"Dreams Underfoot" is a collection of short stories centered on the magical events that transpire in and around the imaginary city of Newford, like many cities with its rich and poor, its failures and successes, its heroes and villains. The stories tend to visit the fringe living on the edge or just beyond it, the people to whom magic might come almost unnoticed.
Some of these people believe in magic. Some collect tales of magic as a hobby or to make a living. A few are magical creatures themselves, whether they believe it or try to deny it. Some characters, like Jilly Coppercorn, will appear in many stories; many appear but once. A few are archetypical and will reappear slightly transformed; Coyote appears often in many shapes and with many names.
Is there magic, or is it all illusion and dreams? Was there a mermaid who grew feet and had a week and a day to find love, or was it simply a dream inspired by a statue and tall tales? Could the voiceless man really tell fortunes with his paper toys, or did he just inspire people to ask the right questions? Do ghosts keep haunting you until you figure out what they need and supply it?
The stories are highly varied. Some of them are quite intense. The point that magic has a price is made many times in many ways. If you have read de Lint's novels based in Newford, or plan to do so, this "cycle of myths" will form a good base for your exploration of the city, its inhabitants and its spirit.
© Copyright 1999 - 2002, James E. Henderson (WordJames) and the authors listed. All rights reserved.