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Title: War for the Oaks: A Novel |
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Review of War for the Oaks: A Novel
- Acclaimed by critics and readers on its first publication in 1987, winner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel, Emma Bullās War for the Oaks is one of the novels that has defined modern urban fantasy.
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 riskāand her own preferences, musical and personal, are very much beside the point.
By turns tough and lyrical, fabulous and down-to-earth, War for the Oaks is a fantasy novel thatās as much about this world as about the other one. Itās about real love and loyalty, about real music and musicians, about false glamour and true art. It will change the way you hear and see your own daily life.
Product Description
- Emma Bull's debut novel, War for the Oaks, placed her in the top tier of urban fantasists and established a new subgenre. Unlike most of the rock & rollin' fantasies that have ripped off Ms. Bull's concept, War for the Oaks is well worth reading. Intelligent and skillfully written, with sharply drawn, sympathetic characters, War for the Oaks is about love and loyalty, life and death, and creativity and sacrifice.
Eddi McCandry has just left her boyfriend and their band when she finds herself running through the Minneapolis night, pursued by a sinister man and a huge, terrifying dog. The two creatures are one and the same: a phouka, a faerie being who has chosen Eddi to be a mortal pawn in the age-old war between the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Eddi isn't interested--but she doesn't have a choice. Now she struggles to build a new life and new band when she might not even survive till the first rehearsal.
War for the Oaks won the Locus Magazine award for Best First Novel and was a finalist for the Mythopoeic Society Award. Other books by Emma Bull include the novels Falcon, Bone Dance (second honors, Philip K. Dick Award), Finder (a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award), and (with Stephen Brust) Freedom and Necessity; the collection Double Feature (with Will Shetterly); and the picture book The Princess and the Lord of Night. --Cynthia Ward
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Comments for War for the Oaks: A Novel
- Posted on 2008-05-14
First and still favorite fantasy
This was the book that got me hooked into fantasy. I cant' recommend it enough. I'm not one to reread books but I never get tired of this one. Emma Bull balanced just enough romance, suspense, fantasy and rock n roll. I really was not expecting to like it when I first picked it up but now I can happily say it will always remain one of my favorites.
Score: 5
- Posted on 2008-04-10
Great Urban Faery
One of my favorites; a terrific read. I wish the author would write more!
The book was involving, the characters fascinating, the plot moved along very well. I'd love a sequel.
Score: 5 - Posted on 2007-09-03
Not Free SF Reader
What can I say? For some reason, this is one of my all time favorites. A fabulous urban type fantasy (part of the reason I like it so much), complete with conflict and rock and roll. After reading this, I went looking for things that were similar. This one, however, is still the best. As a related note I saw that blackcoat press had for sale a screenplay for a movie version that she wrote, too. I have not read it, but sounds interesting.
Score: 5 - Posted on 2007-09-02
Phoukas, magic and rock and roll, oh my!
I've come to the conclusion that any story with a phouka (alternately spelled pooka) is better for it. Harvey (with James Stewart) made brilliant use of this creature. Emma Bull does the same in War for the Oaks. Originally published in 1987, this book is set in Minneapolis where Eddi McCandry is trying to make a living as a rock and roll musician. When the novel starts, Eddi's prospects in the music department are not so good. To make matters worse, she is soon recruited by the Seelie Court to help them make war. That's right, Eddi is drafted into a faerie war. In order to keep her safe (until she has to risk her life in battle), the phouka is dispatched as her bodyguard.
There is something kind of awesome about a book that can combine rock music with something as fantastical as faeries. Bull does it wonderfully. Each chapter title is a song. Music excerpts abound throughout, sure to entertain even those of us unfamiliar with music of that period. Bull also spends a lot of time describing the process of making music--what the band sounds like on stage, how rehearsals go, etc. Instead of being boring or draggy, they're really interesting and show how very much effort goes into this process.
At times the plot seemed a little predictable, but I'm still not sure if that's just because I've been reading quite a few fantasy books lately instead of from anything in the writing. It doesn't really matter though because it's not a bad predictability. Rather, it's the kind that leaves a sense of satisfaction because it feels like the plot is going along as it should be.
Bull's writing style was down to earth without being stale and her characters will not easily be forgotten. The phouka, in particular, is a favorite for too many reasons to enumerate here. So, if you haven't guessed, I strongly recommend this book. If you like music, if you like phoukas, if you like fantasy, if you need something to read, if you believe in magic--this book is for you.
Score: 4
- Posted on 2007-01-10
A Real Keeper
This is a book that should be put prominitly on your keeper shelf. Emma Bull is an outstanding author and this is a great read. I highly reccomnd this book. I totally enjoyed reading it. As a matter of fact, I am writing this after reading it for the 3rd time!. Read,enjoy, and keep ths book.
Score: 5