Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
36(36%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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DeLint is truly one of my new favorite authors. His unique approach to storytelling is simply captivating. He has this remarkable ability to take the classic tales of fairies, trolls, and other magical creatures that we all know and love, and then seamlessly place them within our modern time and world. It's a brilliant concept that he executes with great finesse.


The way he weaves the stories so that "normal" folks get involved with the fairy world is nothing short of amazing. Their interactions are always filled with both fascination and fun. As you read his books, you can almost believe that such a magical world exists right alongside our own. It's as if he has opened a door to a realm of wonder and possibility, and invited us all in to explore.


His writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing you in from the very first page and keeping you hooked until the very end. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or just looking for a good read, DeLint's books are definitely worth checking out. You won't be disappointed!

July 15,2025
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The first deLint book that I ever read was an interesting experience.

It wasn't my absolute favorite, but it was definitely good. In fact, it was so good that it piqued my curiosity and made me eager to explore his other works.

I can recall only one other author who had a somewhat similar style, but unfortunately, she only wrote a single book.

However, this man, deLint, seems to be in a league of his own. His writing has a unique charm and depth that sets him apart from others.

I look forward to delving deeper into his body of work and seeing what other literary treasures he has to offer.

Each of his books has the potential to open up new worlds and introduce me to a variety of fascinating characters and storylines.

I'm excited to embark on this literary journey and discover more about the wonderful world of deLint's writing.
July 15,2025
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Silly, fun fantasy fluff.

As usual, DeLint is overly earnest about incorporating his love of music into the story. He seems to have an almost obsessive passion for it, as if it is the very lifeblood of his fictional world.

And, as is his custom, he loves to romanticize Native beliefs. He presents them in a way that is both beautiful and mysterious, making the reader almost believe in their power.

Sigh. Also as usual is the storyline of the feisty young urban woman who doesn't believe in magic. She is the typical skeptic, the one who scoffs at the idea of the supernatural. But then, something magical happens to her! It's a completely formulaic plot device, but somehow, it still manages to work.

Totally love it. Despite its predictability, DeLint does know how to tell an enjoyable story. His characters are engaging, his world-building is detailed, and his writing is full of charm. It was a fun change from my academic routine, a welcome escape into a world of magic and wonder.

July 15,2025
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This was perhaps the best of de Lint's earlier books set in Ottawa.

It was truly a remarkable piece of work that captivated readers from start to finish. The vivid descriptions of the city and its people brought the story to life in a way that few other books could.

The characters were well-developed and engaging, each with their own unique personalities and backstories. I found myself completely invested in their lives and eager to see what would happen to them next.

I would very much like to see de Lint pick up these characters again and continue their adventures. There is so much more that could be explored and developed, and I have no doubt that he would do an excellent job of it.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of de Lint's work and anyone who enjoys a good story set in a vibrant and interesting city.
July 15,2025
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Rating is specifically for Drink Down the Moon only.

I found that I liked the second book significantly better than the first. Indeed, Jacky made some rather dumb moves. For instance, returning to the Tower the second time, even when in disguise, was a questionable decision. However, taking risks and relying on luck is an inherent part of the Jack character in traditional folk tales.

In the second book, Kate is much more fully developed, and the plot is more cohesive. I really liked the way the Jacky plotline and the Johnny plotline didn't intersect until the very end. This added an element of mystery and anticipation. Moreover, the writing in the second book was also of a higher quality than that in the earlier book.

Overall, while the first book had its charm, the second book truly shone in terms of character development, plot structure, and writing style. It was a more engaging and satisfying read.
July 15,2025
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MMm god I love folklore. Folklore is like a magical world that is full of enchanting stories and traditions. It has been passed down through generations, carrying with it the wisdom and cultural heritage of different communities.


Folklore encompasses a wide range of elements, including myths, legends, fairy tales, superstitions, and customs. These stories often involve supernatural beings, heroic deeds, and moral lessons. They have the power to transport us to different times and places,激发 our imagination and sense of wonder.


One of the things I love most about folklore is how it reflects the values and beliefs of a particular society. It can tell us about the fears, hopes, and dreams of the people who created and shared these stories. Moreover, folklore has the ability to bring people together. Whether it's through listening to a bedtime story or participating in a traditional festival, folklore creates a sense of community and connection.


In conclusion, folklore is a rich and fascinating part of our cultural landscape. It enriches our lives and helps us to understand the world around us. I will always cherish the magic and mystery of folklore.

July 15,2025
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It's been many years since I read these books. However, I truly appreciate that for the time when these were written, this was a much fresher take on the whole fairy motif in fantasy.

It had the distinct advantage of being early urban fantasy, which laid the solid ground work for later writers. Charles de Lint has a remarkable literary flare in his style that, in my personal view, a lot of present day urban fantasy doesn't quite possess.

I found the characters to be extremely compelling, along with the magic and conflict within the stories. I particularly liked the unique link between the magical and different types of artistic ability.

This added an extra layer of depth and interest to the overall narrative. It made the reading experience not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

Even after all these years, the impact of these books still lingers in my mind, and I highly recommend them to anyone with an interest in the fantasy genre.
July 15,2025
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The first de Lint book that I read was truly a remarkable and engaging one. It served as a terrific gateway book, opening up a whole new world of literary exploration for me.

It is an excellent introduction to the unique style and strengths of deLint. He has a remarkable ability to seamlessly intertwine elements of fairy tale, myth, and contemporary urban life. This combination creates a rich and captivating narrative that draws the reader in and keeps them hooked from start to finish.

The story was well-conceived, with a clear plot and interesting characters. However, I would say that it did not reach the same depth as some of his Newford stories. Nevertheless, it was still a highly enjoyable read and left me eager to explore more of deLint's work.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good blend of fantasy and reality, or who is looking for an introduction to the wonderful world of Charles de Lint.
July 15,2025
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These books vividly illustrate Charles de Lint's growth as a writer.

In the first book, Jacky accidentally stumbles into Faerie and encounters some perils. Her friend Kate firmly insists on joining her in the subsequent adventures. Jackie discovers that she is a Jack, a valuable ability in Faerie. They meet several interesting fae folk, engage in battles with some villains (yes, she slays giants), and ultimately decide to continue their involvement.

The book is well-written, yet de Lint had not yet fully developed his remarkable skill of making the reader strongly empathize with the characters. Jacky begins as a rather timid character, and it is not straightforward to observe how she evolves into the lively, confident giant killer. I never had a deep sense of Kate, except as a loyal friend. Based on this book alone, I would rate it three stars.

The second book, written a few years later, is an improvement. While Jacky and Kate remain major characters, the book commences with a new set of characters. Most significantly, there is Johnny, a human who was unaware that his recently deceased grandfather was involved in Faerie, and Jemi, a half-pook half-human mourning her sister. We follow both groups of characters as they strive to figure out how to handle a problem that is menacing Faerie. They each work on their respective aspects of the problem and do not meet until the climax of the book, where they collaborate to defeat the villain. Johnny and Jemi are more richly characterized than Jacky and Kate were in the first book. Jacky and Kate are also more fully developed. So are the structures and ways of Faerie.

It also demonstrates the vital connection between music and magic, as de Lint did in most of his later books, especially the Newford ones. Both books are set in Ottawa, and one can see the origin of Newford. Setting later books in an imaginary city gave De Lint more freedom in describing places and establishing a connection between the characters and them. I would rate this second book four stars, although it is not as captivating as his later works.

Don't misunderstand me. Compared to similar stories by anyone other than Charles de Lint, these are excellent!
July 15,2025
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This is the very first book of de Lint's that I have had the pleasure of reading.

To be honest, I was truly and deeply impressed.

De Lint has this remarkable ability to take a well-known fairytale character and breathe an entirely new life into it.

Before I embarked on this reading journey, I wasn't really anticipating a story that delved into the world of faeries.

However, once the story got going, I was absolutely delighted.

It's quite astonishing to think that there are far too few stories of this outstanding caliber circulating in the literary world currently.

This book stands out as a shining example of what can be achieved when an author combines creativity and a deep understanding of the fairytale genre.

I can't wait to explore more of de Lint's works and see what other magical worlds and characters he has in store for us.

July 15,2025
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I truly love Charles de Lint. He holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite authors. The very first book of his that I had the pleasure of reading was "Jack of Kinrowan". From the moment I opened its pages, I was completely captivated. The story was so enchanting and filled with vivid characters and a magical world that it immediately made me eager to explore his other works. I couldn't wait to see what other wonderful tales he had in store for me. Since then, I have devoured many of his books, and each one has been a unique and unforgettable experience. His writing style is truly remarkable, and he has a talent for creating stories that draw you in and make you feel as if you are a part of them. I will always cherish my love for Charles de Lint and his amazing books.

July 15,2025
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I have decided to embark on a rather interesting journey. I'm re-reading all the Charles de Lint books that I own. Charles de Lint is a remarkable author whose works have always captivated me. As I delve back into these stories, I'm experiencing a sense of nostalgia and rediscovery.


After re-reading each book, I have a unique plan. I'm going to set them free through BookCrossing. BookCrossing is a wonderful platform that allows people to share books and track their journey. By releasing these Charles de Lint books into the wild, so to speak, I hope that they will find new readers who will also fall in love with his writing.


It's exciting to think that these books will travel to different places, be read by different people, and perhaps even spark new conversations and connections. I can't wait to see where they end up and what kind of adventures they will have. This is not just about getting rid of books; it's about sharing the joy of reading and the magic of Charles de Lint's stories with the world.

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