Books Like...
The Dreaming Place by Charles de Lint is a fantasy novel that follows two teenage cousins, Nina and Ash, as they navigate a world where magic exists. Ash, dealing with anger and loss, finds herself drawn to the dark side of magic, while Nina tries to conform to societal expectations. When a demon targets Nina's soul, Ash must journey to the Otherworld to save her cousin and learn to let go of her fear and anger. The story weaves together themes of forgiveness, love, and the power to change for the better, all set in a modern fairy tale with elements of Native American myth and urban fantasy.
If you liked The Dreaming Place, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:In Moonheart by Charles de Lint, Sara and her uncle Jamie live in Tamson House, an old family mansion in Ottawa. Sara discovers an old gold ring that seems to draw her into an ancient past where Welsh and Native American mythology comes alive. The ring not only pulls Sara in but also draws Tamson House and all its occupants with it. The novel seamlessly blends modern and ancient elements, featuring a mix of Celtic and North American folklore, creating a deep and original fantasy world filled with complex characters and a captivating plot.
Sara Kendell once read somewhere that the tale of the world is like a tree. The tale, she understood, did not so much mean the niggling occurrences of daily life. Rather it encompassed the grand stori... - #2
Save:'War for the Oaks' by Emma Bull is an urban fantasy novel set in Minneapolis that follows Eddi, a rock musician who gets entangled in a faerie war. The story revolves around Eddi's journey as she navigates the war between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, forming relationships with various faerie beings and discovering the magical ways she can use her musical talent. The book combines elements of music, magic, and faerie lore, creating a unique and engaging narrative that captures the reader's imagination.
The writing style of 'War for the Oaks' is often praised for its ability to seamlessly blend the mundane with the magical. Emma Bull's storytelling is described as elegant and haunting, drawing readers into a world where rock and roll performers coexist with the faerie realm. The book is noted for its well-developed characters, particularly Eddi, and the way it slowly draws readers into the story until they are unable to put it down.
The University Bar was not, in the grand scheme of the city, close to the university. Nor was its clientele collegiate. They worked the assembly lines and warehouses, and wanted uncomplicated entertai... - #3
Save:Greenmantle is a blend of modern-day thriller and mystical fantasy, skillfully woven together by Charles de Lint. The story revolves around a former Mafia hitman, now in hiding, who acquires new neighbors - a woman who won the lottery and her teenage daughter. Strange magical music from the forest behind their homes affects everyone, leading to a mystery and secret that calls the daughter into the woods. The book incorporates the mythology of Pan the Green Man with a mafioso-like story, creating an earthy yet enjoyable read that explores ancient mysteries in the deep woods outside of Ottawa.
By the time Eddie “the Squeeze” Pinelli was five hours dead, Valenti was on a Boeing 747 halfway across the Atlantic. He sipped the beer that the steward had brought him and stared out the window into... - #4
Save:'The Wind in His Heart' by Charles de Lint is a captivating fantasy novel set in the American Southwest, blending Native American folklore with modern-day reality. The story follows a diverse group of characters, each on a personal journey of self-discovery and growth. As they navigate through the mystical Painted Lands and encounter magical elements, they are forced to confront their past, face their fears, and make life-altering decisions. De Lint weaves together multiple storylines, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected lives, mysteries, and unexpected alliances. The writing style is enchanting, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and a gentle tone that lulls readers into a world where magic and reality seamlessly coexist.
Those days, the prickly pear boys hung around the Little Tree Trading Post during the day, drowsing in the desert heat mostly, but still seeing and hearing everything that took place between the old a... - #5
Save:'Redemption's Blade' by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a refreshing take on classic fantasy, exploring the aftermath of a war against an evil villain. The book delves into the lives of heroes scarred by war, the challenges of rebuilding a broken world, and the complexities of moral dilemmas. It presents a diverse array of characters and creatures, each grappling with their own struggles and striving to make a difference in a post-war land. The writing style combines elements of humor, pathos, and intricate world-building, offering readers a compelling and thought-provoking narrative.
- #6
Save:'The Hum and the Shiver' by Alex Bledsoe revolves around Private Bronwyn Hyatt, a war hero returning to her hometown in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, inhabited by the secretive and enigmatic Tufa people. Bronwyn must navigate her obligations to her people, her family, and her own identity while facing mysterious omens, family tragedies, and the pull of her heritage's music. Set in a contemporary Appalachian setting, the novel delves into themes of war, power, family obligations, and the struggle to find one's place in a unique and magical community, all with a touch of magical realism.
A screech owl stood on the porch rail, its tiny talons scratching against the wood. The dawn light made the tufts of its wind-ruffled feathers look jagged and bloody. The bird had a voice far out of p... - #7
Save:'Among Others' by Jo Walton is a coming-of-age story about Mor, a teenage girl who keeps a diary documenting her love for science fiction and fantasy books, her struggles with family dynamics, and her encounters with magic and fairies. The narrative weaves between Mor's real-life events and her fantastical experiences, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. The book explores themes of grief, identity, outsiderhood, and the power of literature to provide solace and connection.
The Phurnacite factory in Abercwmboi killed all the trees for two miles around. We’d measured it on the mileometer. It looked like something from the depths of hell, black and looming with chimneys of... - #8
Save:The Book of Atrix Wolfe by Patricia A. McKillip is a beautifully written fantasy novel that delves into the unintended consequences of a mage's actions. The story follows the aftermath of a mage's attempt to stop a war by conjuring a terrible Hunter through sorcery, leading to more death than the war itself. Twenty years later, a young mage and a mute scullery maid must deal with the repercussions of the mage's actions. The book weaves together themes of magic, enchantment, secrets, identity, loss, and family in a high fantasy setting, creating an engaging and thought-provoking story. McKillip's poetic language and vivid descriptions bring the world and characters to life, making it a captivating read for those who enjoy fantasy with depth.
In wolf shape, among the wolves, he had scented danger sweeping toward the mountains he loved. His dreams turned dark with the coming of winter, chaotic, disturbed by fire, blood, the sharp, hoarse cr... - #9
Save:In 'The Devil You Know' by Mike Carey, readers are introduced to Felix Castor, a charming exorcist in London who navigates a world where ghosts and supernatural entities coexist with the living. The plot revolves around Felix being hired to exorcise a ghost haunting an archive museum, leading him into a complex mystery involving prostitution and a web of villains. The story is fast-paced with many twists, satisfying both fans of sci-fi paranormal and detective mysteries.
NORMALLY I WEAR A CZARIST ARMY GREATCOAT—the kind that sometimes gets called a paletot—with pockets sewn in for my tin whistle, my notebook, a dagger, and a chalice. Today I’d gone for a green tuxedo ... - #10
Save:Little, Big by John Crowley is a fantastical novel that follows the lives of the Drinkwater Barnable family, who reside in an enchanted wood with a house of many doors called Edgewood. The story weaves through generations, revealing their ties to the Faery world and the mysterious happenings within their family. Characters like Smoky Barnable, Daily Alice Drinkwater, and Auberon are central to the intricate narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The writing style is poetic, meandering, and filled with allusions, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that immerses readers into a world of magic and mystery.
A little later, remembering man's earthly origin, 'dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return,' they liked to fancy themselves bubbles of earth. When alone in the fields, with no one to see them, the...
