The Riddle of the Wren

A good early book of Charles de Lint's, and one that is in contrast to his later works, including the ones like "Moonheart" set in modern-day Toronto and early Britain and his more established Newford works.

It pulls from much Celtic mythology, with the Erlkin standing in for Elves, tall menhir, gates to travel between the worlds, and a version of the Tuatha de Danaan who are the undiminished Good Folk. Young Minda is living with a man she knows is her father who is an innkeeper and a mean, abusive dolt. Fortunately she has friends and support, and when her dreams are keeping her from going to sleep she learns that it is time for her to move on. Her adventure takes her to a menhir where Jan, trapped inside, gives her a protective show more talisman and a new name, "Talenyn" meaning "Little Wren."

Her flight from Ildran, the Dream Master who has been sending these nightmares, takes her to other worlds and a slew of new people, including a scholar, Huorn the Hunter, a talking badger, and a mischievous tinker. She learns to believe in herself and her own strength by the very end, and the worlds are better for it.

It is obviously an early work of de Lint's, with a slew of almost-Celtic terms abounding (almost too many) and a female protagonist whom he treats with respect and dignity, and creates a place where her story can grow. The idea of taw comes in here, as does an elder race and the idea of a world that is not-quite-ours. Our world is richer for this book. show less

I suppose it's hard for an author to do high fantasy without sounding derivative anymore. But spare me - it's REALLY hard for a reader to slog through page upon page of made-up mythology/religion related by a wizard in high-fantastic-wizardly diction. The reader is at the point of succumbing to terminal boredom, but the be-lectured characters just sit there mesmerized and put in the odd fascinated comment while the reader skips and skims like mad. De Lint is never tedious when he writes urban fiction. This book has high points and I've enjoyed them, but I can't imagine setting down one of the Newford novels 2/3 of the way through in sheer boredom without caring how it ended. I eventually finished it, but the last two paragraphs were so show more derivative that I wished I hadn't! show less

This early work by de Lint is a traditional style fantasy. Minda Sealy is having nightmares and when she actually brings something out of one of those dreams she realises the danger she is in and ends up travelling through worlds.

In this book you can see the seeds of where de Lint's imagination will take him. Elements from traditional mythology with his own personal twist. Themes of abuse and friendship, quests and the "family of the heart". Not his strongest work but still a very enjoyable read.

Minda Sealy, a girl plagued by nightmares, journeys across worlds. She vows to rescue Jan, the Lord of the Moors, from the evil Dreammaster while discovering her own identity and power.

A sentimental favorite since it was my first de Lint. However, trying to judge it somewhat objectively, I'd say it shows that it was one of his earliest works. It's a fun read for the target YA audience but he has gotten better as an author as his career progressed.

Charles de Lint’s first novel (not his first published, but his first written) before he moved on to his Newford books. Minda Sealy has always had bad dreams in which she is terrified. One night while asleep she meets Jan (Lord of the Moors) who has been imprisoned by Ildran the Dream Master. He is trying to capture Minda and imprison her too in his rise for power. Jan gives Minda three tokens and the next morning she finds a way to flee her father and begin a journey to find and rescue Jan.

On her travels she uses standing stones to travel between different worlds. She makes many friends, some are human and others are various different fae creatures and animals who can speak. Together they must battle Ildran and the evil creatures he show more sends after Minda in their many forms.

De Lint incorporates much Celtic lore and mythology in this many-worlds novel which I really enjoyed. It is a story of discovery and coming of age as well. I have only read some of his Newford books and short stories prior to this and it is very different, but still has his lyrical storytelling and excellent characterisation. Recommended to all fantasy and Charles de Lint fans. show less

A very early example of de Lint's work. I'd recommend his later novels instead (his Newford urban fantasy/magical realism books are wonderful). This reads well enough as straight high-fantasy and, with that young heroine coming into her strength, had a very YA feel. It wasn't to my taste but a well-written tale nonetheless. I'd recommend it to rather young readers and particularly rabid fans of de Lint.