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Winterling #2
Summerkin
Summerkin, the second book in award-winning author Sarah Prineas’s fantasy-adventure series that begins with Winterling, follows Fer, a young healer and warrior who’s fought to become the Lady of the Summerlands and now faces the task of ruling over a magical people in an enchanted realm.
Although Fer defeated the Mor, the evil, false Lady who terrorized the Summerlands, there are still those who do not trust her. To prove herself, Fer, aided by her deep connection to the natural world and her healing arts, enters a challenging contest. If Fer fails, she will lose her land and the realm will be closed to her forever.
Sarah Prineas combines a brave and resourceful young heroine with a richly detailed fantasy world and beloved folklore into a story that will delight middle-grade fans of Diana Wynne Jones, Ingrid Law, and Rick Riordan.
Although Fer defeated the Mor, the evil, false Lady who terrorized the Summerlands, there are still those who do not trust her. To prove herself, Fer, aided by her deep connection to the natural world and her healing arts, enters a challenging contest. If Fer fails, she will lose her land and the realm will be closed to her forever.
Sarah Prineas combines a brave and resourceful young heroine with a richly detailed fantasy world and beloved folklore into a story that will delight middle-grade fans of Diana Wynne Jones, Ingrid Law, and Rick Riordan.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2013
56 people are currently reading
1613 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Prineas
45 books1,121 followersComing in April 2021 from Philomel, Trouble in the Stars! It's a middle grade science fiction adventure about a shapeshifter kid.
And Dragonfell is out in paperback in April 2020.
Happy reading!
My website: www.sarah-prineas.com
And Dragonfell is out in paperback in April 2020.
Happy reading!
My website: www.sarah-prineas.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
February 18, 2018
This is a little younger than I usually read, so I'm rounding up a smidgen to correct for that. Overall, a fun read.
February 1, 2015
My review of the first book in the series was a bit middling - 2.5 bumped to 3 - and for the first part of this book I feared the second would be the same.
But at some point it started to click for me, and I didn't want to put the book down - so this is more a solid 3, maybe a 3.5.
The biggest plus is the characters. I had mentioned that the characters were a bit of a weakness and rather thin in the first book, but they felt more flushed out in this one - at least Fer and Rook did. And I was glad that some of the other competitors - Gnar and Lich - also ended up having a bit more depth to them that I suspected they would at first blush.
The story, itself, is a bit predictable, but I think it would be a lot less so for kids. And, even so, not everything went quite the way I expected it would, though most of the main parts did.
Overall, though, I liked the world and the story and characters more for this second installment, and I'm keen to read the last book and see how it all pans out.
But at some point it started to click for me, and I didn't want to put the book down - so this is more a solid 3, maybe a 3.5.
The biggest plus is the characters. I had mentioned that the characters were a bit of a weakness and rather thin in the first book, but they felt more flushed out in this one - at least Fer and Rook did. And I was glad that some of the other competitors - Gnar and Lich - also ended up having a bit more depth to them that I suspected they would at first blush.
The story, itself, is a bit predictable, but I think it would be a lot less so for kids. And, even so, not everything went quite the way I expected it would, though most of the main parts did.
Overall, though, I liked the world and the story and characters more for this second installment, and I'm keen to read the last book and see how it all pans out.
March 30, 2018
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed the plot of this one, there was a competition and intrigue and weird new creatures and lands for us to discover. I found the characters, old and new, all very enjoyable and the part with the Hunt had my heart in my throat! I gave the first book in this series 4 stars, this one is even better!
The reason why I can't give this 5 stars is because I feel a bit uncomfortable with how Fer is forcing her view upon the other Lords and Ladies. Is she right? Yes, Fer is definitely right. But it feels forced and I think that it is better to let people see and come to their own conclusions than forcing them like this. I also feel like it's not like Fer to force the others to do things the way she wants them to do it. So I took off half a star for that.
I really enjoyed the plot of this one, there was a competition and intrigue and weird new creatures and lands for us to discover. I found the characters, old and new, all very enjoyable and the part with the Hunt had my heart in my throat! I gave the first book in this series 4 stars, this one is even better!
The reason why I can't give this 5 stars is because I feel a bit uncomfortable with how Fer is forcing her view upon the other Lords and Ladies. Is she right? Yes, Fer is definitely right. But it feels forced and I think that it is better to let people see and come to their own conclusions than forcing them like this. I also feel like it's not like Fer to force the others to do things the way she wants them to do it. So I took off half a star for that.
March 11, 2017
Full stars
March 6, 2023
4.5 Sterne für ein weiteres Abenteuer mit Fer und Rook :)
Nachdem Fer die böse Mór besiegt hat, ist sie zu ihrer Großmutter zurückgekehrt. Doch zieht sie es zurück in die Heimat ihrer Mutter: ins Summerland, dessen Lady sie jetzt ist. Denkt sie zumindest. Wie auch all die anderen Wesen und Bewohner dort.
Sobald sie allerdings im Summerland ankommt, erreicht sie eine Nachricht der "High Ones" (der Hohen? keine Ahnung wie ich das übersetzen soll). Fer muss sich das Recht, Lady über Summerland zu sein, erstmal in einem Wettstreit mit drei anderen Anwärtern erkämpfen.
Die Handlung ist jetzt nichts großartig neues, aber mich hat die Fortsetzung wieder echt gut unterhalten. Fer möchte natürlich unbedingt die "Krone" gewinnen um das Land ihrer Mutter zu behalten, andererseits ist sie niemand, der sich mit den Ellenbogen an die erste Stelle boxt. Sie tut ihr bestes, weiß aber genau wo ihre Prioritäten liegen: im Mitgefühl und in der Hilfe für andere.
Auch kann sie sich noch immer nicht mit dem "Glamour" anfreunden. Dem schönen Schein, dem Zauber, von dem die Lords und Ladys der Länder in dieser Welt Gebrauch machen, um anderen ihren Willen aufzuzwingen. Auch merkt Fer, dass dieser Glamour nicht nur auf die anderen einwirkt, sondern auf den, der ihn trägt. Sie spürt die Kälte und Gleichgültigkeit, die in ihr Herz einzieht, wenn sie sich dieser Illusion bedient und spürt einen sehr drängenden Widerwillen.
Rook ist natürlich auch wieder mit von der Partie. Für ihn wird es sehr schwer, denn er fühlt sich hin und hergerissen zwischen der Verbundenheit zu seinen Puck-Brüdern - und der seltsamen Verbindung zu Fer. Er weiß, dass sie keine Treue oder Freundschaft mag, die durch einen Eid erzwungen wird und er ist sich ziemlich sicher, dass sie keine Spielchen mit ihm treibt. Andererseits kennt er einfach nicht, dass Freundschaft einfach so entstehen kann und diese Unsicherheit Fer gegenüber macht ihm eine gewissen Entscheidung sehr schwer.
Über den Schreibstil selber kann ich nicht viel sagen, dazu kenne ich einfach zu wenig "in englisch".
Ich bin jedenfalls super gut mitgekommen und hab mich prima unterhalten gefühlt. Manchmal sind mir Wortwiederholungen aufgefallen - die mich im deutschen wahrscheinlich etwas genervt hätten. Hier war ich froh drum, weil sich dadurch die Wörter eingeprägt haben :)
Einige Entwicklungen kann man schon gut vorausahnen, was mir aber das Lesevergnügen nicht getrübt hat - denn einige Überraschungen gab es dann doch.
Besonders mag ich hier ja, wie die Autorin mit der Beziehung zur Natur umgeht. Es bleibt zwar im Hintergrund, ist aber schon ein wichtiger Bestandteil. Gerade auch weil Fer ja aus unserer, der Menschenwelt kommt, wo alles geregelt ist, eingezäunt, eingemauert etc. Deshalb mag sie die ungezähmte Natur in den Summerlands und möchte diese auch nicht ändern.
Ebenso das Thema Freundschaft und Vertrauen kommt hier immer wieder zur Sprache mit wichtigen schönen Botschaften.
Ein besonderer Moment war auch, als Fer extra leise spricht, um zwischen den lauten Stimmen Gehör zu finden, zeigt, wie sensibel die Autorin an das Miteinander herangeht.
Neben den Prüfungen gibt es weitere Entwicklungen die ein spannendes Ende bereithalten mit einem wunderschönen Abschluss. Ich freu mich jetzt jedenfalls sehr auf Band 3!
Weltenwanderer
Nachdem Fer die böse Mór besiegt hat, ist sie zu ihrer Großmutter zurückgekehrt. Doch zieht sie es zurück in die Heimat ihrer Mutter: ins Summerland, dessen Lady sie jetzt ist. Denkt sie zumindest. Wie auch all die anderen Wesen und Bewohner dort.
Sobald sie allerdings im Summerland ankommt, erreicht sie eine Nachricht der "High Ones" (der Hohen? keine Ahnung wie ich das übersetzen soll). Fer muss sich das Recht, Lady über Summerland zu sein, erstmal in einem Wettstreit mit drei anderen Anwärtern erkämpfen.
Die Handlung ist jetzt nichts großartig neues, aber mich hat die Fortsetzung wieder echt gut unterhalten. Fer möchte natürlich unbedingt die "Krone" gewinnen um das Land ihrer Mutter zu behalten, andererseits ist sie niemand, der sich mit den Ellenbogen an die erste Stelle boxt. Sie tut ihr bestes, weiß aber genau wo ihre Prioritäten liegen: im Mitgefühl und in der Hilfe für andere.
Auch kann sie sich noch immer nicht mit dem "Glamour" anfreunden. Dem schönen Schein, dem Zauber, von dem die Lords und Ladys der Länder in dieser Welt Gebrauch machen, um anderen ihren Willen aufzuzwingen. Auch merkt Fer, dass dieser Glamour nicht nur auf die anderen einwirkt, sondern auf den, der ihn trägt. Sie spürt die Kälte und Gleichgültigkeit, die in ihr Herz einzieht, wenn sie sich dieser Illusion bedient und spürt einen sehr drängenden Widerwillen.
Rook ist natürlich auch wieder mit von der Partie. Für ihn wird es sehr schwer, denn er fühlt sich hin und hergerissen zwischen der Verbundenheit zu seinen Puck-Brüdern - und der seltsamen Verbindung zu Fer. Er weiß, dass sie keine Treue oder Freundschaft mag, die durch einen Eid erzwungen wird und er ist sich ziemlich sicher, dass sie keine Spielchen mit ihm treibt. Andererseits kennt er einfach nicht, dass Freundschaft einfach so entstehen kann und diese Unsicherheit Fer gegenüber macht ihm eine gewissen Entscheidung sehr schwer.
Über den Schreibstil selber kann ich nicht viel sagen, dazu kenne ich einfach zu wenig "in englisch".
Ich bin jedenfalls super gut mitgekommen und hab mich prima unterhalten gefühlt. Manchmal sind mir Wortwiederholungen aufgefallen - die mich im deutschen wahrscheinlich etwas genervt hätten. Hier war ich froh drum, weil sich dadurch die Wörter eingeprägt haben :)
Einige Entwicklungen kann man schon gut vorausahnen, was mir aber das Lesevergnügen nicht getrübt hat - denn einige Überraschungen gab es dann doch.
Besonders mag ich hier ja, wie die Autorin mit der Beziehung zur Natur umgeht. Es bleibt zwar im Hintergrund, ist aber schon ein wichtiger Bestandteil. Gerade auch weil Fer ja aus unserer, der Menschenwelt kommt, wo alles geregelt ist, eingezäunt, eingemauert etc. Deshalb mag sie die ungezähmte Natur in den Summerlands und möchte diese auch nicht ändern.
Ebenso das Thema Freundschaft und Vertrauen kommt hier immer wieder zur Sprache mit wichtigen schönen Botschaften.
Ein besonderer Moment war auch, als Fer extra leise spricht, um zwischen den lauten Stimmen Gehör zu finden, zeigt, wie sensibel die Autorin an das Miteinander herangeht.
Neben den Prüfungen gibt es weitere Entwicklungen die ein spannendes Ende bereithalten mit einem wunderschönen Abschluss. Ich freu mich jetzt jedenfalls sehr auf Band 3!
Weltenwanderer
September 30, 2017
A really interesting arc for this fae series. The first book was about non-violence, with medicine as resistance, and this one is about non-hierarchical servant leadership. I'm really interested to see where book three goes.
I mean it's technically about a competition to see who gets to be the Lady of the Summerlands, with archery contests and a magical fashion show. And trickster babies who are sometimes puppies. And government-led extermination campaigns against said tricksters.
MIDDLE GRADE IS FOR KIDS THEY SAID. KIDS READ EASY BOOKS I THOUGHT. SOMETHING LIGHT AND FLUFFY.
I mean it's technically about a competition to see who gets to be the Lady of the Summerlands, with archery contests and a magical fashion show. And trickster babies who are sometimes puppies. And government-led extermination campaigns against said tricksters.
MIDDLE GRADE IS FOR KIDS THEY SAID. KIDS READ EASY BOOKS I THOUGHT. SOMETHING LIGHT AND FLUFFY.
September 3, 2014
4.5 STARS
The sequel to Winterling is not only worthy, I actually enjoyed it more! The story feels more original here, the characters develop even greater depth. I love that Fer Prineas creates a wonderful sense of place with the Summerlands and the other lands Fer and Co travel to, and the new characters felt very fresh and interesting. Though I had a few quibbles and unanswered questions about a few aspects of the book , overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and really loved Fer's epiphany It was also great fun, and captivating, to learn more about the pucks. I look forward to the third book!
The sequel to Winterling is not only worthy, I actually enjoyed it more! The story feels more original here, the characters develop even greater depth. I love that Fer Prineas creates a wonderful sense of place with the Summerlands and the other lands Fer and Co travel to, and the new characters felt very fresh and interesting. Though I had a few quibbles and unanswered questions about a few aspects of the book , overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and really loved Fer's epiphany It was also great fun, and captivating, to learn more about the pucks. I look forward to the third book!
January 19, 2018
3.5 stars too.
I liked the first book better, although I loved the character development in this book better. Fer and Rook are more fleshed out. There is also a lot of adventure in this book; with the quests Fer must complete in order to prove she is the rightful Lady of the Lands. Children will devour this (and yet, it is still highly enjoyable for the older audience)
I liked the first book better, although I loved the character development in this book better. Fer and Rook are more fleshed out. There is also a lot of adventure in this book; with the quests Fer must complete in order to prove she is the rightful Lady of the Lands. Children will devour this (and yet, it is still highly enjoyable for the older audience)
May 7, 2020
As predicted, I enjoyed this one even more than book 1!
And Sarah Prineas really has a way of getting you attached to side characters in a relatively short time. And as a big fan of side characters, I appreciate that!
And Sarah Prineas really has a way of getting you attached to side characters in a relatively short time. And as a big fan of side characters, I appreciate that!
January 19, 2024
3.7 stars. Much better than the first one. Both the plot and characters were handled way better compared to the first book. Rook specifically felt like an actual character this time. Just enjoyed my time with this one more than the first book.
December 29, 2022
I liked this second in the series slightly less than the first book, I think there was less danger. I love how Fer is taking the best of humanity with her and changing her new home.
January 29, 2023
4 stars.
I cant decide if Iiked this better than the first book or the same. Such a great story and I cant wait to see what the third book is about. I really liked how everything turned out.
I cant decide if Iiked this better than the first book or the same. Such a great story and I cant wait to see what the third book is about. I really liked how everything turned out.
May 20, 2014
I love the self-loathing antihero as much as the next person, but it's refreshing sometimes to read books about characters who are good and heroic and, yes, fallible, but ultimately strong and kind. Fer is a wonderful character in that regard; she can be childish and naive (which is totally fair because she's, what, like thirteen?) and she can be stubborn and foolish, but she's ultimately driven by empathy, fairness, and a drive to be kind to everyone.
Summerkin is a good book. It's better than Winterling in that the action flows more evenly, and Fer is given more room to shine. I generally dislike books that involve a contest of sorts, mostly because it causes the action to drag and the plot to become predictable -- contests usually only go two ways: they win (less often) or they fail (usually due to circumstances outside their control) only to triumph later through some deux ex machina loophole (more often). That said, the contests in Summerkin work, and the plot threaded between the contests keeps the action moving.
That said, and I have no idea if this is the case, it feels like Winterling was a stand alone with Summerkin and Moonkind appended on. Some of the information we're granted in Summerkin seems almost directly contradictory to what we found out in Winterling. In Winterling it sounded like the glamorie was something kind of specific to the Lady of the Summerlands? Because we meet the Huldre and she is described as having a sort-of glamorie that works entirely unlike any other glamorie seen in the series. It feels like, especially because I am most of the way through Moonkind now, that Prineas had one idea of the glamorie in Winterling and then had to tweak it to make it a plot in Summerkin and Moonkind.
Also Arenthiel??? Was talking about defeating the Mor to claim the Summerlands but like ... when was he going to get around to doing that????? Because, again, in Winterling it seemed like the Mor had been doing her thing for at least a while (judging from how long Fer's parent's didn't return for her; like time obviously passes differently in the human world but that'd still be at least a couple years). Was Arenthiel just too busy primping or something? He couldn't have wanted the Summerlands that badly.
Also, and I'm not really sure this is any flaw of the book's or just my preference, but I always find Rook's POVs much more boring than Fer's. I mean, I like Rook, but I think he's (a) a better supporting character and (b) far less irritating when we can't see into his mind. I would have liked to see more interaction with Fer and Twig, and Fer and Gnar. I love the driving relationships of the books, but I wish there was more female friendship.
I'm not going to talk much about Rook's puck-brothers other than to say they're fucking dicks. Also Rook seems to be the most un-mischievous mischief-maker ever. "Yes, I suppose I'll do this tricky thing I guess if I have to" *long sigh*. Still, I do enjoy Rook; I just enjoy laughing at him more.
I feel like I've talked about all the negative in this book, but I really liked it! It was fun to read and hard to put down and Fer is just a fantastic protagonist. I felt good after reading her story in Summerkin. The plot was quick-moving and engaging, and Prineas is a fantastic writer who uses humor deftly -- both to build relationships and to lighten the mood when the book becomes a touch dark. I'm loving Moonkind right now too, and I'm very happy I bought this series.
Summerkin is a good book. It's better than Winterling in that the action flows more evenly, and Fer is given more room to shine. I generally dislike books that involve a contest of sorts, mostly because it causes the action to drag and the plot to become predictable -- contests usually only go two ways: they win (less often) or they fail (usually due to circumstances outside their control) only to triumph later through some deux ex machina loophole (more often). That said, the contests in Summerkin work, and the plot threaded between the contests keeps the action moving.
That said, and I have no idea if this is the case, it feels like Winterling was a stand alone with Summerkin and Moonkind appended on. Some of the information we're granted in Summerkin seems almost directly contradictory to what we found out in Winterling. In Winterling it sounded like the glamorie was something kind of specific to the Lady of the Summerlands? Because we meet the Huldre and she is described as having a sort-of glamorie that works entirely unlike any other glamorie seen in the series. It feels like, especially because I am most of the way through Moonkind now, that Prineas had one idea of the glamorie in Winterling and then had to tweak it to make it a plot in Summerkin and Moonkind.
Also Arenthiel??? Was talking about defeating the Mor to claim the Summerlands but like ... when was he going to get around to doing that????? Because, again, in Winterling it seemed like the Mor had been doing her thing for at least a while (judging from how long Fer's parent's didn't return for her; like time obviously passes differently in the human world but that'd still be at least a couple years). Was Arenthiel just too busy primping or something? He couldn't have wanted the Summerlands that badly.
Also, and I'm not really sure this is any flaw of the book's or just my preference, but I always find Rook's POVs much more boring than Fer's. I mean, I like Rook, but I think he's (a) a better supporting character and (b) far less irritating when we can't see into his mind. I would have liked to see more interaction with Fer and Twig, and Fer and Gnar. I love the driving relationships of the books, but I wish there was more female friendship.
I'm not going to talk much about Rook's puck-brothers other than to say they're fucking dicks. Also Rook seems to be the most un-mischievous mischief-maker ever. "Yes, I suppose I'll do this tricky thing I guess if I have to" *long sigh*. Still, I do enjoy Rook; I just enjoy laughing at him more.
I feel like I've talked about all the negative in this book, but I really liked it! It was fun to read and hard to put down and Fer is just a fantastic protagonist. I felt good after reading her story in Summerkin. The plot was quick-moving and engaging, and Prineas is a fantastic writer who uses humor deftly -- both to build relationships and to lighten the mood when the book becomes a touch dark. I'm loving Moonkind right now too, and I'm very happy I bought this series.
June 22, 2013
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
Last year I completely fell for a surly, mischievous, puck named Rook and a strong, kind-hearted, girl named Fer when I read Winterling by Sarah Prineas (my thoughts). When my copy of Summerkin, the sequel, arrived it was no surprise that I lost interest in everything else in my TBR pile and had to read it right away. I am happy to say that I adored it and am more in love with the characters than ever.
Fer, who defeated the evil usurper who had murdered her parents and taken over the Summerland, now must come to terms with what it means to be the ruler. She is fiercely determined not to take oaths from her people knowing how they were abused when they did that before. Her refusal to do this has put her right to rule in question. The High Ones have requested that she come to compete in a competition. The winner will win the right to rule the Summerlands. Rook, now freed from his oaths to the evil Mor, has returned to his Puck brothers. They are determined to create mischief and what better place to create mischief than at a competition the High Ones have organized at the nave? And what better puck to send than Rook, who the Lady Gwynnefar foolishly trusts and calls friend? But there is a sinister presence at the nave ready to challenge Geynnefar and Rook finds himself torn between his duty as a puck and the strange bond that keeps forming between him and Fer.
Fer's journey to learn what sort of leader she wants to be and how to implement that proves how perfect she is for the job. Her strength under pressure, her compassion for all, and her ability to empathize make her a great leader. She wants to see the good in every one, but isn't afraid of standing up to those she sees as threatening her people. Yet she is so lonely because she is seen as the Lady by her people and as a half-human usurper by most of her peers. It is heart wrenching the ways she wants to trust Rook, but can't help doubting. Particularly when he keeps telling her not to trust him. At the same time it is heart wrenching to see Rook wanting to be what she needs but fighting it at the same time. He doesn't know how, it's against his nature. As much as I want to smack him sometimes I can't help but love him. He is obnoxious but endearing, because he is also noble and upstanding in his own way. I really love how the books in this trilogy are focusing on both of their character arcs and their relationship. It was lovely to see Fer's relationship with Fray and Twig growing as well.
There are some great new characters added to the story this time too. Two of Fer's competitors, Gnar and Lich, are fascinating and I would love to see more of them. Arenthiel makes the perfect villain, smarmy and insidious in all the right ways. All the other pucks in the story are a marvelous additon as well.
The competition aspect of the story kept the pacing moving quickly and makes for a riveting read. There is always something going on, something to discover, something to think about. All this builds up to intense moments. I continue to appreciate what Prineas is doing with faerie-lore in these books.
I'm ecstatic that we only have months to wait for Moonkind, which will release in January.
Last year I completely fell for a surly, mischievous, puck named Rook and a strong, kind-hearted, girl named Fer when I read Winterling by Sarah Prineas (my thoughts). When my copy of Summerkin, the sequel, arrived it was no surprise that I lost interest in everything else in my TBR pile and had to read it right away. I am happy to say that I adored it and am more in love with the characters than ever.
Fer, who defeated the evil usurper who had murdered her parents and taken over the Summerland, now must come to terms with what it means to be the ruler. She is fiercely determined not to take oaths from her people knowing how they were abused when they did that before. Her refusal to do this has put her right to rule in question. The High Ones have requested that she come to compete in a competition. The winner will win the right to rule the Summerlands. Rook, now freed from his oaths to the evil Mor, has returned to his Puck brothers. They are determined to create mischief and what better place to create mischief than at a competition the High Ones have organized at the nave? And what better puck to send than Rook, who the Lady Gwynnefar foolishly trusts and calls friend? But there is a sinister presence at the nave ready to challenge Geynnefar and Rook finds himself torn between his duty as a puck and the strange bond that keeps forming between him and Fer.
Fer's journey to learn what sort of leader she wants to be and how to implement that proves how perfect she is for the job. Her strength under pressure, her compassion for all, and her ability to empathize make her a great leader. She wants to see the good in every one, but isn't afraid of standing up to those she sees as threatening her people. Yet she is so lonely because she is seen as the Lady by her people and as a half-human usurper by most of her peers. It is heart wrenching the ways she wants to trust Rook, but can't help doubting. Particularly when he keeps telling her not to trust him. At the same time it is heart wrenching to see Rook wanting to be what she needs but fighting it at the same time. He doesn't know how, it's against his nature. As much as I want to smack him sometimes I can't help but love him. He is obnoxious but endearing, because he is also noble and upstanding in his own way. I really love how the books in this trilogy are focusing on both of their character arcs and their relationship. It was lovely to see Fer's relationship with Fray and Twig growing as well.
There are some great new characters added to the story this time too. Two of Fer's competitors, Gnar and Lich, are fascinating and I would love to see more of them. Arenthiel makes the perfect villain, smarmy and insidious in all the right ways. All the other pucks in the story are a marvelous additon as well.
The competition aspect of the story kept the pacing moving quickly and makes for a riveting read. There is always something going on, something to discover, something to think about. All this builds up to intense moments. I continue to appreciate what Prineas is doing with faerie-lore in these books.
I'm ecstatic that we only have months to wait for Moonkind, which will release in January.
May 16, 2016
Fer. Actually Lady Fer, ever since she defeated the Mór, the powerful, corrupt ruler of the lands on the other side of the Way. For the longest time, Fer felt like she didn't belong in the normal, human world. All her life she was lonely, that is, ever since she came to the Summerlands. The land lies across the human world, through a series of portals, and now, Fer has been crowned the Queen of the ever-changing land.
One fine day, Fer's assistant and best friend, Rook, delivers a letter to Fer. It is from the High Ones, and it states that she must prove herself worthy of the Summerlands through a competition. When Fer travels to the nathe palace, she must find out her true heart, make new friends, compete with tricksters, and retrieve old friends in order to keep control of the new home she is meant to love and her peoples' fate.
One fine day, Fer's assistant and best friend, Rook, delivers a letter to Fer. It is from the High Ones, and it states that she must prove herself worthy of the Summerlands through a competition. When Fer travels to the nathe palace, she must find out her true heart, make new friends, compete with tricksters, and retrieve old friends in order to keep control of the new home she is meant to love and her peoples' fate.
June 9, 2013
I might've enjoyed it more if I'd read the first one first. But I didn't know it was a sequel when I started to read.
It was rather boring at the start (most likely because i couldn't understand stuff they would've mentioned in the first book), but I made myself finish it, hoping it would get better. And did it? Certainly. I enjoyed the last half. And so you might ask why I have it only 3 stars? Well, 3 and a half, actually. I did enjoy it, yes, but I have enjoyed books a lot better before, so I think 3 and a half stars is a fair call.
It was rather boring at the start (most likely because i couldn't understand stuff they would've mentioned in the first book), but I made myself finish it, hoping it would get better. And did it? Certainly. I enjoyed the last half. And so you might ask why I have it only 3 stars? Well, 3 and a half, actually. I did enjoy it, yes, but I have enjoyed books a lot better before, so I think 3 and a half stars is a fair call.
March 29, 2017
This series continues to be great. Fer, despite her young age, shows wisdom and kindness. I especially like the herbal magic she does, as opposed to something more flashy with wands or something. And the pucks are the best. Despite their stubbornness, their fierce loyalty is sweet.
But I do think sometimes everyone in these novels are too stubborn. They keep repeating the same things over and over. It can be a bit annoying.
But I do think sometimes everyone in these novels are too stubborn. They keep repeating the same things over and over. It can be a bit annoying.
October 6, 2019
Reader thoughts: The best parts were that Fer was different from everyone in the magical lands. I was impressed enough that I shared the ending with my husband.
The games and trials Fer had to take part in seemed a bit cliche. Oh, she has to do a test of magic and a test of speed and a test of archery. She is racing/fighting against other potential rulers and losing. She only The tests didn't really seem to have that much to do with being a ruler anyway. I was not impressed with the magical elder people who decided the trials Fer had much more sense.
Rook. I don't know what to think about him. His mischievous nature adds dimension, but the life of a puck doesn't actually make logical sense to me. They're all boys, all brothers, none old, and all spend all their energy causing mayhem? They have magic but only spend it to be ornery? How is that supposed to work? Why? Rook seems to think like a rational being, just one who thinks it is his duty to cause trouble.
Writer thoughts: This book was in one way not as good as I hoped and in another way better than I had hoped. I find this to be a large factor in how much I like a book.
Authors, pay attention. If a reader can predict an ending to the book that is better than yours, change your book. If a reader tries to predict an ending, but the book is even better (more unexpected, more satisfying, etc.) than the reader could have imagined ... that is what makes a truly great book.
The games and trials Fer had to take part in seemed a bit cliche. Oh, she has to do a test of magic and a test of speed and a test of archery. She is racing/fighting against other potential rulers and losing. She only The tests didn't really seem to have that much to do with being a ruler anyway. I was not impressed with the magical elder people who decided the trials Fer had much more sense.
Rook. I don't know what to think about him. His mischievous nature adds dimension, but the life of a puck doesn't actually make logical sense to me. They're all boys, all brothers, none old, and all spend all their energy causing mayhem? They have magic but only spend it to be ornery? How is that supposed to work? Why? Rook seems to think like a rational being, just one who thinks it is his duty to cause trouble.
Writer thoughts: This book was in one way not as good as I hoped and in another way better than I had hoped. I find this to be a large factor in how much I like a book.
Authors, pay attention. If a reader can predict an ending to the book that is better than yours, change your book. If a reader tries to predict an ending, but the book is even better (more unexpected, more satisfying, etc.) than the reader could have imagined ... that is what makes a truly great book.
April 10, 2019
Wow this book annoyed me.
Now I understand as a 18 year old I'm not the demographic for a middle grade novel, I don't think that's an excuse infuriating character though.
Our main character Fer is to become Lady of a magical land and she pisses me off. she refuses to accept the "Oaths" of the people which is a custom in this different land that she's not from. Her reasoning is that the previous lady is evil and cruel and forced people to follow her every whim because of the Oaths so she will not be like that
Okay then
JUST DON'T FORCE PEOPLE TO DO YOUR BIDDING
IT'S A SIMPLE AS THAT
I suppose if you don't want anyone getting murdered you take all the knives out of the kitchen.. but you know what? How are you going to chop any vegetables if you got no knives in the kitchen?? you could just not stab anyone to death and keep the knives around!!!
It is framed in such a way that leading your people is wrong, having your people serve you is wrong, queen or king or Lord or lady or what have you are meant to serve your people and while I understand that sediment and I partly agree with it, the masses are quite idiotic at times they don't always know what's best for them and it's pretty fucking hard to decide anything if there is no figurehead to your land.
The other thing that annoyed me is the use of the word -and-
The word -and- was used so many goddamn times
-"Fer reached out to catch it and felt herself slipping. she grabbed the patch out of the air and with her other hand clung to the branch; her head spun, -and- her stomach lurched, -and- below her she saw a world of branches -and- leaves -and- empty space."-
Overall it wasn't a miserable experience to read but throughout the whole thing I couldn't help but more than once think
yeah maybe you shouldn't rule this land if you don't want listen to anyone when they say they have customs and traditions
Now I understand as a 18 year old I'm not the demographic for a middle grade novel, I don't think that's an excuse infuriating character though.
Our main character Fer is to become Lady of a magical land and she pisses me off. she refuses to accept the "Oaths" of the people which is a custom in this different land that she's not from. Her reasoning is that the previous lady is evil and cruel and forced people to follow her every whim because of the Oaths so she will not be like that
Okay then
JUST DON'T FORCE PEOPLE TO DO YOUR BIDDING
IT'S A SIMPLE AS THAT
I suppose if you don't want anyone getting murdered you take all the knives out of the kitchen.. but you know what? How are you going to chop any vegetables if you got no knives in the kitchen?? you could just not stab anyone to death and keep the knives around!!!
It is framed in such a way that leading your people is wrong, having your people serve you is wrong, queen or king or Lord or lady or what have you are meant to serve your people and while I understand that sediment and I partly agree with it, the masses are quite idiotic at times they don't always know what's best for them and it's pretty fucking hard to decide anything if there is no figurehead to your land.
The other thing that annoyed me is the use of the word -and-
The word -and- was used so many goddamn times
-"Fer reached out to catch it and felt herself slipping. she grabbed the patch out of the air and with her other hand clung to the branch; her head spun, -and- her stomach lurched, -and- below her she saw a world of branches -and- leaves -and- empty space."-
Overall it wasn't a miserable experience to read but throughout the whole thing I couldn't help but more than once think
yeah maybe you shouldn't rule this land if you don't want listen to anyone when they say they have customs and traditions
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2018
Not bad but it didn't quite match up to book one.
Fer, now Lady of the Land since she beat the raven queen must prove her worth to the people in charge because in fact she is the magical equivalent of middle management and most everyone else is going "ewwww she's part human gross". She also struggles to deal with the corporate culture of the magical world while not compromising her values but through being a decent human being (heh) she proves that she is worthy of her job. Also there's like this almost romantic subplot with Rook where he has to choose whether to throw in with his puck brothers or this ~girl~ and despite me wanting to hate it, it actually was decently done and added to the story. Honestly what really chafed me was Fer seemed determined to not grow
For the middle of a series this is actually a good book but it just didn't have the same impact as book 1. If you liked book 1 and want to check in with the characters and see Fer waffle between growing and not then def pick it up. If you are wanting actual growth on Fer's part or a story more like book 1... Eh, not a waste of time but this isn't what you're looking for.
Fer, now Lady of the Land since she beat the raven queen must prove her worth to the people in charge because in fact she is the magical equivalent of middle management and most everyone else is going "ewwww she's part human gross". She also struggles to deal with the corporate culture of the magical world while not compromising her values but through being a decent human being (heh) she proves that she is worthy of her job. Also there's like this almost romantic subplot with Rook where he has to choose whether to throw in with his puck brothers or this ~girl~ and despite me wanting to hate it, it actually was decently done and added to the story. Honestly what really chafed me was Fer seemed determined to not grow
For the middle of a series this is actually a good book but it just didn't have the same impact as book 1. If you liked book 1 and want to check in with the characters and see Fer waffle between growing and not then def pick it up. If you are wanting actual growth on Fer's part or a story more like book 1... Eh, not a waste of time but this isn't what you're looking for.
August 30, 2020
I think Rook is one of my favorite characters, something about his personality is really loveable to me. *hugs him* Fer is even better in this book. Her leadership skills and kindness is awesome! I like the grandma a lot more now. (I thought she was kinda grumpy in the first book haha). And I love the beeeeeees.
This was more interesting then the first book I think. It had a different plot, but followed pretty well after the first book. More characters and learning a little more about the world. It was cool. Especially to see more pucks. (Though one of them only wears paint. No clothes at all. Which. You know. Is kinda weird in my opinion ... meh).
There is a theme in this book. And I doN't know if I agrEe. Or not. I half agree at least. Pushing your power on people and being a tyrant is a no-no, and yes, leaders should be servants to their people in a way, but there should still be laws and some sort of rule, otherwise it won't work. But it was still shown really well in the story, so I applaud.
I really like these characters and their adventures, so I am both excited and nervous for the last book. As a last note: I will toss Rook and Fer into a room and lock them in if they can't figure out their friendship soon!
:)
This was more interesting then the first book I think. It had a different plot, but followed pretty well after the first book. More characters and learning a little more about the world. It was cool. Especially to see more pucks. (Though one of them only wears paint. No clothes at all. Which. You know. Is kinda weird in my opinion ... meh).
There is a theme in this book. And I doN't know if I agrEe. Or not. I half agree at least. Pushing your power on people and being a tyrant is a no-no, and yes, leaders should be servants to their people in a way, but there should still be laws and some sort of rule, otherwise it won't work. But it was still shown really well in the story, so I applaud.
I really like these characters and their adventures, so I am both excited and nervous for the last book. As a last note: I will toss Rook and Fer into a room and lock them in if they can't figure out their friendship soon!
:)
June 30, 2018
What a nice light middle-grade read. I may have enjoyed Winterling more, but this was still a good book. Perhaps I am just used to reading books that take place on a grander scale, more plot development and characters, so when I was finished with Summerkin, I was a bit underwhelmed by how quickly the plot came to a climax.
Having finished this book, let me share some opinions on it:
-The Competition—a pretty typical thing I see often in middle-grade fantasy books. It was not the most original thing, but I have nothing against these recycled fantasy ideas. I kinda like them. So, Fer enters the competition to prove her competency as a Lady, but I would’ve liked to see more story about the other competitors. The High Ones, of course being ancient and all that, didn’t really strike me as ‘intelligent’; perhaps it’s only me.
-The Pucks—Rook is a pre cool character, although he needs to stop with this trust issue thing. I like how we get to explore his family in this book and how he cares for them. I’m just wanting to see Rook grow out of his ‘untrusting shell’ and just become a badass Puck, lol.
Having finished this book, let me share some opinions on it:
-The Competition—a pretty typical thing I see often in middle-grade fantasy books. It was not the most original thing, but I have nothing against these recycled fantasy ideas. I kinda like them. So, Fer enters the competition to prove her competency as a Lady, but I would’ve liked to see more story about the other competitors. The High Ones, of course being ancient and all that, didn’t really strike me as ‘intelligent’; perhaps it’s only me.
-The Pucks—Rook is a pre cool character, although he needs to stop with this trust issue thing. I like how we get to explore his family in this book and how he cares for them. I’m just wanting to see Rook grow out of his ‘untrusting shell’ and just become a badass Puck, lol.
February 23, 2017
Another book by Sarah Prineas that has an intriguing plot that kept me reading. A bit predictable at times (spoiler: it was easy to see Fer would save Gnar and Lich at least once over the course of the book) but the plot did deviate from what I thought would happen regarding Rook, the summer crown, and Arenthial. The puck characters are a delight and the plot was original enough and intriguing enough that I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read. For older readers, it may be a bit of a quick, light read but again Fer is a beautiful heroine and the plot is good enough to keep you entertained regardless of it being written for a younger audience. I love what Fer represents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2023
Just as good as the 1st one! 😍
I absolutely LOVE Gwynnefar 😍
I love how loyal she is to Rook even when HE told her not to trust him. She would listen to her people, learned, tried to be respectful of the world she didn't understand so she wouldn't let her people down but she didnt do it at the cost of what she felt was right.
It's crazy how dedicated she was to a people she was just getting to know, but that's just how she is. Fer has a HUGE heart and willing to help anyone, even her enemies as the end proves haha
Loved diving back into this whimsical world that was very faerie like but also different. Can't wait to see what book 3 is about. Especially now that the Pucks have a bit more respect for Fer 😁
I absolutely LOVE Gwynnefar 😍
I love how loyal she is to Rook even when HE told her not to trust him. She would listen to her people, learned, tried to be respectful of the world she didn't understand so she wouldn't let her people down but she didnt do it at the cost of what she felt was right.
It's crazy how dedicated she was to a people she was just getting to know, but that's just how she is. Fer has a HUGE heart and willing to help anyone, even her enemies as the end proves haha
Loved diving back into this whimsical world that was very faerie like but also different. Can't wait to see what book 3 is about. Especially now that the Pucks have a bit more respect for Fer 😁
July 2, 2021
I was very happy with the High Ones, I thought they were just the right amount of mysterious and wise, but also fair. I was disappointed that there were no new friends added, but I was glad to see that she became closer to the friends she already had. I was also happy with the character development with Rook, but I did think that she could have taken it a little farther. I would have liked Fer to have a solid friendship with him by the end of this series. Now, though, I am very excited for Moonkind.
August 10, 2023
I read this book aloud to my daughter. It took us a long time. The first half of the book was rather dull, as there wasn’t much happening. The end of the book was okay, but it felt out of character for after to make all of the lords and ladies swear an oath to take off their glamories. After she kept insisting that people shouldn’t have to swear oaths, it just felt out of character for her to do that. We could see her asking them to take them off, but we couldn’t see her asking them to swear. It felt excessive. A lot of the book felt awkward. We probably won’t continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2018
Most people Fers age have the everyday dealings with trying to feel like they fit in and are accepted by their peers and viewed as equals by all. Fer takes it to another level as she goes to an area in the world she was from and has to fight for acceptance and respect from a group of peers who definitely have different ideas as to how their world should be run. I finished this book in a matter of days.
August 3, 2018
Fer has not been Lady of the land long when her place is challenged due to her half-human blood, forcing her to compete for the title; meanwhile, Rook must decide whether a pack with his puck brothers means more than his friendship with Fer...Prineas continues this engaging series with more heart and fantastic characters and plenty of lore to please fans. When the time to face her opponents comes, will Fer make the right decisions?
August 16, 2020
Follow the continued adventures of Fer and her reluctant 'friend,' the puck named Rook. Fer is being tested by the High Ones to find out if she is worthy of being Lady of the Summerlands. We are introduced to Rook's puck brothers, and they are a delight. The deceitful Aranthiel is a fun addition to the story, with his smug, smarmy attitude. Firegirl Nyar and swampboy Litch round out the cast of characters. Apologies if I spelled anything wrong. I listened to the audio!
April 6, 2021
As lovely as the first!
The concept of an actual contest for the crown (although not a new one to the book community) is a new thing to me, and I love it! Way to go! The uncertainty between Rook and Fer and just Fer in general made me read so fast, haha.
I think one thing that stood out to me was how predictable the book became halfway into it. That is where this sequel takes a step back, but it’s still a fun one!
The concept of an actual contest for the crown (although not a new one to the book community) is a new thing to me, and I love it! Way to go! The uncertainty between Rook and Fer and just Fer in general made me read so fast, haha.
I think one thing that stood out to me was how predictable the book became halfway into it. That is where this sequel takes a step back, but it’s still a fun one!
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