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Red Summer
Seventeen year old Wilder Ansley is being followed. By who? He hasn’t got a clue. By people and creatures no one else can see. That’s a good enough place to start.To make matters worse, he’s also able to do things that make no sense at all — like unintentionally setting fire to his foster brother's bed. Without the help of a lighter or matches.
Wilder prides himself that recently, aside from a few unfortunate incidents, he’s been able to keep whatever happens when he loses his cool mostly under control. That is until a freak lightning storm alerts the mysterious New Orleans Council to his whereabouts.
And his burgeoning abilities.
Within hours, Wilder is thrown headfirst into a whole new world, hidden behind a Shroud, and it feels more like home than he cares to admit. Despite his initial hesitations, Wilder finds friendship, and maybe something more, among these new strangers. But it turns out uncovering his place in the Eadar might be harder than he thought. Wilder must force himself to face the truth about who everyone else believes him to be—all while a decades long war escalates within and beyond the Shroud, threatening not only the Eadar and his new found friends, but the human world he’s left behind.
Red Summer is Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments meets Holly Black's The Cruel Prince, with a distinct gritty and grounded Southern Gothic, New Orleans kick.
Check it out today!
Wilder prides himself that recently, aside from a few unfortunate incidents, he’s been able to keep whatever happens when he loses his cool mostly under control. That is until a freak lightning storm alerts the mysterious New Orleans Council to his whereabouts.
And his burgeoning abilities.
Within hours, Wilder is thrown headfirst into a whole new world, hidden behind a Shroud, and it feels more like home than he cares to admit. Despite his initial hesitations, Wilder finds friendship, and maybe something more, among these new strangers. But it turns out uncovering his place in the Eadar might be harder than he thought. Wilder must force himself to face the truth about who everyone else believes him to be—all while a decades long war escalates within and beyond the Shroud, threatening not only the Eadar and his new found friends, but the human world he’s left behind.
Red Summer is Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments meets Holly Black's The Cruel Prince, with a distinct gritty and grounded Southern Gothic, New Orleans kick.
Check it out today!
- GenresFantasy
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2025
14 people are currently reading
1506 people want to read
About the author
Ana Lee
2 books20 followersAna Lee is the author of Red Summer and Summer of Dust and Ash—the first two novels in the dark, gritty, and fast-paced contemporary epic fantasy series, Stone and Scale, and three-time recipient of Readers' Favorite 5-star rating.
Ana lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she spends her time reading, writing, or dreaming about reading and writing.
Her influences include (but are definitely not limited to) Rebecca Yarros, Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, Cassandra Clare, J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Praise for Red Summer:
"Reminiscent of author Cassandra Clare, Red Summer is engaging and highly readable with a strong emotional core. The pacing rises and falls in rhythm with the characters' emotional journeys, and thoughtful use of vocabulary helps each character feel fully realized. The novel tackles weighty themes, grounding fantasy elements in emotional reality. Power struggles between light and dark, good and evil, and the hunger for vengeance are central, and the world-building is creative and immersive. The writing is fluid and believable, and while it begins with a familiar "boy who feels different" trope, this story quickly proves itself to be far more nuanced. Red Summer is a thoughtful, well-crafted novel that stands confidently on its own within the genre." - Readers' Favorite Editorial Review
"Ana Lee delivers a brilliant urban fantasy in Red Summer, an amazing world any reader can happily get lost in. Characters are described with a depth that surpasses the norm. Descriptions are vivid, filled with sensory stimulation that will have you reeling from one page to the next. Red Summer ticks all the boxes for plot, action, and adventure. I now have another favorite author and eagerly look forward to the next book." - Readers' Favorite Editorial Review
"An enthralling novel. In this epic tale of hope, pride, self-discovery, friendship, and vengeance, the author brings together fascinating world-building, magic, and action, along with well-developed and intriguing characters, all combined with fantasy elements and emotional depth. This young adult urban fantasy, with a Southern Gothic and New Orleans flair, should be at the top of the must-read list for those interested in ancient dark magic, forbidden love, high stakes, and whispers of lost dragons. Red Summer is a brilliant and immersive story." - Readers' Favorite Editorial Review
Ana lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she spends her time reading, writing, or dreaming about reading and writing.
Her influences include (but are definitely not limited to) Rebecca Yarros, Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, Cassandra Clare, J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Praise for Red Summer:
"Reminiscent of author Cassandra Clare, Red Summer is engaging and highly readable with a strong emotional core. The pacing rises and falls in rhythm with the characters' emotional journeys, and thoughtful use of vocabulary helps each character feel fully realized. The novel tackles weighty themes, grounding fantasy elements in emotional reality. Power struggles between light and dark, good and evil, and the hunger for vengeance are central, and the world-building is creative and immersive. The writing is fluid and believable, and while it begins with a familiar "boy who feels different" trope, this story quickly proves itself to be far more nuanced. Red Summer is a thoughtful, well-crafted novel that stands confidently on its own within the genre." - Readers' Favorite Editorial Review
"Ana Lee delivers a brilliant urban fantasy in Red Summer, an amazing world any reader can happily get lost in. Characters are described with a depth that surpasses the norm. Descriptions are vivid, filled with sensory stimulation that will have you reeling from one page to the next. Red Summer ticks all the boxes for plot, action, and adventure. I now have another favorite author and eagerly look forward to the next book." - Readers' Favorite Editorial Review
"An enthralling novel. In this epic tale of hope, pride, self-discovery, friendship, and vengeance, the author brings together fascinating world-building, magic, and action, along with well-developed and intriguing characters, all combined with fantasy elements and emotional depth. This young adult urban fantasy, with a Southern Gothic and New Orleans flair, should be at the top of the must-read list for those interested in ancient dark magic, forbidden love, high stakes, and whispers of lost dragons. Red Summer is a brilliant and immersive story." - Readers' Favorite Editorial Review
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 26, 2025
Shadowhunters meets Holly Black and Spiderwick in this fantastic, one sitting fantasy book.
A recommended three stars.
Wilder has been bounced from foster home to foster home. He has always had to keep tight control of his emotions, otherwise strange things seem to happen. Oh, and his has to keep weird hallucinations to himself like small people riding animals.
Imagine his surprise when he finds out he’s an unfound Fae. Taken in by the New Orleans Council, he finds a found family, a life he could have imagined, and a huge war brewing.
This was addicting. Very easy to read with a nostalgic Young Adult feel.
“You’re not crazy, Wilder. You were just in the wrong place. It’s time you got to come home.”
There were occasions of info dumping and I think the reveal was pretty obvious to more experienced readers, but I had a great time reading this. Refreshing and a change of pace.
There is a really handy glossary at the end as well as a music playlist!
Arc gifted by author.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
A recommended three stars.
Wilder has been bounced from foster home to foster home. He has always had to keep tight control of his emotions, otherwise strange things seem to happen. Oh, and his has to keep weird hallucinations to himself like small people riding animals.
Imagine his surprise when he finds out he’s an unfound Fae. Taken in by the New Orleans Council, he finds a found family, a life he could have imagined, and a huge war brewing.
This was addicting. Very easy to read with a nostalgic Young Adult feel.
“You’re not crazy, Wilder. You were just in the wrong place. It’s time you got to come home.”
There were occasions of info dumping and I think the reveal was pretty obvious to more experienced readers, but I had a great time reading this. Refreshing and a change of pace.
There is a really handy glossary at the end as well as a music playlist!
Arc gifted by author.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
July 24, 2025
Red Summer is a brilliant debut fantasy reminiscent of the world of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments. Lee's inspiration is clearly shown through the gothic Council House, fae, werewolves and vampires, however it is not a cheap copy at all. Lee brings new takes on these staple genre characters with her complex world-building and introduction of the dragonstones, aspects of which are only continuing to develop by the end of Red Summer. It is a great first installment due to it's strong ensemble of characters, many of which I believe have further secrets up their sleeves.
Lee curates a slow-burn romance subplot with just the right amount of chemistry to satisfy the reader without providing a neat conclusion - I am eager to see how the tension between these characters develops in the next book. Our protagonist, Wilder, is likeable and his behaviour plausible, which can be a difficult task in a narrative that relies on a MC with no prior knowledge of magic. I didn't tire of his perspective and it was heart-warming to watch him find something to fight for, and somewhere he felt he belonged.
Because of how detailed the magic system and locations are, I sometimes found myself a little disorientated, however this was easily solved by a quick glance at the glossary included at the back - therefore not really an issue. This was marketed as an urban fantasy set in New Orleans, however, the characters don't spend much time outside of the Council House, and when they do, it tended to be en route to magical spaces in the Eadar. As much of Wilder's initial dilemma was about leaving New Orleans, I would have liked to see it play a larger role or include more of New Orleans culture that makes it stand out from other American cities.
That being said, Ana Lee's physical descriptions created strong visual imagery:
Cracking against the wall, a broad-stone-worked fireplace imbued the space with heat and life. A number of midnight blue antique couches and armchairs, offset by chenille silver throws and beaded pillows, littered the room's center
and her magical descriptions were evocative and expressive:
Swaths of his skin brightened into a luminous white light, flaring with incandescence as they peeled themselves from the folds of his body
The first chapter hooked me, and I have been left with unanswered questions - in the best way. I particularly enjoyed the epilogue, as its content would usually be found in a prologue, so I found this refreshing.
The screams of those they had left behind followed them, haunting their path to salvation
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lee curates a slow-burn romance subplot with just the right amount of chemistry to satisfy the reader without providing a neat conclusion - I am eager to see how the tension between these characters develops in the next book. Our protagonist, Wilder, is likeable and his behaviour plausible, which can be a difficult task in a narrative that relies on a MC with no prior knowledge of magic. I didn't tire of his perspective and it was heart-warming to watch him find something to fight for, and somewhere he felt he belonged.
Because of how detailed the magic system and locations are, I sometimes found myself a little disorientated, however this was easily solved by a quick glance at the glossary included at the back - therefore not really an issue. This was marketed as an urban fantasy set in New Orleans, however, the characters don't spend much time outside of the Council House, and when they do, it tended to be en route to magical spaces in the Eadar. As much of Wilder's initial dilemma was about leaving New Orleans, I would have liked to see it play a larger role or include more of New Orleans culture that makes it stand out from other American cities.
That being said, Ana Lee's physical descriptions created strong visual imagery:
Cracking against the wall, a broad-stone-worked fireplace imbued the space with heat and life. A number of midnight blue antique couches and armchairs, offset by chenille silver throws and beaded pillows, littered the room's center
and her magical descriptions were evocative and expressive:
Swaths of his skin brightened into a luminous white light, flaring with incandescence as they peeled themselves from the folds of his body
The first chapter hooked me, and I have been left with unanswered questions - in the best way. I particularly enjoyed the epilogue, as its content would usually be found in a prologue, so I found this refreshing.
The screams of those they had left behind followed them, haunting their path to salvation
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2025
The beginning of an epic adventure - like all good hero books, our hero grows up unaware of his magical origins. Wilder (we'll call him Wil for short) has grown up being bounced from foster home to foster home, waiting for parents he's never met to return and claim him. He's never caused trouble, but whenever he gets upset, strange things happen and he gets blamed for them. He's also always seeing creatures that no one else can see. He learned long ago to pretend they don't exist, otherwise, people will think he is crazy. One day, he meets a strange girl and discovers that he isn't crazy, he's actually magical.
Although the plot sounds a lot like the beginning of Harry Potter, the characters and situations are more reminiscent of Shadowhunters (The Mortal Instruments). There's a lot of teen angst, and although Wil came out of nowhere and does not know anything about controlling his powers, he seems to be a very potent magician once his power is unleashed. Can he learn to control it in time to protect the people he has come to think of as family, and what will happen when he finds out who his parents actually are?
I really enjoyed this story, and the characters were very compelling. Also, the world building was thorough and very well described. The story is told from the 3rd person perspective, but from the POV of different characters. Chapters switch back and forth between our main protagonist and the other characters, so we see what they are thinking as well as what they are doing when our main character is not around. It gives us an omniscent look into everything that is going on. It was very enjoyable to read.
This book is the first in a series, so we are left with a lot of questions about what will happen next. I'm very excited to continue exploring this universe, and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I volunteered to review an ARC of this novel.
Although the plot sounds a lot like the beginning of Harry Potter, the characters and situations are more reminiscent of Shadowhunters (The Mortal Instruments). There's a lot of teen angst, and although Wil came out of nowhere and does not know anything about controlling his powers, he seems to be a very potent magician once his power is unleashed. Can he learn to control it in time to protect the people he has come to think of as family, and what will happen when he finds out who his parents actually are?
I really enjoyed this story, and the characters were very compelling. Also, the world building was thorough and very well described. The story is told from the 3rd person perspective, but from the POV of different characters. Chapters switch back and forth between our main protagonist and the other characters, so we see what they are thinking as well as what they are doing when our main character is not around. It gives us an omniscent look into everything that is going on. It was very enjoyable to read.
This book is the first in a series, so we are left with a lot of questions about what will happen next. I'm very excited to continue exploring this universe, and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I volunteered to review an ARC of this novel.
May 25, 2025
If you are looking for a fantasy series with intriguing world building, compelling and relatable characters, romantic tension, and a journey of self-discovery during a battle of good and evil, Red Summer is the book for you!
I absolutely devoured this book. Between the diverse fantasy species (fae, lycan, vampire, witch, and more), the endearing main character Wilder who you can't help but root for, and the mysterious happenings of another realm, I was hooked. Lee changes character perspectives throughout the book, showing you the world through their eyes and helping you develop a deeper relatability and closeness with the characters that can otherwise be lacking in other third person books I've read.
I loved watching Wilder on his journey to learn more about who he really is all while trying to decide who he wants to be. The combat, character interactions, and comradery remind me of a sweeter, less callous version of Fourth Wing while boasting a heartfelt coming-of-age story reminiscent of Harry Potter.
The world building has a lot of depth, but doesn't feel overwhelming. Lee does a good job of slowly introducing broader concepts without inundating you with too much info, all while keeping the pace of the book moving quickly to keep you fixated.
I got through this book so quickly I already want to re-read it! I can't wait for book two to be released and am looking forward to seeing how this story develops and where Lee takes us as we venture with Wilder on his hero's journey!
(I was given a free ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.)
I absolutely devoured this book. Between the diverse fantasy species (fae, lycan, vampire, witch, and more), the endearing main character Wilder who you can't help but root for, and the mysterious happenings of another realm, I was hooked. Lee changes character perspectives throughout the book, showing you the world through their eyes and helping you develop a deeper relatability and closeness with the characters that can otherwise be lacking in other third person books I've read.
I loved watching Wilder on his journey to learn more about who he really is all while trying to decide who he wants to be. The combat, character interactions, and comradery remind me of a sweeter, less callous version of Fourth Wing while boasting a heartfelt coming-of-age story reminiscent of Harry Potter.
The world building has a lot of depth, but doesn't feel overwhelming. Lee does a good job of slowly introducing broader concepts without inundating you with too much info, all while keeping the pace of the book moving quickly to keep you fixated.
I got through this book so quickly I already want to re-read it! I can't wait for book two to be released and am looking forward to seeing how this story develops and where Lee takes us as we venture with Wilder on his hero's journey!
(I was given a free ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.)
November 30, 2025
3.75⭐️
Really enjoyed this read! First book of the series, beginning with a lost, alone teenage mmc struggling to find his place in the world.
His life has been a series of unfortunate events- jumping from foster home to foster home, being misunderstood, seeing unexplainable things which leave him reeling and thinking he’s crazy, and having to keep a tight hold on his emotions.
Finally he meets other like himself, who help to reveal his hidden past and answers for why he’s felt so different his whole life.
Wilder then embarks on a journey of seeking answers, learning about different worlds and being and inevitably finding himself.
A great fantasy, adventure book, which I would highly recommend diving into! Excited for the second instalment.
An ARC read kindly gifted from a talented new author
Really enjoyed this read! First book of the series, beginning with a lost, alone teenage mmc struggling to find his place in the world.
His life has been a series of unfortunate events- jumping from foster home to foster home, being misunderstood, seeing unexplainable things which leave him reeling and thinking he’s crazy, and having to keep a tight hold on his emotions.
Finally he meets other like himself, who help to reveal his hidden past and answers for why he’s felt so different his whole life.
Wilder then embarks on a journey of seeking answers, learning about different worlds and being and inevitably finding himself.
A great fantasy, adventure book, which I would highly recommend diving into! Excited for the second instalment.
An ARC read kindly gifted from a talented new author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
Firstly, thank you for the opportunity of reading this ARC - Red Summer!
A fun, easy YA read with what was for me, A Series of Unfortunate Events x Shadowhunters mix. I enjoyed the general plot, learning about Wilder and his background and seeing his character develop throughout as he formed friendships with the others.
However, at times I found a lot of chapters drawn out with more information than required or being rather repetitive of affections for other characters with no further growth.
I would like to think we would gain a background of the parents and clans as the series continues as there is definitely more of a story to tell.
Overall an enjoyable read
A fun, easy YA read with what was for me, A Series of Unfortunate Events x Shadowhunters mix. I enjoyed the general plot, learning about Wilder and his background and seeing his character develop throughout as he formed friendships with the others.
However, at times I found a lot of chapters drawn out with more information than required or being rather repetitive of affections for other characters with no further growth.
I would like to think we would gain a background of the parents and clans as the series continues as there is definitely more of a story to tell.
Overall an enjoyable read
May 31, 2025
There were a lot of great things in this book that dragged me headfirst into Wilder’s magical world. Like other reviews have said, it follows the ‘old-reliable’ plot of ‘young boy discovers he is part of a magical world’, but it still manages to feel unique in its way. That being said, some aspects of the book knocked off some points in my review, and upon re-reading it, I noticed more flaws and issues than I had on my first read. If you dig into things and look through the lines, you might find some of the issues I did, but it took some digging to find them, which, in my opinion, is a point in Ana Lee’s favor.
This will be a spoiler-free review, and I’ll highlight some of the aspects I liked and disliked in the book. Most, if not all, of the issues I had are my personal opinion, so keep in mind that something I didn’t like might be right up your alley.
- Length and Switching POVs: I can enjoy switching POVs when they are done with consistency (for example, one chapter is by one character, the next it switches, and that continues throughout the book). Red Summer uses alternating POVs, but to me, it only happened when we, as readers, need to know something that Wil (the protagonist) doesn’t. I would have preferred Wil learn these things with the reader or come to conclusions on his own without having Terra, Harry, or Oliva (the other POVs we see in the book) spell it out for us. The length probably won’t be an issue for many of you, but I was feeling a little gassed by about the halfway mark.
- The Adult Characters: Now, this might have been done on purpose by Lee (and if so, hats off to you), but I wanted to punt most of the adults in this story off the highest building in New Orleans. The kids have the most agency in the book, which is good until you realize the danger they are in and how the adults should be a bit more involved. After a while, this ‘negligence’ by the adults in the story started to grate on me a bit.
- Expositing Dialogue: Lee does a really good job with her dialogue most of the time, and the characters’ speech really tells the reader a lot about them. However, I will say that sometimes I would read blocks of dialogue and think - ‘I wish we could figure this out on our own’. Many characters outright tell Wil (and us, by proxy) about the world and the magic, which is fine at the beginning of the book. I got a little tired of these info dumps by the midpoint, though.
That seems like a lot of negativity, but again, these are just things I found as downsides. The upsides are just as glowing and bright, though!
- The Protagonist and Supporting Cast: Wil and our group of adventurous teens are all well-developed, bright, alive, and fun to read. Wil is both a sympathetic character and one who grows through the book. I liked Tristen the most, as he felt like he had the most character development throughout the book, but Wil is a very, very close second. The kids are by far the most lifelike part of the story, each with their own stories and personalities. What I looked forward to most on my second read was rejoining our cast of kiddos.
- Theory Crafting: Ana Lee has littered the story with all kinds of nuggets of knowledge. The first read-through was good, but I appreciated her foreshadowing on my second try, which is when I was specifically looking for it. Yes, some things I could call out easily, but Lee left questions that we can only guess the answers to. This would be a problem, but I know Lee is making the next book, and I’m pumped to see if any of my theories were right.
- Dark Themes: It’s hard to juggle darker themes in books for young adults, but I think Lee did it well. There are themes of torture, abuse, child neglect, and death, yet I never felt turned off by the book. These events color the lore and story, and while they made me emotional, I never got to a point where I put the book down. It colored the world, but didn’t douse it in angst.
Are there flaws in this book? Yes, but none that I could not adjust to and understand, especially as a debut novel. It’s the promise of this book and its characters that had me excited to read it a second time. I can’t wait to get the book on my shelf. It should say something that, after finishing the book, I was disappointed that I couldn’t read its sequel immediately. I think this series has a lot of promise, is fun to read, and had me thinking about the characters long after I had put the book down. Great job, Ana, and I can’t wait to read the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This will be a spoiler-free review, and I’ll highlight some of the aspects I liked and disliked in the book. Most, if not all, of the issues I had are my personal opinion, so keep in mind that something I didn’t like might be right up your alley.
- Length and Switching POVs: I can enjoy switching POVs when they are done with consistency (for example, one chapter is by one character, the next it switches, and that continues throughout the book). Red Summer uses alternating POVs, but to me, it only happened when we, as readers, need to know something that Wil (the protagonist) doesn’t. I would have preferred Wil learn these things with the reader or come to conclusions on his own without having Terra, Harry, or Oliva (the other POVs we see in the book) spell it out for us. The length probably won’t be an issue for many of you, but I was feeling a little gassed by about the halfway mark.
- The Adult Characters: Now, this might have been done on purpose by Lee (and if so, hats off to you), but I wanted to punt most of the adults in this story off the highest building in New Orleans. The kids have the most agency in the book, which is good until you realize the danger they are in and how the adults should be a bit more involved. After a while, this ‘negligence’ by the adults in the story started to grate on me a bit.
- Expositing Dialogue: Lee does a really good job with her dialogue most of the time, and the characters’ speech really tells the reader a lot about them. However, I will say that sometimes I would read blocks of dialogue and think - ‘I wish we could figure this out on our own’. Many characters outright tell Wil (and us, by proxy) about the world and the magic, which is fine at the beginning of the book. I got a little tired of these info dumps by the midpoint, though.
That seems like a lot of negativity, but again, these are just things I found as downsides. The upsides are just as glowing and bright, though!
- The Protagonist and Supporting Cast: Wil and our group of adventurous teens are all well-developed, bright, alive, and fun to read. Wil is both a sympathetic character and one who grows through the book. I liked Tristen the most, as he felt like he had the most character development throughout the book, but Wil is a very, very close second. The kids are by far the most lifelike part of the story, each with their own stories and personalities. What I looked forward to most on my second read was rejoining our cast of kiddos.
- Theory Crafting: Ana Lee has littered the story with all kinds of nuggets of knowledge. The first read-through was good, but I appreciated her foreshadowing on my second try, which is when I was specifically looking for it. Yes, some things I could call out easily, but Lee left questions that we can only guess the answers to. This would be a problem, but I know Lee is making the next book, and I’m pumped to see if any of my theories were right.
- Dark Themes: It’s hard to juggle darker themes in books for young adults, but I think Lee did it well. There are themes of torture, abuse, child neglect, and death, yet I never felt turned off by the book. These events color the lore and story, and while they made me emotional, I never got to a point where I put the book down. It colored the world, but didn’t douse it in angst.
Are there flaws in this book? Yes, but none that I could not adjust to and understand, especially as a debut novel. It’s the promise of this book and its characters that had me excited to read it a second time. I can’t wait to get the book on my shelf. It should say something that, after finishing the book, I was disappointed that I couldn’t read its sequel immediately. I think this series has a lot of promise, is fun to read, and had me thinking about the characters long after I had put the book down. Great job, Ana, and I can’t wait to read the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2025
By the time I had finished reading the first chapter I knew I was going to be rooting for main character Wil, he was the underdog that you wanted to win.
This is the start of a fantasy series that had incredible world building, relatable and likeable characters, and an amazing journey of self discovery.
I was hooked frofoster m start to finish.
This book had so much going on, you have the fantasy side, with the fae, vampires, witches and more but also the human parts with daily ups and downs and a really interesting look at the foster system.
I am really interested to see where book 2 takes us.
Many thanks to BookSirens for ARC.
This is the start of a fantasy series that had incredible world building, relatable and likeable characters, and an amazing journey of self discovery.
I was hooked frofoster m start to finish.
This book had so much going on, you have the fantasy side, with the fae, vampires, witches and more but also the human parts with daily ups and downs and a really interesting look at the foster system.
I am really interested to see where book 2 takes us.
Many thanks to BookSirens for ARC.
June 2, 2025
Immediately immersing, this debut novel was such a delight. An easy read that drew me in and held my piqued intrigue. The personal stories of each character unfolded against the backdrop of a veiled world we slowly discovered alongside the main character. One of my favorite parts was simply learning more about this world with the main character as he discovered it (and himself) for the first time. The characters felt believable and well developed, with fullness and depth to their distinct personalities. The book had a beautifully balanced pace; these ebbs and flows captivated my attention without leaving me drained or bored. There were several chapters which provided the narrative from the perspective of supporting characters which, I thought, were well placed within the story to provide insight without shifting major focus away from the main character. I appreciated the depth added to the story through various traumatic realities lived by the individual characters. These realities were presented mindfully which, I felt, enhanced the humanity and relatability of the characters, even within the mystical world they belonged to. The themes were blended harmoniously into the advancing plot and I’ve been left with so much; so many answers, so many questions, and ultimately, so many wonderful ways to think of things differently.
I’m thankful to have received an advanced copy in exchange for leaving an honest review! I’m truly looking forward to what’s next for these characters, and from this author!
I’m thankful to have received an advanced copy in exchange for leaving an honest review! I’m truly looking forward to what’s next for these characters, and from this author!
May 31, 2025
I'm glad I took a chance on this new author, this debut book is all I had hoped for when I picked it up.
I was always partial to the trope of the underdog secretly being a long-lost heir (be it in the modern, ancient or paranormal world), who comes into their own bit by bit under the power of fate. Beside the promise of Wilder becoming a key player in saving the world, I am charmed by the interesting world he does it in.
It is a complex, imaginative world, and the characters shaping up in becoming a team are well thought out and feel genuine. The plot moves fast and the writing is so good that I went back to some passages even though I couldn't stop reading to see what's next. It is mostly Wilder's story at first, but as the story develops the other main characters get to show their innermost feelings by having their own POV, which I think gave depth and color to the already intense action.
Well done, I look forward to see what's next - hopefully soon!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was always partial to the trope of the underdog secretly being a long-lost heir (be it in the modern, ancient or paranormal world), who comes into their own bit by bit under the power of fate. Beside the promise of Wilder becoming a key player in saving the world, I am charmed by the interesting world he does it in.
It is a complex, imaginative world, and the characters shaping up in becoming a team are well thought out and feel genuine. The plot moves fast and the writing is so good that I went back to some passages even though I couldn't stop reading to see what's next. It is mostly Wilder's story at first, but as the story develops the other main characters get to show their innermost feelings by having their own POV, which I think gave depth and color to the already intense action.
Well done, I look forward to see what's next - hopefully soon!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2025
Hi, first, thank you, Ana Lee, for the opportunity to read the ARC of Red Summer. Now, I'm trying a new take on how I write my reviews, so here we go...
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Wilder is a very rich character since the narrative shows his strength without dismissing the hardship of getting strong. Also, he has a very well-developed personality since, as an MC, he isn’t indestructible or perfect; he's shown as bullied and underestimated by everyone, which helps the trope of the hero's path.
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The world-building is very interesting since it gives the vibe of Percy Jackson's approach to writing about mythology and to fairytales (or creatures from them) on a modern society, and the narrative for the sorroundings it's similar to the aesthetic or style of Atlas Six.
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The social and political design is very complex, (honestly I kind of got a bit confused) because of the diferent creatures or characters described through out the book. But it’s a good approach since the main plot is about idealism or a war because of different (or very misleading) beliefs. I've read several books with the plot of a war, so this is interesting because the source or reason for the war can't be easy to pinpoint as the reader.
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About Wilder and Terra, I liked the duality of their personalities in contrast to their attraction. Terra at first seems very confident in herself or who she is, but she's very lost and confused about who she wants to be and afraid of making decisions for herself, and Wilder seems very confused and lost about who he is, but against the other characters, he's the only character with the strength to stand his ground about his own convictions, not afraid of going against everyone else. So it seemed natural that they liked each other.
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What I didn’t expect was the ending, so this is an awesome book if you're a reader that enjoys a darker but very interesting type of fantasy. I agree with other readers; this reminds me of Holly Black and Narnia's approach to the fae and magical context.
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Also, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Wilder is a very rich character since the narrative shows his strength without dismissing the hardship of getting strong. Also, he has a very well-developed personality since, as an MC, he isn’t indestructible or perfect; he's shown as bullied and underestimated by everyone, which helps the trope of the hero's path.
--
The world-building is very interesting since it gives the vibe of Percy Jackson's approach to writing about mythology and to fairytales (or creatures from them) on a modern society, and the narrative for the sorroundings it's similar to the aesthetic or style of Atlas Six.
--
The social and political design is very complex, (honestly I kind of got a bit confused) because of the diferent creatures or characters described through out the book. But it’s a good approach since the main plot is about idealism or a war because of different (or very misleading) beliefs. I've read several books with the plot of a war, so this is interesting because the source or reason for the war can't be easy to pinpoint as the reader.
--
About Wilder and Terra, I liked the duality of their personalities in contrast to their attraction. Terra at first seems very confident in herself or who she is, but she's very lost and confused about who she wants to be and afraid of making decisions for herself, and Wilder seems very confused and lost about who he is, but against the other characters, he's the only character with the strength to stand his ground about his own convictions, not afraid of going against everyone else. So it seemed natural that they liked each other.
--
What I didn’t expect was the ending, so this is an awesome book if you're a reader that enjoys a darker but very interesting type of fantasy. I agree with other readers; this reminds me of Holly Black and Narnia's approach to the fae and magical context.
--
Also, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2025
This book about a foster kid who keeps having inexplicable things happen when he gets upset is a great start to a new series. Wilder has been in so many foster homes since he was found as an infant abandoned by the edge of a woods. After running away, he is taken in by a group of paranormals led by the new girl at school, Terra. As he figures out his strange powers, darker forces come into play that threaten his life and the world around him.
It took a few chapters for me to really get into what was happening, but after that I was hooked. The storyline is well done, even though every revelation only brings more questions that remain unanswered. I knew this was the start of a series, so that didn't bother me. I quickly became engrossed in lives of the young people in the council house, and felt very connected to the issues they experienced. I really liked the characters, they are well drawn and believable. All are flawed in some way or another, and experience growth during the book.
The last few chapters were filled with drama, and the hints of what will be revealed in the next books were tantalizing. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series, and heartily recommend this to young adults who love fantasy and magic, as well as readers of all ages.
I read an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It took a few chapters for me to really get into what was happening, but after that I was hooked. The storyline is well done, even though every revelation only brings more questions that remain unanswered. I knew this was the start of a series, so that didn't bother me. I quickly became engrossed in lives of the young people in the council house, and felt very connected to the issues they experienced. I really liked the characters, they are well drawn and believable. All are flawed in some way or another, and experience growth during the book.
The last few chapters were filled with drama, and the hints of what will be revealed in the next books were tantalizing. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series, and heartily recommend this to young adults who love fantasy and magic, as well as readers of all ages.
I read an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2025
I had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC, and if it weren’t for real life getting in the way, I would have devoured it in one sitting. This young adult fantasy has a unique atmosphere—somewhere between Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Harry Potter—though it truly stands on its own.
The world-building is immersive and detailed, yet never overwhelming. The author strikes a perfect balance between vivid description and engaging storytelling, making the setting come alive without ever slowing the pace. The character development is equally impressive, with each perspective adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.
The multiple points of view were a fantastic addition, offering fresh insights and keeping the narrative dynamic. The plot itself was captivating and full of surprises; just when I thought I had everything figured out, an unexpected twist would appear.
I especially appreciated that the author included the first chapter of the next book at the end—it left me eager to continue the adventure immediately. Overall, this was a light yet magical read, filled with wonder, danger, and heart. A thoroughly enjoyable story that I’d highly recommend to fans of imaginative YA fantasy.
The world-building is immersive and detailed, yet never overwhelming. The author strikes a perfect balance between vivid description and engaging storytelling, making the setting come alive without ever slowing the pace. The character development is equally impressive, with each perspective adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.
The multiple points of view were a fantastic addition, offering fresh insights and keeping the narrative dynamic. The plot itself was captivating and full of surprises; just when I thought I had everything figured out, an unexpected twist would appear.
I especially appreciated that the author included the first chapter of the next book at the end—it left me eager to continue the adventure immediately. Overall, this was a light yet magical read, filled with wonder, danger, and heart. A thoroughly enjoyable story that I’d highly recommend to fans of imaginative YA fantasy.
October 23, 2025
I loved this book!
I found the book to be perfectly paced - I never felt bored or too rushed.
Ana's detailed and vivid descriptions bring the world and its contents to life (everything from rooms and furniture, to nature, smells and appearances). You can fully immerse yourself into the world and become a part of it.
The book has a whole host of well-developed characters with their own back stories, giving you plenty of characters to love or hate; and the added romantic tension leaves you itching to know how the relationships develop.
Ana has developed a complex world which can at times get confusing, but it does start to sink in as you get further into the book, and she has included a glossary at the back to support with this.
I love when a story provides you with different viewpoints, so that you can really get to know the different characters; and Red Summer delivers on this perfectly.
The cliffhanger at the end has me screaming for the next one!
I found the book to be perfectly paced - I never felt bored or too rushed.
Ana's detailed and vivid descriptions bring the world and its contents to life (everything from rooms and furniture, to nature, smells and appearances). You can fully immerse yourself into the world and become a part of it.
The book has a whole host of well-developed characters with their own back stories, giving you plenty of characters to love or hate; and the added romantic tension leaves you itching to know how the relationships develop.
Ana has developed a complex world which can at times get confusing, but it does start to sink in as you get further into the book, and she has included a glossary at the back to support with this.
I love when a story provides you with different viewpoints, so that you can really get to know the different characters; and Red Summer delivers on this perfectly.
The cliffhanger at the end has me screaming for the next one!
November 17, 2025
Books like this are the reason I read. Engaging, enjoyable and endearing characters.
“Red Summer” by Ana Lee is a fantasy work that sucked me in and held on from page one. Before reading it, I saw comments about it being a one-sitting fantasy. And based on my surprise when I finished the book and it was dark out, I would agree.
I enjoyed the intentional world-building along with the character development. And if you know my reviews by now, you know I’m in it for the vibes. And I loved all of them.
Found Family ✔️
Dark Ancient Magic ✔️
Immersive World Building ✔️
New Orleans Setting ✔️
Slow Burn Romance ✔️
“Red Summer” is dark, atmospheric, engaging fantasy and I am desperate for book two!
Thank you to Ana Lee for allowing me to be an ARC Reader and giving me the chance to step into the world of Stone and Scale!
“Red Summer” by Ana Lee is a fantasy work that sucked me in and held on from page one. Before reading it, I saw comments about it being a one-sitting fantasy. And based on my surprise when I finished the book and it was dark out, I would agree.
I enjoyed the intentional world-building along with the character development. And if you know my reviews by now, you know I’m in it for the vibes. And I loved all of them.
Found Family ✔️
Dark Ancient Magic ✔️
Immersive World Building ✔️
New Orleans Setting ✔️
Slow Burn Romance ✔️
“Red Summer” is dark, atmospheric, engaging fantasy and I am desperate for book two!
Thank you to Ana Lee for allowing me to be an ARC Reader and giving me the chance to step into the world of Stone and Scale!
August 4, 2025
One of the best reasons for reading a book, specifically fiction, is for the possibility of getting lost in the world and characters of the story. Reading Red Summer led me into a world that I was disappointed to leave when I turned the last page. There are some books you wish you could stay in as the plot unfolds, and I think that's what makes a story worth reading. Red Summer includes all the right elements of a fantasy tale: intense action and conflict, complex characters and relationships, intriguing lore, and hints of dragons. Red Summer reminded me of the world behind our world of Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere and the magical world of Harry Potter. A great start to a series I'm eager to continue.
Read
September 3, 2025This book had VIBES. And by vibes, I mean I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen next. The main character and the other POVs throughout the book were excellent at telling their own stories.
And I LOVE how we only know what the MC knows about his life, lineage, heritage, etc. It gives the reader just as much fun of guessing and working it out as it does in the story.
I also love how this entire book felt like if Shadowhunters and Holly Black faeries had a baby. The vibes are there, the character development is there, the way the lore is easily introduced and not shoved into your face is -chef's kiss-.
All in all, I really, really, REALLY need book two. Like yesterday.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
And I LOVE how we only know what the MC knows about his life, lineage, heritage, etc. It gives the reader just as much fun of guessing and working it out as it does in the story.
I also love how this entire book felt like if Shadowhunters and Holly Black faeries had a baby. The vibes are there, the character development is there, the way the lore is easily introduced and not shoved into your face is -chef's kiss-.
All in all, I really, really, REALLY need book two. Like yesterday.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2025
What can I say about a book that I kept saying just one more chapter at 1:30am. This book was from the very beginning had me in its grip and didn’t let go. It was action, plot and tension in every chapter.
This book will have you forgetting sleep is necessary because you just want to know what is going to happen next. The story line is incredible and so are the characters and their back stories.
The plot and twists that kept coming throughout the book were so incredibly woven into the story that you could almost see what was coming but get surprised when it’s something else. This book is incredible and if you don’t read it you’ll never forgive yourself.
Can’t wait for book 2!
This book will have you forgetting sleep is necessary because you just want to know what is going to happen next. The story line is incredible and so are the characters and their back stories.
The plot and twists that kept coming throughout the book were so incredibly woven into the story that you could almost see what was coming but get surprised when it’s something else. This book is incredible and if you don’t read it you’ll never forgive yourself.
Can’t wait for book 2!
November 27, 2025
Thank you so much Ana for my very first Arc!🥰
This book completely surprised me, as it was my first arc I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but ive got to say it definitely was a good surprise!
This story felt completely immersive, i got entirely invested once the story got going. The council, the creatures and the magic was so so well done!
The found family in this was just adorable and the main characters were so well developed, they all came with their own stories leaving you wanting to know more about each of them!
I cant wait for book two!!
If you like urban contemporary fantasy then I highly recommend giving this a go, it's currently on KU so get downloading!
This book completely surprised me, as it was my first arc I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but ive got to say it definitely was a good surprise!
This story felt completely immersive, i got entirely invested once the story got going. The council, the creatures and the magic was so so well done!
The found family in this was just adorable and the main characters were so well developed, they all came with their own stories leaving you wanting to know more about each of them!
I cant wait for book two!!
If you like urban contemporary fantasy then I highly recommend giving this a go, it's currently on KU so get downloading!
December 27, 2025
The way I needed this book to remind me how I still love upper YA fantasy 😮💨
A HUGE thank you to the author for allowing me to read the arc for this book. I was immediately hooked from the description. Likened to The Mortal Instruments?! 😱 Pfft, no brainer. GIMME! I went into this with an open mind because I am a diehard TMI fan and this didn't disappoint! If you're a fan of series like that and coming of age journeys like Percy Jackson, give this urban fantasy in New Orleans a try. We love a hidden world within our own!
Things to look forward to -
❤️ Pining between romantic couples
⛪ Hidden magical worlds within our own
🐺 Lycans
🧛🏻 Vampyrs
🧝🏼♀️ Fae
🧙🏽♀️ Magem
🫂 Found family
👀 Multi pov, but mostly the MMC
✨ All the magic and super abilities
👊🏼 Action sequences
📖 Extensive lore and vivid descriptions
😮💨 High stakes
Cannot wait to read the second book!
A HUGE thank you to the author for allowing me to read the arc for this book. I was immediately hooked from the description. Likened to The Mortal Instruments?! 😱 Pfft, no brainer. GIMME! I went into this with an open mind because I am a diehard TMI fan and this didn't disappoint! If you're a fan of series like that and coming of age journeys like Percy Jackson, give this urban fantasy in New Orleans a try. We love a hidden world within our own!
Things to look forward to -
❤️ Pining between romantic couples
⛪ Hidden magical worlds within our own
🐺 Lycans
🧛🏻 Vampyrs
🧝🏼♀️ Fae
🧙🏽♀️ Magem
🫂 Found family
👀 Multi pov, but mostly the MMC
✨ All the magic and super abilities
👊🏼 Action sequences
📖 Extensive lore and vivid descriptions
😮💨 High stakes
Cannot wait to read the second book!
August 5, 2025
Sign me up for lots more books to come in this series. As a true Harry Potter dan I'm always looking for that next great series and this one has all the elements. Can wait to see where the adventure leads us. So excited it set in one of my favorite cities.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Read
September 10, 2025I'm not leaving a rating as I DNF'd this at about 40%. There wasn't anything wrong with the book and it was well written, it just wasn't for me. The concept/magic system seemed quite interesting, but I just didn't connect with the book overall. I didn't feel myself being drawn to read it, but this was a personal preference, not a reflection on how the book was written or the plot.
November 7, 2025
Red Summer was so good! I went for a little bit different book than usual and I was not disappointed! Ana Lee did such an amazing job writing this, the found family, the tension, and twists and turns, and unknowns! can't wait for book 2.
July 19, 2025
This was a lovely fantasy book that had many twists and turns. I have a theory about Wilder that I'm sure everyone who's read thr book shares, bit let's just say I do think he's more than he seems at the surface level. This has a great cast of characters and the world building was great. It didn't use as much of the new Orleans backdrop tjst it could have, other than mentioning a few places, but nevertheless thr scenery was gorgeous and the characters very believable. Great book, definitely looking forward to what happens next.
May 12, 2025
I was lucky to receive to a free ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review and got to dive into Red Summer early. Ana invites us into a world that truly sucks you in with each chapter. Immediately I was drawn in by Wilder and the world he’s in. Harry’s story made me so attached to their stories but Olivia had me crying for a hour. While growing attached to each character, I sat on the edge of my seat during some scenes and found myself screaming at the book when someone said or did something or if they needed to. I am so excited for Ana’s next book to dive deeper into the world of Eadar after I was left with so many questions of what is next.
September 9, 2025
Red Summer is a sweeping fantasy debut that manages to feel both familiar and completely fresh. With a cast of original characters, Lee skillfully draws from favorite fantasy troupes while giving them new depth and dimension. Beyond the worldbuilding, what really stands out is the exploration of identity and the journey of young people coming into their own. It’s the kind of book that lingers after the final page, leaving you eager for the next chapter in the series. Lee’s storytelling ability is remarkable, and I look forward to seeing how this world continues to unfold.
August 7, 2025
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC of Red Summer in exchange for an honest review.
This book is YA urban fantasy, focusing on Wilder Ansly, a young boy in the care system of New Orleans, discovering that all the strange occurances that have kept him from ever staying in a foster home long, are all because he belongs in another world.
I really struggled to get into this book, it's not to say that it was bad by any means, I just found there wasn't a lot happening that held my attention that felt relevant to the rough plot. I felt like the characters at this stage didn't have much personality apart from the MMC and this made it difficult to stay engaged. At the halfway point, however, things started to become a bit more interesting with some more action. Around this point, we have met several other characters who add to the dynamic and we see more development of the characters we meet at the beginning, likely due to these further interactions with others.
I would fairly feel like this book was a 3.5 stars, based on the beginning of the book and the lack of engaging plot and characters initially and what felt like a fairly rushed ending. I felt like the ending itself has set up really well for the next book, however, the plot esculated quickly and felt like it suddenly changed from where it might have been headed or it was too quick of a change for it to feel logical.
There is a snippet of the second book that I had access to, which was a nice touch at the end, but I felt like this didn't connect very well with how the first book ended. This may just be because there isn't much that has happened in the beginning of the book, so I can't see the connection at this stage and will remain to be seen.
I think this book and series has a lot of potential and it is no means a bad story or plot, this is just purely based on logic, characters and initial engagement. I enjoyed that we got a chance to find out more about individual character's backgrounds that are not immediately obvious or explained and how these contribute to their actions and character development throughout the story.
The magic system is really cool, the proper names for different Fae is a little hard to keep up with and I am not sure on pronounciation, however, I liked the variation and clear explanation between all of them!
Thank you again! I really hope you do not take this review as a negative, feel free to reach out if you have concerns!
This book is YA urban fantasy, focusing on Wilder Ansly, a young boy in the care system of New Orleans, discovering that all the strange occurances that have kept him from ever staying in a foster home long, are all because he belongs in another world.
I really struggled to get into this book, it's not to say that it was bad by any means, I just found there wasn't a lot happening that held my attention that felt relevant to the rough plot. I felt like the characters at this stage didn't have much personality apart from the MMC and this made it difficult to stay engaged. At the halfway point, however, things started to become a bit more interesting with some more action. Around this point, we have met several other characters who add to the dynamic and we see more development of the characters we meet at the beginning, likely due to these further interactions with others.
I would fairly feel like this book was a 3.5 stars, based on the beginning of the book and the lack of engaging plot and characters initially and what felt like a fairly rushed ending. I felt like the ending itself has set up really well for the next book, however, the plot esculated quickly and felt like it suddenly changed from where it might have been headed or it was too quick of a change for it to feel logical.
There is a snippet of the second book that I had access to, which was a nice touch at the end, but I felt like this didn't connect very well with how the first book ended. This may just be because there isn't much that has happened in the beginning of the book, so I can't see the connection at this stage and will remain to be seen.
I think this book and series has a lot of potential and it is no means a bad story or plot, this is just purely based on logic, characters and initial engagement. I enjoyed that we got a chance to find out more about individual character's backgrounds that are not immediately obvious or explained and how these contribute to their actions and character development throughout the story.
The magic system is really cool, the proper names for different Fae is a little hard to keep up with and I am not sure on pronounciation, however, I liked the variation and clear explanation between all of them!
Thank you again! I really hope you do not take this review as a negative, feel free to reach out if you have concerns!
September 7, 2025
Seventeen year old Wilder Ansley is being followed. By people and creatures no one else can see. To make things worse, he’s also able to do things that no one else can, and that make no sense. Like setting fire, accidentally, to his foster brother’s bed… without any matches or lighters. Wilder prides himself on being able to keep his cool, preventing these abilities from spilling out.
When he is thrown into a hidden world behind a Shroud, Wilder feels more at home than he cares to admit. He finds friendship, and maybe something more, among the strangers he finds himself among. He must force himself to face the truth about who he is and who everyone believes him to be.
While the story is very much based on a “boy who feels different” trope, there’s more there. The pacing is fantastic. The emotional depth is also really good, and the twists on the different magical species was great. The world-building is done in bits and pieces, dolled out at just the right time from the supporting characters to be believable. All the teens are well written and have some depth to them outside of basic teenage drama.
One of my only hang-ups for this book was the switching of point-of-views between how Wilder speaks and acts in his own sections, to how Terra’s sections have him speaking and acting. It’s a weirdly disjointed way to portray him. Yes, people often see others differently than they see themselves, but the dialog didn’t feel like Wilder would say that, or smirk like that, or be as confident with his actions the way he is in the sections narrated by Terra. It was enough to make me dislike the POV switching.
Overall, a good debut novel in the urban fantasy genre. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Holly Black, Cassandra Clare or Kelly Armstrong’s YA series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings:
Major - War, Kidnapping, Violence
Moderate - Torture, Toxic relationship
Minor - Sexual content (off page)
When he is thrown into a hidden world behind a Shroud, Wilder feels more at home than he cares to admit. He finds friendship, and maybe something more, among the strangers he finds himself among. He must force himself to face the truth about who he is and who everyone believes him to be.
While the story is very much based on a “boy who feels different” trope, there’s more there. The pacing is fantastic. The emotional depth is also really good, and the twists on the different magical species was great. The world-building is done in bits and pieces, dolled out at just the right time from the supporting characters to be believable. All the teens are well written and have some depth to them outside of basic teenage drama.
One of my only hang-ups for this book was the switching of point-of-views between how Wilder speaks and acts in his own sections, to how Terra’s sections have him speaking and acting. It’s a weirdly disjointed way to portray him. Yes, people often see others differently than they see themselves, but the dialog didn’t feel like Wilder would say that, or smirk like that, or be as confident with his actions the way he is in the sections narrated by Terra. It was enough to make me dislike the POV switching.
Overall, a good debut novel in the urban fantasy genre. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Holly Black, Cassandra Clare or Kelly Armstrong’s YA series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings:
Major - War, Kidnapping, Violence
Moderate - Torture, Toxic relationship
Minor - Sexual content (off page)
November 29, 2025
First of all, I want to thank the author for giving me an ARC copy :)
This book was honestly amazing. I loved learning about the world right alongside the characters, and I especially enjoyed how we got to see different POVs in key scenes it added so much depth and emotion to the story.
The world-building was really interesting, especially the magic system and how it works. Some reviews say it reminds them of the Shadowhunter world, but personally, I think this story stands firmly on its own and shouldn’t be compared.
I’ll admit, when I found out the main character was 17, I was a little skeptical because YA protagonists can sometimes be written as overly immature. But I never felt that way with Wil. Even though he knows nothing about the world he’s suddenly thrown into and we’re discovering everything right along with him he still felt surprisingly grounded for his age. Sure, he does one stupid thing (noble, but still stupid), but I’m glad no one ended up hurt.
The character who resonated with me the most was Olivia. She has feelings for one of their friends but refuses to admit it, and she ends up doing reckless things because she’s scared to face those feelings. They both clearly like each other, and I appreciated that after a certain event, he finally put his foot down and told her what she already knew. What really stayed with me, though, was learning the reason she kept him at arm’s length she felt she wasn’t worthy of his love. That honestly made my heart sting.
Overall, this was an amazing read. The world wasn’t confusing to follow, the characters felt real, and I stayed engaged the whole way through.
I’m excited for the second book! And I highly recommend this book!
This book was honestly amazing. I loved learning about the world right alongside the characters, and I especially enjoyed how we got to see different POVs in key scenes it added so much depth and emotion to the story.
The world-building was really interesting, especially the magic system and how it works. Some reviews say it reminds them of the Shadowhunter world, but personally, I think this story stands firmly on its own and shouldn’t be compared.
I’ll admit, when I found out the main character was 17, I was a little skeptical because YA protagonists can sometimes be written as overly immature. But I never felt that way with Wil. Even though he knows nothing about the world he’s suddenly thrown into and we’re discovering everything right along with him he still felt surprisingly grounded for his age. Sure, he does one stupid thing (noble, but still stupid), but I’m glad no one ended up hurt.
The character who resonated with me the most was Olivia. She has feelings for one of their friends but refuses to admit it, and she ends up doing reckless things because she’s scared to face those feelings. They both clearly like each other, and I appreciated that after a certain event, he finally put his foot down and told her what she already knew. What really stayed with me, though, was learning the reason she kept him at arm’s length she felt she wasn’t worthy of his love. That honestly made my heart sting.
Overall, this was an amazing read. The world wasn’t confusing to follow, the characters felt real, and I stayed engaged the whole way through.
I’m excited for the second book! And I highly recommend this book!
September 21, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
A boy who doesn’t belong, a family he chooses, and a world as beautiful as it is brutal…
I had the distinct pleasure of reading Ana Lee’s debut novel Red Summer - Stone and Scale Book 1. She is one of the first indie authors I met via Bookstagram and I feel so blessed that our algorithms saw fit to show us to each other!
Red Summer is an older YA, urban fantasy about 17-year-old, Wilder Ansley. He’s been bounced around the foster system of New Orleans, always feeling like he doesn’t belong and trying to hide the strange things he’s able to see… and do. That is until The Council finds him - and his entire world is turned upside down!
The book features a large cast of well-developed characters. Each one of them layered and memorable. A romantic tension (low-key love triangle) simmers beneath heavier themes of abuse, neglect, and survival. The writing shines most in its vivid descriptions - rooms, buildings, gardens - all come alive with atmosphere that feels both haunting and beautiful. The world and its magic system are complex and at times confused me. But the story is deeply rewarding and felt real (do I detect an under current of Faith?)! Fans of found family will find a lot to love in this one. The end of Red Summer is a cliffhanger. So I’m really glad she added a sneak peek of book two in there!!! Plus, there’s a glossary and a playlist in the back! I love when an author connects writing to music.
A huge thank you to Ana Lee for my book mail and sharing her world with me. I will definitely be seeing this series through to the end!
A boy who doesn’t belong, a family he chooses, and a world as beautiful as it is brutal…
I had the distinct pleasure of reading Ana Lee’s debut novel Red Summer - Stone and Scale Book 1. She is one of the first indie authors I met via Bookstagram and I feel so blessed that our algorithms saw fit to show us to each other!
Red Summer is an older YA, urban fantasy about 17-year-old, Wilder Ansley. He’s been bounced around the foster system of New Orleans, always feeling like he doesn’t belong and trying to hide the strange things he’s able to see… and do. That is until The Council finds him - and his entire world is turned upside down!
The book features a large cast of well-developed characters. Each one of them layered and memorable. A romantic tension (low-key love triangle) simmers beneath heavier themes of abuse, neglect, and survival. The writing shines most in its vivid descriptions - rooms, buildings, gardens - all come alive with atmosphere that feels both haunting and beautiful. The world and its magic system are complex and at times confused me. But the story is deeply rewarding and felt real (do I detect an under current of Faith?)! Fans of found family will find a lot to love in this one. The end of Red Summer is a cliffhanger. So I’m really glad she added a sneak peek of book two in there!!! Plus, there’s a glossary and a playlist in the back! I love when an author connects writing to music.
A huge thank you to Ana Lee for my book mail and sharing her world with me. I will definitely be seeing this series through to the end!
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