Book Review: Moonheart by Charles de Lint

Moonheart

by Charles de Lint (E-audiobook)

 

My science fiction book club recently read this 1984 work by Charles de Lint, who is scheduled to be one of the Guests of Honor at the World Science Fiction Convention (a.k.a. “The WorldCon”) in Chicago, in September 2022. De Lint is considered a master of contemporary Urban Fantasy, in which the creatures of myth and legend exist side by side with our modern world of cars, computers, television and smartphones. He is also respected for his contributions to the literary field of “magical realism”.

 

Moonheart is actually only his second novel (he’s gone on to several dozen novels), and it feels like an early work. But it feels like an early work by an author who’s having fun getting his footing in the fantasy field. This novel fuses old-world Celtic mythology with new-world Native American mythology, in a plot involving characters on personal quests to learn more about mystic powers they find themselves imbued with, and an ancient enmity between powerful demi-gods that’s been building up for thousands of years. There’s a gigantic old Ottawa mansion that exists simultaneously in multiple layers of reality and holds mystical powers of its own against the forces of darkness. There’s an odd grab-bag of characters, ranging from a stodgy old street cop, to a young woman running an antique store, to mob thugs, to an itinerant Celtic musician (who’s also a wizard-in-training).

 

In the end, Moonheart is an energetic romp, that sometimes feels like it has stepped outside the margins it should have remained inside. But there are so many interesting characters, and so many fascinating things happening to them, that you’ll find yourself pulled along with the story. And if you end up enjoying this, you’ve got a lot more Charles de Lint to catch up on, for both adults and teens. Most recommended of is are his extensive, interconnected Newford stories and novels. It’s clear that he’s definitely had an influence on the many authors who’ve come to popularize the Urban Fantasy genre in more recent years, including Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, Carrie Vaughn and so many more.

[Disclaimer: I read this in paperback form, but the libraries currently have this only as a digital audiobook through our Hoopla service. I’m sure the audiobook is enjoyable in its own right, but there were so many characters, with so many unusual names (particularly those from the Native American background) that I really appreciated being able to see the names spelled out!]

[ Wikipedia page for Moonheart ] | [ official Charles de Lint web site ]

 

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Services

 

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