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The Quickening: Magical Realism
Winner of the 2006 COVR Award for Visionary Fiction
Most people see the Travelers as a ragged bunch of musicians, artists, and fortunetellers crossing the country in an old double-decker bus, but these magical creatures are actually the Sídhe, the Fair Folk, an ageless, magical race bringing the light of the ancient mysteries to those who are lost.
On an unforgettable night of murder and mayhem, Kathryn meets the Travelers and awakens to her true Fey nature. She and her witchy friend Merrin help the Sídhe find the ones responsible for the bombs, fires, and terror wreaked on the Southside of New Rathmore. Trouble escalates when Robin, son of Puck and Hunter the forest god, is kidnapped. Is Michael Blacker's Fundamentalist Christian cult behind these despicable acts? Can Hunter and the Sídhe rescue Robin before the young god becomes another casualty of this twisted "Inquisition?"
Most people see the Travelers as a ragged bunch of musicians, artists, and fortunetellers crossing the country in an old double-decker bus, but these magical creatures are actually the Sídhe, the Fair Folk, an ageless, magical race bringing the light of the ancient mysteries to those who are lost.
On an unforgettable night of murder and mayhem, Kathryn meets the Travelers and awakens to her true Fey nature. She and her witchy friend Merrin help the Sídhe find the ones responsible for the bombs, fires, and terror wreaked on the Southside of New Rathmore. Trouble escalates when Robin, son of Puck and Hunter the forest god, is kidnapped. Is Michael Blacker's Fundamentalist Christian cult behind these despicable acts? Can Hunter and the Sídhe rescue Robin before the young god becomes another casualty of this twisted "Inquisition?"
264 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2005
3 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 6, 2010
I greatly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to those who enjoy Charles de Lint's works of magical realism. The bulk of the story takes place in an inner city art district similar to Newford, the characters are colorful, unique and mystical, and the story engaging. Though not flawless, and perhaps a little less smoothly pulled together than some similar books I have ready, The Quickening was still an enjoyable and entertaining novel.
Ly de Angeles is obviously studied in lore and mythology, because some of her fey characters are well-structured enough for those versed in such subjects to feel fairly certain about their legendary identities. Mythic fiction and magical realism is always significantly better when the author knows what he or she is talking about, and de Angeles' knowledge of folkloric subjects further enhances her fiction.
I feel I must warn readers, however, that someone I recommended this book to viewed it as slightly anti-Christian. I don't agree with that assessment, though I may not be the best judge as I practice my own odd blend of Celtic Paganism and Christianity. The "bad guys" are a cult of Christian extremists based on Richard Girnt Butler's organization, while the "good guys" either subscribe to alternative religions, or are faeries. Personally, I saw no problem with it. The book really doesn't all paint Christians black, only extreme cults. Nonetheless it may offend some, so if you are very conservative, you may want to skip this book.
Ly de Angeles is obviously studied in lore and mythology, because some of her fey characters are well-structured enough for those versed in such subjects to feel fairly certain about their legendary identities. Mythic fiction and magical realism is always significantly better when the author knows what he or she is talking about, and de Angeles' knowledge of folkloric subjects further enhances her fiction.
I feel I must warn readers, however, that someone I recommended this book to viewed it as slightly anti-Christian. I don't agree with that assessment, though I may not be the best judge as I practice my own odd blend of Celtic Paganism and Christianity. The "bad guys" are a cult of Christian extremists based on Richard Girnt Butler's organization, while the "good guys" either subscribe to alternative religions, or are faeries. Personally, I saw no problem with it. The book really doesn't all paint Christians black, only extreme cults. Nonetheless it may offend some, so if you are very conservative, you may want to skip this book.
September 23, 2008
It is no secret that I am a fan of Ly De Angeles' writing and she has excelled again with The Quickening. Ly has a wonderful talent for taking ancient tales and characters and bringing them smack bang into the modern world - and its fabulous.
Good fiction writing for adults in which magic features is hard to find sometimes, but if that is what you are looking for, then The Quickening and its [almost:] sequel The Shining Isle (ISBN: 0738708348) are what you seek.
The Quickening tells us about Kathryn and her mundane, bland existence and what happens when she comes into contact with a band of people, known as the Travellers. The Shining Isle tells of the same band of Travellers and the story that unfolds when Holly first comes into contact with them whilst visting her Aunt Mim on the Isle of Inishrun (the Shining Isle of the title).
Ly combines the Celtic, Voodoun and asian beliefs to write a fabulous book in The Quickening, but sticks only with the Celtic clans in The Shining Isle. What is very different about these books is Ly has actualy taken the time to provide a glossary for the reader, in case there are any terms which are unfamiliar and, in The Shining Isle, references to sites that may be of interest are also provided.
I just hope that Ly De Angeles continues to write more books. Great summer holiday reading; great anytime reading.
Good fiction writing for adults in which magic features is hard to find sometimes, but if that is what you are looking for, then The Quickening and its [almost:] sequel The Shining Isle (ISBN: 0738708348) are what you seek.
The Quickening tells us about Kathryn and her mundane, bland existence and what happens when she comes into contact with a band of people, known as the Travellers. The Shining Isle tells of the same band of Travellers and the story that unfolds when Holly first comes into contact with them whilst visting her Aunt Mim on the Isle of Inishrun (the Shining Isle of the title).
Ly combines the Celtic, Voodoun and asian beliefs to write a fabulous book in The Quickening, but sticks only with the Celtic clans in The Shining Isle. What is very different about these books is Ly has actualy taken the time to provide a glossary for the reader, in case there are any terms which are unfamiliar and, in The Shining Isle, references to sites that may be of interest are also provided.
I just hope that Ly De Angeles continues to write more books. Great summer holiday reading; great anytime reading.
March 7, 2012
A wonderful book. The world is built amazingly well, but not thrown in your face; it develops as you read, and often you don't even realize how much you know about the world. Personally I loved the little language throw ins, like mo chroi and the like.
It's been some time now since I've read the book, so I can't really give an indepth review at this time. Considering how long it's been, and the fact that I can still remember this book and how much I loved it, and even why... well, I think that alone speaks volumes, at least to me.
It's been some time now since I've read the book, so I can't really give an indepth review at this time. Considering how long it's been, and the fact that I can still remember this book and how much I loved it, and even why... well, I think that alone speaks volumes, at least to me.
August 8, 2012
Sure, I may be hugely biased, but I still freaking LOVED this book. Engaging characters, intriguing plot and very thoroughly researched. More please!
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August 21, 2012Best book I ever wrote with the exception of The Shining Isle!
August 23, 2012
Creative, magical, Sidhe in pure form. I didn't just read this book, I felt as if I was right there with all the characters and events going on.
January 17, 2018
Okay read. Good story-line but writing style was not what I was used to so had to reread a few lines here and there.
May 19, 2020
Loved it!
October 4, 2020
Very confusing to follow. Too many characters all at once. Too much jumping around. Did not enjoy this book. I kept waiting for it to get good out explain things, but it didn't. It just ended...
October 27, 2012
Ly de Angeles has excelled herself with this beautiful story. I couldn't read it with just my head; I read it with my heart, my spirit. It worked it's magic invoking all manner of longings, and I dreamt of a different way of being in the world, a way that includes the Sidhe and the gods of a time that some consider past but is, to others, as immediate as the air we breathe.
The story is fast-paced and very readable, the characters left me wanting to meet every one of them personally. The idea of bringing the Sidhe of the Irish past into the present, to head off a threat and save a lost soul or two, is beautifully handled. It's tempting to say the story is believable - but that would be the wrong way round. The setting in which the Sidhe find themselves is believable - for who is to say which part of this story is truth and which part fiction?
You'll have to read it for yourself to make up your own mind. This is, after all, Magical Realism so prepare to be spellbound. If it's possible to leave a part of oneself between the pages, words and images of a book, I think I have left a part of myself in this one.
The story is fast-paced and very readable, the characters left me wanting to meet every one of them personally. The idea of bringing the Sidhe of the Irish past into the present, to head off a threat and save a lost soul or two, is beautifully handled. It's tempting to say the story is believable - but that would be the wrong way round. The setting in which the Sidhe find themselves is believable - for who is to say which part of this story is truth and which part fiction?
You'll have to read it for yourself to make up your own mind. This is, after all, Magical Realism so prepare to be spellbound. If it's possible to leave a part of oneself between the pages, words and images of a book, I think I have left a part of myself in this one.
September 23, 2008
The concept of the story is great, and the plot line excellent. However, I feel as though the actual execution of the plot line fell a little flat. There are many interruptions, sometimes 2 or 3 chapters long, giving background information in a manner very reminiscent of Billy Budd, though not as frequent or as annoying. However, most of these backgrounds were rather lengthy, more so that they needed to be to get the pertinent information across.
Also, understanding that the nature of the legends involved are heavily Irish, it was very difficult to keep things straight when most of the names and places are in archaic forms. Not to bash the rich history of Ireland, mind, but it was difficult for me to read as such.
Also, understanding that the nature of the legends involved are heavily Irish, it was very difficult to keep things straight when most of the names and places are in archaic forms. Not to bash the rich history of Ireland, mind, but it was difficult for me to read as such.
October 14, 2008
I found it difficult to figure out who's who. Once you get past that, it's an intriguing book which opens your mind to new ideas (or very old ones). The book doesn't read itself - if you know what I mean - it takes a bit of work. That said, it is an almost locationless book which means you can almost imagine it being anywhere.
May 7, 2009
I wanted to like this book, since the author seems to have published quite a bit. Unfortunately, I found the plot to be ho-hum and the dialogue unrealistic. Not unrealistic because it's a fantasy novel, but unrealistic in that hard to swallow, uncomfortable, poorly scripted way that interrupts the seamless flow of the story. I also didn't feel an attraction to any of the characters.
September 7, 2010
too many characters doing too much...
March 21, 2015
Enh...it was ok, lost me at the end.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews