Summer's Reaping

by J.C. Wade

Some doors lead to miracles. Others to monsters.

Saoirse’s world is small but sweet—tending her bees, milking the cows, and wishing her closest friend would turn his gaze from the village beauty and see her instead. But when children begin to vanish and return lifeless, laid upon the goddess’s altar, summer’s peace curdles to dread.

Then her little brother disappears.

To save him, Saoirse must cross the threshold into the forbidden Faerie hill, where shadowed paths wind through ancient magic and the air hums with the promise of ruin. What waits within is older—and hungrier—than she ever imagined.
In a land where bargains bind and beauty hides a predator’s heart, can Saoirse outwit the darkness before the hill claims him forever?

Summer’s Reaping is a lush, atmospheric dark fantasy where mortal courage collides with the merciless fae. With a heroine torn between love, loyalty, and survival, and a world steeped in haunting magic, J.C. Wade weaves a tale of sacrifice, courage, and the perilous cost of another’s ambition.

Buy the book. Cross the threshold. And pray you return.

Genres: Fantasy

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

Reviews

[Alex Kendziora Cloward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was so fun! The first few chapters had me a little spooked, which I loved. It was a page turner throughout the whole book, I was totally entertained. Was here for the romance and loved its story and progression. The relationship between Saoirse and Dafydd is so sweet too. I’m excited to read more about some of these characters!

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first chapter! I had to read it over a few sessions, but it was incredibly hard to put down each time I had to. Summer's Reaping made me feel like I had been transported back to my childhood, reading fairytales and life being simpler. I loved every page!

[Tina Reams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this retelling of hanzel and Grethel. There was suspense, plot twists and unexpected endings!!! So good!

[Anna DeGalan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Summer's Reaping" is a fun take on the old Hansel and Gretel classic tale. Filled with suspense and intrigue we get a glimpse beyond the life of a simple village when children go missing and the pathway leads them to the world of fairies. Drawing from Welsh folklore, this tale follows Saoirse and her childhood friend Edred as they try to rescue her younger brother from the clutches of a mad witch. The pacing was fast and, at times, I felt the lore of the world could have been expanded on as we took knowledge of the world from Saoirse's understanding of the folktales and village warnings. Like any fairytale the story was a bit predictable in the beginning, as the main character would be given a false choice or suggest something that would of course happen. But there is comfort in familiarity that made this fantasy retelling of this classic tale cozy, as much as it offered suspense. I also was expecting German elements to the tale, and only having the ebook, I was not able to see the afterword's explanation of the Welsh inspiration of the fae creatures or naming conventions (this really confused me at first but I chalked it up to the fantasy genre's usual naming issues of being wild for the sake of "creativity") until after I read the whole thing. Likewise the fate of the witch (I will not spoil it here) confused me a bit as I have not read J.C. Wade's other books (I plan to fix that) and apparently it ties into a setting from another book. But this can read as a stand alone book and you all should do just that. It was fun, different, and had elements that reminded me of the old Brothers Grimm tales. I appreciated how Saoirse's mindset was "be scared and do it anyway", or as the book says simply "courage". Needless to say, it was worth the read.

[Emily Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Wade takes us on a journey from the confines of a small hamlet into the wilds of the fae lands in this Hansel and Gretel retelling, and while the original fairy tail isn't my favorite offering from the Grimms, I very much enjoyed this version. It has everything I would want from the original story and adds much more, including callbacks to Ms. Wade's other works here and there in lovely little ways.

You will enjoy this book if:
- Fairy tale retellings that are loose interpretations are interesting for you
- You enjoy stories with more than the usual types of fae
- A sweet love story is your thing

You will NOT enjoy this book if:
- Spicy romance is what you prefer
- Stories--even side stories--surrounding child and parental loss are uncomfortable for you

One thing I very much appreciated about this story was the relatability of the antagonist. The witch we're presented with, while dark and dangerous, also has understandable motivations for her behavior that keep her from being easily dismissed as just another force of evil. It creates a wonderful investment in both the good and the bad sides of the book's conflict, and as a reader I enjoyed that.

Overall, it was a great read, and I look forward to more from Ms. Wade in future.

[Jane Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Falling to her knees, she frantically pulled the covering from her daughter's face, gritting her teeth against a sob at the unhappy sight."

"Petals drifted lazily through the air, their perfume thick and heavy, mingling with the warm, honeyed scent of the breeze"

"Fireflies danced in slow, somnolence patterns at the base of trees and in the ferns, their glow adding to the golden haze of eternal summer."

"Oh ho, a meddling mother, Too! How predictable."


Well I loved it! This Hansel and Gretel retelling was filled with folklore, mythology and ledgends. I will be looking up the ones mentioned in the book as im curious to know more. The descriptions were great, really bringing the scenes and characters as well as the monsters to life. I lost sleep reading this because I had to see what happened next. The beginning started with a spooky scene of children going too far from home. There was a beautiful love story weaved throughout which was so heartwarming. And the ending gave me a hug. I am so thrilled to have been one of the first group to read Summer's Reaping. I can say with 100% certainty I will be reading more from JC Wade. (And can't wait for more fairy tales!)

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I had also read Winter’s Handmaiden, I was expecting sharp prose, vivid characters, and an intense plot—and J. C. Wade did not disappoint.

From the very first chapter, the story pulled me in. Her writing style is gripping and effortlessly immersive. The dialogue feels natural, the pacing is perfect, and the atmosphere is thick with tension and emotional stakes. Her characters—flawed, fierce, and complex—kept me turning the pages, needing to know what happened next.

Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that this installment adds even more depth to the world she’s created. There’s a great balance of high-stakes action and personal drama.

Highly recommended for fantasy readers who love emotionally intense, gritty, and addictive reads.

PS. I was really glad for the pronunciation guide.

[Mette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a story about a grieving mother willing to do anything for her child, a sister who will stop at nothing to save her brother, and the love for a childhood friend.

Children are vanishing in the night, and turning up later dead and mutelated. The whole village is in an uproar, who among them could do this to the children? When Saoirse’s brother vanished from right beside her in the night she thinks that the fae may have something to do with it. She sets out on a journey that will lead her in to the realm of the summer goddess, in the hopes that she can save her brother.

I really enjoyed this book, it was a nice look back into the the realm of Celtic mythology and welsh folklore. And a good continuation from the first book.

[Katie Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like the movie "Brothers Grimm", then you will love this book. This was a magical tale of an enchanted land, magic, murder, true love, and a heroine fighting for the ones she loves.

This is the second book I've had the pleasure of reading, written by J. C. Wade, and I am left walking away, yet again, with a rich world that I'm not likely to forget anytime soon.

I would encourage you to read "Winter's Handmaiden" first before embarking on "Summer's Reapings" exciting adventure as there are characters that are mentioned in this story that have an even richer story line in the aforementioned title.

[Kristi Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer’s Reaping by J.C. Wade is a rich and imaginative retelling of the classic Hansel and Gretel tale, reimagined with a thrilling blend of dark fantasy and enchanting folklore. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world brimming with danger, magic, and mystery. Wade’s storytelling is immersive and evocative—every forest path, crumbling stone, and magical creature feels vividly alive. Her prose paints a cinematic picture that makes the stakes feel real and the characters deeply compelling.

What truly sets this retelling apart is its infusion of Welsh folklore, adding a unique cultural depth that makes the world feel both ancient and refreshingly original. The story is woven with elements of adventure, loyalty, and the relentless pull of love—even in the face of wicked witches, sly fae, and awe-inspiring dragons. I enjoyed learning more about the folklore that has drawn in so many readers, writers, and creators.

The protagonists form a powerful, emotionally resonant team—each with their own strengths, flaws, and secrets. Their bond and bravery echo the spirit of classic fantasy heroes, reminding me of the timeless epics I cherished growing up. There’s a real sense that danger lurks around every bend, and that enhanced the love that the main characters have for each other. The mystery and danger found in the story kept me engaged from beginning to end.

This book is perfect for readers who love the deep-rooted lore and epic tales like The Lord of the Rings but crave a fresh take on familiar stories. If you’re a fan of classic fantasy with a dark, fairytale twist, Summer’s Reaping will enchant you.

I received this ARC copy from J. C. Wade and I am so glad I did. Thank you for the opportunity to preview the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie Delano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistically, I'm going to give this a 4.5. This was honestly a really good story, and I do love that it includes Celtic lore. children are going missing from the village, and nobody can figure out why. Until Saorcia's brother goes missing and she has to travel to the realm of the fae to figure out what's going on. no spice. a little yearning. mostly a really good story about the way that grief can have a dark hold on you and the repercussions of the decisions made.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of suspense, danger, love, and excitement. An excellent book based in Celtic mythology. It's in the same universe as Winter's Handmaiden, another wonderful book by the same author. J. C. Wade weaves wonderous tales that capture the imagination and takes the reader on spectacular adventures. I can't wait to read her next book.

[Samantha Stull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love! One more book my stack of favorites. JC has a special way of painting a portrait with her words. She keeps the story going in your mind while you hang on to every word. The dive into the fae realm rich with Celtic names and lore is a type of writing that with always keeps me coming back for more. Thank you JC for the opportunity to read this wonderfully written book!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. It is a slightly darker and far more exciting version of Hansel and Gretel, with a lot of suspense and action that keeps you really drawn into the story. It was very well written and flows really well. I have never really been a fan of fantasy type writing until I found this author.

[Carla Zanghellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Love! I like how the author builds the story. The tension remains high until the end, captivating the reader. I love the characters' difficult decisions; the reader develops strong emotions and is encouraged by them. Consequences have a profound impact on who you become. True love gives everyone the strength to overcome difficulties.

[Nicole Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love retellings of old fairy tales. This book was no different! Saoirse was such a likeable character that you felt drawn along her emotional journey. The dark twists and turns kept me turning the pages. I had to know how it ended! I highly recommend this book. I will definitely be reading more of JC Wade!

[Cassy Meade · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was initially worried that I would not make it through this book. The beginning was super slow and not catching. A little under half way it picked up and I could not stop reading. The author is extremely detailed, almost to the point of being too detailed. The overall story is good.

[Yairitza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. The plot is good. Believe me, read it. When I received the ARC, I started reading it and I was just as fascinated by it as the previous one. J.C. Wade created a world of interconnected retellings that is amazing.

[Tk Speer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a page turner! I loved it so much that it only took me a couple of days to read it even though I had company… They understand me and if I can’t have a book in my hand then what’s the point 😁

[Traci Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and exciting story! Action packed with adventure and a cute love story. You really can't go wrong with that. I am so glad that I received this as a digital ARC!

[Cayce Nevers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the first chapter, this book offered suspense, romance, and twists I wasn't expecting. As a Hanzel and Gretel retelling it was well done and I can't wait to read her next book!

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning is a wild ride. Full of twists and turns keeping you at the edge of “just one more chapter”. At the end it slows down making you ask yourself “Hopefully there will be another one?”

[Michelle Hazelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When she falls for her best friend and then has to chose when her brother comes up missing. Makes you not want to put the book down and keep reading.

[Eline Johansson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! The author did a really good job in weaving historical fiction with Welsh mythology and lore. If you like fairytale tellings, brothers grim, and high stakes, action packed fiction, this book is for you. The sweet romance subplot was super satisfying too.
I will be reading more from this author!!

[Jner · Rating 5 out of 5]

High stakes, action packed, great pacing, sweet romance, well developed characters, and an immersive world that I didn’t want to leave—everything I can expect from JC Wade.

[Alisa Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC. But, I absolutely love JC Wade’s writing style. It’s very beautiful and well written. I love that this story is steeped in Fae lore. This book, to me, was so different from Winters Handmaiden. And it was unexpected. This book was steeped in the more dark lore and I was not prepared for that. So, be warned going in if you are not a fan of darker content and themes. But again, it was still well written and had me eager to turn the page. I love the world she has built and how the stories are interconnected but so different. Definitely worth the read if you enjoy dark fae lore.