The Dreaming Place

Sixteen-year-old Nina lives with her Aunt Ria and cousin Ashley in Newford after the death of her parents. While Nina struggles to find her place in a new home, Ashley rebels against what she sees as an intrusion into her life with her mother. A mysterious illness begins to plague Nina's dreams, leaving her drained and weak when she awakens. The cousins must put aside their differences when they discover their situation connects to ancient spirits and Native American magic. The story moves between the real world of Newford and a parallel dream realm where old powers still hold sway. Urban settings blend with traditional folklore as the two girls confront forces beyond their understanding. This young adult novel explores themes of family bonds, grief, and the intersection of modern life with ancient traditions. The narrative speaks to the power of reconciliation and the complex nature of blended families.

Readers describe this as one of de Lint's more accessible young adult works, though many feel it's not as complex as his adult novels. Readers appreciate: - The portrayal of the aunt-niece relationship - The Native American mythological elements - The realistic teen characters and their struggles - The quick pace and shorter length Common criticisms: - Plot feels rushed in places - Less world-building than typical de Lint books - Some readers found the ending unsatisfying - Character development could be deeper One reader noted: "Perfect introduction to de Lint for younger readers, but lacks the richness of Newford." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (30+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (150+ ratings) The book receives stronger reviews from young adult readers compared to adult fans of de Lint's other work, with teens particularly connecting to the main character's journey.

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🌟 Charles de Lint wrote The Dreaming Place specifically for young adult readers, marking one of his earlier ventures into YA fiction. 🌙 The book explores Native American mythology, particularly the concept of spirit animals and dream walking, blending these elements with contemporary urban fantasy. 🏙️ Like many of de Lint's works, The Dreaming Place is set in his fictional city of Newford, which has become the setting for over 20 novels and numerous short stories. ✨ The novel features themes of sisterhood and family bonds, focusing on two teenage cousins who must overcome their differences to face supernatural threats together. 🎨 The original 1990 edition featured striking cover art by Brian Froud, famous for his fairy and fantasy artwork in films like "Labyrinth" and "The Dark Crystal."