Rating: 
Summary: One of the Greatest books I have read!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Apparently, this is one of de Lint's earliest books and BOY does it show. I read The Dreaming Place and thought it was okay, so decided to try the other de Lint YA I had lying around. First of all, it's the same basic story as The Dreaming Place. In the back of the book de Lint admits he wrote the same story over and over again for a while. I must concur. And even though The Dreaming Place had it's bad moments, they weren't all crowded in front like in Wren.The book opens in some sort of vaguely English/European small town in the vague past. Sometime after the middle ages, perhaps. But I cannot tell. The clumsy way de Lint introduces characters and sets up the conflict aren't really indicative of his later talents. And he has issues with how to use secondary characters effectively. This is very clearly an early novel. I'm sure some kids will get some enjoyment out of it, but anyone over 16 or so should probably just move on to de Lint's later, adult novels.
Rating: 
Summary: I didn't make it past chapter 5
Review: Apparently, this is one of de Lint's earliest books and BOY does it show. I read The Dreaming Place and thought it was okay, so decided to try the other de Lint YA I had lying around. First of all, it's the same basic story as The Dreaming Place. In the back of the book de Lint admits he wrote the same story over and over again for a while. I must concur. And even though The Dreaming Place had it's bad moments, they weren't all crowded in front like in Wren. The book opens in some sort of vaguely English/European small town in the vague past. Sometime after the middle ages, perhaps. But I cannot tell. The clumsy way de Lint introduces characters and sets up the conflict aren't really indicative of his later talents. And he has issues with how to use secondary characters effectively. This is very clearly an early novel. I'm sure some kids will get some enjoyment out of it, but anyone over 16 or so should probably just move on to de Lint's later, adult novels.
Rating: 
Summary: Good beginning
Review: I keep looking for a Charles de Lint novel to really grab me. Like I said above, I usually avoid fantasy novels, but I've heard so much about de Lint--and some of his short stories have really struck a chord with me--that I keep thinking if I just trudge on I'll find something I really like. This wasn't it. The Riddle of the Wren, however, was only his second book so he surely hadn't got his true voice down yet. I really enjoyed the character of Minda in the beginning. I felt for her in her predicament and I rooted for her to get out of it, but about halfway through the book, when the typical "quest" begins, I almost totally lost interest. High fantasy is really just not my thing. I enjoyed Minda, and her struggles with the sword were fun, especially when she kicks serious butt with it, but the rest of The Riddle of the Wren left me wanting.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Greatest books I have read!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I loved this book. It has a lot of great detail and keeps you on your toes. I loved it from the very start. You won't want to put the book down it is so good. If you like mystery, fantasy, magic, adventure and action, then this is your book. Minda or Talenyn, has to find a way to break Jan free of his stone bound from Ildran, the evil wizard. She makes many friends that are in many shapes, sizes, and species. I highly recommend this book to all people that like fantasy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: out of print!
Review: i picked up this book at the libaray. just when i was getting really good and just as i was getting into it, i had to take it back,i didn't even think about checking it out again. so i go back later and it wasn't there. what i do remember was this young woman, who hated her father for some reason, kept having theise dreams, and one night she actually went into her dream! unfortunetly that's all i remember.
Rating: 
Summary: The wren flees where evil pursueth
Review: I read "The Riddle of the Wren" a few decades ago and loved it. I recently reread it and realized I'd forgotten how talky the badger and the elves were. I still think it's a good fantasy, but with a complicated theology that the author needs lots of print to explain.
The background is pseudo-medieval, beloved of many fantasy authors although usually not of de Lint who evolved away from sturdy peasants, trebuchets, and trade fairs into urban fantasy settings. "The Riddle of the Wren" is one of his earliest publications. Like another great Canadian author, Farley Mowat, the call of the wild rings through de Lint's novels, including this one. If his character has horns on its head or assumes the shape of a northern mammal, you can be pretty sure it is on the side of the good.
The 'wren' of this story is innkeeper's daughter, Minda Sealy who must flee from world to world through magical megalithic gates resembling Stonehenge. She is pursued by the evil Dream-master, Ildran although we don't know why until nearly the end of the book. During her travels, she gains many allies both human and fae, were and hobogle. There are also Lore-mistresses, erlkin, harpers, and Wyslings such as the badger, Grimbold. There were at one time Dark gods and Gray gods, although hardly anyone wants to hasten their return to Mid-wold.
I never did quite figure out the difference between Walkers and Wasters, although they were both extremely bad dudes.
A trickle of Celtic harp weaves in and out of the Wren's story, along with encounters with horned lords and (possibly) the Great God Pan. Even as she acquires powerful, magical friends Minda realizes that she alone can confront and destroy the evil Dream-Master. I think you'll want to follow her story to its end, in spite of the over-rich tapestry of characters (beware of fantasies with glossaries).
Rating:
Summary: Riddle of the Wren
Review: I really liked this book. The heroine was a more down to earth type, making the story easier to relate to. The characters were imaginative and completely believable. Each had normal qualities that brings the story to the reader. Plus, the bad guys were REALLY bad, and made you hate them and sympathize with the good guys even more. Some parts of the book were a little slow reading, but it all turned out excellent! I wish I could write like that! Overall, I definitely would recommend this book for anyone that would like a good read or likes tales of magic and far places.
Rating:
Summary: My first de Lint.
Review: I was not amazingly eager to begin this book.I had been reading other books that I wanted the sequels of .But boy was I in for a treat !I found that de Lint has much magical creativity ,and wonderful creative magical creatures.Anyone who appreciates things like Shannara is sure to like this.
I would have rated this four and one half if there was a rating for one reason:There was a bit too much action.But otherwise,this is a fine book,and any fantasy-lover should read it.
Rating:
Summary: What if Dreams Came True?
Review: Minda Sealy's life is not the best, but it's normal enough and all she's ever known besides. Working at her father's inn keeps her fed and ensures a place to sleep...and if her father's a little short-tempered...well, she can deal with that. But lately Minda has been plagued by a recurring nightmare that seems frighteningly real. Of course that's nonsense...right?
Soon, the nightmare has worsened, and Minda's quest to rid her sleep of tortured dreams soon becomes a quest in truth that will take her far from home and closer to discovering the reality of dreams... This is good fantasy! The characters are unique, funny, and lovable. The different places Minda encounters are startling, beautiful, and often dangerous. People who love a good fantasy quest should check this out.
Rating:
Summary: Finally back in print!!
Review: One of CDL's first novels and delightful read is finally back in print. If you were lucky enough to have a 1st printing of this as I was you will, I'm sure, agree with me.
For those who haven't read this but have read other DeLint books this is definitly worth the purchase.
A bit simpler and not as dark as some of his later works it is still unmistakably DeLint and is a lovely tale of magic and fey worlds for the delight of readers everywhere.
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