Join us as we delve into the complex identities of fantasy characters facing unwinnable scenarios. Discover how their choices to transcend pain and break cycles of cruelty reflect universal themes of personal transformation and triumph. Explore the power of narrative as a catalyst for change with Mary C Kehoe and Carolina Carter on Mythic Mirror.

Transcending Cycles of Pain: Identity in Mythic Narratives

We're thrilled to invite you to join our freshly launched book club on Fable, where we'll dive deep into the books we chat about on the podcast.  Explore with us both the familiar and new narratives! Access is free! 

Engage with Mythic Mirror in Our New Fable Book Club!

Join Mary and Carolina as they explore witches across fantasy, history, and reality. From beloved fictional witches to ancient magic practices, we explore what defines a "good" or "bad" witch—and examine the dark truth behind witch hunt persecution of women.  

In this episode:

Favorite witches in fantasy literature • Ancient history of magic practices and witchcraft • What makes a witch "good" or "bad" • The persecution of women during witch hunts

Connect with us:

Get Mary's Free Short Fantasy Story here! [https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b]

Find us on TikTok @Mythic.Mirror.Podcast



Witches: Ancient Wisdom, Magic & Power | Mythic Mirror Ep 43

Get ready for an epic fantasy adventure! In this spoiler-free episode, we're introducing our October book club read: Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan, the first book in the Riyria Revelations trilogy.  Join us as we dive into what makes this classic fantasy novel a beloved favorite among fans—from its compelling characters and intricate world-building to the mysteries that unfold throughout the story. Whether you're a fantasy enthusiast or looking for your next great read, this episode will give you everything you need to know before picking up the book. 

Perfect for BookTube fans, fantasy lovers, and anyone looking for the next fantasy world to fall in love with!

What we cover • Character introductions (no spoilers!) • Our predictions • A dip into the religion and setting • Why we chose this book.

Will you read Theft of Swords with us? Come join the conversation on Fable  [https://fable.co/club/mythic-mirror-fantasy-reads-with-mary-c-kehoe-526754238190]

👉You can buy Theft of Swords Here [https://bookshop.org/shop/mary-c-kehoe] to support Independent bookstores and the show!

👉Find Carolina's band, The Sleepless Elite, on any of your favorite music apps! 

👉Enjoy Mary's Free short story and stay in the know on news of her books here!  [https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b]

Michael J. Sullivan's Theft of Swords: October Read 📚 Spoiler-Free Intro | Mythic Mirror Ep 42

Not into horror? This episode is for you. Join Mary and Carolina as we explore ancient autumn practices, modern ways to reconnect with fall, and the deeper mythology behind spooky season—without the jump scares or plastic skeletons.  

What we chat about in This Episode:  Ancient Practices — Protective rituals and seasonal traditions from two ancient cultures  Modern Keys to Reconnecting with Fall — Practical ways to deepen your autumn connection today Cultural Connections Through Myth — The rich mythology and meaning woven into two fall traditions  Who This Episode Is For: If you love mythology and fantasy but aren't into horror, or if you want to celebrate autumn with intention, this is your episode.  

More from Mythic Mirror: Subscribe for weekly explorations of myth, magic, and meaning! 

Receive Mary's Free story at here! [https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b]

 Follow us on Tiktok @Mythic.Mirror.Podcast

Beyond Spooky Season : Ancient Protection & Inner Fire | Mythic Mirror Ep 41

Join Mary and Carolina for a FULL SPOILER deep dive into Katherine Arden's THE UNICORN HUNTERS!

This stunning new fantasy is a masterpiece painted in light and shadow, power and honor, love and sacrifice.

We break down:

✨ Arden's breathtaking magic system and how it shapes the story ✨ The book's most compelling characters—and the one that drove us up the wall ✨ The deeper themes woven throughout the narrative ✨ Brittany's atmospheric world: a green land steeped in stories and spirits ✨ What the book asks us about freedom, love and sacrifice

Whether you're a Katherine Arden devotee or curious about what makes this book a masterpiece, this episode explores the questions that linger long after you turn the final page.

FULL SPOILERS ahead—finish the book first!

You can buy your own copy of The Unicorn Hunters and support the show and indie bookstores at https://bookshop.org/shop/mary-c-kehoe

Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free story Here: https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b

The Unicorn Hunters SPOILER Deep Dive: What is the Necessary Sacrifice | Mythic Mirror Ep 40

Have a favorite fantasy religion? Mary and Carolina dive deep into how authors handle faith in fantasy books. They explore compelling questions: What does it mean to be a god when characters themselves are immortal? Can you truly have faith when your god is tangible and present? What separates an immersive religion from mere worldbuilding window dressing? Join the conversation as they philosophize and think far too deeply about spiritual systems in fantasy literature.

Only one day left for Mary's preorder campaign for Breaking Inlands! You can get your Signed Special Edition Here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands?ref=948npb  Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free story Here: https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b



Religion in Fantasy: What We Love, What We Hate & The Big Questions | Mythic Mirror Ep 39

In this episode, Mary and Carolina discuss The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden—exploring the book's beginning and then dipping into the rich mythology of unicorns across world cultures.  

From Greek, and Roman histories to Native American legends, from Vedic references to the Chinese Auspicious Beasts, discover the unicorn lore across cultures and continents. What does Arden draw from these myths? Where might the story lead? 

No spoilers—perfect for joining the book club read and experiencing the story yourself.  

You can support the podcast and indie bookstores by buying your copy of The Unicorn Hunters at https://bookshop.org/shop/mary-c-kehoe  

Preorder the special edition of Mary C Kehoe's upcoming fantasy at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands?ref=948npb  

We'd love to hear about your earliest memories about unicorns! Any formative bits of lore to share in the comments?

The Unicorn Hunters: Exploring Katherine Arden's Fantasy & Unicorn Lore | Mythic Mirror Ep 38

In this episode we celebrate the thriving community of fantasy readers and indie fantasy authors. What do we gain from having a more direct connection between reader and author? What does it take to decide to "go indie?" There's magic in human connection and transformative power to story. When those two are unite, it can create life changing experiences.   Whether you're a reader looking to support indie creators or an author considering the indie publishing path you'll enjoy this look into the launch of an Indie author career. 

📚 JOIN THE BOOK LAUNCH FUN: You can preorder a special edition of Mary C Kehoe's fantasy novel, Breaking Inlands, at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands?ref=948npb  

💬 QUESTION FOR YOU: Are you a fantasy reader, indie author, or both? Tell us about ONE book or author that changed your life—drop it in the comments below!   

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations celebrating indie creators, fantasy storytelling, and the power of community. 

#IndieAuthors #FantasyBooks #SelfPublishing #AuthorCommunity #IndiePublishing

Indie Fantasy Aesthetic: Finding the Human Behind the Magic | Mythic Mirror ep 37

Carolina takes the lead in today's episode, interviewing Mary C Kehoe about her upcoming fantasy novel, Breaking Inlands.

✨ IN THIS EPISODE:

📖 Exclusive interview with Mary C Kehoe about Breaking Inlands  🎯 The Kickstarter campaign that got fully funded in ONE HOUR 🌍 Writing inspiration ✨ Fantasy worldbuilding, magic systems & lore 🔮 What makes this debut fantasy a must-read for fantasy lovers

🚀 THE KICKSTARTER IS LIVE & FULLY FUNDED! Join the magical journey → https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands

In the meantime, cozy up with a cup of tea and listen as we chat about the secrets, suppressed history and setting of Breaking Inlands.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands

#booklaunch #indieauthor #breakinginlands #booktube #fantasybooks #fantasyreaders #writer #booktok #interview #podcast #tbrbooktube #newbook #fullyfunded #kickstarter #newfantasy #fantasyseries #foundfamily #magic

Fantasy Author chat: Mary C Kehoe, Water Magic & Deep Lore | Mythic Mirror Ep 36

Have you read The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang? Join us for a FULL SPOILER book club discussion about this epic fantasy masterpiece.

We're diving deep into everything: heroes' choices, redemption arcs, heartbreaking deaths, moments of hope, love, sacrifice, and an unforgettable ice dragon.

In this episode we discuss:

 * Character redemption arcs & the moral complexity
 * Death, sacrifice, and how the ending landed for us
 * Love and relationships
 * The role of world-building details
 * Whether we'd continue the series if M.L. Wang wrote more books
 * Our honest verdict: were we satisfied with how it ended?

⚠️ FULL SPOILERS - Stop here if you haven't finished the book!

Have you finished The Sword of Kaigen? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Did the ending satisfy you? Would you have read a sequel? Let's chat about it.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more book club episodes.



Looking for a lighter read? (But not too light) Mary’s book, Breaking Inlands, launches in a week! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands

The Sword of Kaigen Broke Our Hearts [Full Spoilers] | Mythic Mirror Ep 35

Join us for an intimate author chat with Kate Stradling, exploring how fantasy became her refuge and started her on the journey of publishing her own fantasy books. From fairytale retellings and time travel adventures to the search for belonging and power structures both corrupt and holy, Kate shares the creative journeys behind her work.

In this episode, we dive deep into: ✨ How fantasy served as emotional refuge for Kate ✨ The inspiration behind fan-favorite stories ✨ Writing craft ✨ Emotional moments & laughter throughout ✨ Our weekly Spark of the week

Perfect for fantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone seeking writing inspiration.

Find Kate Stradling: https://katestradling.com/

Don't miss out on Mary's Book Launch! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands

#AuthorInterview #FantasyBooks #WritingCommunity #AuthorChat #FantasyRetellings

Fantasy as Refuge: Kate Stradling Author Chat | Mythic Mirror Ep 34

Mythic Mirror is for fans of fantasy, folklore, and myth who want their life story to be deep, magical, and fulfilling. Join fantasy author, Mary C Kehoe, and cofounder of the Sleepless Elite, Carolin

Mythic Mirror · Zencastr

Mythic Mirror

Mythic Mirror is for fans of fantasy, folklore, and myth who want their life story to be deep, magical, and fulfilling. Join fantasy author, Mary C Kehoe, and cofounder of the Sleepless Elite, Carolina Carter in exploring modern fantasy, ancient myth and how to make our favorite books catalysts in our lives.