An entertaining and charming reboot of the "Jack and the Beanstalk"/"Jack the Giant Killer" fairy tale has emerged.

Set as an urban fantasy in a Canadian town, it presents a unique twist where the Wild Hunt rides Harley Davidsons instead of the traditional fiery steeds of the equine variety.

The concept is truly engaging and has the potential to be a remarkable story. However, ultimately, I felt like the book was a little rushed.

It seemed more like an outline for a richer novel, perhaps, and consequently, it fell a little flat.

This book could have been expanded to a full urban fantasy epic. With more detailed world-building, developed characters, and a more intricate plot, it could have left this reader much more satisfied.

As it stands, this slender YA-appropriate venture didn't quite sate my appetite.

Nevertheless, it still serves as a nice little amuse-bouche for fans of fairy tales, urban fantasy, Charles de Lint, or - as I maintain - Emma Bull. It offers a taste of something different and shows promise for what could have been a more substantial and fulfilling read.

Love these modern spins on fairy tales.

They offer a fresh and exciting perspective on the classic stories that we all grew up with.

These modern interpretations often incorporate elements of contemporary society, such as technology, gender equality, and diverse cultures.

By doing so, they make the fairy tales more relevant and relatable to a modern audience.

In fact, I am using these modern spins on fairy tales in my MA thesis.

I am exploring how they can be used to teach important life lessons and values in a more engaging and accessible way.

For example, some modern fairy tales focus on themes such as self-acceptance, kindness, and perseverance.

These are all qualities that are essential for a fulfilling and successful life.

Overall, I believe that modern spins on fairy tales have the potential to be a powerful tool for education and entertainment.

They allow us to rediscover the magic and wonder of the classic stories while also learning something new and valuable.

A re-read.

I’ve read this book several times, and yet, I always seem to forget how the two stories unfold.

It is less complex than his later works, which perhaps makes it all the more charming.

The familiar Ottawa setting adds a layer of authenticity and warmth to the narrative.

As I turn the pages, I am transported back to the streets and neighborhoods of that vibrant city.

The characters come to life, their joys and sorrows palpable.

Despite its simplicity, this book has a certain magic that keeps drawing me back.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most straightforward stories can have the deepest impact.

Each time I read it, I discover something new, a detail I missed before or a new perspective on the characters and their relationships.

It’s like visiting an old friend, and I look forward to many more re-reads in the future.

I truly wish Goodreads permitted half stars because I firmly believe this book deserves a 3.5 rating.

"Jack the Giant-Killer" retells the classic Jack motif from folklore. However, de Lint adds an interesting twist by making this Jack a Jacky. The strange aspect is that, for me at least, the more captivating character is her friend Kate "Crackernuts" Hazel. Kate appears to be a more vivid and alive character. The story skillfully employs fairy motifs and allusions, as is typical of de Lint's works. The one drawback is that the romance, especially the closing pair, seems not so much forced as it is included under the assumption that readers desire it.

The second book, "Drink Down the Moon," isn't entirely Jacky's story. In fact, she feels somewhat absent even though she is present. There is a fairy romance of sorts, but while it doesn't seem forced, it lacks depth. The redeeming feature is the character of Kate and her trick with her book. Overall, it's a nice book.

Rollicking good time in urban fantasy! I thoroughly enjoyed Jacky and Kate's adventures with giants. The story was filled with excitement and thrills as the two protagonists found themselves in a world where giants roamed. Their interactions with these massive beings were both terrifying and fascinating. I was on the edge of my seat as they faced various challenges and obstacles, using their wits and courage to overcome them. The author did a great job of creating a vivid and immersive urban fantasy world that kept me engaged from start to finish. I can't wait to see what other adventures Jacky and Kate will have in the future.

Once upon a time, in a magical forest, there was a fey cast that embarked on a fun adventure.

The fairies, with their delicate wings and mischievous smiles, led the way. They flitted through the trees, their laughter echoing in the air.

The elves, tall and wise, followed closely behind. Their sharp eyes searched for any signs of danger.

As they journeyed deeper into the forest, they encountered a beautiful meadow filled with colorful flowers. The fey cast couldn't resist the temptation and stopped to play.

The fairies danced among the flowers, while the elves sat and watched, enjoying the moment.

But soon, they realized that they were lost. They had strayed from the path and didn't know how to get back.

With a little bit of magic and a lot of teamwork, the fey cast managed to find their way out of the forest.

They returned home, tired but happy, with memories of their fun adventure that would last a lifetime.

The book is divided into two parts.

I truly adored the first part. It was captivating from the very beginning, filled with interesting characters and a thrilling plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The second part, although not as enthralling as the first, was still quite good. It continued to develop the story and tied up many loose ends.

Overall, I found the book to be an enjoyable read. The author's writing style was engaging, and I was able to easily immerse myself in the world of the story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good adventure or mystery. It's a great choice for those looking for a page-turner that will keep them entertained from start to finish.

The book that I am currently reading is not The Giant Killer. I'm quite new to this place and I'm really struggling to figure out how to change this. It's a bit frustrating as I want to be able to explore and understand different books. Maybe there's a specific process or setting that I'm missing. I keep looking around, hoping to find some clue or instruction on how to switch to the book I actually want to read.

I'm sure once I figure it out, it'll be much easier for me to access the various titles and enjoy my reading experience to the fullest. For now, I'll just have to keep trying and hoping that I'll stumble upon the right solution.

I'm really looking forward to getting to know more about the other books available and being able to choose the ones that interest me the most.

I am an extremely enthusiastic fan of De Lint's work. His literary creations have always had a unique charm that deeply attracts me. And this particular book is also excellent. However, in my opinion, it doesn't quite rank among his very best works.

There is no denying that I have a certain partiality towards the Newford books. The world he has constructed in those novels is so vivid and captivating. The characters and their stories seem to come alive right before my eyes.

Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that the book in question is not good. It still has its own merits and qualities that make it an enjoyable read. It's just that when compared to some of his other masterpieces, it may not quite reach the same level of excellence. But overall, I still highly appreciate De Lint's work and look forward to more of his wonderful creations in the future.

Go Jacky go!

Jacky is on an exciting adventure, and we are all rooting for him. Loved this one!

It's like watching a hero embark on a journey full of possibilities.

Jacky's determination and energy are truly inspiring.

As he moves forward, we can't help but be filled with anticipation.

Will he face challenges along the way? Of course! But we know he has what it takes to overcome them.

Go Jacky go! Keep shining bright and showing us what you can do.

We are right here beside you, cheering you on every step of the way.

Loved this one, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for Jacky.

This is one of Charles de Lint's best books.

It truly stands out among his extensive body of work. The story within its pages is a captivating blend of fantasy and reality, drawing readers in from the very first sentence.

The characters are vividly brought to life, each with their own unique personalities and struggles. As you read, you can't help but become invested in their fates, rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their paths.

The world that de Lint has created is rich and detailed, filled with magic and mystery at every turn. It's a place that you'll find yourself getting lost in, eager to explore every nook and cranny.

Whether you're a fan of fantasy or just looking for a great read, this book is sure to satisfy. It's a testament to de Lint's talent as a writer and a must-read for anyone who loves a good story.

So, pick up this book and prepare to be transported to a world of wonder and adventure.

In Jack the Giant Killer, the opening novella of this book, Jacky Rowan discovers that her life isn't unfolding as she desires. She drifts aimlessly, neglecting her life and remaining at home, doing nothing. After a nasty breakup, she decides to change her life. In a fit of anger, she goes out drinking alone. Staggering home, she witnesses a little man being chased by 9 men on motorcycles. She attempts to assist him, but the little man is killed. She flees to a nearby house for help, but no one answers the door. When she returns to the scene, the little man's body has vanished, leaving only a red cap behind.

The next day, she almost convinces herself that the alcohol caused her to see things that weren't there, but she can't explain the origin of the cap. When she puts it on, she begins to see people from Faerie. She eventually learns that the Unseelie Court has been growing stronger and has stolen the local Laird's daughter. The Seelie Court is so weak that no one dares to search for the girl. Jacky decides to take matters into her own hands. With the help of a hob's stitcheries, which grant her invisibility and swiftness, and her best friend Kate, along with a healthy dose of Jack's luck, Jacky sets out to restore order to the local Faerie courts.

I adored how Jack transforms into Jacky in this story. Who says women can't be clever, lucky tricksters? She embodies the role of Jack perfectly, devising ingenious solutions to problems and avoiding pitfalls, in the tradition of the greatest fairy tales. I also loved how Jacky takes control of her life. It's clearly possible, but it's often easier to simply go with the flow. It requires real courage to make a genuine change.

What I've always loved about Charles de Lint is his ability to weave fantasy into modern life. Yes, urban fantasy is now commonplace, but de Lint was one of the earliest authors in the genre. Reading this for the first time years ago, I was fascinated by how urban Faerie has developed a tolerance for iron. And why wouldn't the Wild Hunt appear on Harleys? After all, this is set in the 20th century. I just liked the idea that there's more to the world than meets the eye, and fairies aren't fragile beings who can only survive in the wild. They would have to be adaptable.

I love Charles de Lint because of his characters. While Jacky and her friend Kate may not be among my absolute favorites, I do enjoy reading about their friendship. They are silly, brave, and honest with each other, and neither would ever abandon the other.

The other novella, Drink Down the Moon, didn't resonate with me as strongly. Jacky becomes a bit overconfident and makes some significant mistakes. As a result, an evil force wreaks havoc on the wild faerie and begins causing extensive damage in her area of Faerie, Kinrowan. Kate emerges as the true hero, realizing what's happening and taking action.

There are two parallel plots throughout most of this story. I was most interested in Jacky and Kate's story. On a straightforward read, it can get a bit tiresome to read about the humans Johnny and Henk experiencing the same confusion that Jacky and Kate did as they adapted to Faerie in Jack the Giant Killer. The books were published years apart and later reprinted together, so that's not entirely de Lint's fault.

The wild faeries that Johnny and Henk encounter are a bit too belligerent and bloodthirsty for my taste. They've endured a great deal, but it's not the humans' fault. I did like the mercurial Jemi and her relationship with Johnny, but the others were very angry and bitter.

So, I give 4 stars to Jack the Giant Killer and 3 stars to Drink Down the Moon. I'll round up to 4 because I have such a deep love for de Lint. His Newford books remain my favorites, but this was a very strong addition to his body of work.