Waifs & Strays by Charles De Lint

Synopsis
Mythic fiction is at its best in this anthology of stories of memorable heroines, rooted not in a secondary world but in an urban environment. The author introduces each selection, providing insight and interesting biographical information. The subject of two stories is a 16-year-old vampire named Apples who receives "the Gift" from a stranger during a Bryan Adams concert. She hopes to "turn" her sister Cassie when she is older, if she agrees, so they can live together forever. Poking fun at the television version of a teenage vampire, the heroine offers a more pragmatic view of her lot in life as she avenges evil doings in her neighborhood. In the section "Bordertown," where magic and reality coexist, an elf named Manda saves the life of a Harley-riding black man who is the neighborhood peacekeeper in a city rife with prejudice and violence. Elements of Robin Hood, Merlin, Native American mythology, and Celtic music weave through each story. Some of the heroines are humans who briefly tiptoe into a magical realm or are skeptical about its existence. De Lint's characters are often lonely and intelligent misfits whose self-discovery triumphs over plot. Described as "urban fantasy," these stories represent a hybrid genre for readers who only want one arm through the door into another world.

My View

Another fantastic collection from Charles De Lint, this collction is about teenagers and possibly more Young Adult focussed. I loved the first three stories being about Merlin, Vampires and fairies.

There was a really good cross section of characters here and the last couple of storis I found nost as good as the first but, another really good mixed assortment of stories.

My favourite story of the bunch was 'Sisters' about 2 sisters called Cassie and Apple one of whom is a vampire, and whether or not she should 'turn' her sister.

Loved this so another definite one to read from CDL, can this guy do no wrong?

Dreams Underfoot by Charles De Lint

This short story collections features 19 short stories from CDL's Newford. There is a real mixture of stories here sort of like a chocolate assortment box in a book! Lots of different and very interesting characters and many of them featuring the very likeable Jilly Coppercorn.

I love how he makes fairy tales and folklore into a modern setting and that is so prevelent here and although this is a short story collection per se the stories somehow interlink ino to each other, all being based in Newford as well.

Some say the characters are unrealistic but, for me if the characters are real and more like people in our everyday lives would it really make for such interesting reading? I think not. I love CDL's characters they are so different, some quirky mostly likeable.

I find myself with each book saying if you haven't read De Lint before then read this and I would say it about this one too - I think his short story collections are the best way to get a feel for the type of characters he creates.

If you ever want to get away from your day to day life dive into one of CDL's books they are real escapism.

The Dreaming Place by Charles De Lint

Synopsis
A compelling fantasy that combines elements of Native American and Celtic mythology to create a fluid and unexpected otherworld, open to all with the ability to enter and traverse it. Teenaged cousins Nina and Ashley have shared a bedroom since Ash's mother's death three years earlier. Ash is often sullen, uncooperative, and in trouble, and the two are usually at odds. Then a series of disturbing nightmares in which Nina finds herself awkwardly inhabiting the bodies of various animals leaves her shaken and convinced that Ash is somehow responsible. What Nina doesn't know is that Ash has stumbled into the dreaming place--the spirit world--and may be the only one who can rescue her from the hungry manitou spirit who is causing her visions. Surprising combinations of formal and informal language from both spirit and human characters help to link the worlds, making the spirit world more accessible while readers' own becomes more mysterious. The satisfying conclusion hints at more otherworldly adventures to come. While Nina is a rather bland character, Ash and her colorful friends and adversaries, and icons such as the strange tarot cards that foretell her journey and the pomegranate that is pivotal in her quest, come alive through the text.

My View

This was a very sort novel (128 pages) from CDL and was one of his earlier efforts and was perhaps not as good as his later books but, still has that brilliant CDL signature about it. Although it does switch from being quitea slog to very fast. I found Nina to be the better of the characters in tha she was nmore interesting Ashley was a little less interesting!

I did find there was not much background and I think didn't find out enough of the characters but, then this was aimed at a teen audience but, the Tarot scenes I found particularly interesting and well written.

So probably not one to read if your new to Charles De Lint but, definitely do if your a fan its just not in the league of his others.

The Blue Girl by Charles De Lint

Synopsis

Imogene Yeck, former gang member and current fairy butt-kicker, is the cool "blue girl" at the center of Charles de Lint's urban fantasy novel.

Seventeen-year-old Imogene jumps at the chance to lose her bad girl reputation when her family moves to a new town. She purposely lays low at Redding High, only making friends with Maxine, a shy, studious girl who is Imogene's opposite in every way. Despite a few run-ins with the ruling football jock and his cheerleader girlfriend, Imogene keeps her temper in check and even lends some of her bravado to Maxine, who begins to come out of her straight-A shell.

Things are going well for the new friends--until the day Imogene meets Adrian, the benign ghost of a boy who died in the school's parking lot. Adrian and Imogene's unusual connection attracts the unwelcome attention of Redding High's resident Little People, or fairies. Affronted by streetwise Imogene's lack of belief in them, the fairies set into motion a malevolent prank that will not only turn Imogene completely blue from head to toe, but pit her, Adrian and Maxine against some of the most frightening beings of the Otherworld--the soul-sucking Anamithims.

My View

This book is part of CDL's well known Newford and is a stand alone, you don't necessarily have to read the others to read this, although there is a character from others of the Newford Tales. And whilst I guess this is primarily a young adult novel and based on young adults I think most adults into this type of genre will love this, if you like Holly Blacks's faerie series I am sure you will love that not that I am drawing on any similarities.

If you have not read any of CDL's book this is probably a good starting book but, be warned you will become hooked, Charles De Lint is one of my favourite fantasy writers, and if you are a fan of Brian Fround be sure to read The Wild Wood.

The Wildwood by Charles De Lint

A young artist returns to her cabin in the deep woods of Canada to concentrate on her illustrations. But somehow, strange and beautiful creatures are slipping into her drawings and sketches. The world of Faerie is reaching out to her for help--and she may be its last chance for survival.

This is (I Think!) Charles De Lints first book and its a delightful read, based on Brian Froud's faerie drawings and is part of Brian Froud's faerieland series.

Eithne who is an artist who sees whats around her without seeing it, if that makes any kind of sense! One day when drawing a sketch she looks and sees magickal being coming from the branches and trees. But, it doesn't stop there these magickal beings seem to step out into her world and she sees them all around her.

Having read some reviews some do not rate this book too highly and maybe because it was Charles's first book it is not as good as some of his others, so yes compared to his other works this perhaps does not live up to those but, compared to other authors this book is simply excellence!

Charles de Lint is an author I would highly recommend especially if you have a love of the world of Faerie.