Storybook Favorites

The first storybook that caught my attention was, well, the first one: The Adventures of Merlin. Straightforward and honest, the title was simple but excellent. The eponymous character has been a favorite of mine since I was a small child, and it's obvious that the author had a similar feeling. The introduction uses a promising and foreshadowing style that makes me want to read the stories despite my already in-depth knowledge of the Arthurian myth. The sleek design combined with evocative imagery relevant to the tale enhance this, which did lead me to check out more of the story. I think I'll come back around and finish it when I have the time.

Brocéliande Forest in Brittany, France. Banner photo of Adventures of Merlin. Flickr 

The second storybook I took a look at was A Punishment of Tengu. I realized a bit into this one that the author was actually a good friend of mine who took the course! I chose this one before knowing that, out of my own love of Japanese mythology. The introduction takes you very quickly into the story, which is something I very much enjoy. The Choose Your Own Adventure style is unique and offers a much more interesting storytelling mechanic than what is traditional. The design may not immediately reflect that, but the navigation between pages makes up for it.

The last I selected was Flood Myths. I was initially put off by rather simple design of the site, but I was quickly flipped on that by the introduction page. Flood myths have most recently entered my interest scope, after reading bits of the Epic of Gilgamesh and seeing the similarities to the stories of Noah I was taught as a child. I was surprised to come onto another Choose Your Own Adventure, although this one felt a bit more linear than the last. The design is sleek and simple, though not particularly illustrative. The introduction is personal, but doesn't offer a whole lot about what may occur inside. Overall, I'm curious, but but maybe not locked in like the previous two.