Book Review: War for the Oaks

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

War for the Oaks     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Emma Bull
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Doherty, Jul 2001, $13.95, 332 pp.

Rhythm guitarist Eddi McCandry knows finally knows with this gig at Minneapolis’ University Bar the band stinks and her former lover Stuart Kline has no talent. She realizes it is time to move on by leaving Stuart and InKline Plain for another rock and roll band, but one that plays music that came after the end of the Eisenhower administration.

While Eddi suffers, the Seelie Court of Faerie select her as their human champion in the war with the Unseelie. To protect her, the Seelie send her a bodyguard. He is a large black male who turns into a nasty looking canine when danger arises. However, as Eddi adapts to having a guitar in two realms, her side is filled with dissension and treachery while the enemy wants to eliminate the mortal threat to their immortality.

WAR FOR THE OAKS is a reprint of a Reagan era cult classic and no bull, the story line holds up as a superb example of urban fantasy. The tale is fast-paced and Eddi’s humor lightens the tension just enough so that it lightens but does not overwhelm the plot. The story hooks the audience from the start because Eddi is a fabulous lead character and the range of Faerie persona seem real yet bizarre and exotic so that author Emma Bull avoids the pitfall of "Earthenizing" the race. Do You Believe In Magic? The answer is yes if you have read this wild ride through the Twin Cities.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner