Jack! Jack! Jack!!!

He is a remarkable person. Jack has a unique charm and a great personality. He is always full of energy and enthusiasm, ready to take on any challenge that comes his way.

Jack is not only physically active but also intellectually curious. He loves to learn new things and explore different ideas. His thirst for knowledge drives him to constantly seek out new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his personal qualities, Jack is also a great friend and colleague. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and offer support to those in need. His kindness and generosity make him a beloved member of any group or community.

Overall, Jack is an amazing individual who has a lot to offer. Whether it's through his actions, his words, or his attitude, he always manages to make a positive impact on those around him. We are truly lucky to have him in our lives.

This fun little duology is not quite as interesting a take on urban Faerie as some of de Lint's Newford stories.

However, it does explore friendship and luck very well.

The first short novel, Jack the Giant-Killer, offers a modern take on the folktale of that name.

Surprisingly, it doesn't feature any beanstalks or golden geese.

Instead, it presents a unique and contemporary version of the story.

The second novel takes a step back from the characters in the first novel.

It brings in some more de Lint standards, such as musicians and fairies.

Jacky and company are all back, too, but there's a bit of a wider scope.

The story delves deeper into the magical world and the relationships between the characters.

Overall, the duology is an enjoyable read that combines elements of fantasy and friendship in an engaging way.

It may not be as complex or captivating as some of de Lint's other works, but it still has its own charm and appeal.

After having read other titles penned by this author, this particular work gave the impression of being a precursor to his other literary creations. It was a fun and easy read, filled with a delightful sense of humour. I deeply regret having waited for such a long time to pick it up and immerse myself in its pages.

Time and again, as I delved into the story, it reminded me vividly of the character *Jillycorn*. I sort of wish that these charming characters could have found their way into the cast of his other works. There were certain themes and ideas that emerged which also recur in his other books, creating a kind of literary thread that ties his body of work together.

Admittedly, it does feel somewhat dated, with an unmistakable '80s feel to it. However, despite this, I would still highly recommend this book as an excellent introduction to the genre of *Urban Fantasy*. It offers a unique perspective and a taste of the imaginative world that this genre has to offer.

This was truly a disappointment. I had such a profound love for Charles de Lint's first Newford book. However, this particular one seemed to be lacking the enchanting charm and the magical allure that defined that wonderful world.

CONTENT WARNING: torture, mentions of rape, home invasion, lots of filth

There were a few things that were somewhat fun. The lore, for instance. I have a great affection for fae stories. It's always fascinating to explore the rich and mysterious world of the fae. Another aspect was the urban fantasy with a twist. One of the things I appreciate about his writing is that he skillfully plays with urban settings and fantasy worlds without relying too heavily on the typical private investigator or cop tropes. It gives a fresh and unique perspective. Also, the friendship among the characters was nice to see. It's always heartwarming to witness gals being pals.

On the other hand, there were several aspects that were rather mundane. The dialogue, for example, was terribly pedestrian. It lacked the spark and liveliness that would have made it more engaging. The solutions to the problems also felt a bit too convenient. I never really felt that Jaky or her friends were in any real danger, as there always seemed to be an easy way out. Additionally, the writing sometimes suffered from telling rather than showing. Jacks are supposed to be clever and quick, but Jaky...certainly had ideas, but it didn't always come across effectively. And the exposition was also a bit off. At one point, we spent more time discussing which roads to take through Ottawa than we did on the killing of a mythical brute. It just didn't seem to have the right balance. Sadly, this book was not for me. It was sweet, short, but ultimately rather boring.

This book is a compilation of two of Charles de Lint's novels: Jack the Giant Killer and Drink Down the Moon. It was my first foray into Charles de Lint's work and I was truly impressed.

In Kate and Jacky, de Lint has masterfully crafted two highly realistic female characters. They are not only strong, brave, and smart but also experience moments of fear, confusion, and make mistakes. The result is a pair of truly three-dimensional characters with whom I could easily identify.

The story itself is also quite captivating and is richly informed by Celtic and European folklore. There are even hints of Native American legend and lore, which I hope de Lint delves deeper into in some of his other works. Oh, and did I mention that these stories have precisely the right amount of romance? It's so subtle that it's barely even a sub-plot. Thank you, Mr. de Lint!

His ability to create such engaging characters and weave together a story that combines multiple mythologies and cultures is truly remarkable. I look forward to exploring more of his works in the future.

Not as good as The Little Country, but still an enjoyable urban fantasy.

This urban fantasy may not reach the same heights as The Little Country, yet it manages to offer a certain charm and entertainment value. The story is set in an urban landscape, perhaps a bustling city with its own unique blend of magic and mystery.

The characters are likely to be diverse, each with their own set of abilities and personalities. As the plot unfolds, they navigate through the challenges and adventures that come their way, encountering strange creatures, uncovering hidden secrets, and facing off against powerful foes.

Although it may not have the same level of depth or complexity as The Little Country, this urban fantasy still manages to engage the reader and keep them entertained. It offers a lighthearted and fun escape from reality, with a touch of magic and wonder that makes it well worth the read.

This is a two-part story.

I have to admit that I barely managed to get through the first part.

It was a bit of a struggle for me, perhaps due to my personal preferences or the specific style of this particular installment.

However, it's important to note that I have loved other de Lint books in the past.

His writing has always had a certain charm and ability to draw me into the storyworld.

Maybe this one just didn't click with me as much as the others.

But I'm still willing to give the second part a chance, hoping that it will redeem the overall experience and show me the magic that I know de Lint is capable of creating.

After all, one book that doesn't quite hit the mark doesn't mean that his entire body of work should be discounted.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the second part has in store.

The two books included in this omnibus edition are centered around Jacky and Kate, two ordinary women from Ottawa. They find themselves unexpectedly drawn into the complex machinations of Faerie.

It's interesting to note that these particular works by de Lint are not among my personal favorites. There's something about the storylines that didn't quite resonate with me on a deep level. Perhaps it was the way the characters interacted with the fantastical elements of Faerie, or maybe it was the overall pacing of the plots.

Nevertheless, it's important to recognize that everyone has different tastes when it comes to literature. While these books may not be my cup of tea, others might find them to be captivating and engaging. After all, the world of Faerie is a rich and diverse one, full of magic and mystery, and de Lint has a unique way of bringing it to life.

Despite my reservations, I can still appreciate the effort and creativity that went into writing these stories. Maybe upon a second reading, I'll discover something that I missed the first time around and come to a different conclusion about their worth. Only time will tell.

Although I can barely remember his other books,

I really enjoyed this one. It's not a deeply profound work, but rather a light and fun read that easily captures the reader's attention.

I don't possess an in-depth knowledge of European myth to be able to critique its presentation in a highly detailed manner, but I must admit that I truly enjoyed its presence within the story.

Some of his previous stories have felt a bit too... dreamy? perhaps, for my personal taste. However, this particular one is filled with a great deal of adventure that keeps the pages turning.

Moreover, it features a heroine that I really dig. She's strong, independent, and full of spirit, which makes her a truly engaging character.

Candy, though. I'm not quite sure what to make of that aspect. It seems a bit out of place or perhaps there's more to it that I haven't fully grasped yet.

Overall, despite its few quirks, this book has been an enjoyable and entertaining experience for me.

Another one that I started reading, got really into, and then misplaced in a backpack or something.

It seems like this kind of situation happens to me quite often. I'll begin a book with great enthusiasm, get completely immersed in its story and characters, only to misplace it later. It could be lost in the depths of my backpack, perhaps buried under a pile of other things.

Yes, this is common for me. This is why I read 3 or four books at a time. By having multiple books on the go, I can always switch to another one if I can't find the one I was previously reading. It also adds variety to my reading experience. However, it can sometimes be a bit chaotic trying to keep track of all the different storylines and characters. But overall, it's a strategy that works for me to ensure I never run out of something good to read.

One of the very first De Lint's works that I came across, and it remains a favorite to this day.

I often find myself rereading this particular piece whenever I have a longing to recapture that unique flavor it holds.

The story has a certain charm and allure that keeps drawing me back.

It's as if each time I read it, I discover something new and wonderful within its pages.

The characters are vividly brought to life, and the setting is so well-described that I can easily imagine myself being there.

De Lint's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it a joy to read.

Whether it's the thrilling plot or the emotional depth of the story, this work has it all.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read and wants to experience the magic of De Lint's writing.

A fresh and truly unique perspective on fantasy fiction has emerged. It stands out remarkably for the numerous ways in which it diverges from traditional works within this genre.

However, despite these differences, it still manages to possess the classic feel that makes the story and the characters so engaging.

What's more, this work is not only captivating but also thought-provoking. It skillfully combines humor, intelligence, and magic in a seamless blend.

The result is a fantasy fiction that offers readers a new and exciting experience while still maintaining the charm and allure of the classic genre.

It challenges the norms and expectations of traditional fantasy, inviting readers to explore a world that is both familiar and yet entirely different.

This fresh take on fantasy fiction is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers, from those who are new to the genre to the most die-hard fans.

It offers a unique and unforgettable reading experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.