79. War for the Oaks by Emma Bull (Urban Fantasy) 319 p.

Fantasy Classics Challenge

From the back cover:

Eddi McCandry sings rock and roll. But her boyfriend just dumped her, her band just broke up, and life could hardly be worse. Then, walking home through downtown Minneapolis on a dark night, she finds herself drafted into an invisible war between the faerie folk. Now, more than her own survival is at risk—and her own preferences, musical and personal, are very much beside the point.

I had read everywhere that War for the Oaks was an urban fantasy classic, and this book certainly deserves the title. I may have read one or two in the genre that match it, but I’ve never read anything to surpass it. Emma Bull has a wonderful ear for dialogue, and despite the difference between the faeries’ archaic speech and that of 1980’s Minneapolis, none of the dialogue sounds forced or unnatural to the characters.

The plot is interesting, the characters are likable and endearing, and the descriptions are absorbing. In short, if you like fantasy, read War for the Oaks. Right away. I stayed up last night to finish it despite being tired from an 11-hour car ride.

Books read: 79/100 (79%)
Pages read: 23,877/25,000 (96%)

I’m writing this review from beautiful Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. I’ll post some pictures when I get home next week—the scenery around here is gorgeous! We’re staying in a huge old house (from the 1700’s—George Washington passed by while it was being built), and the grounds, which belong to the New Church, are extensive. The wedding ceremony this morning was really lovely.

Tags: 50 Book Challenge 2007, Emma Bull, Sci-Fi Classics Challenge