Frederic S. Durbin

Dragonfly by Frederic S. Durbin is a modern fairytale adventure written by an author I met at World Fantasy. I picked up the book out of curiosity and in support. There are no regrets. If I had to classify this book, I’d say it’s a little like Nightmare Before Christmas crossed with Narnia, and a good dose of unique elements.

A young girl is drawn into a world of vampires, werewolves, and monsters from other dimensions when she ignores the warning of her uncle and a mysterious character show more named Mothkin. Rather than condemning her for following Mothkin when he goes to prevent the break-in between the two worlds, Mothkin’s attitude is more that if she was there, she was supposed to be.

Bridget Anne, or Dragonfly as her uncle dubbed her, is amazed to discover the end of the laundry chute in no way resembles her uncles basement, but that amazement turns to terror and then a quiet courage as she learns that this place is full of creatures whose only goal is to turn her world into a massive feeding ground, from emotional vampires who thrive on fear to creatures that use human bodies as hosts for their spirits, this is not a nice place. And whatever her purpose in being there, it does not prevent Dragonfly from capture or loss. She has to grow through the experiences, and move beyond both terror and despair, before she can find her way to the end of the story.

Written in an aware first person narrative, the question of this book is not if she will survive but rather if she will succeed, and who among her allies will make it through as well. The writing is evocative, description reminiscent of Tolkien with elaborate details that still manage to craft a sense of place that seeps into your bones. It’s not a pretty, everything’s perfect in the end, Disney tale, but for every grim moment, something comes from it. The novel was in no way an easy read, it wasn’t popcorn to be crunched in a few short bites, but the journey was worth every bit of the time it took. show less

This was lovely, one of those gentle, fable-like stories that feels almost timeless, like a memory or the smaller moments in Narnia. Durbin’s gone out of his way to make the story placeless too, only talking about “the village” and “the mountain” and “Mrs. T——” and that helps to make this story feel … not exactly universal, but like it could have happened almost anywhere, including my own backyard and that Norwegian fjord I saw in a calendar one time. That feeling, of a show more story almost without roots, is magical in its own right, and a big part of what sucked me in.

(Then there’s the light touch of descriptions, the simple, factual narration, the truth and warmth in the characters that makes me want to meet all them—except the Major—, the surrealness of the garden and its statuary….)

As for the plot itself, I really enjoyed how small the story was, how low the stakes were. Not every story needs to have life or death, end of the world struggles to be captivating, you know? The mysteries in the garden and the danger of hiding R—— are more than enough to keep everything moving and to provide a satisfying ending. The climax felt like locking the last piece into a jigsaw, that perfect moment of understanding and release.

This is, in summary, perfectly balanced in every way, and charming because of it. Other books, you’re reading for the characters or the plot or the issues. This one, you’re reading for the experience. To wildly borrow from one of the cover blurbs, it’s a bit like getting hugged by Neil Gaiman.

Warnings: Not for this one.

8/10 show less

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Frederic S. Durbin at a local library and traded books with him. I have just finished reading his book, Dragonfly, and it turned out to be an excellent book to read in the weeks leading up to Halloween. It tells the adventures of Dragonfly, a young girl who discovers a phantasmagorical underground realm beneath the basement of her Uncle's funeral home. Sam Hain (as in Samhain, the Celtic Halloween), its evil leader, sends monsters up to steal children show more and poison the dreams of humanity. It is one of the most original tales I have read in ages, and it stands out from the other fantasy books I have read during the past decade in terms of the author's descriptions of this subterranean world. While the author's vision is highly creative and fascinating, it is his descriptions that stand out. He is as much an artist as he is an author; he paints with words, and I find myself somewhat grateful that I read the book in paperback rather than on my usual tablet because I would otherwise have found myself constantly highlighting beautifully crafted phrases, sentences, and paragraphs for future contemplation and enjoyment rather than simply enjoying being immersed in such a wonderful world. Although the heroine of the book is an adolescent girl, readers of all ages should find this a wonderfully fantastic, if frighteningly evil, world in which to while away one's autumn evenings. This book is a rare Halloween treat best savored wrapped in a warm blanket when the moon is full, the naked branches of trees tap upon the windows, and the crackle of the fire competes with the creaks of aging joists and settling staircases. Grab a mug of hot chocolate, settle back in your chair, and enjoy your trip to the dark world of Harvest Moon. show less

What I expected was a standard, but entertaining, story about partisans who hide an enemy combatant. What I got was much more delightful - a beautiful coming of age story set in a woods filled with mysterious statues. I was hooked about 30 pages in, when the author reveals the truth about Grandmother's friend. Part mystery and part fantasy, the book touches on the innocence of childhood and the longing for a secret place. The ongoing war is kept in the background, providing just a hint of show more danger, along with the aching of separation that conflict always brings. Although marketed for adults, I would give this to teens or older children as well. show less