Medicine Road

Medicine Road follows twin sisters Laurel and Bess Dillard, red-haired musicians who perform bluegrass music in Tucson, Arizona. Their lives intersect with ancient magic when they encounter shapeshifters and beings from Native American mythology. The story centers on a centuries-old bargain between immortal beings, and a deadline that threatens both magical and human relationships. A red dog and a mysterious man become entangled with the sisters' lives, leading them into a world where music and magic intertwine. The tale plays out against the backdrop of the American Southwest, incorporating elements of Native American folklore and contemporary life. Romance, music, and mythological forces converge as characters navigate both earthly and supernatural challenges. The novel explores themes of choice, destiny, and the connections between art and ancient powers. De Lint's work bridges multiple worlds - modern and mythic, human and magical - while examining how the past influences present-day relationships.

Readers describe Medicine Road as a lighter entry in de Lint's work, with a focus on the romance between the main characters. The Arizona desert setting and incorporation of Native American mythology drew positive comments. Readers appreciated: - The twin musicians as engaging protagonists - Integration of Southwestern folklore - The shorter length compared to other de Lint novels - The Phil Brucato artwork throughout Common criticisms: - Plot feels predictable and straightforward - Less depth than de Lint's other works - Supporting characters need more development - Romance overshadows the magical elements Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (552 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (21 ratings) One reader noted: "A pleasant diversion but lacks the richness of Newford stories." Another commented: "The desert atmosphere and red rock spirits make this unique among de Lint's books, but the story itself is fairly simple."

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🌵 Medicine Road blends Native American mythology with Celtic folklore, featuring twin sisters who were once red dogs before being transformed into humans by Kokopelli, the trickster god. 🎵 The main characters, Laurel and Bess Dillard, are musicians in a bluegrass band called the Dillard Sisters, reflecting author Charles de Lint's own background as a folk musician. 🎨 The book features illustrations by Charles Vess, a frequent collaborator with de Lint, who is known for his distinctive Celtic-influenced fantasy art style. 🏜️ The story is set in Arizona's Sonoran Desert, marking a departure from de Lint's usual urban fantasy settings in the fictional city of Newford. 📚 This novel is part of a planned trilogy that begins with Seven Wild Sisters, though each book can be read as a standalone story.