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Cover of Widdershins

Widdershins

Charles de Lint (2006)

SubgenreUrban Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SeriesNewford #11
Setting
CSM age16
Goodreads4.22

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentMild
LanguageMild

Hero archetypes

Musician

Heroine archetypes

Artist / Painter

Protagonist archetypes

Duo / Partners

Synopsis

Jilly Coppercorn and Geordie Riddell. Since they were introduced in the first Newford story, "Timeskip," back in 1989, their friends and readers alike have been waiting for them to realize what everybody else already knows: that they belong together. But they've been more clueless about how they feel for each other than the characters in When Harry Met Sally. Now in Widdershins, a stand-alone novel of fairy courts set in shopping malls and the Bohemian street scene of Newford's Crowsea area, Jilly and Geordie's story is finally being told. Before it's over, we'll find ourselves plunged into the rancorous and sometimes violent conflict between the magical North American "animal people" and the more newly-arrived fairy folk. We'll watch as Jilly is held captive in a sinister world based on her own worst memories--and Geordie, attempting to help, is sent someplace even worse. And we'll be captivated by the power of love and determination to redeem ancient hatreds and heal old magics gone sour. To walk "widdershins" is to walk counterclockwise or backwards around something. It's a classic pathway into the fairy realm. It's also the way people often back slowly into the relationships that matter, the real ones that make for a life. In Widdershins Charles de Lint has delivered one of his most accessible and moving works of his career.

Is Widdershins appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 16 and up.

This urban fantasy features magical conflict between North American animal spirits and European fairy folk, with moderate fantasy violence, captivity scenarios, and a slow-burn romance. The violence includes capture and imprisonment in nightmare realms based on traumatic memories.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include captivity, violence, and mental manipulation.

Who'll love this

Fans of modern fairy tale retellings will love watching two longtime friends finally realize they're meant for each other while navigating a hidden magical world in their city.

Tags

Contemporary FantasyMythic FictionBohemian SettingFairy Tale Retelling