Yarrow Paperback – November 15, 1997

This book starts in an interesting way as the author introduces us to a myriad of different characters, all apparently unrelated and living separate lives. At first I wondered what was happening and struggled to remember who was who, but gradually things began to make sense and the story tightened up and became quite gripping.I really enjoyed the character of Lucas, a vampire of sorts, whose sustenance of choice was not blood but dreams, if he chose to leave his subject alive, or the soul if he did not. He also has many magical talents which make him a scary enemy indeed. Cat Midhir on the other hand appears to have no chance against him, her only magic being to dream unusual dreams.The story almost becomes a thriller as the murders start to add up and the police join in the hunt. However the fantasy is never far away and help is supplied by magical beings and events. Oh and don't forget the cats. They are very special.This is my third book by this author and the one I have enjoyed most so far. I will keep looking out for his books.

Yarrow was my first foray in to the world of Charles de Lint, and it certainly won't be my last. What an amazing mind he has. When I first began reading, numerous characters were introduced, all going about daily things. A page for this one, a page for that one. I wondered who they all were and what their relevance was to the main plot. As I read, I was drawn into each of these people and found myslef amazed how they intertwined together. Some had small roles, and others larger, but what I loved was even though you didn't really NEED to know the little tid bits of information about this or that character, the fact that the author did give it in the simplest way made those characters stand out and become three dimensional.This isn't normally the type of book I enjoy reading. I'm not a big fan of creepy, but I have to say that I did not want to put this book down until I finished the last page. The fantasy element in it was rather subtle, yet profound. I almost immediately found myself connecting with the main protagonist, Cat. She's withdrawn, shy and a writer. When she sleeps she dreams of an Otherworld, with strange creatures. A place that is just as real as the wolrd she lives in in her waking life. But something terrible happens. She stops dreaming of her Otherworld. Something is hunting her. Something evil. Eventually Cat begins to doubt her sanity and if this Otherworld isn't really just her imagination.It's this evil that is hunting Cat that brings all the characters together in one way or another. I loved the execution of this tale. The vileness of the villain made this one creepy story and gave me the heebie geebies. But what really made this book for me was the relationship that formed slowly between Cat and Ben and the sense of a happily ever after for them.I have a huge back list of Charles de Lint to get through, but I am looking forward to reading many, many more of his books.

Cat Midhir is a best-selling fantasy author, but now she's blocked. Her stories come from her dreaming life in the Other World, and now she's no longer dreaming. Someone is stealing her dreams.Charles de Lint is one of my favorite fantasy authors. This is one of his very early works (I'm pretty sure I've read it before a long time ago). I found it a bit uneven, especially in the beginning where there are a lot of characters to keep track of. About a third into the book the story found it's pace and cohesion, and it was all good from there.Yarrow is a bit more gritty than most of Mr. de Lint's books. References to the eighties time period didn't make it seem dated though there were times when I wished Ben or Peter had a cell phone in the more harrowing parts.The writing is best (in my opinion) when Cat is in the Otherworld. The descriptions and characters draw the reader in so you never want Cat to wake up. Still, it's a satisfying urban fantasy tale and a solid story from this master author.

I read Yarrow when it was first published, and reread it every couple of years. It has permanent place on my reading list. Charles deLint's writing is superb!

I only recently came to know the work of Charles de Lint. I also decided to read his early work. This work is a bit slow at first but towards the end I couldn't put it down. And I really liked the ending. Its a great read.

Another great Charles De Lint urban fantasy novel. My only selfish want, is for Chicago to be the setting. LOL.

I enjoy everything i read by Charles de Lint. I began with the great Someplace to be Flying and treat myself to whatever else I can find of his. Wonder filled.

de Lint Always good

I am a fan of de Lint's writing so it's not unexpected for me to say, 'great story' etc. But it may not be the right book for the first timer. Much of the first third or so of the story is concerned with many unconnected people who, later, come together as the story reaches its finale. The characters are well 'drawn' and, excluding those you're meant to dislike, very good. But,, for the first timer, I would strongly recommend 'Greenmantle', a crime/fantasy blend. Sounds unlikely? I thought so too, when I first read it, years ago. But it got me hooked. Brilliant!

So good to see these in ebook format, I live abroad and rely on e-books. I love his human ity

Love Charles De Lint books, have this in paperback but good to now have it on my Kindle for my spells of insomnia and overnight reading.

Excellent

I am a huge fan and love de Lint, but did not love this book as much as the others. Really cannot go too far wrong with this magical author though !