When Imogene, her mother, and her brother move to Newford, she decides to reinvent herself-this time she won't go looking for trouble. She quickly gets to know two very different people. Maxine is a "good girl," following a strict life plan. Imogene helps Maxine loosen up and break a few rules, and in turn Maxine keeps her on the straight and narrow. Imogene's other new friend is a little more unusual. His name is Adrian. He is a ghost. Adrian was killed when he jumped off the high school roof in 1998, and hasn't left since. He has a huge crush on her--so much so that he wants her to see the fairies that also haunt the school. The fairies invade Imogene's dreams, blurring the line between the unreal and the real. When her imaginary childhood friend Pelly actually manifests, Imogene knows something is terribly wrong. With Maxine, Adrian, and Pelly's help, Imogene challenges the dark forces of Faery. This compelling novel from Charles de Lint, the acknowledged founder of the "urban fantasy" genre, is set in the city of Newford, home to some of his best stories. After reading it, you will want to live in Newford, too.
"Quite simply, I love this book. I love the characters. I love the lore." ~Melissa Marr
I had a strange time reading this book. I loved the beginning but at some point in the middle I just got sick of reading it. I was determined to finish and picked it back up again last night after a 3 week hiatus. Fortunately the last part of the book is completely awesome so I am glad I read it. I actually really enjoyed the overall book. I think I just got bogged down in the middle with all the build up. I loved the characters in this book. Imogene & Maxine's friendship was the best part of this book. I loved Pelly, Adrian honestly made me tear up a little (especially at the end), Jared & Thomas were the perfect supportive brother and boyfriend characters respectively, and, and, and... there is just so much to love about this book. I am interested to see how my opinion of this book might change upon rereading. Now that I know how much I love the ending I think it might color my opinion of the middle chunk of the book for the better.
