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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The first book is firmly based on the classic tale of Jack the Giant Killer.

This well-known story has been a favorite among children for generations, filled with adventure and excitement as Jack bravely faces the fearsome giant.

The sequel, on the other hand, takes its inspiration from the charming story of Katie Crackernuts.

Katie's adventures are equally captivating, with her unique personality and determination driving the narrative forward.

Together, these two books offer a wonderful blend of classic and new stories, sure to delight readers of all ages.

Whether you're a fan of Jack's heroic deeds or eager to follow Katie on her adventures, there's something for everyone in this series.

So pick up a copy today and let the magic begin!

July 15,2025
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Excellent! I have a deep love for the use of numerous folk and fairy tales. It is truly remarkable how these stories can be incorporated and utilized in such a wonderful way. The rich tapestry of characters, plots, and themes found within folk and fairy tales adds a unique and enchanting element to any work. Whether it is in literature, art, or other forms of expression, the use of these tales allows for the exploration of different cultures, values, and emotions. It is a testament to the creativity and imagination of the author or artist who can bring these stories to life and make them relevant and engaging for modern audiences. Well done indeed!

July 15,2025
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I'm always deeply impressed by the remarkable accuracy that De Lint so skillfully incorporates into his modern mythical landscape. It's truly astonishing.

He has clearly dedicated a great deal of time and effort to researching the mythos that he deftly taps into.

His attention to detail is evident in every aspect of his work.

The way he weaves together the elements of mythology with the modern world creates a unique and captivating reading experience.

One can't help but be drawn into his fictional universe, where the boundaries between the real and the mythical are blurred.

De Lint's ability to bring these ancient stories to life in a contemporary context is a testament to his talent as a writer.

It's no wonder that his work has gained such a devoted following.

His modern mythical landscapes are a treasure trove of imagination and creativity, waiting to be explored by readers.

Each new story he tells adds another layer to this rich and complex world he has created.

Whether you're a fan of mythology or simply enjoy a good story, De Lint's work is sure to leave a lasting impression.
July 15,2025
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I really liked this particular work.

The reason being that it is a compilation of three of his earlier pieces.

It has a certain charm with its rougher edges, which gives it a more raw and authentic feel.

Additionally, it does an excellent job of sketching out the setting that is further developed in his other novels.

This allows the reader to get a better sense of the world that the author has created and how it evolves throughout his body of work.

It's like getting a sneak peek into the foundation upon which the more polished and detailed stories are built.

Overall, it's a great addition to any collection and offers a unique perspective on the author's creative process.
July 15,2025
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This was truly a rather up and down experience for me. I gave it three stars as two stars seemed unjustly low. However, there were indeed a couple of aspects within this book that I found myself grappling with.

It's not entirely fair to compare this particular work to all the urban fantasy I've devoured prior to coming across this one. Clearly, this was one of the very early manifestations of the genre. The age of the book was quite evident, given all that has emerged and evolved in the genre since its publication.

Surprisingly, there was no Kindle version listed on Goodreads, yet that was precisely the version I read. I don't believe the text underwent any editing or alteration. But if that's the case, then there was a rather glaring continuity issue right in the very first chapter. At one point, it's stated that Jackie doesn't leave the house for two days. And yet, the very next statement regarding her leaving implies a significantly shorter time frame, suggesting that she went out yesterday when it was previously indicated to be at least two days ago.

I had a hard time with it mainly because of all the advancements and refinements that have occurred in the urban fantasy genre subsequent to this book's release. However, if you're on the hunt for early urban fantasy that features 'figures of myth' from our distant past, then this book is definitely worth taking a look at.
July 15,2025
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The first book was definitely superior to the second.

I had a great affection for both of them. However, the second one seemed a bit disjointed.

Moreover, the description on the back cover was completely inaccurate.

I thought it was rather strange that de Lint made several references to the Native American spirits from his other novels.

But he never really provided any details about them.

There were an excessive number of those references as well.

Nonetheless, it was quite interesting to see his portrayal of just the fairies, without the presence of other spirits.

Overall, although the second book had its flaws, it still had some redeeming qualities that made it an enjoyable read.
July 15,2025
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This book is, in fact, a combination of two earlier books. The stories within are linked mainly by the characters involved, rather than by any truly detailed plot.

It offers an interesting and quick read, with de Lint's typically enjoyable take on urban fantasy. However, it is still one of his lesser works and leaves the reader largely unsatisfied.

Whether you choose to read it or not, your life will not be changed in the slightest either way. It's a book that has its moments of entertainment, but ultimately fails to make a lasting impression.

Perhaps if the plot had been more developed and the characters given more depth, it could have been a more engaging and fulfilling read. As it stands, it's a bit of a disappointment for fans of de Lint's work.

Nonetheless, it may still have some appeal for those who are simply looking for a light and easy read in the urban fantasy genre.
July 15,2025
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My first and most favorite De Lint story was "Even the Road Signs Are Changing."

I remember picking up this story and being immediately drawn in by its unique premise. The way De Lint weaves a tale that blurs the boundaries between the real and the magical is truly remarkable.

In this story, the ordinary world takes on an otherworldly quality as the protagonist discovers that the road signs around him are changing in mysterious ways.

De Lint's writing is so vivid that I could easily picture the scenes in my mind. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journey.

As I read on, I was constantly on the edge of my seat, eager to find out what would happen next. The story builds tension and excitement beautifully, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

"Even the Road Signs Are Changing" is a prime example of why I love De Lint's work. His ability to create engaging and imaginative stories is second to none, and this story will always hold a special place in my heart.
July 15,2025
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Another great classic fairytale has been turned on its head and given back to us in urban fantasy form by Charles de Lint!

What I truly believe makes his stories so incredibly compelling is that not only do they possess intricately crafted narratives filled with plenty of adventure, but he also creates such interesting, relatable, and realistic characters for us to follow.

Even though these books were originally published in 1987 and 1990, they still seem highly modern. This is the case even if the characters don't have the advantages of modern technology that we so often take for granted.

De Lint's engaging writing style quickly draws us into the adventures of Jacky (the Jack of Kinrowan). It brings the faerie-filled streets and parks of modern Ottawa vividly alive as we witness her being unwittingly drawn into a conflict between the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. And then she has to fend off an evil wizard type who is hell-bent on stealing the luck of the court to feed his everlasting life.

It's a captivating world that de Lint has created, one that continues to enthrall readers even decades after its initial publication.
July 15,2025
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I just started reading the first book and it feels like the author is being really lazy in telling the story. This is my second try at reading this author, but I'm just as disappointed as the first time.

As I reached the 50% mark, I found that the story seems to be moving too quickly. The ending of the first part also lacks any foreshadowing when it comes to the relationships between the characters. It makes me wonder if the author didn't put enough thought into this aspect of the story.

I'm hoping that the second half of the book will be better and that the author will be able to tie up all the loose ends and make the story more engaging. However, based on what I've read so far, I'm not holding my breath.
July 15,2025
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My very first encounter with DeLint was truly remarkable, and I firmly believe that this particular tale represents the best of his works. From the very beginning, this story had an irresistible charm that simply drew me in, especially the first book. It serves as a fairly accurate indication of his unique writing style.

It is indeed a great place to commence one's exploration into the world of DeLint's literature. The narrative is a solid read, maintaining a high level of internal consistency throughout. It offers a wonderful introduction to the captivating genre of urban fantasy. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and vividly描绘的 settings, it has the power to transport readers into a fascinating realm where the boundaries between the real and the magical blur. Whether you are a seasoned fan of urban fantasy or new to the genre, this work by DeLint is definitely worth delving into.
July 15,2025
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I recently delved into a combination of two books.

The first one was "Jack the Giant Killer," and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it! In this captivating tale, Jackie gets embroiled in the exciting adventure of saving the fey in the heart of contemporary New York's Central Park. The story was filled with thrilling moments and unique characters that kept me on the edge of my seat.

However, when I moved on to the second book, "Drink Down the Moon," I faced a bit of a disappointment. While it continued the overall story arc, it did so without Jackie as the main character. This change in perspective left me feeling less engaged, and unfortunately, I had to quit reading.

Despite this setback, I still cherish the experience of reading "Jack the Giant Killer" and look forward to exploring other books that might capture my imagination in a similar way.
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