Spirits in the Wires: A Novel of Myth and Magic - On the Streets and On the Net (Newford)

Charles De Lint has always been one of my favorite authors, and I have more of his books in my library than any other author. But the last couple of books I've read of his feel like faded copies of his earlier, more dynamic novels. It's like the bright colors have now faded into sepia tones. Although he adds the elements of computer technology and the Internet with Spirits in the Wires, he doesn't seem to do anything really original with them. The computer interface is just a MacGuffin to get us into the Otherworld. Instead of computers, he could have substituted a magical mirror, wardrobe, or manhole cover without anything being lost. It's frustrating. I keep wanting to read a new book of his that brings back the old magic, and I keep getting disappointed. Suggestion for new De Lint fans: read Memory and Dream. That novel was definitely one of his best.

A great read. All the characters are very interesting, some of them also a bit weird. I love how there are no really bad people here, though some do bad things in desperation.Like all of his novels there is a nice wrap up in which all ends well

I wasn't going to bother reviewing this book, but Amazon shoved it right in my face when I was reviewing another book, so what the heck. I think this is a totally forgettable 2nd-rate novel, the kind that never gets reprinted. I am not a big fan of Mr. de Lint to begin with - his writing style is shallow and lacks originality, He does have a good imagination, but cannot really bring it to life on the page. His characters are so cute that they are annoying; most of them have names ending in "y" as in "Jilly". Ew. Or they are so goody-goody and helpful it's nauseating. Or they are more evil than Darth Vader himself. Or they are so folksy-artsy-bohemian (and therefore so hip), working so earnestly in their paint-splattered studios or sippin' espressos and cappuccinos in cozy little coffee shops where Celtic music is played by more young and hip bohemians, in that gloomy-but-dainty post-industrial Newcastle. See where I am going with this? Hint: stereotype, stereotype, and more stereotype. But I am getting carried away, back to the review. My verdict - while this book fails to engage the demanding reader on any level, it may appeal to hard-boiled Charles de Lint fans.

I started looking for Christy Riddell at our local book shop. He seems to be such a realistic character and his sense of overwhelming loss is clear. Reading through this very human novel, I found myself over and over again, nodding with understanding, and hoping for the happy ending, right to the end. It's a wonderful story, and I hope Christy Riddell finds his muse.

Have read most of his novels never have I been disappointed and this was no exception for me, my only wish is for more

Mr. de Lint never disappoints his readers in this writing. The characters are well developed and multidimensional engaging the reader into entering the world he creates. Each new story adds depth and detail which are enjoyed by the reader with each new reading.

Charles de Lint best writer brings your soul back to earth while sending your spirit to the stars

Reading it for a book club, interesting story line.

Absolutely brilliant story (again) from Charles De Lint...the idea of electical 'spirits' is enough to boggle the mind, but he manages to weave both faerie and cyberspace together seamlessly. Carry on writing Charles!!!!