Moonheart by Charles de Lint

Moonheart: A Romance by Charles de Lint. New York: Tom Doherty Associates, 1994. (Originally published: New York: Ace Fantasy, 1984). ISBN: 0-312-89004-4

Another fine fantasy by Mr. de Lint, whose work has become a favorite of mine in recent years. I have a goal of eventually working my way through all of his books, but I'm in no big hurry. Whenever I need something good to read, and there's nothing of interest on the new books shelf at my local library, or when none of my “on hold” items are yet available, I go look to see what de Lint is on the shelf. I read much of this one while on the plane between San Antonio and Seattle, coming back from a library conference there in January.

It would be hard to summarize what the story is about, but it involves a REALLY big old house in Toronto and those who inhabit it, and some of their adventures. The house, in conjunction with some artifacts and people with special powers, manages to exist in more than one reality at once, transporting its inhabitants into a distant other time and place where they battle an ancient and powerful force of evil. There are connections with Celtic myth of the Welsh tradition, as well as those of NorthEastern Native Americans. Lots of both physical and metaphysical action to astound and entertain you as well.

Highly recommended for serious fantasy fans, those who like something more substantial than cheap Tolkien knockoffs. See my Fantasy Index for blog entries on several other de Lint titles.