Endicott Mythic Fiction discussion

I am on chapter 4 already. I must say that I am thoroughly enjoying this. I love the descriptions the author uses and how not much is known about the heroine in the beginning, but as you continue reading, everything starts to make sense and things about the heroine's past are revealed. Being an artist myself, I can relate to how Ethane feels at times and understand what she is going through having trouble with her art and "inner landscape" :) . It sort of inspires me to paint something mythical as well. I am looking forward to seeing what the main plot of the story is about.

I am now on page 170 something. So far, this books is really good. It is now starting to get into the more mythical part of the book and not just about the life of the heroine. This is the first Charles De Lint book I have ever read even though I have five or so of his books. The descriptive writing he uses paints a lovely picture in the mind of the reader yet leaves a lot to their interpretation, which I like. Not going to spoil this until we discuss it at the end of the month :).

I just finished it last night. Beautiful story. I really loved it. So what did you all think? What was the most interesting aspect of the book? Again, will not spoil until people start discussing the book :P. The characters were great in my opinion.. My favorites is Sharleen. She has got attitude! Well, guess there is nothing to do now but wait. Take care all :). Salam my friends.

Since it's now April 1st everyone should have read it so there shouldn't be worry about spoilers?
This was a reread for me, but it was quite awhile ago, so while familiar, the story was like new. I was taken by De Lint's colorful and magical descriptions. He writes in a way that takes me out of my mundane world and through the veil. His stories deal with the dark side of faerie as well, which I appreciate. It was sad, thinking that in that pristine wilderness the story takes place in, that the faerie are dying. Of course De Lint has written enough about urban faery to give me hope that they adapt and survive (I believe!!) De Lint writes often about artists and the other side coming through art. I find that interesting.

Christine wrote: "Since it's now April 1st everyone should have read it so there shouldn't be worry about spoilers?
This was a reread for me, but it was quite awhile ago, so while familiar, the story was like new. ..."

I really enjoyed the book. His style of writing is very different from the non-urban fantasy stories I have read, and it does take you to another world where it can be seen in not only the main character's point of view, but through the supporting character's as well. Joe saw faeries as monkeys while Ethenie saw them more as nature spirits. I agree with you Christine, the story is sad knowing that nature is dying, and faery along with it, which does give the book a darker view of urban fantasy. I am also upset that Ethenie's child must leave someday. By the way, do you think it was Joe or Albin who came to her? Or do you think they are the same person. I do not think it was Joe. I think it was Albin because Joe kept talking about faeries like monkies and said he was afraid that if he ever spoke of them, they would leave. What other De Lint book do you recommend, btw?

Hmm...Joe, Albin, I think they are one and the same archetype. Joe is very fae, he is thought to be a shapeshifter, Eithne sees him as the trickster.
"She couldn't tell who it was, only that it was a man.
She thought it was Joe, then she thought it was Albin." The description she gives is a collage of different characters, the man even wears Broceliande's mask. It is the male aspect of the spirit of the forest combining with Eithne (whose name in Irish means kernal)to create the seed for the new grove. I really like this idea, it is so hopeful. So while it may not physically be Joe, his spirit is within this archetype.

The concept of seeing faery in the context of your culture and belief system is similar to my belief and others of peoples vision of "heaven". We all come from a different perspective and will see what is across the veil within that familiar range. Joe sees monkeys, Eithne sees, well, Froud type images :)

As for Delint recommendatins, I would start at the beginning and work my way through. They are ALL good. He was the first urban fantasy writer I found, so I am a bit partial to him as he helped open my eyes to the fae world around me!

Christine wrote: "Hmm...Joe, Albin, I think they are one and the same archetype. Joe is very fae, he is thought to be a shapeshifter, Eithne sees him as the trickster.
"She couldn't tell who it was, only that it wa..."

Wow! That makes a lot of sense about Joe and Albin (Still a bit confusing, but I think I get it :P). Thanks for clearing that up for me. That is deep! One thing I loved in the book is the description the author gives of nature. Canada and Arizona sound great! I would love to visit both. Australia is one of the main places I want to go to as well. One of the best books of faery stories I have read is the "Faery Reel." It is amazing. Speaking of Brian Froud, I love his art and his books. I am a huge fan! Trying to find what De Lint book to start on after reading "The Mist" and "New Moon;" since I can't participate in this month's book discussion. I am happy to say that I currently have the book for May's discussion. Huge fan of Patricia McKillip as well :). You know, if you have facebook, you can ad me so that we may keep in touch even though we are far away (half-way across the world, to be precise). Take care my friend. Salam Christine.

Yes, DeLint's descriptions of places takes you right there. Right now it is snowing (!!!!!)I'm thinking about rereading those descriptions of Arizona...
I do have facebook, I'll look you up:)

I do love spending time in deLint's world!

Joe is my favorite character. I haven't actually finished yet, but I did finally get to the mythic part. =) I have to finish so I can start April's book (which is my pick!)

I want to read this months book, it sounds wonderful, I have to order it, so I'll be catching up!

Christine wrote: "Yes, DeLint's descriptions of places takes you right there. Right now it is snowing (!!!!!)I'm thinking about rereading those descriptions of Arizona...
I do have facebook, I'll look you up:)"

Thank you. Really? Believe it or not, This year was the first year I ever had to experience snow when I was staying with my mom and grandmother in Kentucky. It was bitter-sweet because my grandmother passed away, I only got to build a snowman once, but that was a marvelous experience. I want to read this month's book, but I can't get my hands on it here. I may be able to later on. Well, take care my friend. Salam Christine.

Reem wrote: "I want to read this month's book, but I can't get my hands on it here. I may be able to later on."

Reem, check out the discussion for this month's book - I left a link to a free podcast of the author reading the book! =)

Oh my! I just finished the book!

When I saw my name on the chapter heading after they conceive, I gasped! It woke up my husband, hehe. I had to explain to him what I was reading and why seeing my name made me gasp and laugh and then cry.

deLint knows magic, and surprise surprise - sent a little seed of magic in his book, and I got the message!

~Lia, doing her best to save the planet and faerie as well...

Lia wrote: "Reem wrote: "I want to read this month's book, but I can't get my hands on it here. I may be able to later on."

Reem, check out the discussion for this month's book - I left a link to a free podca..."

Thanks Lia!

I read this a couple of months ago and while it was enjoyable, it did not ring my bell. I guess I have read many faery tales with a similar theme, and this one didn't seem to say much that was new to me. However, my daughter, who is in college, read it also and commented that this would be her ideal life: living in a remote, beautiful forest and creating art.

I finally got to finish this and loved it. The magic. The contrasts of reality. The statisfying hel she gives them. I never knew what to expect next. And the illustrations were gorgeous. Froud is always impressive but the concept was for his work to inspire the story and THAT it did.