Greenmantle Paperback – June 15, 1998

Charles de Lint, is one of those authors I have been steadfastly ignoring for years. Why? I haven't been an urban fantasy reader, it's not something that ever grabbed me. I always preferred sword & sorcery, or some of the older generation of epic fantasy, and more recently not much fantasy at all, more science Fiction and Weird Fiction. I do however love the idea of forest/woodland based fantasy which initially is what led me to Greenmantle, after reading a short story of his in the Ellen Datlow/Terri Windling edited anthology 'The Green Man' . The first thing to understand about this book is that there is a mafia subplot that starts the book. Do NOT be put off by this, it does meld into the story proper. Also De Lint does like to drop culture references to authors/music/art, and anything else he writes, this has annoyed some people, but I think of it as a nice source of additional reading and interest. Although this one of his earlier novels, the quality of the language is excellent, and I kicked myself for not having read his work earlier, especially since I understand from folks that I've talked to that as his career moved on his writing improved even more. I won't give a plot synopsis since you can find one of those easily enough, but if you enjoy Myth based fantasy, Urban (in this case I prefer Rural) Fantasy, then you will likely enjoy this book. More experienced De Lint readers may point at other books as a good place to start, but since I had a few reservations about jumping straight into more city based Urban Fantasy with his 'Newford' series, this was the right place for me. Certainly the magic came back to fantasy reading for me with this book (I'm currently on my 4th De Lint book in 5 days and have 10 more on order) It's always great to find a an author who has a large back catalog that you can mine for years ahead.

A great fantasy read! Charles DeLint never disappoints!! From the lonely forgotten village to the piper in the mist and a small horned girl in the forest ! Love love this book!!

Wonderful, deeply explored main characters. This is my first de Lint and won't be my last. At first, I wasn't on board with the juxtaposition of mob hit story and the mystical, but it all came together masterfully. I loved this book and will be thinking about it long after finishing it.

Charles de Lint is a good author -- he has a delightful way with words, imagery, and fantasy-based storytelling in the here and now that appeals.

This book captivated my spirit. de Lint's presentation of ancient lore intertwined with modern adventure was a fascinating journey I did not want to end. The conclusion of the book was just as rich as the rest of the ride, however, and very satisfying.

Like all his books, it was great! His writing can be almost lyrical at times. He makes you want to believe there is still magic in the world, and shows us the greatest magic of all is that which touches the heart.

Loved this book - great author.

I loved this book as a kid, and it didnt let me down 20 years later when I found it again. Very awsome story, pulls you in and wont let you go.

Not a book I would buy for myself, but was bought as a present ,that was requested by a person whom has read other similar books and enjoys reading them.

a master story teller

ace book

Any De Lint fan will be pleased with this.

Everything I have ever read by Charles De Lint has left me wanting the story to never end. He is able to create powerful characters you actually end up caring for. The stories vary from whimsical to profound and never cease to please. He is a master of the urban fantasy. Actually he is just simply a masterful writer.