool, Sluagh, Ghillie Dhu, Nuckelavee, Baobhan Sith, and The Frittening, all with dark and strange lore around them.

Moving through the seasons, from a darker Autumn and Winter to a more optimistic Summer, the often-interconnected stories cover a wide range of genres, including gothic, weird horror, speculative, dark fantasy, and solarpunk. Many of the tales are also inspired by nature, climate, and the environment, with feminist and eco themes throughout.

Review Quotes

"It's a terrific collection of Scottish folktales with a modern twist, lyrical and evocative."

Joanne Harris

"Croal's Dark Crescent is a captivating constellation of folklore that feels both modern and ageless, deeply rooted and wonderfully original at the same time."

Lorraine Wilson, author of We Are All Ghosts in the Forest

"A stunning collection of stories. A dark and delicious treat for fans of Scottish folklore. I delighted in discovering familiar (and sometimes not-so-familiar!) folklore creatures and stories

told in Croal's unique, evocative style. The tales within are sometimes hopeful, usually dark, and always quickly devoured."

Angie Spoto, author of The Grief Nurse and The Bone Diver

"With Dark Crescent, Lyndsey Croal invites readers into a world of darkness, magic, and the disturbing beauty of Scotland. Gorgeous and compelling!"

Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of Burn to Shine and Mystic

"Compelling and evocative, the stories of Dark Crescent shimmer with dark fairy tale magic. Highly recommended."

Teika Marija Smits, author of Umbilical and Waterlore