At turns whimsical, dark, and mystical, this extraordinary collection of retold fairy tales and new, modern myths redefine the boundaries of magic. Compiling favored stories suggested by the author and his fans, this delightful treasury contains the most esteemed and beloved selections that de Lint has to offer. Innovative characters in unexpected places are the key to each plot: playful Crow Girls who sneak into the homes of their sleeping neighbors; a graffiti artist who risks everything to expose a long-standing conspiracy; a half-human girl who must choose between her village and her strange birthright; and an unrepentant trickster who throws one last party to reveal a folkloric tradition. Showcasing some of the finest offerings within the realms of urban fantasy and magical realism, this essential compendium of timeless tales will charm and inspire.
Browse the best books of summer including blockbusters, beach reads, and editors' picks in our Summer Reading Store. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
The selections for this collection of de Lint’s short pieces were made by both the author and his fans. It was a labor of love for them all.The stories, retold fairy tales and the modern doings of mythical beings, were published between 1984 and 2005, and include “Into the Green,” “Crow Girls,” “The Conjure Man,” “The Moon Is Drowning While I Sleep,” “A Wish Named Arnold,” and 24 others. A must for de Lint completists and fantasy/myth lovers. --Frieda Murray
Review
"Charles de Lint is the modern master of urban fantasy. Folktale, myth, fairy tale, dreams, urban legend—all of it adds up to pure magic in de Lint’s vivid, original world. No one does it better." —Alice Hoffman, author, Here in the Future
"A master storyteller, he blends Celtic, Native American, and other cultures into a seamless mythology that resonates with magic and truth." —Library Journal
"An outstanding and widely varied collection of 29 tales . . . Longtime fans and newcomers alike will fall in love with de Lint's graceful, poetic language and characters." —Publishers Weekly
"More than 400 pages of the finest urban fantasy fiction of the past three decades." —Ottawa Citizen
"A strong, thoroughly enjoyable, thoroughly magical story that takes advantage of native myths and lore to create something entirely new, yet quietly familiar." —SF Site
"These stories are lovely . . . definitely worth picking up." —San Francisco Book Review
"These are stories for those who love reading." —Locus
"Essential reading for anyone who is new to de Lint or has previously read only his novels." —Interzone
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Customer Reviews
Share your thoughts with other customers
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Charles de Lint writes Fantasy. Now when folks think "Fantasy" they think wizards, dragons, unicorns, knights, princesses and swordfights. But although Charles De Lint is one of the Masters of Modern Fantasy, there's very little of that here. Certainly, there's one short story with Merlin himself, and a few more with what could be considered wizards. There's a dragon (sort of), a different sort of vampire tale and a swordfight. But most are more "Urban Fantasy".
However, that tag is not quite right either. Most "Urban Fantasy" is dark and gritty or has vampires. And, although a number of the stories here are rather sad & melancholy, the over all tone is more lighthearted and whimsical- romantic without a lot of what today is considered "romance", if you get what I mean.
In other words, Charles de Lint writes stories like no one else, stories which are hard to categorize. Many of the stories here are set in "Newford" a town reminiscent (to me, anyway) of Seattle or Vancouver.
Here's a complete list, courtesy of the publisher:
In Which We Meet Jilly Coppercorn
Coyote Stories
Laughter in the Leaves
The Badger in the Bag
And the Rafters Were Ringing
Merlin Dreams in the Mondream Wood
The Stone Drum
Timeskip
Freewheeling
A Wish Named Arnold
Into the Green
The Graceless Child
Winter Was Hard
The Conjure Man
We Are Dead Together
Mr.... Read more ›
However, that tag is not quite right either. Most "Urban Fantasy" is dark and gritty or has vampires. And, although a number of the stories here are rather sad & melancholy, the over all tone is more lighthearted and whimsical- romantic without a lot of what today is considered "romance", if you get what I mean.
In other words, Charles de Lint writes stories like no one else, stories which are hard to categorize. Many of the stories here are set in "Newford" a town reminiscent (to me, anyway) of Seattle or Vancouver.
Here's a complete list, courtesy of the publisher:
In Which We Meet Jilly Coppercorn
Coyote Stories
Laughter in the Leaves
The Badger in the Bag
And the Rafters Were Ringing
Merlin Dreams in the Mondream Wood
The Stone Drum
Timeskip
Freewheeling
A Wish Named Arnold
Into the Green
The Graceless Child
Winter Was Hard
The Conjure Man
We Are Dead Together
Mr.... Read more ›
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Dana
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
And here I thought I had read everything by Charles DeLint. Fabulous stories that were new to me and what a great idea and way to show that you appreciate your readers by allowing them to determine what will be in the book. Must have for C. DeLint fans!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I like De Lint's writing a lot, but even his greatest fan would have to admit that his work is uneven. His best is very good indeed, but it's not all of that quality, and some of the very early stuff is pretty mediocre. That said, this is an excellent collection of many of his best stories, without a clunker among them. Few writers do the urban-fantasy leprechauns-in-Toronto genre as well, and there's a kindness and humanity in much of his work I find very appealing. "Crow Girls" is particularly good. This book would be a fine introduction to his stories, and the cover art by Charles Vess is delightful.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Bronwyn
Format:Kindle Edition
A reliable source of wood & fire for our souls. Always anticipated, however each piece over steps our expectations. Each creation picks up a hue in the heart and soul, drawing out more than rainbows. when I pass from this world, I'd love to full out eternity in de Lint's creations.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Susan Kleppe
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love these short story books Charles writes. When I don't have tie to get involved in a whole book, I can have a little bite of wonder at a moments notice, and all these stories are stellar! Thank you for doing this for your fans!.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
a big fan and read all his works! I love the characters, the story lines. Makes you think about what is reality and what might be possible.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I was so excited to find so many deLint titles available on Amazon. Of course I had to get the best of. Have found some familiar friends and stories in the collection but some new ones too. I am enjoying every minute in the worlds created by this talented author. The book arrived promptly and is in good condition. I actually like holding a book someone else has read, especially if it is one I enjoy. Makes you feel in good company some how.
By sassenach
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love Charles Delint! He is a fantastic storyteller. I especially love his Newford Stories. The fantasy elements in the urban setting are great. You never know what you are seeing as you walk down the street...
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
