Book Review: Forests of The Heart

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Forests of The Heart     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Charles DeLint
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Ethnic
Tor, Jun 2000, $27.95, 400 pp.

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

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