Book Review: The Harp of the Grey Rose

He is the Songweaver, but before he was a master of song he was merely Cerin of Wran Cheaping—a seventeen-year-old orphan raised by a wildland witch. Then he encountered the Maid of the Grey Rose—the lone survivor of the war that devastated the Trembling Lands and the promised bride of Yarac Stone-Slayer, the feared and terrible Waster. The mysterious beauty captured Cerin’s heart, drawing him into a world both dark and deadly, until, armed with only a tinkerblade and the magic of song, he would take on a man’s challenge . . . and choose a treacherous path toward a magnificent destiny. The Harp of the Grey Rose is award-winning fantasist Charles de Lint’s first novel, long out of print—and it hints of the wonderful stories to come.

Book Review: The Riddle of the Wren

Minda Sealy is afraid of her own nightmares. Then, one night, while asleep, she meets Jan, the Lord of the Moors, who has been imprisoned by Ildran the Dream-master-the same being who traps Minda. In exchange for her promise to free him, Jan gives Minda three tokens. She sets out, leaving the safety of her old life to begin a journey from world to world, both to save Jan and to solve "the riddle of the Wren"-which is the riddle of her very self. The Riddle of the Wren was Charles de Lint's first novel, and has been unavailable for years. Fans and newcomers alike will relish it.

Review

Book Review: The Blue Girl

I love Charles de Lint's books. I have most of his works on my shelves. Unfortunately, I haven't had time to read more than a handful. So far, what I had read of his was high fantasy, Lord of the Rings-style. But THE BLUE GIRL had been recommended to me so many times, that I decided to make that my next read by him.

This one is an urban fantasy, set in the town of Newford. Mr. de Lint said he created Newford so there wouldn't be inaccuracies that you might find if his books were set in an actual town. However, you may find bits and pieces of towns you recognize.

THE BLUE GIRL is written in first person and switches between Imogene, Maxine, and Adrian's POVs. Imogene is the main character. Maxine is her new best friend. And Adrian is the resident ghost. I really enjoyed reading from all three perspectives. It's interesting seeing who they are and how the others perceive them.

I love the way Charles de Lint describes the way the fairies look. They certainly aren't how most perceive them. So many fairies in art are perfect little women with wings. He draws scary fairies... the descriptions sound like something Brian Froud would draw. Pelly, Imogene's imaginary friend is describes as looking kinda like a hedgehog and monkey with some human-ish features.

This book comes highlt recommended by me for everyone... especially if you like urban fantasty and/or fairies.

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Imogene's rebellious nature has caused her more harm than good - so when her family moves to Newford, she decides to reinvent herself. She won't lose her punk/thrift-shop look, but she'll try to avoid gangs, work a little harder at school, and maybe even stay out of trouble for a change. But trouble shows up anyway. Imogene quickly catches the eye of Redding High's bullies, as well as the school's resident teenage ghost. Then she gets on the wrong side of a gang of malicious fairies. When her old imaginary childhood friend, Pelly, actually manifests, Imogene realizes that the impossible is all too real. And it's dangerous. If she wants to survive high school - not to mention stay alive - she has to fall back on the skills she picked up in her hometown, running with a gang. Even with her new friend Maxine and some unexpected allies on her side, will she be able to make it?

And for those of you interested in seeing the entire cover, without the writing...