Rating: 
Summary: Another Wonder-filled Read
Review: In "Forests of the Heart" Charles DeLint once again brings magic to life. This time around, la brujeria is closely intertwined with the Celtic folklore and Native American influences that DeLint is famous for. The tale is set in the already well-loved town of Newford, though it also travels to the Sonoran desert and, of course, the Spiritworld. Some of the author's most popular characters (including Jilly, my personal favorite) make cameo appearances, but the book is peopled by fresh new faces that instantly engage the imagination and touch the heart. As in his other works, the folkloric elements weave a spell that resonates with a depth that connects past, present and future. The action in the plot makes for another ceaseless page-turner that sings of timeless truths and delights in no small measure. DeLint fans will not fail to be thrilled by his latest contribution, though anyone interested in mythic fiction or unrban fantasy will be just as enchanted by the promise of magic that "Forests of the Heart" brings.
Rating: 
Summary: Not up to previous standards
Review: In terms of his other novels, this book is missing that special something. The story starts off strong enough, but towards the end it looses steam. De Lint seems to loose the thread of the story. Most of his stories come with that special mystery tht he talks about, but this one reveals all too fast. The mystery is all revealed before the action even really gets started. Some of the characters are developed as fully as they could be, and the wrap up took way too long. It was all right, but not up to his usual standard.
Rating:
Summary: Magical and gripping
Review: My opinion of this magical book disagrees with some of the opinions below. I feel that de Lint explores new Newford territory with each book he writes and the wonderful passages of Hispanic lore (which are particularly beautifully written) give this book a rich new texture and flavor and make it a terrific addition to the Newford opus. Although Memory and Dream remains my personal favorite Newford book this one comes a very close second.I also loved the excursion to Arizona where de Lint's characters bump up against some desert creatures from Terri Windling's fiction and art: her desert faeries, the rabbit woman (a relative of Thumper's no doubt!), etc. I love it when writers share their worlds and visions like this (Tim Powers and James P. Blaylock have characters who appear in each other's books, for instance) and it was such a treat to come across it here and made me smile. If you're new to either de Lint or Windling's work, read this one, then read The Wood Wife...and then be sure to read all the rest of the terrific Newford series.
Rating:
Summary: Great Native American mystery
Review: The North American natives were indigenous to the land just as the Manitous were the guardians of the spirit world. When the Irish immigrated to the Americas, they made a comfortable place for themselves, but the Gentry spirits that accompanied them had no such luck. The Manitous were able to hold onto what was already theirs, leaving the Gentry resentful and angry. Years pass and the Gentry become dangerous with their singular determination to take by force what they feel rightfully belong to them. During their narrow-focused quest, they unleash a terrible force upon the unsuspecting world. Bettina, born of a Mexican mother and a powerful shape shifting Indian father is a brujema, a practitioner of magic. Her grandmother tutored her on the use of her powers so that Bettina feels right at home with their use and the spirit world they impact. She travels west in answer to a magical calling because the Gentry are gathering in an attempt to wrest control from the Manitous. However, even the Gentry have enemies ready to kill if necessary to stop the devious plot from happening. Charles de Lint writes an illuminating, imaginative tale that ranks with the best of Lisle, Hamilton, and Lackey. He brings forth the Native American and Celtic spiritual worlds, converging them with the mortal plane in such a way that the reader believes in their existence. The cleverly drawn characters (spiritual and mortal) enhance the overall impact of the plot. FORESTS IN THE HEART is an inspiring story centering on good vs. evil and love vs. hate that will garner a legion of new fans for Mr. de Lint. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: A rich view of a strange but delightful world
Review: This is a book for patient readers only, but, oh, what a pay-off. Patience is required because the story is so rich in detail that 400 pages cover only 17 days! But, by the end of those 400 pages, you know these people and their world as if you had been there right with them. What a journey! Spirituality, magic, tragedy, and triumph fill these pages. Charles de Lint is a master of character development, and this story has quite a cast. Like his earlier works, the female characters come off in a better light than do the males, but he is closer to a balance here. At least some of the heroes are men, although almost all of the "bad guys" are male. The one exception is a woman who poses as a man or as androgynous. An unforgettable story. But, then, de Lint's work is often unforgettable.
Rating:
Summary: Venture into Faerieland
Review: this was really good. It had magic, faeries and the Green Man in a believable setting. How rare is the line between these topics split between good and cheesy? Well, Mr. de Lint did a very good job of convincing me of the spirit world and all sorts of other neat things, medicine women, shapeshifters and forest spirits, etc. The story takes place in Newford, and the faerieland near it. (I'm not as up on my Irish or Native American folklore as i used to be...what was the whole thing with the sleeping salmon that never woke in the pond?) Its got an art colony and a music store and people talking about magic. (Ooh! Ooh! And an ice storm, too!) Its got people working for charity and a little bit of romance, too. See, its good! This is the second book I've read by Mr. de Lint, I also read "The Little Country" which was pretty good. Doesn't have as much about fairieland as this one. But from the reviews I've read of his other works, I've just read the two best. Or at least the two best that I'm interested in. Will be looking for more on this type of subject. Thanks, Mr. de Lint! That was good, comprehendable stuff on magic!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect!
Review: When I hear that an author as good as De Lint has a new book come out, I get a little pessimistic. How can he possible write something as good as his previous books? But he has done it again. This marvelous story of shapeshifters of the southwest, manitous of the north, and Celtic genii loci is truly wonderful. Read this book! And, Mr. de Lint, was it serendipidous, or did you know about wise older women and spiders in some of the Plains Tribes? That is fairly esoteric, I think (I got it from my granny). At any rate, it makes me respect the way the author tosses together all the different lores to come up with such engaging stories. Thank you!
Rating:
Summary: novel-by-numbers
Review: While I enjoyed Forests of the Heart, I also found it to be the least satisfying of the six or seven De Lint novels that I've read to this point. As always, the ensemble cast is strong, with characters that make you either care for or despise them. But things get a little slow around page 90, and drag for another 50 pages or so. I feel that De Lint can sometimes put just a little too much gratuitous dialogue into some of his tales, and this stretch particularly suffers in that manner. The initial conflict between Donal and Miki seems somewhat contrived, not exactly coming out of nowhere, and yet leaving me wondering what's going on, until it's gradually explained in the narrative. Still, the overall premise is intriguing, and it's a good read, especially when you get past page 140 or so.
Rating:
Summary: A good enough story, but...
Review: While I enjoyed Forests of the Heart, I also found it to be the least satisfying of the six or seven De Lint novels that I've read to this point. As always, the ensemble cast is strong, with characters that make you either care for or despise them. But things get a little slow around page 90, and drag for another 50 pages or so. I feel that De Lint can sometimes put just a little too much gratuitous dialogue into some of his tales, and this stretch particularly suffers in that manner. The initial conflict between Donal and Miki seems somewhat contrived, not exactly coming out of nowhere, and yet leaving me wondering what's going on, until it's gradually explained in the narrative. Still, the overall premise is intriguing, and it's a good read, especially when you get past page 140 or so.
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