Charles de Lint is widely regarded as the master of modern fantasy.

His captivating stories are ingeniously set in the contemporary world, yet they are richly infused with elements of fairy tales, myths, and Native American folklore.

This unique blend creates a truly magical and fantastic realm that readers find themselves irresistibly drawn into.

The way he weaves these diverse elements together is nothing short of remarkable, breathing new life into the modern literary landscape.

I, for one, am completely enthralled by his work and simply cannot get enough of it.

Each story is a new adventure, a journey into a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary collide, leaving me in awe and eager for more.

Charles de Lint's talent as a storyteller is truly second to none, and his contributions to the genre of modern fantasy are invaluable.

A great retelling of "Jack and the Beanstalk" is a captivating and enchanting story. It takes the classic tale and gives it a fresh and exciting twist. The story follows Hack, a young and adventurous boy, who discovers a magical beanstalk that leads him to a world of wonder and danger. As Hack climbs the beanstalk, he encounters various challenges and obstacles that test his courage and determination. Along the way, he meets interesting characters and makes new friends. The retelling of the story is filled with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue that bring the characters and the setting to life. It is a story that will appeal to readers of all ages and leave them on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Serviceable Fantasy Story

A serviceable fantasy story is one that has the ability to transport readers to a world beyond their own.

It often features elements such as magic, mythical creatures, and heroic quests. These stories can be a great escape from reality, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a world of adventure and excitement.

A good serviceable fantasy story will have well-developed characters that readers can root for, a captivating plot that keeps them on the edge of their seats, and a richly detailed world that feels alive and real.

Whether it's a classic tale like "The Lord of the Rings" or a modern-day adventure like "Harry Potter," serviceable fantasy stories have the power to capture our imaginations and take us on unforgettable journeys.

So if you're looking for a good read that will transport you to another world, be sure to check out some of the great serviceable fantasy stories out there.

I really enjoyed this read.

It was a quick and fun experience that took me on a journey through the Faerie realm.

I loved meeting all the different creatures that inhabited this magical place.

Although the style and tone of the story did feel a little dated at times, it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment.

The descriptions of the Faerie realm were vivid and imaginative, making it easy for me to picture in my mind.

I also liked the characters and their interactions with each other.

Overall, it was a great read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy and adventure.

Despite its flaws, it still managed to capture my attention and keep me entertained from start to finish.

I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I vividly remember having a profound affection for this book during my younger days. It holds a special place in my heart, and the memories associated with it are still fresh. Recently, I've been thinking that I should take the time to read it again. There's something about revisiting a beloved book that feels both comforting and exciting. It's like reconnecting with an old friend. Or perhaps, instead of rereading the same one, I could explore a new de Lint book. I'm sure there are many wonderful stories waiting for me to discover within the pages of his works. Either way, I'm looking forward to indulging in some great literature and losing myself in the magical worlds that de Lint creates.

The first book I ever read by Charles de Lint was The Blue Girl.

Just seeing the name of the author was enough to make me purchase the book. And boy, was I not disappointed! It was an incredibly captivating tale of fantasy that only de Lint had the talent to craft.

The story drew me in from the very beginning and took me on a magical journey. It was a world filled with fairytales and wonder, a place where we all wish we could escape to.

After reading The Blue Girl, I knew that I was going to be a devoted fan of de Lint's works. His ability to create such vivid and enchanting stories is truly remarkable.

If you haven't read any of his books yet, I highly recommend that you do. You'll be sure to get lost in a tale that will leave you longing for more.

In the midst of a truly bad break-up, Jacky Rowan makes a rather drastic decision. She cuts her beautiful waist length hair, as if symbolically severing ties with her past. And then, without hesitation, she runs out into the stormy night. The wind howls and the rain lashes at her, but she seems oblivious to it all.

Later on, completely drunk and heartbroken, she stumbles into the park. In the dim light, she sees what she thinks is a small man being chased by a horde of black clad bikers. Her already addled mind struggles to make sense of the scene before her. What could possibly be happening? And what will she do? To find out, you'll have to read on! This is one of my favorite early books by DeLint, filled with mystery, drama, and a touch of the supernatural.

The story immediately grabs your attention and keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what lies ahead for Jacky and the strange little man. DeLint's writing is vivid and engaging, painting a vivid picture of the characters and the settings. It's a book that you won't be able to put down once you start reading.

3.5 stars.

I originally had the impression that this was a rather derivative offspring of Labyrinth and Neverwhere. However, after looking at the publication date, I realized that this is actually the parent work.
Consequently, I probably should bump the review up to a 4 star.
Still, I can't help but feel that the later works by the children did it better. Labyrinth was more fantastical and magical, while Neverwhere was more punk and surreal.
Overall, it is a good story with a well-realized contemporary fairy tale world. The characters may lack nuance, but that could simply be because fairy tales often operate in that particular mode.
Despite its flaws, it has its own charm and is worth reading for those who enjoy the genre of contemporary fairy tales.

The story presented within these pages is indeed captivating. It has a certain charm that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

However, what truly sets this book apart and makes it a remarkable read for me is the concept of urban myth that it explores.

Urban myths are those fascinating tales and legends that circulate within a city or a particular community. They often have an air of mystery and intrigue, blurring the line between fact and fiction.

This book delves deep into this realm, presenting a unique and imaginative take on urban myths. It weaves a web of stories and characters that are both believable and enchanting.

The author's ability to bring these urban myths to life is truly remarkable. They create a world that is both familiar and yet充满了惊喜.

Through the exploration of these urban myths, the book not only entertains but also makes the reader think about the power of storytelling and the role that myths play in our lives.

It is a thought-provoking and engaging read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story with a touch of the supernatural and a healthy dose of imagination.

Meh.

“Fairies in Ottawa” is all you need to know.

That was the book’s schtick, and that’s about all there was to the plot, too.

The story seemed to lack depth and substance. It was as if the author simply came up with the idea of fairies in Ottawa and decided to build a book around it without much thought or effort.

The characters were one-dimensional and failed to engage the reader on any meaningful level.

The setting, while somewhat unique, was not fully explored or developed.

Overall, “Fairies in Ottawa” was a disappointment. It had the potential to be a charming and engaging story, but unfortunately, it fell short in almost every aspect.

Perhaps with more careful planning and a greater attention to detail, the author could have created a more memorable and enjoyable book.

As it stands, however, “Fairies in Ottawa” is a forgettable read that fails to leave a lasting impression.

This was one of the first modern retellings of a fairy tale that I had the pleasure of reading.

It truly kindled a deep love within me for a genre that was still in the process of finding its own identity.

Whenever I now pick up a paranormal book, an urban fantasy, or a science fiction novel, I am constantly on the lookout for that very same feeling that I experienced when I first discovered this particular book.

It was a sense of magic and wonder, as if the fairy tales had been rewritten specifically for adults (or young adults) to enjoy and lose themselves in.

This initial encounter with this modern fairy tale retelling set the stage for my ongoing exploration and appreciation of these captivating genres.

It opened up a world of possibilities and imagination, and I continue to seek out those stories that can capture that same essence of magic and charm.

I'm truly a terrible person. When I look back on this book with the benefit of twenty years of hindsight, I can't help but think: "It would have been so much better if de Lint had the courage to make Jacky a lesbian."

You see, in today's more inclusive and diverse world, such a character portrayal could have added a whole new layer of depth and authenticity to the story. It would have opened up discussions and conversations about different sexual orientations and relationships.

Maybe it would have made the readers connect with Jacky on a deeper level, understanding her struggles and desires in a more profound way. It could have also challenged the traditional norms and expectations that were prevalent at the time the book was written.

But alas, it was not to be. However, this thought still lingers in my mind, making me wonder what could have been if only de Lint had taken that bold step.

And yet, despite my criticism, I still have to admit that the book has its own merits and charm. It's just that this one aspect keeps bothering me and makes me think about what could have been a truly remarkable addition to the story.