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Invincible Summer
"Breathtaking. This book will change your life." - Schmexy Girl Book Blog “Magnificent. Invincible Summer is one of those books that you read and know you are better for it.” - Red Cheeks Reads "Heart-achingly beautiful...I was speechless...my life ceased to exist while I read this book...enlightening and uplifting...this book is extraordinary." - Relentless Book Chics Rambling and Reviews We all remember our first love, that one affair that took custody of your heart and never really let it go. Readers around the world were touched by The Summer Remains, a heartbreaking and inspiring novel about one of these romances – but Cooper Nichols, the enigmatic young man at the center of the novel, was largely silent on the matter. Until now. “I just can’t believe it’s over between you guys,” my best friend said as we walked down the pier. “You two were supposed to last forever.” I stared out at the blue sea. “Oh, trust me, it’s not over. I am going to see that girl’s face in every crowd I look into, forever. And maybe a few forevers after that…” And so begins the tale of young writer Cooper Nichols. Left in ruins after a tragic summer romance, Cooper is afraid the sun may have set on him for good – until his mother discovers a copy of Cooper’s journal he kept of that summer. As he reluctantly slips back into his own past in the pages of his notebook, Cooper starts to rethink everything he thought he knew about life, death, and all the love that can bloom in between – and what follows is a thrilling and breathtaking journey back to joy that will sink into you and stay there for the long haul. Illuminating, romantic and soul-stirring, Invincible Summer is a testament to the miraculous power of love, in all its immortal glory and everlasting majesty. If you have ever found yourself drifting back to a long-lost romance during a quiet moment, prepare to be pulled under all over again. “That one summer. Everyone’s got one, that fleeting season that rearranged you and imprinted itself onto your soul forever. You were mine. I swear I’ll never forget your hazel eyes. I swear I’ll never forget those few months when the winds roared. I’ll always think of you that way. And if you can, please come back to me. At the end of the day I’m just a boy who wants to get back to his first love, and I miss you. Just find a way back, please. I’ll be waiting. Until then, I’ve got nothing…”
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2015
13 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Seth King
53 books1,870 followersSeth King is a twenty-eight-year-old American author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 8, 2015
Have you ever finished such an incredible book and thought to yourself "I will never be able to enjoy reading anything else ever again"? Well I just did. If you asked me a few days ago what my favorite book of the year was, I would have undoubtedly said The Summer Remains. But that is no longer true. Invincible Summer is, and not only is it my favorite book of the year, but it's also the greatest book I've ever read. Actually, scratch that. I can't even call Invincible Summer a book - it's a journey like nothing I've ever read before. This is Seth King's masterpiece. It is one hell of a brilliant, soul-searching, life-changing, heartbreaking, uplifting, magnificent, eye-opening and spectacular journey. It's the most beautiful, epic love story I've ever read.
Invincible Summer picks up where The Summer Remains left off. I won't give any details about Cooper's story here. Go into this book blindly and experience it and let it unfold in all of its beautiful glory. It is a story that will make you open your eyes and force you to notice the beauty of what surrounds you every day. It will give you a newfound appreciation for anyone and anything in your life that you have taken for granted because you've been too wrapped up in other unimportant things to notice it all. It will challenge you to look within yourself and ask whether you're living your life to the fullest.
While The Summer Remains was a champion of a book for people with disabilities, Invincible Summer is a gift for anyone who is grieving. If you have ever lost someone special to you, this book will take you by the hands, hold you tight, make you believe, and give you hope in finding everything you thought you once lost.
There aren't enough stars in the galaxy that I could give this book. I cannot convey the beauty of the story that lies within these pages. This is the only book that I've ever finished, and then immediately turned back to page 1 to start reading again. So I will give you this advice:
Open this book.
Open your mind.
Open your eyes.
Open your heart, and let the journey begin...
Invincible Summer picks up where The Summer Remains left off. I won't give any details about Cooper's story here. Go into this book blindly and experience it and let it unfold in all of its beautiful glory. It is a story that will make you open your eyes and force you to notice the beauty of what surrounds you every day. It will give you a newfound appreciation for anyone and anything in your life that you have taken for granted because you've been too wrapped up in other unimportant things to notice it all. It will challenge you to look within yourself and ask whether you're living your life to the fullest.
While The Summer Remains was a champion of a book for people with disabilities, Invincible Summer is a gift for anyone who is grieving. If you have ever lost someone special to you, this book will take you by the hands, hold you tight, make you believe, and give you hope in finding everything you thought you once lost.
There aren't enough stars in the galaxy that I could give this book. I cannot convey the beauty of the story that lies within these pages. This is the only book that I've ever finished, and then immediately turned back to page 1 to start reading again. So I will give you this advice:
Open this book.
Open your mind.
Open your eyes.
Open your heart, and let the journey begin...
October 12, 2015
6+++++ STARS and then some!!!
This is not going to be “just another review”. This is a plea, a request, I guess, for you to take a moment to really listen to me. This is a chance for you to take a moment and reflect on your life. To see the true meaning of it all. I promise, it will all be worth it. You will have one of those “AH HAH” moments, and it will take your breath away.
Sit down. Close your eyes. Picture a sunset, the waves breaking on the shore. Picture a calm, peaceful life where you feel love, sunshine beating on your back and every person you love with your whole heart surrounding you. Do you feel it? Can you see yourself there? Okay. So now picture yourself with the “book” that will change your life in your hands. You open it up and memorize it. Savor every word. Follow it like a rule-book.
Invincible Summer is a book, yes. But at the same time, it’s not. Not really. It kind of makes you open your eyes, your heart, your mind to what really happens after.
We are reunited with Cooper just after Summer. What happened to him, where did he go, what did he do? We’re taken on a journey. We follow him as he searches for his purpose and the lessons we learn are profound. Impossible to describe unless you read them yourself.
So what did I learn from all of this? I learned that we all have a purpose. Sometimes we might not know what that is until later on, but we’re all here for a reason. I learned how important it is to be kind. Show love. Be grateful. Live a life that you will be proud of. Know that every hand you hold, every heart you touch and every kind word you speak reaches more than the person you are offering the kindness to. You know that chance you wanted to take? Take it. The people you love more than life itself? Tell them.
I know so many will be skeptical. How can this be? Who are we to say what’s to come? We can’t. Some of us just need to believe. For our sanity, for our hearts to keep beating, for our lives to continue to move forward. We need to know that the people we loved most are right there beside us and have never left. Even if you don’t believe, it is worth travelling on this journey because a love this deep and this pure is meant to be experienced.
Seth King has found his purpose in life even if he hasn’t figured it out yet. He is meant to tell stories, share tales and take us to places we have never been before. His words are poetic, his heart huge and his writing is breathtaking. Lose yourself in a phenomenal book and meet Cooper and Summer. Your life will never be the same.
"Love always wins."
This is not going to be “just another review”. This is a plea, a request, I guess, for you to take a moment to really listen to me. This is a chance for you to take a moment and reflect on your life. To see the true meaning of it all. I promise, it will all be worth it. You will have one of those “AH HAH” moments, and it will take your breath away.
Sit down. Close your eyes. Picture a sunset, the waves breaking on the shore. Picture a calm, peaceful life where you feel love, sunshine beating on your back and every person you love with your whole heart surrounding you. Do you feel it? Can you see yourself there? Okay. So now picture yourself with the “book” that will change your life in your hands. You open it up and memorize it. Savor every word. Follow it like a rule-book.
Invincible Summer is a book, yes. But at the same time, it’s not. Not really. It kind of makes you open your eyes, your heart, your mind to what really happens after.
We are reunited with Cooper just after Summer. What happened to him, where did he go, what did he do? We’re taken on a journey. We follow him as he searches for his purpose and the lessons we learn are profound. Impossible to describe unless you read them yourself.
So what did I learn from all of this? I learned that we all have a purpose. Sometimes we might not know what that is until later on, but we’re all here for a reason. I learned how important it is to be kind. Show love. Be grateful. Live a life that you will be proud of. Know that every hand you hold, every heart you touch and every kind word you speak reaches more than the person you are offering the kindness to. You know that chance you wanted to take? Take it. The people you love more than life itself? Tell them.
I know so many will be skeptical. How can this be? Who are we to say what’s to come? We can’t. Some of us just need to believe. For our sanity, for our hearts to keep beating, for our lives to continue to move forward. We need to know that the people we loved most are right there beside us and have never left. Even if you don’t believe, it is worth travelling on this journey because a love this deep and this pure is meant to be experienced.
Seth King has found his purpose in life even if he hasn’t figured it out yet. He is meant to tell stories, share tales and take us to places we have never been before. His words are poetic, his heart huge and his writing is breathtaking. Lose yourself in a phenomenal book and meet Cooper and Summer. Your life will never be the same.
"Love always wins."
May 7, 2017
Get ready. Get the tissues. Get the wine. Invincible Summer is nothing close to what you think you know about it. Toss out all your ideas of what this book is about. Expect the unexpected. Go in with an open heart and mind. And prepare to be destroyed yet saved, enlightened and uplifted. It's a ride I didn't want to get off of.
This book is heart achingly beautiful. It is multi-dimensional. It is beyond the scope of your imagination. How Seth King has made this all come together left me speechless. His words make you feel so much that it can be overwhelming. But he writes about real life. Real human situations and real love. And he does it extraordinarily well. I was there in this book. My life around me ceased to exist while I read Invincible Summer. Yes….that’s how good it is. And if you take any one thing away from this book…..keep this in mind. Be kind. Compassionate. Live your life to its fullest. Be good to one another. Have yourself an Invincible Summer.
This book is heart achingly beautiful. It is multi-dimensional. It is beyond the scope of your imagination. How Seth King has made this all come together left me speechless. His words make you feel so much that it can be overwhelming. But he writes about real life. Real human situations and real love. And he does it extraordinarily well. I was there in this book. My life around me ceased to exist while I read Invincible Summer. Yes….that’s how good it is. And if you take any one thing away from this book…..keep this in mind. Be kind. Compassionate. Live your life to its fullest. Be good to one another. Have yourself an Invincible Summer.
January 10, 2016
If you see me and I'm crying blame Seth King
Yep it's all his fault.
He made me love life again with just a book. But the thing about it is, it's simply not just a book. It's a piece of his heart that he shares with us.
My outlook and what I want for myself and my little family is so different now.
I've heard his book his new book described as "beautiful".
Well its true. Your words rocked me to my core.
For me it earth shattering.
I'm sitting on the edge of my bed now thinking to myself, "where has the guy been all my life?"
God has give a gift beyond measure. Never give it up.
I thank you my friend. For writing the words we all feel, but can't put on paper. For making us all realize what life is truly a mesmerizing thing.
#SethKing
#InvincibleSummer
Yep it's all his fault.
He made me love life again with just a book. But the thing about it is, it's simply not just a book. It's a piece of his heart that he shares with us.
My outlook and what I want for myself and my little family is so different now.
I've heard his book his new book described as "beautiful".
Well its true. Your words rocked me to my core.
For me it earth shattering.
I'm sitting on the edge of my bed now thinking to myself, "where has the guy been all my life?"
God has give a gift beyond measure. Never give it up.
I thank you my friend. For writing the words we all feel, but can't put on paper. For making us all realize what life is truly a mesmerizing thing.
#SethKing
#InvincibleSummer
October 18, 2015
It’s taken me days to try to organize my thoughts and feelings to write this review. I am so incredibly moved by this book that I still don’t know where to begin. Seth King has once again rendered me speechless. Invincible Summer is so much more than a book. It’s not just the continuation of Cooper and Summer’s story, and it’s not just another love story. I don’t know how to describe it…it’s just MORE!
This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It is beauty and inspiration and love and peace. Seth’s words are a gift to the human spirit. I was deeply affected by The Summer Remains, and once again I’ve emerged from a Seth King book a different person. A better person. Invincible Summer is an eye-opening journey, and one that has changed my heart and my world. Thank you, Seth, for sharing your gift. Thank you for the tears and for reminding us what’s truly most important in life.
This book is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It is beauty and inspiration and love and peace. Seth’s words are a gift to the human spirit. I was deeply affected by The Summer Remains, and once again I’ve emerged from a Seth King book a different person. A better person. Invincible Summer is an eye-opening journey, and one that has changed my heart and my world. Thank you, Seth, for sharing your gift. Thank you for the tears and for reminding us what’s truly most important in life.
November 30, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
"I love you. I love you- if I could learn every language the human race has ever spoken, just to tell you that in every way a human mouth has ever said it, so you could hear it in every way a human ear has ever heard it, I would. This love...this life...was just beyond words."
My heart, my soul, my emotions were held captive by this breathtakingly beautiful and poetic masterpiece called Invincible Summer by Seth King. Every heartache, pain, loss, sadness, happiness, love and hope were coursing through each page allowing readers to feel the depth of these raw emotions. Every written word was not just an ordinary word scrawled onto a paper but they were words that left a lasting and profound impression. Words that will make you reevaluate your dreams, hopes, and life. They were words of every raw emotions and life lessons to be learned. Every regret, mistake, loss, heartache, love lost, love found, and dreams were meant for a reason.
"Life is brief but love is long. Somewhere between anger and love is an ocean of eternal tranquility. It is there that I will see you again."
Invincible Summer is not a book that I can properly review because this book needs to be read, experienced and savored. This book is not your light fluffy romance but a book that will grip your heart, shatter your heart to pieces and slowly mend the broken pieces back together. Invincible Summer is a story that DELIVERS an important message on life. We often take for granted on the life we are given to us on Earth. Our dreams, hopes and desires sometimes get lost or push aside. And sometimes we often find ourselves asking the question: "why me?" when loss, heartache, disappointment, sadness and death comes knocking on our way. But do we really question as to why these things really happen? And in Invincible Summer, Mr. King delivers this important message about life. Life goes on and at the end of our journey, there is only one question that should matter. Did you live the best life possible? Did you wake up every morning with a fresh set of perspective? Did you love someone? Did you touch someone's life? Did you change someone's life the way Summer changed Cooper's life?
"Because in heartbreak there is power, potential lurking in the shadows of your soul, just waiting to be used as fuel. Being brave enough to bare your wounds to the world and flash a smile that says you are here to stay: this is true human courage."
This book is a testament of one of the reasons I read. I love reading a book where you can see an author pour his heart, soul, and life into a story. And Seth King did just that and more. He made me love and appreciate life. Though this book broke my heart, I love the profound and deep message this book left with readers. When I first read Summer Remains, I was a bit worried that Invincible Summer would be a rehashing and retelling of the story of Summer and Cooper but let me tell you Seth King did not disappoint his readers with Invincible Summer. Mr. King gave an honest, raw and real journey of what it meant to lose someone you loved so dearly and fiercely. What I can say is go READ THIS BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL BOOK!!! Get lost in the words and pages of Mr. King. Breathe in, feel, and savor everything in your life, the good and the bad. And know without a doubt that at the end of your life that you will be reunited with the people that you lost. Thank you Seth King for gifting your readers with your words. Thank you for gifting us with one of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and profound love stories that I have read. Thank you again for showing and reminding us what is truly important in life.
"The world was filled with love stories - ours killed me, and it was still my favorite."
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Seth King
"I love you. I love you- if I could learn every language the human race has ever spoken, just to tell you that in every way a human mouth has ever said it, so you could hear it in every way a human ear has ever heard it, I would. This love...this life...was just beyond words."
My heart, my soul, my emotions were held captive by this breathtakingly beautiful and poetic masterpiece called Invincible Summer by Seth King. Every heartache, pain, loss, sadness, happiness, love and hope were coursing through each page allowing readers to feel the depth of these raw emotions. Every written word was not just an ordinary word scrawled onto a paper but they were words that left a lasting and profound impression. Words that will make you reevaluate your dreams, hopes, and life. They were words of every raw emotions and life lessons to be learned. Every regret, mistake, loss, heartache, love lost, love found, and dreams were meant for a reason.
"Life is brief but love is long. Somewhere between anger and love is an ocean of eternal tranquility. It is there that I will see you again."
Invincible Summer is not a book that I can properly review because this book needs to be read, experienced and savored. This book is not your light fluffy romance but a book that will grip your heart, shatter your heart to pieces and slowly mend the broken pieces back together. Invincible Summer is a story that DELIVERS an important message on life. We often take for granted on the life we are given to us on Earth. Our dreams, hopes and desires sometimes get lost or push aside. And sometimes we often find ourselves asking the question: "why me?" when loss, heartache, disappointment, sadness and death comes knocking on our way. But do we really question as to why these things really happen? And in Invincible Summer, Mr. King delivers this important message about life. Life goes on and at the end of our journey, there is only one question that should matter. Did you live the best life possible? Did you wake up every morning with a fresh set of perspective? Did you love someone? Did you touch someone's life? Did you change someone's life the way Summer changed Cooper's life?
"Because in heartbreak there is power, potential lurking in the shadows of your soul, just waiting to be used as fuel. Being brave enough to bare your wounds to the world and flash a smile that says you are here to stay: this is true human courage."
This book is a testament of one of the reasons I read. I love reading a book where you can see an author pour his heart, soul, and life into a story. And Seth King did just that and more. He made me love and appreciate life. Though this book broke my heart, I love the profound and deep message this book left with readers. When I first read Summer Remains, I was a bit worried that Invincible Summer would be a rehashing and retelling of the story of Summer and Cooper but let me tell you Seth King did not disappoint his readers with Invincible Summer. Mr. King gave an honest, raw and real journey of what it meant to lose someone you loved so dearly and fiercely. What I can say is go READ THIS BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL BOOK!!! Get lost in the words and pages of Mr. King. Breathe in, feel, and savor everything in your life, the good and the bad. And know without a doubt that at the end of your life that you will be reunited with the people that you lost. Thank you Seth King for gifting your readers with your words. Thank you for gifting us with one of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and profound love stories that I have read. Thank you again for showing and reminding us what is truly important in life.
"The world was filled with love stories - ours killed me, and it was still my favorite."
Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Seth King
November 6, 2015
'This is a second chance romance.'
And it is in a sense. Invincible Summer picks up right after the devastating ending of The Summer Remains and I was apprehensive, I admit. I didn't know how Cooper was going to move on either. I just couldn't imagine him with someone else. It broke my heart all over again to think of him continuing on without Summer. But this book. It was inspirational, uplifting, and was completely different than what I expected it to be. It is one of those books that you read and know that you are better for it. That you learned a little something that could make you more. More in a sense of being better or greater. Invincible Summer just wowed me.
"'This love...this life...was just...beyond words."
This is not your typical romance. Invincible Summer is really a book about grieving the loss of someone you love and I definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone who has lost someone and has a felt a grief so incredibly profound that you just don't think you can go on, read it. Seth King does an impeccable job of making us feel Cooper's loss so acutely and it is heartbreaking but also just so beautiful that he loved Summer that much in the first place. I do not want to ruin one iota of this amazing book for you and there are quite a few surprises but I will tell you that I ran through every emotion. I laughed, I cried, and I grieved right along with Cooper but most of all I felt hope. This book was just loaded with it. It is full of the kind of hope that makes you believe that love trumps all. Even death, jealousy, heartbreak. This underlying hope the whole book makes you feel that love really does conquer anything. It is a beautiful thing to feel this when reading a book about grief.
'The world was filled with love stories - ours killed me, and it was still my favorite.'
Even though I finished this book over a week ago, I still find myself thinking on it occasionally. Wondering about what does happen after the people we love pass. I do love Seth's take on it in this novel, though. It makes me feel good and happy. It makes me wonder and be hopeful that maybe there are a couple of Summer's up there watching out for me and mine. It is a heartbreaking and wondrous thing to think about and feel. Thanks for that Seth. Sometimes we need to take a minute to appreciate all we have and the people who have passed through our lives to help give us all of that.
This book is magnificently written. Poetic and sing songy in the way of old writing that just somehow feels MORE romantic and whimsical. If you thought you got all the feels with The Summer Remains, you ain't read nothing yet! This man's books just keep getting better and better and my eyes just keep getting wetter and wetter. ;)
~Amie
And it is in a sense. Invincible Summer picks up right after the devastating ending of The Summer Remains and I was apprehensive, I admit. I didn't know how Cooper was going to move on either. I just couldn't imagine him with someone else. It broke my heart all over again to think of him continuing on without Summer. But this book. It was inspirational, uplifting, and was completely different than what I expected it to be. It is one of those books that you read and know that you are better for it. That you learned a little something that could make you more. More in a sense of being better or greater. Invincible Summer just wowed me.
"'This love...this life...was just...beyond words."
This is not your typical romance. Invincible Summer is really a book about grieving the loss of someone you love and I definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone who has lost someone and has a felt a grief so incredibly profound that you just don't think you can go on, read it. Seth King does an impeccable job of making us feel Cooper's loss so acutely and it is heartbreaking but also just so beautiful that he loved Summer that much in the first place. I do not want to ruin one iota of this amazing book for you and there are quite a few surprises but I will tell you that I ran through every emotion. I laughed, I cried, and I grieved right along with Cooper but most of all I felt hope. This book was just loaded with it. It is full of the kind of hope that makes you believe that love trumps all. Even death, jealousy, heartbreak. This underlying hope the whole book makes you feel that love really does conquer anything. It is a beautiful thing to feel this when reading a book about grief.
'The world was filled with love stories - ours killed me, and it was still my favorite.'
Even though I finished this book over a week ago, I still find myself thinking on it occasionally. Wondering about what does happen after the people we love pass. I do love Seth's take on it in this novel, though. It makes me feel good and happy. It makes me wonder and be hopeful that maybe there are a couple of Summer's up there watching out for me and mine. It is a heartbreaking and wondrous thing to think about and feel. Thanks for that Seth. Sometimes we need to take a minute to appreciate all we have and the people who have passed through our lives to help give us all of that.
This book is magnificently written. Poetic and sing songy in the way of old writing that just somehow feels MORE romantic and whimsical. If you thought you got all the feels with The Summer Remains, you ain't read nothing yet! This man's books just keep getting better and better and my eyes just keep getting wetter and wetter. ;)
~Amie
October 30, 2015
From elated to devastated, from happy to angry, from laughter to sobbing mess, and all points in between – that is what I felt reading this amazing book. And then I’d turn the page and start that ride all over again. I smiled and cried at not just the story unfolding but also because of HOW this book is written. The words are so utterly beautiful you can’t help but weep. It is pure poetry. Another reviewer has called this book “breathtaking," and that is absolutely correct. Seth has a gift with words far beyond most others I’ve read (and I’ve read a lot.)
It’s been almost two weeks since I first read this book, and I’m only just now able to sit down and write a review. I would start to cry every time I tried to compose how I feel about it. In that two weeks, I have read the book from start to finish again (not to mention the multiple times I read each paragraph as I went through the first time) and revisited the passages I’ve highlighted countless times. And I have not been able to pick up another book. Seth’s words have consumed me. They’ve changed me. If The Summer Remains destroyed me, Invincible Summer has healed me. There are so many life lessons to be learned within these pages, but the most important one is to love and spread that love everywhere without fear.
If it were possible to give this book more than 5 stars, I would do it. Honestly, along with The Summer Remains (and Autumn Rising, too), it is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I simply cannot pick a favorite of the three in this series. All three are absolute MUST READS.
Invincible Summer, like The Summer Remains, is a book that will become a part of you. It will influence how you see everything around you. It will make you realize that love is everywhere; and that we are but a small, but very important, part of this vast universe.
I have so many highlighted passages, but here are a few of my favorites:
“Love is the greatest tribute of all. It is the only true currency, humanity’s benediction, the agony and the ecstasy of a species. A ruler and a God whose only temple is the soul.”
“Any human who leaves love in the heart of at least one person will live on in the eyes of history, because that love will physically inhabit the soul of that person when they leave, and stay there.”
“Some stories are told with words, that is true. Others are told with a paintbrush. But the best ones are told with love.”
It’s been almost two weeks since I first read this book, and I’m only just now able to sit down and write a review. I would start to cry every time I tried to compose how I feel about it. In that two weeks, I have read the book from start to finish again (not to mention the multiple times I read each paragraph as I went through the first time) and revisited the passages I’ve highlighted countless times. And I have not been able to pick up another book. Seth’s words have consumed me. They’ve changed me. If The Summer Remains destroyed me, Invincible Summer has healed me. There are so many life lessons to be learned within these pages, but the most important one is to love and spread that love everywhere without fear.
If it were possible to give this book more than 5 stars, I would do it. Honestly, along with The Summer Remains (and Autumn Rising, too), it is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I simply cannot pick a favorite of the three in this series. All three are absolute MUST READS.
Invincible Summer, like The Summer Remains, is a book that will become a part of you. It will influence how you see everything around you. It will make you realize that love is everywhere; and that we are but a small, but very important, part of this vast universe.
I have so many highlighted passages, but here are a few of my favorites:
“Love is the greatest tribute of all. It is the only true currency, humanity’s benediction, the agony and the ecstasy of a species. A ruler and a God whose only temple is the soul.”
“Any human who leaves love in the heart of at least one person will live on in the eyes of history, because that love will physically inhabit the soul of that person when they leave, and stay there.”
“Some stories are told with words, that is true. Others are told with a paintbrush. But the best ones are told with love.”
November 11, 2015
I will never again be able to begin a book with preconceived expectations. Invincible Summer has shown me that I shouldn’t have them. I did have them, expectations for this book. Big ones. Would it possibly be able to top The Summer Remains? Would it leave me puffy eyed and red faced with grooves on my cheeks from the tracks of my tears? What could he possibly do with this story now that that fateful summer of love was over? How could he keep me interested in Cooper perhaps falling in love again with someone other than Summer Martin? That would’ve just pissed me off.
Well, let me tell you, folks. Seth King might as well have slapped me in the face. All of my expectations and preconceived notions about what this book could and should be were shattered. All of them. It is so incredibly different.
It started out on par with what I was already familiar with, heartbreak. A beautiful love story that ends before it should have and the tears were flowing. But right around 24% in, the tune changes. The story and the point of view alters into a completely different version. Part II was like I had been previously riding through life in a horse drawn carriage to be instantly transported to a space shuttle traveling at warp speed able to spectate on my world and life from above.
The writing was the same… beautiful and poetic, but the way that his words forced you to look at the world around you was all too powerful. It honestly made me uncomfortable at first. Partly because I was trying to almost argue with certain elements of his story that conflicted with my personal religious beliefs. Until I realized that that was ridiculous. This is a fictional story and a fantastic depiction of how epic and magnanimous true love can be. Once I released my need to critique little nuances that didn’t jive well with my brain, once I let it all go and read on with an open mind, I swear I will be forever changed. This book literally will change you, the way you look at the simple little details, the way you speak to people, the way you regard those closest to you, the way you respond to the little hairs standing up on the back of your neck or that feeling you get sometimes like you are being watched. I cannot and will not look at the life that I am living the same way ever again, and for that gift, I thank this author.
Any open wounds that were still around after The Summer Remains are completely healed with Invincible Summer. You did it again, Seth. But even better this time. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your talent with us, once again.
READ THIS SERIES, everyone!
Well, let me tell you, folks. Seth King might as well have slapped me in the face. All of my expectations and preconceived notions about what this book could and should be were shattered. All of them. It is so incredibly different.
It started out on par with what I was already familiar with, heartbreak. A beautiful love story that ends before it should have and the tears were flowing. But right around 24% in, the tune changes. The story and the point of view alters into a completely different version. Part II was like I had been previously riding through life in a horse drawn carriage to be instantly transported to a space shuttle traveling at warp speed able to spectate on my world and life from above.
The writing was the same… beautiful and poetic, but the way that his words forced you to look at the world around you was all too powerful. It honestly made me uncomfortable at first. Partly because I was trying to almost argue with certain elements of his story that conflicted with my personal religious beliefs. Until I realized that that was ridiculous. This is a fictional story and a fantastic depiction of how epic and magnanimous true love can be. Once I released my need to critique little nuances that didn’t jive well with my brain, once I let it all go and read on with an open mind, I swear I will be forever changed. This book literally will change you, the way you look at the simple little details, the way you speak to people, the way you regard those closest to you, the way you respond to the little hairs standing up on the back of your neck or that feeling you get sometimes like you are being watched. I cannot and will not look at the life that I am living the same way ever again, and for that gift, I thank this author.
Any open wounds that were still around after The Summer Remains are completely healed with Invincible Summer. You did it again, Seth. But even better this time. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your talent with us, once again.
READ THIS SERIES, everyone!
October 15, 2015
The Invincible Summer is a beautiful, daring and breathtaking book, it should be the new standard for ‘romance’ novels. My kindle is covered with highlights and notes beyond any other book on my virtual shelf because page after page had such thought-provoking statements.
If you read The Summer Remains first, which you should, you will know that was a book that opened our eyes to a new world of respecting every human being because no one is lesser than the other (except maybe psychotic terrorists and mass rapist/serial killers/evil murderous doctors). TSR taught us to go beyond our comfort zone and GIVE love, not just expect to receive it. But The Invincible Summer will grasp onto your soul and make you soar, not just float, onto new concepts, ideas and emotions. It’s as if the author is writing a new religion or at least validating all of our intuition and allowing the reader to start listening to their gut.
The Invincible Summer’s words are so effortless strung together and will embed themselves into the darkest, coldest corners of your heart and revitalize them with warmth. That is the only way I know how to describe the feeling from reading this book. If you are like me, a true romantic, be prepared to have a brand new outlook on “romance.” Yeah, who doesn't love to bake your lover’s favorite red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting just because it’s Thursday or to surprise him/her with fresh pralines and White Haven after a long day at work to see that glimpse of a smile… but romance will begin to surround you on those quiet Tuesday evenings at dusk when you walk into Outback with your Grandmother for a shameful Bloomin’ Onion while convincing yourself it is a vegetable/salad. There will be so many eye opening lessons in this book, one that stood out to me is stop giving your love to invalid recipients… Start sharing your worthwhile love for love is the only baggage we carry on through life and beyond this human life.
As always when you read a Seth King novel, don’t forget the box of tissues, bottle of wine and eye drops (so your boss doesn't think you're high because your eyes are bloodshot and your mind will be in a fifth dimension)…. Enjoy.
If you read The Summer Remains first, which you should, you will know that was a book that opened our eyes to a new world of respecting every human being because no one is lesser than the other (except maybe psychotic terrorists and mass rapist/serial killers/evil murderous doctors). TSR taught us to go beyond our comfort zone and GIVE love, not just expect to receive it. But The Invincible Summer will grasp onto your soul and make you soar, not just float, onto new concepts, ideas and emotions. It’s as if the author is writing a new religion or at least validating all of our intuition and allowing the reader to start listening to their gut.
The Invincible Summer’s words are so effortless strung together and will embed themselves into the darkest, coldest corners of your heart and revitalize them with warmth. That is the only way I know how to describe the feeling from reading this book. If you are like me, a true romantic, be prepared to have a brand new outlook on “romance.” Yeah, who doesn't love to bake your lover’s favorite red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting just because it’s Thursday or to surprise him/her with fresh pralines and White Haven after a long day at work to see that glimpse of a smile… but romance will begin to surround you on those quiet Tuesday evenings at dusk when you walk into Outback with your Grandmother for a shameful Bloomin’ Onion while convincing yourself it is a vegetable/salad. There will be so many eye opening lessons in this book, one that stood out to me is stop giving your love to invalid recipients… Start sharing your worthwhile love for love is the only baggage we carry on through life and beyond this human life.
As always when you read a Seth King novel, don’t forget the box of tissues, bottle of wine and eye drops (so your boss doesn't think you're high because your eyes are bloodshot and your mind will be in a fifth dimension)…. Enjoy.
October 18, 2015
Invincible Summer is beauty, love, and truth. A epic love story that touched my heart, soul, and mind in a way that I feel better and lighter for just reading it. I rarely message an author after I read a book, but at 4 am on a Saturday I had to do it. Invincible Summer is a life book that not only let me see the world in a new way, but life as well. I can honestly say It is a book that will undoubtedly stay with me for the rest of my life.
Invincible Summer is not the sequel or companion novel to The Summer Remains that you may think. It is so much more and so stunning, that just thinking about it makes me smile and tear up at the same time. Summer and Cooper's story for me belongs in the realm of the greatest love stories ever written. You find out how great and epic it is in Invincible Summer. I don't want to give anything away because it's a book that needs to be experienced by the reader. The only thing I will tell you is to savor each and every word. Don't rush through the wonderfully crafted words of Seth King. Absorb them, feel them, cherish them, fall in love, and you'll be happy and grateful a masterpiece like this was created. Invincible Summer is the reason why I pick up a book to begin with. To read a story so profound that you feel it all the way through to your bones that you can't help but feel genuine love for it. This for me is why I love Seth King's Invincible Summer.
Invincible Summer is not the sequel or companion novel to The Summer Remains that you may think. It is so much more and so stunning, that just thinking about it makes me smile and tear up at the same time. Summer and Cooper's story for me belongs in the realm of the greatest love stories ever written. You find out how great and epic it is in Invincible Summer. I don't want to give anything away because it's a book that needs to be experienced by the reader. The only thing I will tell you is to savor each and every word. Don't rush through the wonderfully crafted words of Seth King. Absorb them, feel them, cherish them, fall in love, and you'll be happy and grateful a masterpiece like this was created. Invincible Summer is the reason why I pick up a book to begin with. To read a story so profound that you feel it all the way through to your bones that you can't help but feel genuine love for it. This for me is why I love Seth King's Invincible Summer.
October 21, 2015
They say we read for the escape, right? Well, this book was a discovery. It holds the key to so much. A timeless love story meets a handbook on life, this book is groundbreaking.
I absorbed things that I didn't realize were missing from my life, one beautiful sentence at a time. I have never been so completely touched by a book. I feel cleansed. Enlightened. Renewed. A better version of myself.
I want to say thank you to Seth for this precious gift. It's life altering.
"If Earth isn't the end of us, if a soul is real, is we float up anywhere after this or whatever, I will do everything in my power to stay with you."
"Every day you are breathing on this Earth is a new chance to either fuck it all up or start all over again - meet that chance with wide-open arms."
"Do everything you can to leave love behind. Choose to hope. Do not let yourself be ruled by dogma, which living by how others think you should be living, but get out your own flag and fly it high."
I'm not going to make the comment of "this book isn't for everyone" because I believe that to be far from the truth. If you have a beating heart and a pair of eyes, READ IT. We are all here on this earth and it's up to us how we spend that time. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from this experience. THIS is what reading is (or should be) about. THIS is the experience I wish I could have every time, but I am grateful to have had it this time around. It's what hopes and dreams are made of. I have an overwhelming sense of gratefulness and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I am going to be OKAY. My heart and my soul have been captured and wrapped up in a cloak of comfort, and it's the greatest feeling. This story is the definition of love, brilliance, and true beauty.
I absorbed things that I didn't realize were missing from my life, one beautiful sentence at a time. I have never been so completely touched by a book. I feel cleansed. Enlightened. Renewed. A better version of myself.
I want to say thank you to Seth for this precious gift. It's life altering.
"If Earth isn't the end of us, if a soul is real, is we float up anywhere after this or whatever, I will do everything in my power to stay with you."
"Every day you are breathing on this Earth is a new chance to either fuck it all up or start all over again - meet that chance with wide-open arms."
"Do everything you can to leave love behind. Choose to hope. Do not let yourself be ruled by dogma, which living by how others think you should be living, but get out your own flag and fly it high."
I'm not going to make the comment of "this book isn't for everyone" because I believe that to be far from the truth. If you have a beating heart and a pair of eyes, READ IT. We are all here on this earth and it's up to us how we spend that time. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from this experience. THIS is what reading is (or should be) about. THIS is the experience I wish I could have every time, but I am grateful to have had it this time around. It's what hopes and dreams are made of. I have an overwhelming sense of gratefulness and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I am going to be OKAY. My heart and my soul have been captured and wrapped up in a cloak of comfort, and it's the greatest feeling. This story is the definition of love, brilliance, and true beauty.
November 16, 2015
I am completely torn with how to review this book. I will say that the beginning and end, blew me away. It's just the middle part that left me scratching my head.
I felt like I was taken on a journey through Seth King's mind on how he views the world. All the things he thinks should happen, he explains through Summer. Unfortunately, it came across very preachy at times (like the fact that he doesn't like hipsters who write in coffee shops. he mentions it 3 times). Other times, it was just all over the place. I chalked that up to where the story was being told from (you'll have to read it to understand).
You know that person that is always shoving down your throat a particular idea? That was this novel, to me. There were a lot of great lines, but when put together it felt slightly forced. I can't say that I wish there was more substance, because there was a lot to digest in 'Invincible Summer'. I just wish it felt more genuine.
I do need to say that I loved 'The Summer Remains'. That novel is one that will stay with me for a long time. My daughter found my paperback and asked if she could read it. Although, I feel she may be too young right now, in a few years I'll pass that paperback on to her.
Honestly? I'm in the minority, if you read the reviews. If you loved The Summer Remains, I'd say to give Invincible Summer a chance.
I felt like I was taken on a journey through Seth King's mind on how he views the world. All the things he thinks should happen, he explains through Summer. Unfortunately, it came across very preachy at times (like the fact that he doesn't like hipsters who write in coffee shops. he mentions it 3 times). Other times, it was just all over the place. I chalked that up to where the story was being told from (you'll have to read it to understand).
You know that person that is always shoving down your throat a particular idea? That was this novel, to me. There were a lot of great lines, but when put together it felt slightly forced. I can't say that I wish there was more substance, because there was a lot to digest in 'Invincible Summer'. I just wish it felt more genuine.
I do need to say that I loved 'The Summer Remains'. That novel is one that will stay with me for a long time. My daughter found my paperback and asked if she could read it. Although, I feel she may be too young right now, in a few years I'll pass that paperback on to her.
Honestly? I'm in the minority, if you read the reviews. If you loved The Summer Remains, I'd say to give Invincible Summer a chance.
October 19, 2015
This book had me totally gob-smacked. It was nothing close to what I expected. It was much, much more. Through many tears and heart-pounding emotions I find it difficult to put into words the credit that this book deserves. It was absolutely mind-blowing and left me emotionally drained. Hold onto your seats as this is a roller-coaster of a lifetime. Seth I truly salute you and am positive that this book is going to change the lives of many people as it will mine. Thank you for the honour of reading this book ahead of publication.
November 17, 2015
5- Invincible-Stars
https://veronikasreaderfeeder.wordpre...
ARC was kindly provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review
*My review contains spoilers for The Summer Remains!*
I got something special with this book. Something painful, something beautiful, something meaningful. Before you start to read this book forget anything else what you ever read. With this book you will not get the usual romance stories, where sweet and funny moments capture your heart. This is a slow-building, stunning journey, full with deep thoughts. A journey through space, time, lives, loves, griefs, stars and worlds. This is a story of an undying love.
The story picks up the thread where The Summer Remains devastatingly ended, where the 24 years old Summer Johnson lost her life. In The Summer Remains Cooper promised to Summer that he will write their story and with this he will make Summer immortal. But how can you continue living your life after you lose one huge piece of your soul? How can you find love again if in the place of your heart is nothing else just emptiness? How can you wake up from your bed every day after you lost all ray of light which once shined your days? In this book we can learn about what happened with Cooper after he lost Summer and how was his life until his last moments.
Seth King is a highly gifted author and a true poet. His talent is undeniable. He wrote this book on such a beautiful way that I swear there were moments when a tear escaped from my eye out of the blue. He writes with beautiful words and metaphors and with beautiful language. I don’t remember that The Summer Remains would be written on this high level, but this book was something else anyway. It was philosophical, it was heartfelt, with a range of beautiful messages.
I don’t say that this is the kind of book “what everybody should read”, but it is certain that this book is so unique and not comparable with anything I ever read, and this reading was a pure beauty. I think that for everybody who ever lost someone important this story truly will be a life-changing and eye-opening journey.
My favorite Quotes From the Book
“Some stories are told with words, that is true. Others are told with a paintbrush. But the best ones are told with love.”
“Life is brief but love is long.
Somewhere between anger and love is an ocean of eternal tranquility. It is there that I will see you again.”
“The world was filled with love stories – ours killed me, and it was still my favorite.”
“The light is broken inside but I still work.”
“Remember that humans will never be exactly who you want them to be. Their souls are storms, and one cannot change the direction of a hurricane by wishing it another way. Wishes are beautiful and helpless, like crystal castles in violent sandstorms.”
“Because death is no match for love. Love can be lost, but never destroyed. Love always wins. It will remain.”
“The world is so beautiful in its simplicity. A dandelion on a Sunday morning. Fresh bread. Good olive oil. Giving your little dog a bath. The warmth of your soul mate across the bed. Unconditional love. These are the things that last.”
“In the midst of winter, I found within myself an invincible summer.
– Albert Camus”
“In the end, you will be two dates. Your gravestone will contain two years: birth, and death. Only a few words will fit in the space below those years. Make them count. Make the story of your life a riproaring ride for the ages.”
“Live and let die. Love and let live. Die and fly free.”
“It’s like she’s made me go crazy. Whoever I am, this isn’t me. I am constantly on the edge of losing control and touching the other side, revealing too much of my heart, my soul, my desires, my dreams, my nightmares. She’s drenched me in vivid reds, deep blues, vibrant yellows, and I am soaking in the color.”
“Grief grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go, and it is everywhere and everything. It is the awkward silence with an old friend, the lingering weirdness with your mom in the morning before breakfast. It is a part of you, clawing out to escape its black home in your chest and make its vile presence known.”
“And maybe this is the invincible summer: the parts of our loved ones we take with us. Death is the ultimate wrecking ball, coming in and smashing a human life to bits, but when they break, they leave pieces of themselves behind – and it is up to us to make those pieces into a whole. Only we can pick them up and fit them into our lives in a way that makes sense and lasts for the long haul. Only we can banish the winter and make the summer remain.”
For more of my reviews please visit my blog:
https://veronikasreaderfeeder.wordpre...
https://www.facebook.com/veronikasrea...
https://veronikasreaderfeeder.wordpre...
ARC was kindly provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review
*My review contains spoilers for The Summer Remains!*
I got something special with this book. Something painful, something beautiful, something meaningful. Before you start to read this book forget anything else what you ever read. With this book you will not get the usual romance stories, where sweet and funny moments capture your heart. This is a slow-building, stunning journey, full with deep thoughts. A journey through space, time, lives, loves, griefs, stars and worlds. This is a story of an undying love.
The story picks up the thread where The Summer Remains devastatingly ended, where the 24 years old Summer Johnson lost her life. In The Summer Remains Cooper promised to Summer that he will write their story and with this he will make Summer immortal. But how can you continue living your life after you lose one huge piece of your soul? How can you find love again if in the place of your heart is nothing else just emptiness? How can you wake up from your bed every day after you lost all ray of light which once shined your days? In this book we can learn about what happened with Cooper after he lost Summer and how was his life until his last moments.
Seth King is a highly gifted author and a true poet. His talent is undeniable. He wrote this book on such a beautiful way that I swear there were moments when a tear escaped from my eye out of the blue. He writes with beautiful words and metaphors and with beautiful language. I don’t remember that The Summer Remains would be written on this high level, but this book was something else anyway. It was philosophical, it was heartfelt, with a range of beautiful messages.
I don’t say that this is the kind of book “what everybody should read”, but it is certain that this book is so unique and not comparable with anything I ever read, and this reading was a pure beauty. I think that for everybody who ever lost someone important this story truly will be a life-changing and eye-opening journey.
My favorite Quotes From the Book
“Some stories are told with words, that is true. Others are told with a paintbrush. But the best ones are told with love.”
“Life is brief but love is long.
Somewhere between anger and love is an ocean of eternal tranquility. It is there that I will see you again.”
“The world was filled with love stories – ours killed me, and it was still my favorite.”
“The light is broken inside but I still work.”
“Remember that humans will never be exactly who you want them to be. Their souls are storms, and one cannot change the direction of a hurricane by wishing it another way. Wishes are beautiful and helpless, like crystal castles in violent sandstorms.”
“Because death is no match for love. Love can be lost, but never destroyed. Love always wins. It will remain.”
“The world is so beautiful in its simplicity. A dandelion on a Sunday morning. Fresh bread. Good olive oil. Giving your little dog a bath. The warmth of your soul mate across the bed. Unconditional love. These are the things that last.”
“In the midst of winter, I found within myself an invincible summer.
– Albert Camus”
“In the end, you will be two dates. Your gravestone will contain two years: birth, and death. Only a few words will fit in the space below those years. Make them count. Make the story of your life a riproaring ride for the ages.”
“Live and let die. Love and let live. Die and fly free.”
“It’s like she’s made me go crazy. Whoever I am, this isn’t me. I am constantly on the edge of losing control and touching the other side, revealing too much of my heart, my soul, my desires, my dreams, my nightmares. She’s drenched me in vivid reds, deep blues, vibrant yellows, and I am soaking in the color.”
“Grief grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go, and it is everywhere and everything. It is the awkward silence with an old friend, the lingering weirdness with your mom in the morning before breakfast. It is a part of you, clawing out to escape its black home in your chest and make its vile presence known.”
“And maybe this is the invincible summer: the parts of our loved ones we take with us. Death is the ultimate wrecking ball, coming in and smashing a human life to bits, but when they break, they leave pieces of themselves behind – and it is up to us to make those pieces into a whole. Only we can pick them up and fit them into our lives in a way that makes sense and lasts for the long haul. Only we can banish the winter and make the summer remain.”
For more of my reviews please visit my blog:
https://veronikasreaderfeeder.wordpre...
https://www.facebook.com/veronikasrea...
Want to read
October 8, 2015 Can someone take me into the future to get this book?? I WANT this so bad!!
November 20, 2015
A few months ago I read a book called 'The Summer Remains' by a man called Seth King. I can honestly say my life hasn't been the same since. It taught me to treat every day like it's my last. To tell my loved ones how much they mean to me. I honestly didn't think that another book would affect me the way it did. Invincible Summer did just that. Seths writing is breathtaking. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book that has made me stop to re-read a sentence or paragraph so many times because it is so beautifully written. I needed to stop and really absorb and appreciate it for it’s brilliance.
I read 'Invincible Summer' thinking it was Coopers story, a follow on book that would make me cry and my heart would break like in TSR. I was so wrong. Invincible Summer is in a whole new ballpark. Yes, I cried, but it was different to the last book. I cried because it all felt so real. It gave me closure and to revisit some of the scenes for TSR brought back all those memories. I felt that Summer and Cooper were my friends and it was truly happening to them, that I was on this ride with them and I wanted to cherish every part of their story.
It is a book like no other I’ve ever read before and I loved every single page.
While reading it, I felt like I was on a journey. It made me remember my loved ones that have passed on and had me hoping that what this brilliant author has written, is even a tiny bit true. I kept reading, thinking and hoping that there is life after death. That when we die, we can still visit our family left on earth. That we get to see each other again when our time here has come to an end.
I was talking to a lady recently that lost her 4yo son in a tragic accident a few years ago and she keeps getting signs that he is still with her. I was reading certain parts of this book and the hair on my neck and arms would all stand on end, because the conversation with my friend was almost identical to what Seth has written. I had many moments like this while reading the book and I highlighted more paragraphs and quotes than I ever have before.
Some inspiring words from the story:-
‘It is time for our happily ever after, and I am about to hold his hand for ten thousand years.
She kisses me. “You still don’t get it, do you? I am so proud of all your love. If it rained every time I thought of you, the world would drown”
‘All my life I suppressed one simple fact: she was all of my love’
‘Never has there been a wish more beautiful or more profound, for a forever with the one you love’
I could go on and on with the words that took my breath away, that made my heart skip a beat, but this review would go on forever.
I think everyone, no matter what genre they enjoy, will love ‘Invincible Summer’. In fact, I think it’s a book the world needs to read. It puts everything that we take for granted into perspective and for that I thank Seth King for making me see things and absorb things that I normally wouldn’t take the time to truly appreciate and cherish.
Seth, you have a gift for writing and I hope that you continue to give us these stories that open up a whole new world to us. I will continue to follow your work and support you through everything you do. You deserve all the success in the world.
One last sentence and probably my favourite:
I see one last glimpse of her face, mischievous even in the stars, and just like that, she floats on.
* You should read ‘The Summer Remains’ first to understand the background of Summer and Coopers story.
I read 'Invincible Summer' thinking it was Coopers story, a follow on book that would make me cry and my heart would break like in TSR. I was so wrong. Invincible Summer is in a whole new ballpark. Yes, I cried, but it was different to the last book. I cried because it all felt so real. It gave me closure and to revisit some of the scenes for TSR brought back all those memories. I felt that Summer and Cooper were my friends and it was truly happening to them, that I was on this ride with them and I wanted to cherish every part of their story.
It is a book like no other I’ve ever read before and I loved every single page.
While reading it, I felt like I was on a journey. It made me remember my loved ones that have passed on and had me hoping that what this brilliant author has written, is even a tiny bit true. I kept reading, thinking and hoping that there is life after death. That when we die, we can still visit our family left on earth. That we get to see each other again when our time here has come to an end.
I was talking to a lady recently that lost her 4yo son in a tragic accident a few years ago and she keeps getting signs that he is still with her. I was reading certain parts of this book and the hair on my neck and arms would all stand on end, because the conversation with my friend was almost identical to what Seth has written. I had many moments like this while reading the book and I highlighted more paragraphs and quotes than I ever have before.
Some inspiring words from the story:-
‘It is time for our happily ever after, and I am about to hold his hand for ten thousand years.
She kisses me. “You still don’t get it, do you? I am so proud of all your love. If it rained every time I thought of you, the world would drown”
‘All my life I suppressed one simple fact: she was all of my love’
‘Never has there been a wish more beautiful or more profound, for a forever with the one you love’
I could go on and on with the words that took my breath away, that made my heart skip a beat, but this review would go on forever.
I think everyone, no matter what genre they enjoy, will love ‘Invincible Summer’. In fact, I think it’s a book the world needs to read. It puts everything that we take for granted into perspective and for that I thank Seth King for making me see things and absorb things that I normally wouldn’t take the time to truly appreciate and cherish.
Seth, you have a gift for writing and I hope that you continue to give us these stories that open up a whole new world to us. I will continue to follow your work and support you through everything you do. You deserve all the success in the world.
One last sentence and probably my favourite:
I see one last glimpse of her face, mischievous even in the stars, and just like that, she floats on.
* You should read ‘The Summer Remains’ first to understand the background of Summer and Coopers story.
November 20, 2015
Writing reviews is sometimes the most easiest and hardest thing to do. And while I know that as a blogger you should always write reviews that come from your heart, whether you loved what you read, or didn’t, sometimes the words don’t come. I have sat here and looked at my computer screen, willing those words time and time again…How do I portray to the reader that this book needs to be read? How do I get you to pick up this story, if you haven’t? Because honestly, that is a damn hard job to do. But mark my words, if you don’t read this book now, you will be kicking your own ass later, and thinking, “Why did I wait so long?”
Seth King has a remarkable talent. Whether he knows it or not, he is teaching lessons, and opening eyes spanning the globe through his story telling. For authors; it can never be easy to reach down into the parts of you to grab the words and spill them across the page like blood. Because that is what it has to be, right? They pour their soul out onto the paper hoping that their story is accepted, and the reader gobbles it up; connects with it on some level. Invincible Summer did just that to me. It grabbed me…my heart, my soul…and shook it up.
The Summer Remains completely shattered me. I think I was rocking in the corner for days after that story ended. So… I was very unsure about continuing the story. Only for my own sanity. I didn’t want to go through that pain again, even though the words would be beautiful, I just wasn’t sure. Well, Seth, you obliterated me again, just a little differently this time. Even typing this review through all the tears streaming down my face, this book…story… no…this LESSON healed my heart.
It’s kind of funny how these things happen to me. Books, lately, have just fallen into my lap, at a time that I have needed them the most. And even though I didn’t realize it at the time…Invincible Summer came to me, exactly when I needed it. Today I go into the world with a different outlook on my life…on my purpose.
And now I know, that not once did I mention throughout this review what Invincible Summer is about, but you definitely know what you can expect from reading it. Invincible Summer is heart-achingly beautiful, poignant, and all consuming. That is really all there is to it.
I can’t even justify calling it a story. It is unfair; completely to categorize it in that list. Before I read this Seth King lesson, (that is what I will call it from now on, lol) There was 2 books that had ever had this profound effect on me, one was a non-fic, one was Mud Vein by Tarryn Fisher, and now Invincible Summer is added to that list.
December 12, 2015
Ten thousands million stars
I have no words . Nothing I can say will ever do this book justice . Nothing .
I will start with a quote from the book "words alone cannot do her Justice but love can try" . That is exactly how I feel about this book.
Have you ever finished a book and literally hugged it to your chest like you want to etch every single word into your soul . Tattoo every quote into your skin . Soak into every single syllable like it is some holy book . I actually feel like I have been blessed to ever come across this book and read it .
Seth King is that one author that has superpowers , I felt like he was reaching into my chest and squeezing my heart so hard , pulling my strings so hard that I've gone through every emotion a human could go through : grief, denial, anger, sadness , but most of all joy and a strange strong feeling of settlement.
Seth actually wrote this book in way you feel like he is bleeding . The words he used were glimpses of his soul that he shared with us and for this I will be forever grateful for him. He is a philosopher . A dreamer , a magician in some glorious weird way.
He wrote this book for every human being out there in a way that everyone can insert themselves into it at every point . I haven't lost a loved one and I recognized myself and relate in more ways than one .
This isn't some fiction of book you could read and gush over . No I'm afraid not. This is a book about life , death, grief , sadness, family and so much more . It is artsy , inspiring , life changing and truly unique . I have never ever read anything like this before .
An epic tale of fantasies and loved ones and a fabulous journey that we pull at your heart and will stays with you forever . My best read ever .
Thank you Seth .
October 25, 2015
I was extremely lucky and grateful to have received and advanced reader copy of Invincible Summer. To me this book was a continuation of Summer Johnson and Cooper Nichols story so, if you haven’t read The Summer Remains I would highly recommend you do.
My review will not give you any specifics about Invincible Summer, however, at the end of this post I will share with you a few of my favorite quotes. (So there is your spoiler warning.)
This book was unlike anything I have ever read and it’s something everyone needs to experience with a completely open mind and open heart. Many reviewers before me have said, “This book is not what you think it will be.” And they are absolutely correct. It was much, much more then what I thought it would be. It touched my heart and deep down into my soul, and healed it just a little bit but enough to make a difference. Seth’s “weirdly” ideas and visions helped me in ways I will never be able to repay. His writing was filled with so much emotion, I physically felt it in every word I read. It was refreshing and wonderful all at the same time even when I needed to grab a tissue or two.
One of my favorite things about The Summer Remains was all the lyrics Seth included in that book. (Lyrics he wrote himself.) In Invincible Summer I absolutely loved all the poems and of course Seth wrote all of those.
Invincible Summer is the ending or maybe not ending to an amazing love story that will stay with me until the end of time. Thank you Seth for giving me your words and taking me on this journey with you.
Keep Writing/Keep Reading – janisf
For my full review, stop by my blog: http://wp.me/p69RB3-4o
My review will not give you any specifics about Invincible Summer, however, at the end of this post I will share with you a few of my favorite quotes. (So there is your spoiler warning.)
This book was unlike anything I have ever read and it’s something everyone needs to experience with a completely open mind and open heart. Many reviewers before me have said, “This book is not what you think it will be.” And they are absolutely correct. It was much, much more then what I thought it would be. It touched my heart and deep down into my soul, and healed it just a little bit but enough to make a difference. Seth’s “weirdly” ideas and visions helped me in ways I will never be able to repay. His writing was filled with so much emotion, I physically felt it in every word I read. It was refreshing and wonderful all at the same time even when I needed to grab a tissue or two.
One of my favorite things about The Summer Remains was all the lyrics Seth included in that book. (Lyrics he wrote himself.) In Invincible Summer I absolutely loved all the poems and of course Seth wrote all of those.
Invincible Summer is the ending or maybe not ending to an amazing love story that will stay with me until the end of time. Thank you Seth for giving me your words and taking me on this journey with you.
Keep Writing/Keep Reading – janisf
For my full review, stop by my blog: http://wp.me/p69RB3-4o
November 8, 2015
Epic. Love. Story.
I am not the best at writing reviews, but I want to write the best review I have ever written because that is what this book deserves. Like most, I adored The Summer Remains and fell in love with Summer and Cooper, but after TSR ended I wanted to know if everyone was okay? Were they being taken care of? Did someone have their back? Does true love ever really die? Those questions and more get answered in Invincible Summer. "Love can be lost, but never destroyed. Love always wins. It will remain."
This book is special, it is written from a perspective that I have never read before. It was a beautiful story to read and it healed my heart. So many times I was so overwhelmed and overcome with emotion, that I would have to put it down and process what I read and then continue. This world is a crazy dark place, but we all need love and hope and this book is a great reminder not to give up, someone is looking out for you, even someone you may not expect. Love can and does last forever, even if the person you love doesn't. "In a world where you can do anything, I chose to love - and that will have made all the differences, even when it hurt."
Seth has so many life and love lessons in this book, you have to come away from it wanting to change, to be different, to be better. At least that's what happened to me. This book is amazing and everyone should definitely check it out, you won't be sorry. "Turn your fear into fire."
"You get one ride on this rock - don't waste it."
Enjoy the ride this book brings, you won't regret it!
I am not the best at writing reviews, but I want to write the best review I have ever written because that is what this book deserves. Like most, I adored The Summer Remains and fell in love with Summer and Cooper, but after TSR ended I wanted to know if everyone was okay? Were they being taken care of? Did someone have their back? Does true love ever really die? Those questions and more get answered in Invincible Summer. "Love can be lost, but never destroyed. Love always wins. It will remain."
This book is special, it is written from a perspective that I have never read before. It was a beautiful story to read and it healed my heart. So many times I was so overwhelmed and overcome with emotion, that I would have to put it down and process what I read and then continue. This world is a crazy dark place, but we all need love and hope and this book is a great reminder not to give up, someone is looking out for you, even someone you may not expect. Love can and does last forever, even if the person you love doesn't. "In a world where you can do anything, I chose to love - and that will have made all the differences, even when it hurt."
Seth has so many life and love lessons in this book, you have to come away from it wanting to change, to be different, to be better. At least that's what happened to me. This book is amazing and everyone should definitely check it out, you won't be sorry. "Turn your fear into fire."
"You get one ride on this rock - don't waste it."
Enjoy the ride this book brings, you won't regret it!
November 30, 2015
I liked this book a lot even if it wasn't what I expected at all,it isn't a retelling of The Summer Remains from the male POV nor a simple sequel but it will blow your mind.
If you have really enjoyed TSR I'm sure you want to know how Summer and Cooper's journey will end.
August 21, 2018
“Life” goes on
If you liked The Summer Remains, you should enjoy this book as well. We follow Cooper as he copes with Summer’s change in status. For me, the book felt a little long and repetitive. Still a touching story. 3.75 for benches.
If you liked The Summer Remains, you should enjoy this book as well. We follow Cooper as he copes with Summer’s change in status. For me, the book felt a little long and repetitive. Still a touching story. 3.75 for benches.
November 20, 2015
3.5 Stars but so very nearly could have been more
This is one of those times, having read the first book, that I really wondered what could possibly happen in a sequel. I kind of liked where the first book ended. Having said that I did think that this second book could perhaps give us, as a reader, the closure we didn't necessarily get from The Summer Remains.
Now I have to say this is an extremely difficult book to express how I felt about, because in order to do that, I'd have to reveal a major spoiler that happened in book one. And because I can't do that I will say this, it is a book about love in its most pure form.
The first few chapters take place shortly after where book one ends, however it soon began to take a completely different direction, one I certainly didn't expect.
Initially I wasn't sure why the author took the story in this direction and I wondered how it could possibly work, but surprisingly it did in places, but I felt it was a little far fetched in others. After a while I began to think that the story was dragging and I found myself losing interest for a time, only to have my attention grabbed again. And so this was pretty much what happened for me throughout the book.
For me much of this book was a little too 'wordy' for my liking, causing a lot of my attention to wander occasionally and that's where I realised this book could have been so much more had it only been condensed a little.
Sadly I wasn't blown away like I was after reading The Summer Remains, but I am happy the author did decide to give us this sequel and it will be interesting to see what he comes up with next.
This is one of those times, having read the first book, that I really wondered what could possibly happen in a sequel. I kind of liked where the first book ended. Having said that I did think that this second book could perhaps give us, as a reader, the closure we didn't necessarily get from The Summer Remains.
Now I have to say this is an extremely difficult book to express how I felt about, because in order to do that, I'd have to reveal a major spoiler that happened in book one. And because I can't do that I will say this, it is a book about love in its most pure form.
The first few chapters take place shortly after where book one ends, however it soon began to take a completely different direction, one I certainly didn't expect.
Initially I wasn't sure why the author took the story in this direction and I wondered how it could possibly work, but surprisingly it did in places, but I felt it was a little far fetched in others. After a while I began to think that the story was dragging and I found myself losing interest for a time, only to have my attention grabbed again. And so this was pretty much what happened for me throughout the book.
For me much of this book was a little too 'wordy' for my liking, causing a lot of my attention to wander occasionally and that's where I realised this book could have been so much more had it only been condensed a little.
Sadly I wasn't blown away like I was after reading The Summer Remains, but I am happy the author did decide to give us this sequel and it will be interesting to see what he comes up with next.
November 18, 2015
No words!! I have never read anything like this book. I am completely blown away by Seth King and his talent.
I loved The Summer Remains and Autumn Rising so I knew this book would be good but I truly did not expect this. Such a beautifully written story.
We know Summer and Cooper did not get their so called "Happily Ever After" so I figured we would get Coopers story of going on without her. But that is not at all what we get, we get a love story that rivals every great love story ever written.
This book touched me deep inside and I felt each and every word. Thank You Seth!!
I loved The Summer Remains and Autumn Rising so I knew this book would be good but I truly did not expect this. Such a beautifully written story.
We know Summer and Cooper did not get their so called "Happily Ever After" so I figured we would get Coopers story of going on without her. But that is not at all what we get, we get a love story that rivals every great love story ever written.
This book touched me deep inside and I felt each and every word. Thank You Seth!!
July 1, 2018
It pains me to have not loved this one after I loved The Summer Remains sooooo much. This just wasn't what I expected it to be. It's kind of weird. You start out with Cooper after Summer's passing and he's struggling so much and then it switches to Summer in an afterlife state and that's where it lost me. There is so much explanation of the afterlife (which I didn't need) and it's told almost in a stream of consciousness type manner which didn't make for good storytelling for me and it gets a little preachy and cheesy which I hate to admit because there were some good life lessons and moments thrown in but the around the way references to dead celebs and artist types in the afterlife where Summer was just kind of made me groan. I skimmed some of the middle. And Summer's insistence that Cooper write a book about them just came across a little selfish and self centered at times. The ending was more enjoyable and I'm not gonna lie, I shed a few tears at times but I just didn't get a nice flow reading this book and struggled to get through it.
December 19, 2015
As I sit here trying to write my review, I simply do not have the proper words to describe this incredible book or should I say this incredible and life changing journey!!!! Well let me start by saying what a book, what a story, what a writer...Seth King you are simply amazing!!! This is one of the best books I have ever read next to The Summer Remains in which this book follows. This was so meaningful, so profound, so touching, so heartfelt, so endearing, so precious, so emotional, so beautiful and so loving on so many levels.
Quite simply, everyone has to read this 5 star book and should read this to truly understand the power of the mind, to truly cope with the loss of a loved one, to truly accept that they are and will always be with you in your life and most importantly in your heart. This heartfelt story touched me in so many ways and had a sincere deep impact on me.....one story that I will never forget. Invincible Summer has healed my heart and pieced it back together and I urge everyone to go through this journey of love, understanding, healing and yes of acceptance......acceptance that life is truly a gift and should never be taken for granted. We need to enjoy our todays as we simply do not know of our tomorrows.
I felt so many times throughout this touching story that Seth King was speaking directly to me and describing my situation with the struggles I faced after losing a loved one to cancer. Through Seth's beautiful and profound words, I now know that my brother and all our loved ones that have passed will always be near and dear to our hearts and never, ever forgotten.
Seth King thank you for writing from your generous heart and producing such an amazing, beautiful story that will be with me always and for many readers for sure. This is simply a story that has to be experienced by everyone!!!!
Quite simply, everyone has to read this 5 star book and should read this to truly understand the power of the mind, to truly cope with the loss of a loved one, to truly accept that they are and will always be with you in your life and most importantly in your heart. This heartfelt story touched me in so many ways and had a sincere deep impact on me.....one story that I will never forget. Invincible Summer has healed my heart and pieced it back together and I urge everyone to go through this journey of love, understanding, healing and yes of acceptance......acceptance that life is truly a gift and should never be taken for granted. We need to enjoy our todays as we simply do not know of our tomorrows.
I felt so many times throughout this touching story that Seth King was speaking directly to me and describing my situation with the struggles I faced after losing a loved one to cancer. Through Seth's beautiful and profound words, I now know that my brother and all our loved ones that have passed will always be near and dear to our hearts and never, ever forgotten.
Seth King thank you for writing from your generous heart and producing such an amazing, beautiful story that will be with me always and for many readers for sure. This is simply a story that has to be experienced by everyone!!!!
January 21, 2016
If you haven't read Seth King's The Summer Remains and Autumn Rising- ******this review may CONTAIN SPOILERS*******.
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I could say that this continuation of Summer and Cooper's journey is remarkable, incredible, breathtaking, and will stay with you well beyond the last page ....and all of that is true about this book. You will not have your typical book hangover, once you are finished- I can promise you that. Many books claim the hearts of their readers and make them forever fans of the author who creates them. This book is a different story entirely. Summer and Cooper are characters that you love, get angry at, and rejoice in their triumphs. This incredible story of what happens after, and what is beyond this life will have you weeping for and with these two as they continue upon their different paths. Seth King uses our humanity, with all its faults and glorious aspirations to bring the reader to an illuminating experience that will be different for everyone who sets eyes upon this book. Trust me when I tell you, that reading this book is a journey worth taking and one that will not just claim your heart but your mind and soul as well. I simply wish I could buy every person a copy of this book. It is one that needs to be read! Seth King takes the murky, dark experience of death, breathes new life into it, and paints it with a newly discovered palette of colors that will heal and comfort those who have experienced loss. Please, do yourself a favor and READ this book!!
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I could say that this continuation of Summer and Cooper's journey is remarkable, incredible, breathtaking, and will stay with you well beyond the last page ....and all of that is true about this book. You will not have your typical book hangover, once you are finished- I can promise you that. Many books claim the hearts of their readers and make them forever fans of the author who creates them. This book is a different story entirely. Summer and Cooper are characters that you love, get angry at, and rejoice in their triumphs. This incredible story of what happens after, and what is beyond this life will have you weeping for and with these two as they continue upon their different paths. Seth King uses our humanity, with all its faults and glorious aspirations to bring the reader to an illuminating experience that will be different for everyone who sets eyes upon this book. Trust me when I tell you, that reading this book is a journey worth taking and one that will not just claim your heart but your mind and soul as well. I simply wish I could buy every person a copy of this book. It is one that needs to be read! Seth King takes the murky, dark experience of death, breathes new life into it, and paints it with a newly discovered palette of colors that will heal and comfort those who have experienced loss. Please, do yourself a favor and READ this book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2016
Standing Ovation!!!
As a reader I can only hope my words do this book justice giving it the credit it deserves. I have never put so much time and effort into writing a review for a book. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to convey the message clearly enough for people to realize, as I have, that this is a treasure. Seth King poured his bleeding heart along with his soul onto these pages. Invincible Summer is nothing short of amazing! It's a book I will be reading over and over when I am lost, lonely, afraid, or when I begin to take the beauty of life for granted. It's not your typical romance novel or love story, it is that and so much more. It's about Hope, Faith, Living life to the fullest without regrets, 2nd Chances, Redemption, Courage, and a Whole lot of Love. All this in one small package of pages.
I read this book through smiles and tears absorbing each sentence. Then I read it again. It came to me at a much needed time in my life bringing with it peace and comfort. For this I am so grateful!!!
"Never was there something so comforting, yet so painful as a memory" These words spoke to me as if Seth King was in my head. I very highly recommend this book to EVERYONE!!! This is not a SHOULD read, it's a MUST read!! Thank you Seth King for weaving these brilliant words into what has become my favorite book of 2015.
As a reader I can only hope my words do this book justice giving it the credit it deserves. I have never put so much time and effort into writing a review for a book. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to convey the message clearly enough for people to realize, as I have, that this is a treasure. Seth King poured his bleeding heart along with his soul onto these pages. Invincible Summer is nothing short of amazing! It's a book I will be reading over and over when I am lost, lonely, afraid, or when I begin to take the beauty of life for granted. It's not your typical romance novel or love story, it is that and so much more. It's about Hope, Faith, Living life to the fullest without regrets, 2nd Chances, Redemption, Courage, and a Whole lot of Love. All this in one small package of pages.
I read this book through smiles and tears absorbing each sentence. Then I read it again. It came to me at a much needed time in my life bringing with it peace and comfort. For this I am so grateful!!!
"Never was there something so comforting, yet so painful as a memory" These words spoke to me as if Seth King was in my head. I very highly recommend this book to EVERYONE!!! This is not a SHOULD read, it's a MUST read!! Thank you Seth King for weaving these brilliant words into what has become my favorite book of 2015.
October 22, 2015
I have only written a few reviews before so I will do my best. I have tried to sit down and think about exactly what I wanted to say about this beautiful story that has touched me and has made such an impact on my life and how I view life, love and the loss of a loved one.
I read The summer Remains and fell in love with Cooper and Summer's story. The way that Seth King wove words together to construct poetry and art was unlike anything I have ever read. I found myself laughing and crying with them.
I did not think I would ever have that connection with another book again and knew that their story was definitely unique and precious. Then I read Invincible Summer and was blown away all over again!
This book was everything and more so much more and was beyond all my expectations and then some. I had no idea it would take the turn it did and was so excited when it did. I think we can all relate to losing someone and the thought that they are never really gone always remaining that is such a precious gift.
So, please take some time to read this amazing story that has touched my heart and soul and has left a lasting mark on my life for always.
I read The summer Remains and fell in love with Cooper and Summer's story. The way that Seth King wove words together to construct poetry and art was unlike anything I have ever read. I found myself laughing and crying with them.
I did not think I would ever have that connection with another book again and knew that their story was definitely unique and precious. Then I read Invincible Summer and was blown away all over again!
This book was everything and more so much more and was beyond all my expectations and then some. I had no idea it would take the turn it did and was so excited when it did. I think we can all relate to losing someone and the thought that they are never really gone always remaining that is such a precious gift.
So, please take some time to read this amazing story that has touched my heart and soul and has left a lasting mark on my life for always.
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