Customer Reviews

Someplace to Be Flying

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I resisted reading something by Charles de Lint for a long time after one negative review from a friend. Finally, I decided to get a book by him one day just to take a look.

I am so glad I did. This was an amazing book, and by far my favorite urban fantasy. I haven't read much in this genre before, but I certaintly plan to now, as well as read more books by de Lint. The characters were great; there's no way you can get through it without loving Zia and Maida (or laughing out loud at their dialogues), and many of the other characters. While at points, especially toward the end, the plot thinned some, and turned just a bit too much into your typical 'let's go save the world from ultimate evil and make everything good' fantasy, the characters and the great background of _Someplace to be Flying's_ world carried it through. All fantasy lovers, even those who normally stick to a less modern type, should read this.

I'm not sure what book some other reviewers read who posted less than favorable comments, but this book was easily one of the top 5 books I've ever read. Given that I have multiple large containers of books, you will understand that I've read quite a lot. With this book, I never wanted to set it down, but I started reading on a business trip and unfortunately work kept interfering with my reading! I did; however, recommend it to some of the people I was working with while only part way through the book. I was ready to read it again as soon as I finished! The characters De Lint develops are extremely engaging as is the storyline he pursues. As someone who is interested in Native American folklore, as well as mythology and folklore in general, the ideas presented in this book were very intriguing. I found this book genuine enough, and realistic enough, that I was ready to start looking for animal people around me. The story may have shifted to different viewpoints throughout, but I had no trouble keeping up and had no confusion as to view or place while reading. My only disappointment is that I do not believe that there are any additional books with these characters as I would love to read more about their lives and their adventures. As it is, I went out and bought 4 or 5 more De Lint books to read. Enjoy!

I've read this book so often that the cover is almost falling off. I've got passages underlined and used to have them memorized. This is by far the best Delint book out there. I love it.

The Crow Girls crack me up and at the same time frighten me. They can be sweet as pie and suddenly dangerous. I love how they like to smell the bacon rather than eat it. How they tried to steal a disco ball.

I also loved Coyote. he is always one of my favorite characters. Always trying to undo the things he's done. Always causing trouble.

It's captivating and beautiful. The end is interesting and sad and happy all at once. Read it. It's lovely.

For me, this book has all of the strengths (the great ensemble cast, the mythological background, in this case, Native American, and of course, the power of the story itself), and almost none of the admittedly few weaknesses (dialogue tends to ramble a bit in some tales at times) of Charles De Lint.

And then, of course, there are the Crow Girls. Very, very!

There's a lot going on in this story (544 pages worth in the paperback edition), and it's all deliciously satisfying for this reader. In particular, Jack Daw walking into the nest of vermin that tortured and killed his beloved is one of the more compelling and unsettling descriptions of raw violence and vengeance that this reader has encountered from this author.

One of the very best examples of "urban mythology," and if you like that, or you even think you might like that, check it out.

This book is undoubtedly one of Charles de Lint's best novels. It captures the magic and mythos of the Native American legends of the shapechangers and the animal people. He brings to life the ancient legends of Raven, Coyote, Fox, and Crow, through the characters of the mystical corbae; Raven, the engimatic keeper; Coyote, the Trickster who always tries to do good, but always fails; Fox, the canid who has to decides whether he wants to be Trickster's pawn; and the fun, but dangerous Crow Girls. And in the middle of the corbae, are the people that Coyote brought into this world, and whom the ancient enemies of the corbae will destroy to get what they want. The entire story is set in a city much like yours or mine, and could be unfolding at this very moment.

One of life's greatest pleasures (aside from Belgian chocolates, and these two are best indulged in together!) is tracking down, then opening a Charles de Lint book for the first time. Just reading the acknowledgements sets the scene for the feast of reading waiting and the eclectic quotes and lyrics preceding the story make me wish I had a better knowledge and appreciation of those sources.

When Hank's attempt to rescue Lily from a vicious attacker turns to disaster, the intervention of a pair of almost identical "punky" girls sees the attacker killed, Hank and Lily's injuries miraculously healed, and both of them curiously calm and undisturbed by the experience. But they both realise their home town has whole other layers that each had hardly glimpsed before. Were Jack Daw's stories more than that? Separately and together, they peel back those layers to the very beginning, realising along the way that not everyone is as they seem and 'family' is not necessarily something you're born into.

Charles de Lint makes you believe in a world your rational mind never considered, but for which your soul secretly yearns. His characters are so well defined that, no matter how unique their origins, you feel you would recognise them in a room of strangers. But with the Crow Girls, de Lint's genius for characterisation goes beyond excellence. Try reading their dialogue aloud!

Don't plan on getting much sleep until you turn the last page. Even then, the story might have been told, but the experience will go on.

Absolutely loved this book...but would have gotten 5 stars if Mr. De Lint had cut down on all the characters. Loved the Crow girls, Jack, Cody, Bo...but a great example of what I mean is that instead of spending all that time with Rory, I would have liked more Lilly and Hank, which is whom I thought most of the story would be based around.

Overall, this was a great story about good vs. evil, belief vs. not believing...A truly magical story involving some good action sequences, a bit of horror (Nettie and the Morgans was a truly chilling piece of the story)...I'm now a fan of the author and will seek out more of his novels.
Definitely recommended!!

deLint's construction of Newford and the folk who live there are so entrancing that as soon as you open the book you are there. I never want to leave, which is why I read his Newford books over and over again. This latest edition to Newford mythology kept me enthralled - I couldn't put it down. And as soon as I finished it I wanted to start over again. This is by far the best deLint book I have read so far (and I have read most). Spellbinding!

DeLint is the kind of author who makes you slow down and actually read the work. While today's popular fiction tends to follow the very American concept of instant gratification, DeLint demands of his readers that they be patient, attentive and open minded.

'Some Place to be Flying' is a glowing example of what an author can do when they understand the craft of writing and the craft of seducing an audience. Despite my early apprehensions about such a large group of characters and the various story threads connected to each distinct character, DeLint manages to bring things together in such a sublime fashion you'll not even realize he's done it. He makes complex writing look simple.

Moreover, his characters are all their own person's, with needs, worries and hopes that make them brilliant, alive and empathetic. Even in dealing with situations based far from a character's expected reality, DeLint manages to maintain the tension and energy of that character so you, the reader, continue to turn the page.

I was amazed by this book: the stories that populate the pages have stayed with me from the moment I put the book down, and I've been an avid DeLint fan ever since.

BB

Someplace to be Flying is the story of a gypsy cab driver and a freelance photographer who meet each other during a chance encounter with the "Animal People" in a dark alley in the familiar setting of Newford. This glimpse into a magical other world leaves them reeling, and as they seek out an explanation for the impossible, they are drawn deeper into the world of the Animal People, and the ongoing war between Raven and Coyote.

Someplace to be Flying starts out with a bang, but then slows down to introduce a large and varied cast of supporting characters and some mythology and backstory. Once the action starts up, though, it is almost impossible to put the book down. It draws you along as you get absorbed into Charles de Lint's vivid, detailed descriptions of his world.

While Charles de Lint normally focuses on the smaller magics and hidden mysteries that surround us on a daily basis, Someplace to be Flying has a much larger focus. The final battle is over an object of such incredible power that it has the ability to destroy the entire world. This enlarged scope adds to the power of the story, and is as close to epic fantasy as de Lint gets.

De Lint's story telling capabilities shine in Someplace to be Flying and this book deserves an extra star for the creation of the Crow Girls, two of the most memorable, quixotic, original characters I've ever read. They add a fascinating touch of dark whimsy to the story. De Lint treats the Native American mythology with respect, while still creating a compelling urban fantasy novel.