War for the Oaks - Discussion

[S. Kay]

I thought I'd make a separate topic for those who've finished and want to discuss.

I'm enjoying it a lot so far... this kind of urban fantasy catches me the most, and I'm happy to find another author similar to de Lint, who can do it justice.

The music in the book is also a big plus, which I think I mentioned earlier. Another fantasy book that incorporated music well was Gossamer Axe by Gael Baudino... that was one I thought I wouldn't like from the description, but the author pulled it off beautifully and it's become one of my favorites.

[Claire]

I liked it. I liked the story, the characters, all of it. The only thing that kind of cracked me up was the descriptions of their outfits which may have been super cool at the time this was set in, but mostly sound tragic by nowadays standards.

[Vivian "Rain"]

The clothing caught my attention a couple of times as well : )

I think my favorite scenes were when the band was practicing. I enjoyed the interactions between them, and Eddi deciding how to be a good boss.

For me, Willy and Carla were the most interesting characters. Carla's voice and personality were very distinct, and I loved reading the scenes with her.

Willy was interesting, I think, because he seemed the most flawed to me, with the most possibility for growth and change.

[Ramona]

Stuart was damned, Willy was doomed, and the Phouka was delightful! I didn't expect to enjoy this novel so much. Emma Bull knows the fiction-writing craft very, very well. I stand in awe of her skills. The pacing was excellent, the scenes imaginative, the characters sympathetic. Eddie was believable as a young woman learning how to use her own power. I agree with Vivian that Willy had the most possibility for growth and change. That was his doom--that he could not bridge the faery-human gap, but he was doomed in that quest from the start. He'd make a great main character in another tale. I didn't quite believe that the Phouka, who is Loki, the trickster, after all, could turn out to be such a sweetheart--don't turn your back, Eddie!

[S. Kay]

Finished this up finally on New Years Eve. I enjoyed it a lot... was very surprised that Eddie and the Phouka formed a relationship, but happily so. He was my favorite character, but I couldn't tell if he would remain the comic support, or play a larger part.

Another story about Willy would be great. I actually didn't get interested in him until Eddie found his guitar case. The items inside finally sparked something.

[Lisarose]

Just finished it- Ms. Bull is Good. I really enjoyed the intermingling of excitement and fun dialog and character development. This book was an escapist bon-bon. Eddi really had a character arch- from abused/lost chic- to something powerful and magnificent. I too wish Ms. Bull would consider mining this territory again- so much more I'd like to know...