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 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

In this episode, we dive into the opening of M.L. Wang's The Sword of Kaigen—a stunning epic fantasy. We explore Wang's poetic prose style, the intricate worldbuilding woven through context rather than exposition and how that's challenging and satisfying.  Explore with us the deeply layered emotional character arcs that unfold from the very first pages.

We discuss how Wang handles the collision between belief and truth—exploring how characters grapple with challenging the propaganda they've been raised to accept. What happens when the foundations of your world crumble? How do people respond when everything they thought they knew is questioned?

Whether you're a fantasy fan, a history enthusiast, or someone who loves character-driven narratives with emotional depth, this book delivers on every level. Join us as we unpack the opening chapters of The Sword of Kaigen  and discover for ourselves why so many people love it.

No spoilers—just genuine book club discussion.

Join our bookclub on Fable! fable.co/club/mythic-mirror-fantasy-reads-with-mary-c-kehoe-526754238190 [https://fable.co/club/mythic-mirror-fantasy-reads-with-mary-c-kehoe-526754238190]

Join Mary's book launch for the early release of her fantasy novel Breaking Inlands — Imagine a society that thinks touching water will make you go mad, now imagine a young woman who can't ignore its call. kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands]

The Sword of Kaigen Begins: Setting the Stage for an Epic Fantasy | Mythic Mirror Ep 33

Join us for a magical chat with L Darby Gibbs, Fantasy author with 30 books written and so much more to come! If you love stories about dragons you're in the right place! If you want a free fantasy short story about Family bonds, sacrifice and hidden magic, check out Mary's story Rueful But Unruled. [https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b] If you want a new epic fantasy about a society that thinks water will make you go mad and a young woman who cant ignore its call, check out Mary's Kickstarter for her debut novel Breaking Inlands! [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands] 

Want to dive into L Darby Gibbs fantastic books? Go to https://ldgibbs.com/

Dragons, Found Family & Writing Fantasy: L Darby Gibbs Author Interview | Mythic Mirror Ep 32

Finished reading Two Twisted Crowns? We Chat about pain, sacrifice, love, the Spirit of the Wood, the cost of power and how we'll forgive just about anything if the character is witty. 

Join our Mythic Mirror book club and chat with us on Fable: fable.co/club/mythic-mirror-fantasy-reads [https://fable.co/club/mythic-mirror-fantasy-reads-with-mary-c-kehoe-526754238190]

Check out the Launch of Breaking Inlands, a fantasy about a society that thinks touching water will make you go mad and a young woman who can't ignore its call. kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands]

Two Twisted Crowns Ending Reaction: Sacrifice, Power, & Magic | Mythic Mirror Ep 31

Explore the types of Myth and Fairytale retellings with us! Tired of hearing about the new Odyssey movie? We go beyond it real quick! We chat about symbolism, history, villains, and lots more! 

Explore Mary's upcoming fantasy novel about lost gods, deadly secrets and water magic at kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands]

Interested in the books we mention? Head over to bookshop.org/shop/mary-c-kehoe [https://bookshop.org/shop/mary-c-kehoe]

Want a free short story and fantasy world exploration? Go to mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b [https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b]

Fairytale Retellings: Symbolism, Magic & Mistakes | Mythic Mirror Ep 30

Read this dark fantasy along with us. We dive into the first half of Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig. We chat about consent, blood sport, best ways to incorporate your shadow and other light hearted topics. 

Join Mary's newsletter and receive a free fantasy story (human written by Mary) at https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b 

Be a part of Mary's upcoming launch of her debut fantasy novel at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands

Two Twisted Crowns: Book Club Reactions Pt 1 | Mythic Mirror Ep 29

Join a quick look at what makes fantasy festivals powerful. If you could jump into a book, what festival would you attend? From the real world World Cup to fantasy feast, join us for an Independence Day weekend celebration of festival! Check out Mary's upcoming book launch Here! [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands]

Want a free short story about magic, family, and love? Get it here! [https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b]

Buy the Narnia Code by Michael Ward and support independent bookstores (and the show) at bookshop.org/shop/mary-c-kehoe [https://bookshop.org/shop/mary-c-kehoe]

Keys to Fantasy Book Festivals: Subjective & Irreverent Opinions | Mythic Mirror Ep 28

Many have wondered what is the meaning behind the Narnia series and what ties all the books together. What sis CS Lewis write into these books that you didn't notice?

Want a free short story about magic, family, and love? Get it here! [https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b]

Check out Mary's upcoming book launch Here! [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands]

Buy the Narnia Code by Michael Ward and support independent bookstores (and the show) at bookshop.org/shop/mary-c-kehoe [https://bookshop.org/shop/mary-c-kehoe]

What is the Secret Code to Narnia: CS Lewis & His Hidden Message | Mythic Mirror Ep 27

Finished One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig? Then come chat with us! Which theories were right which were wrong? How can the monster slowly taking over your mind be a good guy?

Want a free short story? Get it here! [https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b]

Check out Mary's upcoming book launch Here! [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands]

Buy books and support independent bookstores (and the show) at https://bookshop.org/shop/mary-c-kehoe

One Dark Window: Book Club Chat & Spoilers | Mythic Mirror Ep 26

What makes a magic system truly unforgettable? Is it the rigid, rule-bound logic of a hard magic system — or the mysterious, awe-inspiring chaos of a soft one? From divine power and elemental forces to the intricate mechanics that make you feel like you’re learning alongside the hero, magic systems are the heartbeat of fantasy worldbuilding. 

In this episode, we dive deep into what separates a good magic system from a great one — and why we can’t stop talking about them.   Whether you’re a lifelong fantasy fanatic or just starting your journey into fictional worlds, this one’s for you.  

🎧 Listen, share, and let us know in the comments — what’s your favorite magic system of all time?

Free Story: mary-c-kehoe.kit.com [https://mary-c-kehoe.kit.com/e18855812b]

Upcoming Book Launch link! kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maryckehoe/breaking-inlands]

Magic Systems and Why We Love Them | Mythic Mirror Ep 25

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.