Forests of the Heart
Forests of the Heartis an enthralling voyage into the seamier  side of urban magic. Returning to the familiar environs of Newford, where he  sets so many of his modern myths, Charles de Lint introduces some of his most  memorable characters yet.The Gentry are ancient spirits of the land, sired in rape and born of woman in  the Old Country. When the Irish immigrated to the New World, some of the Gentry  came along. Generations later, having no real ties to their new home, they dream  dark dreams of wresting the land surrounding Newford from the nativemanitouspirits. The Gentry's scheming and plotting draw some of the  inhabitants of Newford into a dark and desperate fight against them and a  primeval spirit, old as the earth itself but slumbering inla epoca del  mito, the myth time.Bettina, acurandera--or healer--is part Mexican and part Indian. She has  recently moved to Newford from the deserts of the Southwest for reasons she  can't understand. She lives in Kellygnow, an art colony perched on a hill  overlooking Newford. Earning her keep as a model for the various artists who  live and work there, she tries to apply her desert-learned skills and knowledge  in the cold, forested surroundings.Bettina's fellow Kellygnowians include Nuala, who seems slightly more spiritual  than the average housekeeper; Ellie, a sculptor with a very special commission;  and the Recluse, a mysterious figure who winters at Kellygnow in one of the  outlying private cottages. Donal, an Irish-born malcontent who dreams of better  times, joins them, along with Miki, his musician sister, and Tommy, a Native  American accompanied by a few of his apparently innumerable aunts. The looming  battle against a seemingly invincible foe draws them together and forces them to  depend not only upon their skills and powers, but also on hope, trust, and  love.Blending aspects of different cultural legends and myths with his keen insight  into human nature, Charles de Lint offers a truly incredible and compelling  tale. His specialty is an intoxicating mix of real and fantasy worlds, andForests of the Heartdelivers a delicious punch. With his deft touch and  sensitive style, de Lint's mastery of the urban fantasy tale and his ability as  a great storyteller remain unchallenged.--Robert Gately