The Riddle of the Wren

by Charles de Lint

Book Overview

Minda Sealy is afraid of her own nightmares. Then, one night, while asleep, she meets Jan, the Lord of the Moors, who has been imprisoned by Ildran the Dream-master-the same being who traps Minda. In exchange for her promise to free him, Jan gives Minda three tokens. She sets out, leaving the safety of her old life to begin a journey from world to world, both to save Jan and to solve "the riddle of the Wren"-which is the riddle of her very self. The...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0142302236
• ISBN13: 9780142302231
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Firebird
• Length: 295 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.3" x 7.1"
• Age Range: 12 to 16 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 11

Customer Reviews

A surprisingly good early work -

This book is meant for the teen crowd, and was bought originally for the teen fantasist in our household. It contains excellent themes for young women, but it has a broader appeal. Adults, too, will enjoy this quirky little imaginary-world fantasy, so unlike the Urban Fantasy that has made Charles de Lint such a popular guy. Though it does betray itself as an early work, not so finely turned a tale perhaps as de Lint is capable of in his maturity, this book is really, really good. The heroine is sympathetic, believable, and complicated - like a real seventeen-year-old trying to puzzle out the hidden pattern of her life. Why would someone want to torment her in her dreams - and how will she keep the promise she made to help the fey being who helped her?The universe turns out to be more complex and magical than she could have dreamed - and in the end, of course, she answers the riddles put to her and finds her place in the grand universe. It's triumphant - and it's fun - and it's really just a lovely gem of a book. It merits a place in your permanent collection. I recommend it highly.

Riddle of the Wren

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.

Finally back in print!!

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.

The first De Lint I read

The first De Lint I read was this book, I still have the copy. It is a great introductory to De Lint's style and the world(s) he creates. Full of Fey creatures, you are told the tale of one girl (Minda) who is sought by a dream master seeking to raise himself to the rank of the dark gods. There are the standard problems of pitfalls, though the twists of the plot are quite intriguing.I highly recommend any book by Charles De Lint

I can't believe this is out of print!

Out of all de Lint's books this is my favorite. I have a battered thrice owned copy that's been dropped in the river and worse...I still read it every year or so. Minda Sealy is plauged by dreams sent by the "Dream Master" who oft dream kills individuals. To escape destruction Minda goes yondering through the gate stones to other worlds to ultimantely fight the Dream Master and discover her own potential. I need another copy of this book! Mine is about worn out.