Eyes Like Leaves

by Charles de Lint

Overview

This early Charles de Lint novel—previously unavailable in a paperback edition—is a stirring epic fantasy of Celtic and Nordic mythology along with swords and sorcery.

In the Green Isles, the summer magic is waning. Snake ships pillage the coastal towns, and the evil Icelord encases the verdant lands in a permanent frost. A mysterious old wizard prepares to mount one last defense of the Isles, hurrying to instruct his inexperienced apprentice in the art of shape-changing. In a desperate race to awaken the Summerlord, the newfound mage gathers a few remaining allies, including a seemingly ordinary young woman and her protective adoptive family. Mercilessly pursued by the Icelord’s army of stormkin, they flee north to the seat of the Summerlord’s power.

But the revelation of a family betrayal leads to new treachery—and time is running short for the Summerborn.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781616960506
Publisher:	Tachyon Publications
Publication date:	01/16/2012
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Charles de Lint is the best-selling author of more than seventy adult, YA, and children’s books, including Moonheart , The Onion Girl , Widdershins , Medicine Road , and Under My Skin . He is the recipient of the World Fantasy, YALSA, Crawford, and Aurora awards. De Lint is a poet, songwriter, performer, and folklorist, and he writes a book review column for Fantasy & Science Fiction .

Editorial Reviews

This is classic high fantasy, written and revised by a master, unpublished when first completed some thirty years ago because de Lint decided to focus on contemporary fantasy stories and let it languish. It is a must for de Lint completists and, actually, for all high-fantasy and folkloristic fiction fans.”
— Booklist

“This traditional fantasy...bears de Lint’s characteristically lyrical prose and hypnotic storytelling. Filled with Celtic lore and wonderfully drawn characters, this stand-alone epic should please the author’s many fans and lovers of medieval fantasy.”
— Library Journal

“World Fantasy Award winner de Lint dusts off an enchanting epic fantasy written in 1980 but never published. The result is a delightful old-fashioned group quest.... [H]is nascent poetic style evokes beautiful imagery.”
— Publishers Weekly

“ Eyes Like Leaves is well-paced, and the action scenes flash with energy. Charles de Lint shows signs of the bardic gift in his ability to make scenes come alive....”
— Fantasy Literature

“ Eyes Like Leaves is a captivating book. 4.5 out of 5 stars.”
— Bibliophile Book Blog

“If you are a fan of de Lint, Eyes Like Leaves should definitely become part of your collection. New to de Lint and like high fantasy? You should certainly give it a try.”
— Little Red Reviewer

From the Publisher

World Fantasy Award–winner de Lint dusts off an enchanting epic fantasy written in 1980 but never published. Magic is fading throughout the Green Isles and the evil Icelord sees an opportunity to impose his will on all who dwell there. A small group of islanders want to waken the Summerlord, but others are conflicted, and just one traitor could spell the end of summer forever. The story progresses glacially at first, but picks up excitement and action in a slow build of tension. In his introduction, de Lint explains that he made only small changes, wanting to honor his original wide-eyed vision. The result is a delightful old-fashioned group quest, and though it occasionally lacks the older de Lint's graceful skill with language, even his nascent poetic style evokes beautiful imagery. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

As the Saramand raiders harass the coast of the Green Lands, the Icelord seeks to assert his rule over all the lands, killing the Summerborn and preventing the return of the Summerlord to his rightful place. Only a few chosen individuals, including a druidic apprentice, a one-eyed youth, and a girl with the power of the Summerborn, hold the hopes of the world in their hands. Written in 1980 but never before published, this traditional fantasy in the style of The Harp of the Grey Rose and The Riddle of the Wren bears de Lint's characteristically lyrical prose and hypnotic storytelling. VERDICT Filled with Celtic lore and wonderfully drawn characters, this stand-alone epic should please the author's many fans and lovers of medieval fantasy.

Library Journal