Sunrunner

The Summertide Chronicles #3

by Sam Burns

My father is missing, and along with him, the Sunrunner family stone, Nausa. My aunt swears this is common for him, but I know different. Yes, my father is lost deep in his addictions, but he’s never disappeared before. If it weren’t up to me to handle the mess my family has made, I’d be a thousand miles away by now. But time is running out and the threatening eruption of Mount Slate keeps inching closer.

Now, Half the Moonstriker family has come to help me look for Nausa, including Kit, a freaking assassin, and his brother Frost, the most beautiful man ever born. Frost almost makes me want to stick around, for the first time in my life.

But suddenly, nothing can go right. From a brush with death in the car to a collapse at the palace, not to mention the way Kit Moonstriker keeps looking at me like he’s deciding where to stab, saving the world isn’t as simple as it sounds.

Sunrunner is the third in a series of four books, starring one beautiful mathematician ingenue, one bad boy who isn’t so bad—he swears, and one overprotective brother who might be forced to teach him a lesson or two. It contains Caspian and Frost’s HFN, and continues the overall story arc of the series.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Magic, Paranormal, LGBT, Shapeshifters

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2025

Reviews

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

Sunrunner is the third installment of Sam Burns’ Summertide Chronicles. The events in this book take place immediately after those in book two and Frost and Caspian take turns acting as narrator. The first half of the story unfolds like an eventful road trip that has Frost and Caspian discovering a mutual attraction. Simultaneously, Kit comes to understand how Sunrunners got their reputation for being addicts and how Caspian very much does not fit that stereotype. During the journey, Caspian realizes that his family dynamic is a lot more fraught than he ever knew and once he and the others reach Sunrunner lands, more hard truths are revealed and confirmed–like how his paternal aunt has delusions of grandeur and his maternal uncle is a crime lord striving to make the world a better place.

Overall, Sunrunner is a solid addition to the Summertide Chronicles series. It covers important ground concerning the family stones and the generational changes the four families all seem to be struggling with. There is a definite romance that unfurls between Frost and Caspian, though it felt like it was much more muted compared to the previous installments.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caspian is so sweet. The way he was always so careful—because he didn’t want to believe his aunt could be so cruel—was just heartbreaking. Anyway, he was saved by the Moonstriker family, and I have to say, time-stopping abilities are pretty useful. I loved the way he won in the end.
His stone turned him into a dragon! How cool is that?

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunrunner is the third book in The Summertide Chronicles series. This series is best read in order as it contains a continuing story ARC. This is the story of Frost and Caspian. I love these two so much because they are more alike than I would have expected. I love how the main story arc is going. I can't wait for Kit's story next. This is a wonderful series and I can't wait for the next book. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Santy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Faves

Despite having one of the most egregious villains so far this series, this funny enough had my second fave couple.

Frosty was just adorable and Caspian was too big a heart for his own good.

Loved that we got more of Kit & Ember in this as well too..

Can’t wait for the next book!

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so interesting. I love the world building, the idea of stones binding themselves to humans.
It is also a good view of society and our failures and shortcomings.

This said, I think this book starts slower than the first two. It took me some time to find my place with Caspian and Frost, but I love both of them

The storyline brings us to sunrunner land this time, and things are not as they seem .
I loved how that developed. How their relationship worked and that we see Kit, Embry and Frost together as siblings.
I would have loved to see Rain as well ... but the next book promises us here more.

My favourite is Kit, which us not surprising for everyone who rear my reviews and know my preferences 😉

So, after another good boin this series, I know wait anxiously for March, for the conclusion to this series

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated with Frost from first meeting him, and Caspian was so much more than people thought. This was fast paced, full of mystery and danger. I loved the characters and the romance set in an interesting world. I am looking forward to Kit’s story and the conclusion to the series!

[isthisakink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could’ve written a goddamn dissertation on why the last book got taken the whole wrong way by so many folx, and a lot of those reasons still stand in this one, so I’m gonna finish my rant and mesh it with this review, and y’all are gonna learn today.

What the fuck do people even mean when they say they can’t feel the chemistry between the MCs? What the fuck do y’all think is so horrible about fantasy disability when y’all can’t even use alt text/captions to make things accessible for everyone, not just your ableist asses? Why would anyone question the brilliant idea to give a fantasy realm the same issues and technological advances and politics as we have in reality?

For one, you absolute trolls, the romance is fantastic, and while they’re all clearly “matched”, which quietly gives the fated bond thing a big moment in the spotlight, from the jump these dudes have BEEN connected. They have complementing traumas and issues and insecurities, and they definitely have the hots for each other. They also take on challenges together, stand beside each other—never in front or behind—in every matter, and make perfect sense.

Because Frost and Caspian are perfectly matched and it fucking SHOWS. Just like the other two couplings from the previous books. It’s not the book’s fault y’all can’t comprehend what you read.

Also, maybe your problem is you want a more traditional, “feminine” romance, not a romance that models reality for gay men, and those are completely different things. I’ll let you sit with that one for a while. The dudes will be fucking and enjoying their lives while you expect something to suddenly change, though, so ima be reading that while y’all stew.

Gay romance =/= Cishet romance, thank you for coming to my very brief and succinct TED Talk. Y’all needed to hear it in 2025, since y’all haven’t gotten the memo before now.

For another, the (fantasy-equivalent of) autism rep was fantastic in this book, and the way folx treat us and how they think we come off was done perfectly well. I can relate so hard to Frost it’s insane. Everyone considers me abrasive and blunt and tries to dig meaning out of everything I say… My sibling in Christ, I say what I mean to the best of my limited ability and I mean what the fuck I say. There’s no subterfuge or subtle shit, just what I said. The end. Same as Frost.

Only I’m not good with maths. I hate maths. Not everyone is gonna be like the ever-annoying “Rain Man”, because every hyper fixation is different, ya feel me? Just like every single disabled or ND person is different and has different traits and characteristics. So.

And this is just like with Fawn, and nobody getting that she wasn’t treated poorly or like her disability in A FANTASY WORLD was false or a poor representation. Just ask anyone with DS, and they’ll tell you people treat them like they’re children, or expect them to be “slow” on the uptake or incapable of living their own lives with their own minds. I feel like that was shown beautifully in Florian’s book, and it was shown well here, too. That real look at how folx treat those who are neurodiverse/have a disability of any kind.

Again, y’all can’t be fucked to use alt text or give a shit about genocide or the diabolical shit going on in the world outside of what affects y’all, yet you sit there and trash a fantasy book like that’s what matters. Y’all need therapy and a fucking wake up call.

And, for the last bit of my review/rant, all my life I’ve looked at bad ass made-up worlds with characters that reek of realness in storylines that take potshots at current events and wondered what they’d do if they had the same everything as us. The same technology, the same kinds of people, the same dumb shit we all deal with…

And this book fucking gave that to me and was like, “here, bud, life sucks right now and I figured you needed a ‘W’, so look at Caspian wreck these heauxs as a little treat,” and I fucking loved every second of it. Reading is political, and this series has done the BEST job at absolutely d r a g g i n g the current hells we’re all living with/in.

Seriously. Caspian is like the personification of the hope we all have for a better set of leaders. He’s the answer. This book read like a goddamn perfect manifesto to oust crooked, shady-ass old crones and build a better reality for EVERYONE, not just a couple of assholes with big bank accounts. It was stunning, and y’all just cant read past the surface or your own bullshit to GET it.

I hate this planet so much and I’d love to leave but y’all scared all the other life in the universe away by being nasty.

4.75/5. Also, can we just give a round of applause for the proper usage of apostrophes? Because I love to see it, and I seent it here. It made me happy stim for sure. I’m gonna go pout because the last book isn’t out yet. Y’all go do some light work and fix yourselves. Shit. Pretend that “The more you know!” ad clip is playing right now, and go learn things from other sources than social media and your weird uncle who thinks immigrants stole his job he hasn’t done since ‘96.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely perfect

Rating: 5🌈

Sunrunner is the penultimate book in this fantastic fantasy series by Sam Burns, The Summertide Chronicles. A epic fantasy adventure that’s been focusing on the four main magical houses or families of this world, houses that have fallen into disrepute or aren’t functioning properly. And a huge ecological disaster is looming that threatens to end them all if the houses aren’t put to right and ready to go and meet the needs of the threat as a whole.

The stories so far have been the around the heirs and histories of the Gloombringers, the Dawnchasers, and now the Sunrunners. The most powerful and striking figures belong to the white-haired Moonstrikers. They are central characters in every story and they will also have the final word and finale novel.

The characters that are involved in this series are one that are introduced at the beginning and evolve into fully developed characters throughout this series, especially in their respective stories. That’s never more accurate than here with the Sunrunner family.

Sam Burns writing is so outstanding and the characters are all so different but compelling in how beautifully Burns created them. Layered, vibrant, and yet their depths of cultures and family dynamics are there . It allows for the reader to easily see the nuances the author is factoring into her characters. Just magnificent characterizations which are then laid out into an ever changing narrative, one which is exploring further the relationships and bonds of the sentient stone people, and the crisis on the horizon.

Sunrunner has some of the most interesting, potentially powerful characters of the series. There’s Kit Moonstriker, the duelist formerly known as Winter. His book is the last. He’s there along with their sister, Ember, and importantly, their brother, Frost, a highly intelligent, innocent man who rarely leaves the family house and territory.

It’s due to Caspian Sunrunner and Ember showing up to ask for help at the end of the last novel that’s set these events in motion. Caspian’s father, The Sunrunner, has disappeared and he needs to be found before the family summit on Mount Slate.

The storylines here are incredibly complex and full of emotional twists. What starts off as a great adventure with characters framed out in certain aspects soon becomes a very different story. One that’s unsurprisingly darker, more complicated and more intriguing. Also one that grabs the reader’s heart as well as the reader’s mind.

Both are completely invested in all the characters and all the various aspects of the emerging plots and new storylines. The different sentient stones that each family member is bonded to also is a major character with a distinct personality. Their relationships, with their bonded as well as each other, is another expanding storyline that I can’t get enough of. These stones have enormous power and influence, as well as unexplored abilities. I could read an entire series based on them and the history alone.

Sam Burns really has a masterpiece here. And Sunrunner is the best of a fabulous series. I can’t imagine what that fourth book will bring.

But Frost himself says it the best.

“The word you’re looking for is perfect. It’s perfect.”

I won’t ever be ready for it to end.

Among my best of 2024, and I expect of 2025.

Highly recommended as well as the author.

Love these covers too.

The Summertide Chronicles:
- [x] Gloombringer #1
- [x] Dawnchaser #2
- [x] Sunrunner #3
- [ ] Moonstriker #4 - March 2025

[Cynic530 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great entry into an enjoyable series!

I continue to love the creative world these characters live in. The use of sentient, magical stones is interesting and unique. This particular couple was enjoyable. While not as great as Adair and Rain, I did enjoy them slightly more than Florian and Cove. I appreciated the way that Frost and Caspian understood each other and shared their individual strengths while helping each other move beyond their respective inexperience and naïveté.

The political landscape of the Summerlands and family histories & dynamics are really engaging. I also find the building narrative of the new generation needing to fix the problems of today due to the inaction, grudges, or the hubris of the previous generation to be interesting and mostly well done (it can be a bit heavy handed at times, though). For me, the through-line of the series is more Kit than the stated main plot of Mount Slate erupting. The whole impending eruption has really taken a backseat in books 2 and 3, which I haven’t minded.

What I found most refreshing, and enjoyable, about this story was that the main villain was obvious from the start. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good whodunnit mystery as much as the next person, but this isn’t a mystery series. The fact that it’s a known villain that the main characters work towards confronting was just so refreshing. There were no contortionist level gymnastics the writer went through to try and shoehorn a ridiculous or nonsensical twist in an attempt for a shocking reveal. Without having to focus on a mystery element, the main characters really have a chance to shine in this book through their journey.

I definitely recommend this book, and the series as a whole. Looking forward to what the final book in the series has to offer.

[Nori H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very much enjoying Sam Burns's Summertide Chronicles series. Each book is unique in events and character personalities, while meshing well together through consistent elements. The overarching catalyst requiring each of the four houses on the planet to get their house in order and work together is the imminent eruption of a powerfully destructive volcano. Consistent elements include sentient stones that gift the person bonded to it with special abilities, and which support each of the four family leaders through generations. There's romance aplenty in Sunrunner, and tension enough to elevate interest in the survival of the MC's and in hoping for successful mustering of the needed elements to deal with the global disaster of a massive volcanic eruption. In each of the Summertide Chronicle books important characters grow in understanding about themselves, their family members, and their house history. Sam Burns has written a fantastical romance and intrigue series, one that I'm sincerely looking forward to reading when the final book is published in audio format.
The dual narration by Darcy Stark and Zacharay Johnson is perfection. They work really well together and each is a talented voice actor. Thank you Sam Burns for choosing humans to narrate your books instead of AI!!!!!!!
This next is a personal opinion so don't read it if you're sensitive or aggressively angry.
Honestly I wish my country had leaders like Caspian Sunrunner, Frost Moonstriker, and Kit Moonstriker. We need some humanitarians with honesty and desire for the greater good to overcome the criminals tearing down our country. But I also think Star Trek's society is pretty ideal so there you go, I'm a sci fi geek with a idealistic mind.

[Becki Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly Enjoyed.

The summerlands Chronicles has been one of my favorite series that I've read in a long time. And considering I read almost 270 books in the last 2 years, I think that's saying something.

This book doesn't have a whole lot of angst, Frost and Caspian's love is very straight forward, matter of fact and set in stone. You won't find the characters really driving themselves made with indecision and as a stand alone book I wouldn't call it exciting.

But as a part of the Summerlands story and a part of the Moonstriker family story I urge you not to sleep on this one.

This book, like the others so far is a representation of the Millennial and Gen Z childhoods for me.
We were a generation of children forced to be adults well before our time. Often Neglected, most certainly abused by our parents and the characters finding their own footing is cathartic to say the least.

Frost's very obvious Autistic/Neurodivergent representation is also full of validation and hope.
The way his family navigates his literal and constant need for understanding is validation that I strive to have and give to others due to my own struggles.

The authors so fiercely understand and understand the need for this kind of representation and because of that, it is my favorite book that I have read for quite some time.

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series needs to be read in order as there is an overarching plot building in the background. While I really liked all the previous books, there's something special Frost and Caspian's journey. Caspian's family has a problem with addiction and when his father goes missing, he asks the Moonstriker's for help. Frost doesn't always understand the subtleties of social cues but with Caspian he can be his own brand of blunt and it's appreciated for it. Caspian finds Frost's upfront-ness a breathe of fresh air and in turn does not lie and does the same back. While these two were sweet and I loved the way they began to trust each other and lean on the other when needed, I also enjoyed getting to know the other two Moonstriker siblings. We've seen Kit a bit before in the previous stories but he's been apart from his siblings for quite a while so they're also learning who he is now. I can't wait to get to see Kit's story and also the conclusion saving the Summertide realm.

Overall, there is really just a bit of steam and I'd say it's like a 2.5 out of 5 on the heat scale. There are some tough topics brought up but there's no tension in the relationship between Frost and Caspian.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this series. I love the world building and, in particular, the sentient stones, their different personalities and the powers they allow those bonded to them to access. Caspian and Florian’s story is a wonderful addition to the series. They’re perfectly matched, and I loved seeing more of Kit in his role of protective brother.

I enjoyed learning more about the Moonrunner family dynamics, and how dysfunctional they are, although I loved the siblings’ relationships, how they work together, and are protective of each other. Frost is sweet, obvious, and very bright. I love how he and Caspian come into their own in this story. Their growing relationship, and realisation how they feel is sweet. I loved Caspian’s discovery of the truth about family members, and the revelation about his own power is fabulous.

Kit is a highlight of the story. I’m looking forward to his story and the conclusion of the overarching series, although I’ll be sad when it’s over.

[Kelly Diener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frost and Caspian are perfect for one another. Both are absolute cinnamon rolls, though from Kits initial assessment of the Sunrunner heir, you wouldn't think he was, you'd have thought he was the worst thing ever. Various events makes Kit's opinion grudgingly change, while Frost and Caspian realize the other is the best thing ever. So really...give these two a bakery, they're absolute cinnamon rolls!

I still dislike Delta Moonstriker, but she showed less of a cold heart at points near the end of the book but she can continue to be the mother we're all glad isn't ours! I can't wait to see the conclusion of the series in the next book!

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Summertide and I am loving it. This is book 3 and they must be read in order for the overlaying arc. This one features Caspian Sunrunner and Frost Moonstriker. Caspian, Frost, Kit and Ember are all together trying to find Caspian’s father. After an accident on the road, we find out that someone has it out for Caspian for about a decade. Kit tells Caspian that it is his aunt who is behind the whole thing. As the story continues, we find out more of what his aunt has been doing. Caspian and Frost are also getting closer to having a relationship. I love this world building. Chemistry and heat between the two MCs. I cannot wait to see what happens in the final book.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought after I read Gloombringer that Kit was forever cemented in my heart as the favorite in this entrancing series; however, Frost and Caspian just came in, the precious loves they are, and said make some space for us, a big space, IYKYK.

“Frost Moonstriker was truth personified, unlacquered and unpolished, just sheer reality in an absolutely beautiful wrapper, and just the realization made me fall for him a little more.”

Gah, both Frost and Caspian are priceless. I adore them, adore their personalities, and love that they are meant to be. I’m still craving Kit’s book, but these two sweet and unexpected heroes stole my heart and may be the very best part of the Summerlands.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It is an entertaining adventure that is well written, with intriguing characters and excellent world building. I love Caspian and Frost as characters, they are so honest, bright and kind. I liked the surprise near the end of the book, where Caspian is concerned.  Frost's siblings and the other side characters are fascinating; I can't wait to read Kit's story next, as he's one of my favourites. They all have a real challenge ahead of them and I'm looking forward to seeing how the plot is resolved.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Slipperyvowels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one

Didnt like this one as much as the first two but, this one was still good. I think I didn't like Frost's character that much, and when I met Caspian the first time, I don't remember him being meek and demure. I remember Rain, in book one, almost calling him the bad boy because of how he dressed, so it was hard for me to accept who he became in this book. Overall, it wasn't bad, at all. Loved how the siblings came togther to fix things the best way they knew how. Kit is a wonderful character and I'm hoping that he gets his HEA in the next book in series, even though I also hope it's Ember. Enjoyed it!!

[LadySeven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinnamon rollsssss so cute so precious! Love them so much.
The plot as usual is slow and kinda lazy. But the babies were sososososo sweet.

*Note: I only slept 2hs last "night" and ended up finishing this at work. So.. yes, I was hooked and since that seems to be the case with all books in series so far I'm going to keep any criticism to myself*

I'm soo ready for Kit and Aubrey! Kit is the big bro everyone wants to have and the little we saw of Aubrey was just so sunshine coded that I'm here for this very obvious Grumpy x Sunsine coming soon :)

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series should be called the Moonstrikers

Noticed in book 1 that despite it being a summerland series, its very much based around the moonstriker family as there is 1 in each couple.
While I enjoyed this one, it felt more like the "Kit" story than actually Frosts and Caspians, I didn't get that same sense of a budding romance between these two MCs the same way I did in the 1st two, and I guess that's the personality's of these two but if it wasn't for Kit would they have ever had acted on it?
Looking forward to finishing out the series.

[Levi Rivas Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunrunner delivers everything to love about The Summertide Chronicles: family manhunt, magic bonds, looming volcanic disaster, and romance that builds tenderly between Frost and Caspian. The dual POV gives enough insight into both of them—Caspian’s quiet bravery and Frost’s blunt loyalty—so the emotional stakes land hard. Frost’s neurodivergence is written with care, making him not just memorable but a remarkable installation of representation in the genre. It’s a deeply satisfying third book that cements this series as something special.

[Jane (PS) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable instalment in the series. I loved the characters and was so happy to see Frost Moonstriker find his perfect match in Caspian Sunrunner. With Caspian battling deception so close within his family, the Moonstriker siblings step up; Caspian finally not only has clear support, but real friends, for the first time in his life.

SO looking forward to Kit's story - with Aubrey Duskbringer. These books (all 4 in the series) will be re-read material for sure!

Narrated by Darcy Stark & Zachary Johnson - excellent.

[RE Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the quartet (though I didn't read #2 because I didn't like the sound of the premise). I really like both Frost and Caspian, and I thought the plot was nicely progressed throughout this book. We didn't get to see much of the previous couple(s), but since Frost is my overall favorite, all was good.

And yes, some of the juxtaposition between paranormal/fantasy/contemporary were a little strange, but I got more used to it the more I read. I would give this 4.5 stars, but I'm rounding up since I liked it more than the first one (which got 4 stars).

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Frost and Caspian’s story. These two are more alike than anyone realized before now as they are all trying to find Caspian’s father. They are perfect for each other. The younger generation of family heads are doing so much to heal their lands. Now they just have to stop Mt Storm. I have enjoyed Kit being threaded through all of these books as well. I know his book is next and I can’t wait. I have really enjoyed this series so far.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this series is the theme of family and friends supporting each other. Caspian's Dad is missing, and this is emotional important for all of them. I was of course also completely invested in Caspian and Frost's romance because well I am always here for the romance! Both of these guys were the sweetest most caring of men. Determined to be there for each other through everything.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying these stories and series but it takes me a long time to read what is a relatively short book. I think its because I really have to concentrate as I tend to forget from whose POV we are looking.
The mystery of Dane Sunrunner's disappearance has been solved and now we are going to the big ending at Mount Slate. Will our heroes be able to stop the mountain erupting? Will Lisa be able to keep all the characters straight in her head as she reads? Well, we'll see.

[T.A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caspian & Frost

Caspian is the Sunrunner heir, his father has gone missing and he went to Dawnchaser land for help. He starts his journey back with siblings Frost, Kit (Duelist) and Emery. He learns along the way that someone (his aunt) has been trying to have him killed off. Caspian and Frost get to know each other and fall in love.

I love the secret Mella, Caspian’s bonded stone had been keeping. I loved the book.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunrunner is the third book in The Summertide Chronicles series. This Frost Moonstriker and Caspian Sunrunner story. I love these book so much, Frost and Caspian were adorable !! They were a perfect match. I like how things developed in this book, the disappearance of Caspian’s father, the attempts against Caspian’s life, the sweet story between Frost and Caspian and how they have to stay alive to resolve this problems. Kit was great in this book and I can’t wait for his book!! I love this series!! This was definitely an awesome read!

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time to put on some detective hats

Why is Caspian Sunrunner such a sweet guy? His parents weren't there for him. He doesn't have siblings who loved and supported him. Yet, he is.

The end of this book may come as a bit of a surprise. Of course he gets together with Frost, and they're good together. There are just twists I didn't see coming. It isn't so much politics as an investigation, with some growing up required if the young adult characters. Next stop: Mount Slate.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

plot twist

A primer on emotionally healthy and mature young(ish) adults taking power and fixing the chaos of a selfish older generation.

Feels like a literal fairy tale, with summerlands and magic (instead of high fae, the immortals are magic sentient stones).

Over all the stories is the looming threat to the world, the (possibly) sentient volcano that will erupt if humans don’t get along.