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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One of the absolute best. This particular book served as my initial foray into the captivating world of Charles de Lint's writing. He is truly one of the very finest authors to have ever graced the literary scene. I began my journey with his remarkable work, Jack of Kinrowan. The story immediately drew me in, with its richly developed characters and enchanting plot. After that, I delved into Moonheart, and from there, I was completely hooked. I simply could not tear myself away. His writing has a unique charm and depth that keeps readers coming back for more. With each page turn, I found myself more and more immersed in the magical universes he creates. I am truly grateful to have discovered Charles de Lint's work, and I look forward to exploring many more of his wonderful books in the future.

July 15,2025
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I wish there were half stars because I would give this 4.5.

I truly relished the first book in this two-book edition. I have a great fondness for other books penned by Charles de Lint. He is a maestro of urban fantasy, and this book is no different. The story immediately entices you within the first few pages. A human being is transported into a world of fairie, yet it still occurs in Ottawa. Jacky Rowan, having just split up with her boyfriend, stumbles upon a group of otherworldly bikers assaulting a strange old man in the park. She endeavors to save him but is unsuccessful. This encounter thrusts her into an adventure she never anticipated having but most definitely needed to experience. I really liked Finn and Jacky, and of course, Kate was an interesting addition. By the time I completed the first installment, I was definitely eager to know more about these characters.

I was a bit taken aback when commencing the second novel to discover that Jacky wasn't the main character. She does make an appearance, but her presence was not nearly as prominent. Instead, we are introduced to Johnny Faw and Jemi Pook. It took me longer to get through this one, but I'm glad I persevered because the new characters grew on me as I progressed, and Jacky and Kate make more of an appearance later in the story. Overall, I really enjoyed the second book as well; it just required a bit of adjustment.
July 15,2025
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This is not my favorite work by de Lint.

However, it is still a fun read.

The story has its own charm and吸引力.

Although it may not reach the level of my absolute favorite, it manages to engage the reader and keep them entertained.

The characters are well-developed and the plot has its twists and turns.

Even though it didn't completely blow me away, I still found myself enjoying the time spent reading it.

It's one of those books that you can pick up when you're in the mood for a light and enjoyable story.

Overall, while not my top pick from de Lint, it's still a worthwhile read that offers some entertainment value.

I would recommend it to those who are fans of de Lint's work or those who are looking for a fun and easy read.

July 15,2025
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The finest fabulist alive, with an unshakable moral underpinning.

This individual stands out as a master storyteller, weaving tales that not only entertain but also carry profound moral lessons. Their fables have the power to touch the hearts and minds of readers of all ages, teaching them about kindness, honesty, courage, and other virtues.

With a unique style and a vivid imagination, the fabulist creates characters and situations that are both relatable and engaging. Their stories often take place in a world of magic and wonder, where animals and objects come to life and interact with humans.

Despite the fantastical elements, the moral messages in the fables are always clear and relevant. They serve as a reminder of the importance of living a good life and treating others with respect and compassion.

The work of this fabulist has had a significant impact on literature and culture, inspiring generations of writers and readers alike. Their fables continue to be widely read and loved, and their moral teachings will no doubt endure for many years to come.
July 15,2025
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I really enjoyed these two books - 'Jack The Giant Killer' and 'Drink Down The Moon'.

Both of them had their own unique charm. The stories were interesting from the very beginning, captivating my attention and making it impossible for me to put the books down.

The pacing was fast, which added to the excitement. There were no dull moments or unnecessary fillers that would make the story drag on. Instead, it moved along smoothly towards the climax, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were well-developed and engaging, and I found myself rooting for them throughout the books.

In conclusion, 'Jack The Giant Killer' and 'Drink Down The Moon' are two great books that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining read.
July 15,2025
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It's truly one of my all-time favorite Charles De Lint books.

The enchanting world within the pages of "Jack of Kinrowan" has a special charm that keeps drawing me back.

I have reread this wonderful story countless times, each time uncovering new details and nuances.

The characters are so vividly brought to life, and the plot is filled with mystery, adventure, and a touch of magic.

Charles De Lint's writing style is simply captivating, making it impossible to put the book down once I start reading.

"Jack of Kinrowan" is not just a book; it's an immersive experience that takes me to a place where the boundaries between the real and the magical blur.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy story that will transport them to another world.

July 15,2025
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I have just completed reading "Jack of Kinrowan" by Charles de Lint. This book is composed of two stories - "Jack, the Giant Killer" and "Drinking Down the Moon".

Although I was quite impressed with de Lint's writing style, I believe he did a great disservice to the reader. Let me elaborate.

Jacky Rowan is the central character in both stories. However, her depiction as the fabled Jack of Kinrowan is rather disappointing. Jacky makes some really stupid decisions, particularly in "Drinking Down the Moon". As a result, her friend Kate "Crackernuts" Hazel stands out with her strategies and common sense. Fortunately, this book is written from multiple perspectives. Otherwise, I would have had to rate it a 3.5 due to Jacky's lackluster character. In my opinion, Kate is undoubtedly the star of the show. She single-handedly earns the book 4 out of 5 stars.

Overall, while the writing style was engaging, the character development of Jacky left much to be desired.
July 15,2025
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I have an intense passion for this book. It has truly captured my heart and imagination. From the moment I picked it up, I was completely engrossed in its pages. The story is so captivating and well-written that it keeps me hooked from beginning to end. The characters are vivid and relatable, making me feel as if I am a part of their world. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I find myself constantly thinking about the book even when I'm not reading it. It has become a source of inspiration and joy for me. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. It is truly a masterpiece that I will cherish for a long time.

July 15,2025
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One of the standards of “Urban Fantasy” is that in medieval times, fairy stories were always set in a world adjacent to ours, yet with its own distinct rules. Delint simply takes this concept and updates it to the modern era.

This approach creates a familiar yet fresh setting for readers. While there may not be a plethora of surprises in the narrative, that isn't truly the main objective. Instead, it serves as a great gateway into the Urban Fantasy genre. It provides an accessible entry point for those new to the genre, introducing them to the unique blend of the real world and the fantastical.

However, for people already well-versed in the Urban Fantasy area, it may not hold a great deal that is entirely new. They may have already encountered similar concepts and storylines. Nevertheless, it can still offer an enjoyable read, perhaps with a different perspective or a new take on familiar tropes.

Overall, Delint's work in updating the traditional fairy story setting to the modern era has its merits, both as an introduction to the genre and as a potentially interesting read for more experienced fans.
July 15,2025
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This is an omnibus edition that encompasses "Jack the Giant-Killer" and its subsequent installment, "Drink Down the Moon."

I had perused the first novel previously, yet the second one remained unread by me.

Both of these tales revolve around two young human females - Jacky and her closest friend Kate. It turns out that they are fated to be of particular significance to Faerie, the enchanting world that coexists with our own, yet remains unseen by most people.

In modern times, although much diminished, the Seelie and Unseelie courts still find themselves in a state of conflict with each other. Not to mention, there might be other and even greater threats lurking in the shadows.

Despite being untested and seemingly improbable heroes, Jacky and Kate could potentially be the sole individuals capable of rescuing Kinrowan. Their journey is bound to be filled with adventure, magic, and challenges as they strive to fulfill their destiny and save the magical world from peril.
July 15,2025
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Audiobook

Sadly, I did not manage to finish this audiobook. It could potentially be due to the reader, Taylor Meskimen. At the beginning, she seemed okay. However, as the listening progressed, her soft and even voice gradually started to irritate me. It reached a point where it was difficult for me to fully engage with the story.

Despite this initial setback, I will probably give it another try later on. The reason for this is that generally speaking, I am a huge fan of Charles de Lint's urban/faerie fantasies. His works have always had a certain charm and allure that draw me in. I believe that this particular audiobook might have more to offer than what I initially experienced, and I don't want to give up on it too easily. I'm hopeful that on a second attempt, I'll be able to overlook the reader's voice and fully immerse myself in the captivating world that Charles de Lint has created.
July 15,2025
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This is a pair of novels that meticulously details the life of Jacqueline Rowan.

After her boyfriend, who is fed up with her home-bound ways, leaves her, Jacky goes out drinking. It is during this time that she stumbles upon the world of faery. In this enchanting yet perilous realm, a battle between the Seelie and Unseelie Courts has been raging for a long time. The dread Unseelie Court is growing stronger with each passing day.

Jacky is expected to be a hero, but she is just an ordinary girl, or so she thinks.

This was an extremely exciting tale for me. It is a story where a young girl rises up and becomes an unlikely heroine. The author's act of transforming the Giant Killer of old into a woman is brilliantly executed and told in a captivating manner. In straightforward language and with magical word-weaving, Mr. De Lint suggests that the magical coexists with the mundane, making it all seem more than plausible. That voice whispering in your ear might just be more than the wind.

It makes you wonder if there is a hidden world of magic right beside our own, waiting to be discovered.

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