Charles de Lint

Biography

Charles de Lint is a full-time writer and musician who makes his home in Ottawa, Canada. This author of more than seventy adult, young adult, and children’s books has won the World Fantasy, Aurora, Sunburst, and White Pine awards, among others. Modern Library's Top 100 Books of the 20th Century poll, voted on by readers, put eight of de Lint's books among the top 100. De Lint is also a poet, artist, songwriter, performer and folklorist, and he writes a monthly book-review column for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. For more information, visit his web site at www.charlesdelint.com.

Where to find Charles de Lint online

Books

The Wild Wood
Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 43,740. Language: English. Published: October 27, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Eithnie, a painter living in the remote Eastern woodlands of Canada, finds strange and beautiful creatures slipping unbidden into her sketches. It feels charming and somewhat eerie, until she realizes that these visitors' cryptic messages are connected to a promise made in her own forgotten past. Now the world of Faerie is reaching out to her for help.
Somewhere in My Mind There Is a Painting Box
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 10,920. Language: English. Published: September 30, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
This short story related to The Cats of Tanglewood Forest features Lillian at 17 years old. Her discovery of a long-lost paint box in the forest, her love of making art, her very first kiss, and the draw of a magical world all combine in this bittersweet tale about having to make a difficult choice.
The Dreaming Place
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 42,970. Language: English. Published: February 5, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Nina and her cousin Ash don’t get along, but now have to share a room. Plagued by nightly dreams about becoming an animal, Nina fears that Ash, who dabbles in the occult, is responsible. More terrifying still, the nightmares start to invade Nina’s waking hours. But an ancient evil has marked one of them, and if either is going to survive they’ll have to stand united against the greater threat.
Promises to Keep
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 56,700. Language: English. Published: November 3, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
In Jilly’s journey from being the junkie street kid she was, to the cheerful character we know from later Newford tales, she navigates the perils of loyalty to old friends versus new ones. Facing hard choices, Jilly must decide whether she's worthy of genuine friendship, promises, and life itself.
Yarrow
Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 87,380. Language: English. Published: October 23, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Hunted unknowingly by a vampire-like creature that feeds on psychic essence, author Cat Midhir has suddenly stopped dreaming of her beloved Otherworld, and now she can no longer write. A solitary person, Cat must reach out not only to save herself, but to discover the power of love and friendship.
Svaha
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 92,050. Language: English. Published: October 18, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Apocalyptic, Fiction » Science fiction » Cyberpunk
In 2094, technology shields Native Enclaves from a world of pollution and corruption. In the outer ruins, a Native flyer with vital secrets is lost. Gahzee must find it—walking the line between Dreamtime and Realtime, bringing his people's ancient magic and new science to bear on the poisoned world.
Greenmantle
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 118,710. Language: English. Published: September 25, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Not far from the city there is an ancient wood, forgotten by the modern world, where Mystery walks in the moonlight. He wears the shape of a stag, or a goat, or a horned man wearing a cloak of leaves. He is summoned by the music of the pipes or a fire of bones on Midsummer's Evening. He is chased by the hunt and shadowed by the wild girl.
The Very Best of Charles de Lint
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 163,160. Language: English. Published: July 29, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
When asked to choose his “very best” stories, Charles de Lint went directly to his fans, who helped him select this collection of timeless, magical tales. From his beloved Newford to the streets of modern Ottawa, these stories take you effortlessly to a place where mystery and myth are right next door.
Riding Shotgun
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 14,690. Language: English. Published: April 2, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Marshall Coe’s shiftless, troubled life has led to tragedy. In this riveting novella, he’s suddenly given the chance to go back in time and fix his one big mistake, but Marshall finds that altering history has unexpected consequences. Caught between worlds alongside a young woman with an equally difficult past, they discover that sometimes things happen for a reason.
Newford Stories: Crow Girls
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 45,020. Language: English. Published: March 24, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Charles de Lint’s readers have been asking him to put together story collections featuring their favourite Newford characters. The crow girls are among his best-loved characters, so de Lint obliged by gathering their stories all under one roof. Some other members of the Newford repertory company show up here, but at the forefront of each story are these two wild girls with their big personalities.
The Wishing Well
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 25,360. Language: English. Published: March 18, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
This gripping novella set in Newford is a cautionary tale about Brenda Perry, who bears deep scars from the loss of her father. Poor body image and low self-esteem lead to the resurgence of Brenda’s eating disorder and a collapse in the structure of her life. Ghosts, water spirits and wraiths all appear in this tale where there are no easy answers—only opportunities to live and fight another day.
Timeskip
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,570. Language: English. Published: February 28, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
Its opening sentence, "Every time it rains a ghost comes walking," is the perfect start to this beautiful, bittersweet story about the hesitant first steps of a relationship. Featuring Newford fiddler Geordie Riddell, it's a gentle story of love, loss and the bonds of friendship. First published in Post Mortem edited by Paul F.Olson and David B. Silva, 1989; also appears in Dreams Underfoot.
Ghosts of Wind and Shadow
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 11,990. Language: English. Published: February 12, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
When the restrictions and strife of her home life finally become too much, Lesli Betterberry runs away from home. But the freedom she hopes to find on the street is an illusion and she soon finds herself in far worse circumstances. Featured in this story are otherworldly musicians Cerin and Meran Kelledy, who must use their gifts of music and magic to try to find the girl.
Paperjack
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 13,110. Language: English. Published: February 9, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
Set in Newford and featuring musician Geordie Riddell, this novella about a homeless man called Paperjack is classic de Lint—a poignant, mysterious tale about love, loss and learning how to move on. A finalist for the World Fantasy Award, Paperjack is a standalone story, but picks up some of the threads of a previous tale called "Timeskip."
Where Desert Spirits Crowd the Night
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 16,260. Language: English. Published: January 18, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
A charming novella about one of Newford’s best-loved characters: artist and dreamer Sophie Etoile. Lured by mystical Native American flute-player Kokopelli, Sophie opens a door in her dreams only to find herself in the wild Sonoran desert, her way back vanished. In her quest to return she gets sidetracked by Coyote, up to his usual mischief. A poignant tale touching on loss, hope and community.
Trader
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 161,230. Language: English. Published: November 15, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Max, a renowned guitar-maker lives a solitary quiet life in Newford. Johnny is a small-time con man. When they inexplicably wake up in each other's bodies, Johnny welcomes Max's stable life, leaving Max with the shambles of Devlin’s. Penniless, friendless and homeless, Max eventually finds himself in a strange otherworld where he must confront his past, future and the very essence of his identity.
The Little Country
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 191,680. Language: English. Published: November 1, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
When Janey Little finds a secret manuscript in an attic trunk, strange, frightening things begin to happen. Two intriguing plotlines expertly weave Janey’s story with the one she’s reading. Mounting tension makes two Cornish seaside villages come alive with magic & mystery. One of de Lint’s best-loved novels—a fantastic tale dealing with ancient standing stones, the power of music, and friendship.
Jodi and the Witch of Bodbury
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 62,130. Language: English. Published: October 26, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General
A lyrical tale filled with whimsy, danger and intrigue, where a witch or her fetch may cast spells on anyone unawares, where dead men talk and Smalls—tiny people—are alive. Originally appearing as a story-within-a-story in de Lint’s acclaimed novel The Little Country, now the magical tale of Jodi Shepherd’s adventures, published on its own, can be enjoyed by young adults as well as mature readers.
Drink Down the Moon: Jack of Kinrowan Book 2
Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 75,240. Language: English. Published: September 17, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary, Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
In JACK THE GIANT KILLER, where magical creatures carry on a secret existence in modern Ottawa, Jacky Rowan once slew giants. In this thrilling sequel, she’s tricked then enslaved by a master of viscious, Unseelie creatures. Only the Moon herself and a handsome young fiddler, unaware of Faerie and the power of his music, have the magic to set Jacky free. Includes new afterword.
Jack the Giant-Killer (Jack of Kinrowan Book 1)
Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 65,080. Language: English. Published: April 15, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Urban, Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
When Jacky's boyfriend walks out, her life changes more than she could ever imagine. In a fit of angst she chops off her long blond hair then goes out to wander the streets of Ottawa. There she's startled by a faceless gang of bikers attacking a small man whose body disappears, leaving behind only a red cap. The cap shows Jacky an unimaginable side of Ottawa and sets her on an impossible quest.
Memory and Dream
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 193,530. Language: English. Published: February 6, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Studying under painter Vincent Rushkin, young artist Isabelle becomes so adept that her paintings take on a life of their own. This riveting novel is about the power of art; about love, loyalty and the depths of friendship; innocence, cruelty, greed & denial; and the intertwining of these. It’s about facing buried memories and dreams, and ultimately, the fragility and strength of the human spirit.
Someplace to Be Flying
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 171,300. Language: English. Published: October 27, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Native American legends meld with modern life in a riveting urban fantasy involving normal human beings and the city of Newford's oldest residents—the "animal people." Meet Hank the brave gypsy cab driver whose life collides in a brutal incident with that of Lily, a photojournalist in the wrong place at the wrong time; and the much-beloved crow girls, who will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Spiritwalk
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 124,240. Language: English. Published: October 16, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Prepare yourself for enchantments dark and bright, where modern characters and old spirits meet and walk between worlds, and ultimately, wage a battle that threatens the existence of Tamson House—a strange, rambling old house and haven for artists, musicians, writers and others: Blue, the biker; Emma, the Autumn Lady; Esmeralda, the Westlin Wind; and a host of other unforgettable characters.
Moonheart
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 187,840. Language: English. Published: July 4, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
A tale of music, motorcycles and fey folk, this award-winning novel propelled author Charles de Lint to his status as a master of urban fantasy. Unique to this edition: a new afterword by de Lint reminiscing on the impact of his seminal work. Sweeping from ancient Wales to the streets of modern Ottawa, de Lint's unforgettable characters and the magic of Tamson House—will stay with you forever.
Yellow Dog
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 9,470. Language: English. Published: May 18, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
Yellow Dog is a short story set near de Lint's fictional desert town of Santo del Vado Viejo, where his novels The Mystery of Grace and The Painted Boy take place, and where some of his recent short fiction has been set.
Sheriff Poole & The Mech Gang
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,250. Language: English. Published: May 3, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
Sheriff Poole & The Mech Gang is an original short story and is available here for the first time in any format. Ever since an explosion killed his father, Dan has been salvaging parts of animatrons from the ruins of Showdown Ranch to put them back in working order. But there is a greater reason to make them operate once more—something that threatens the Cutler family's very lives.
Jack in the Green
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 22,230. Language: English. Published: November 24, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Jack in the Green is an original novella, set in the fictional Southwestern desert city of Santo del Vado Viejo, and is available here for the first time in any format. Best friends Maria and Luz grew up in the barrio and were inseparable until Luz left town. They lose track of one another until one day, while cleaning rich people's homes, Maria spots Luz among a gang robbing the house next door.
Dog Boys
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 11,180. Language: English. Published: November 9, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
Dog Boys is an original short story, set in the fictional Southwestern desert city of Santo del Vado Viejo, and is available here for the first time in any format. Brandon is the new boy at Rose Creek High and he quickly figures out that the one thing you don’t do in this school is get mixed up in the struggle between the Latino streetgangs and the Native kids from the rez.
Crow Roads
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,550. Language: English. Published: April 28, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(4.00 from 1 review)
Short story Crow Roads first appeared in The Coyote Road: Trickster Tales, edited by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling, Viking, 2007 Set outside of Newford in 1967, Annie lives in Tartown with the rest of the poor kids. When a handsome, longhaired hippie shows up outside Ernie's Poolroom, Annie is smitten by his exotic good looks and long black hair.
Companions to the Moon
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,030. Language: English. Published: April 25, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
Short story Companions to the Moon first appeared in Realms Of Fantasy, June 2007. Set in Newford in 2007, record shop owner Mary begins to suspect her common-law partner is cheating on her. Edric is a musician whose out-of-town concerts happen to coincide with every full moon.
Dharma
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,720. Language: English. Published: April 24, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
Short story Dharma first appeared in Dreams and Visions: Fourteen Flights of Fantasy, edited by M. Gerry Weiss & Helen S. Weiss; Tor Books, 2007. Set in Newford during 1967's Summer of Love, Beirut-born teen Dharma, runs away from his Muslim home and reinvents himself as a hippie poet-musician.
The Butter Spirit's Tithe
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 11,600. Language: English. Published: April 7, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Short story. The Butter Spirit’s Tithe first appeared in Emerald Magic, Tor Books. Conn O'Neill has run afoul of a vengeful spirit. With his soul promised as a tithe to the fearsome Grey Man, Conn's only hope lies Miki Greer. Miki knows a thing or two about Irish spirits, having lost her brother to them in de Lint's novel Forests of the Heart. She's not about to let them claim someone else.
That Was Radio Clash
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,530. Language: English. Published: April 4, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Short story that first appeared in Taverns of the Dead (Cemetery Dance 2005). Written as a memorial to The Clash’s Joe Strummer. Set in 2002, guitarist Sarah Blue meets mysterious trumpeter Eddie Ramone in a bar and is given a chance to return to a pivotal moment in her life to correct one of her deepest regrets.

Charles de Lint's tag cloud

art and artists fairy tales cats of tanglewood forest green man otherworld apple tree man urban fantasy    celtic    charles de lint short story newford forests of the heart celtic music irish folklore magic    charles de lint short story newford joe strummer the clash the mescaleros the pogues time travel punk jazz trumpet music    climate crisis    contemporary fantasy    contemporary fantasy cornwall folklore and mythology fairy tales steampunk fairies theosophy colin wilson celtic traditional music    environmental    faerie    fairy court    fairy tales    fairy tales retold    fairy tales retold urban fantasy ottawa mythology trickster fairy court celtic    fantasy cornwall the little country young adult fairy tales folklore witches steampunk fairies    kinrowan    mythology    newford animal people mythic fiction native american trickster folklore corvid crow raven urban fantasy    newford animal people mythic fiction native american trickster folklore indie music instrument building corvid crow raven    newford animal people mythic fiction native american trickster folklore tattoo corvid crow raven    newford animal people mythic fiction native american trickster mythology fairy tale folklore corvid crow raven urban fantasy    newford art artists mythic fiction aids kokopelli coyote desert folklore urban fantasy dreams    newford art artists mythic fiction bohemian folklore urban fantasy dreams    newford eating disorders mythic fiction folklore urban fantasy ghosts water spirits    newford fairy tales native american shapechangers totems divination urban fantasy    newford jilly coppercorn fairy tales and myths dreams urban fantasy coming of age otherworlds    newford music musicians mythic fiction fairy tale and folklore urban fantasy runaways street people    newford music musicians mythic fiction folklore chinese origami fortune teller homeless people urban fantasy    newford music musicians mythic fiction folklore ghost stories geordie and jilly urban fantasy    newford mythic fiction folklore ghost stories urban fantasy paranormal romance alcholism    novella santo del vado viejo green man urban fantasy street gangs roller derby folklore    ottawa    ottawa canada tamson house urban fantasy celtic folklore and myth fairy native american charles vess    ottawa canada tamson house urban fantasy celtic folklore and myth fairy native american moonheart    ottawa canada urban fantasy celtic folklore and myth fairy mafia green man lord dunsany    ottawa canada urban fantasy celtic folklore and myth fairy vampire bookstore dreams    science fiction fantasy postapocalyptic cyberpunk native american yakuza medicine wheel coyote martial arts    short story newford fairy changeling music love urban fantasy    short story newford hippie urban fantasy summer of love native american trickster womens rights    short story newford music love urban fantasy hippie summer of love    short story santo del vado viejo shapeshifters urban fantasy teens young adult native american folklore    short story santo del vado viejo urban fantasy shapeshifters coyote trickster myths illegal immigrants desert    short story santo del vado viejo urban fantasy weird western science fiction steampunk carnivals    trickster    urban fantasy