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The Summer King Chronicles #4
By the Silver Wind
Shard is a gryfon with a great destiny, and desperate to stop a war. He is hampered on his path to peace by would-be allies, old enmities and grudges between clans of creatures, and the ever-looming threat of the fear mongering wyrms.
Everyone believes that Shard is the legendary Summer King, that he alone can make the wyrms see reason and stop their violent marauding before more lives are sacrificed. But when he uses newfound powers to try communicating with their leader, he only ends up making things worse.
When the wyrms make a surprising move by attacking where Shard least expects it, he knows he must be willing to sacrifice anything—and everything—to stop them once and for all.
Everyone believes that Shard is the legendary Summer King, that he alone can make the wyrms see reason and stop their violent marauding before more lives are sacrificed. But when he uses newfound powers to try communicating with their leader, he only ends up making things worse.
When the wyrms make a surprising move by attacking where Shard least expects it, he knows he must be willing to sacrifice anything—and everything—to stop them once and for all.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2016
80 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Jess E. Owen
14 books204 followersJess is a professional author and artist. For years she was an Equity Stage Manager in the theatre, but left that life to focus on writing. She is a member and past president of the Authors of the Flathead, an organization of “writers helping writers,” and is a proud member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
Jess has been creating works of fantasy art and fiction for over a decade. She lives with her husband in the mountains of northwest Montana, which offer daily inspiration for creating worlds of wise, wild creatures, magic, and adventure. Jess can be contacted directly at, www.jessowen.com
Jess has been creating works of fantasy art and fiction for over a decade. She lives with her husband in the mountains of northwest Montana, which offer daily inspiration for creating worlds of wise, wild creatures, magic, and adventure. Jess can be contacted directly at, www.jessowen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 23, 2023
A great conclusion to the series, faithful to the idea of mending the past in the best possible way and doing a good job of it.
May 21, 2017
An utterly superb ending to what has been an incredible series.
I didn't want to let these characters go, it has just been a brilliant experience getting to witness their lives as they grow and develop through these four books. Shard and Kjorn are naturally the stars of the show, but the entire supporting cast breathes such amazing life into this series. I would certainly give more stars to these books if I could!
I didn't want to let these characters go, it has just been a brilliant experience getting to witness their lives as they grow and develop through these four books. Shard and Kjorn are naturally the stars of the show, but the entire supporting cast breathes such amazing life into this series. I would certainly give more stars to these books if I could!
September 11, 2024
"When they hear his song at battle's end
The Nameless shall know themselves
And the Voiceless will once again speak."
⭐⭐⭐💫/5
It is finished! What a journey. This series was definitely an amazing reread.
This was a very well-done finale that (I think) gave enough time to all of the remaining conflicts and satisfyingly concluded most of the major plotlines. The conflict with the wryms and the themes intertwined with it were so good and offered some great quotes (if only I wasn't sticking with my quote-from-a-song shtick here), and the amazing character-building moments rivaled those of the first book (and so late! Rare to have such character development in the fourth installment).
One of the things I love about this series is how its main characters are truly allowed to make mistakes. Too many times I will read a book where the protagonist does no wrong, and when they do, its consequences are limited or it isn't really their fault. However, Shard and Kjorn especially make huge miscalculations and wrong calls at every turn and are thus given the actual opportunity to grow and learn. It makes them feel much more real than your average protagonist, and I am eternally grateful for that (nothing worse than four books stuck with boring, faultless characters).
THAT BEING SAID, I have a lot of complaints towards the way Sverin (and to an extent, Ragna) in particular was handled in this book. I have a particular disdain for Sverin due to the mass amounts of oppression and tyranny he laid upon the Vanir throughout and before the series, and while it was nice to see him groveling, his character 180 (starting last book) was jarring and more than a little strange. Besides, he would be perfectly civil one moment and then throw the blame towards Ragna suddenly, and he was never once punished for his treatment of her or really any of the Vanir (some of their scenes make me a little sick, if I'm honest). I really do not like him, regardless of whatever pity or sadness we were supposed to feel with his character in this book.
Overall, a compelling book that has the same problems of the past three with some new successes of its own. If you can look past the redemption of some murderous colonizers (a difficult thing to ask) it is a near perfect read!
And I am not even done yet. Onto the next arc!
The Nameless shall know themselves
And the Voiceless will once again speak."
⭐⭐⭐💫/5
It is finished! What a journey. This series was definitely an amazing reread.
This was a very well-done finale that (I think) gave enough time to all of the remaining conflicts and satisfyingly concluded most of the major plotlines. The conflict with the wryms and the themes intertwined with it were so good and offered some great quotes (if only I wasn't sticking with my quote-from-a-song shtick here), and the amazing character-building moments rivaled those of the first book (and so late! Rare to have such character development in the fourth installment).
One of the things I love about this series is how its main characters are truly allowed to make mistakes. Too many times I will read a book where the protagonist does no wrong, and when they do, its consequences are limited or it isn't really their fault. However, Shard and Kjorn especially make huge miscalculations and wrong calls at every turn and are thus given the actual opportunity to grow and learn. It makes them feel much more real than your average protagonist, and I am eternally grateful for that (nothing worse than four books stuck with boring, faultless characters).
THAT BEING SAID, I have a lot of complaints towards the way Sverin (and to an extent, Ragna) in particular was handled in this book. I have a particular disdain for Sverin due to the mass amounts of oppression and tyranny he laid upon the Vanir throughout and before the series, and while it was nice to see him groveling, his character 180 (starting last book) was jarring and more than a little strange. Besides, he would be perfectly civil one moment and then throw the blame towards Ragna suddenly, and he was never once punished for his treatment of her or really any of the Vanir (some of their scenes make me a little sick, if I'm honest). I really do not like him, regardless of whatever pity or sadness we were supposed to feel with his character in this book.
Overall, a compelling book that has the same problems of the past three with some new successes of its own. If you can look past the redemption of some murderous colonizers (a difficult thing to ask) it is a near perfect read!
And I am not even done yet. Onto the next arc!
September 13, 2018
This was only my second time reading the finale of the Summer King Chronicles, and therefore I was surprised by many things along the way! And it was the perfect conclusion to the series, with everything ending in a joyful, hopeful manner, in the peaceful world the characters have all striven 4 long books to build!
The character development of this series has been truly wonderful to watch, especially Kjorn, Ragna, and, in this one, Sverin. Even the side characters have real stories and personalities, and I love the way the different characters interact based on these things.
The plot was fast paced, with much anticipation leading up to the final battle, which was just as heartbreaking and epic as it needed to be. And yet, even with such a plot driven book, there was still much time taken to describe the stunning scenery which this series takes place in.
This series is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorites. It isn't every book that sends you into another world, one filled with beautiful creatures and landscapes that you never want to leave.
The character development of this series has been truly wonderful to watch, especially Kjorn, Ragna, and, in this one, Sverin. Even the side characters have real stories and personalities, and I love the way the different characters interact based on these things.
The plot was fast paced, with much anticipation leading up to the final battle, which was just as heartbreaking and epic as it needed to be. And yet, even with such a plot driven book, there was still much time taken to describe the stunning scenery which this series takes place in.
This series is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorites. It isn't every book that sends you into another world, one filled with beautiful creatures and landscapes that you never want to leave.
July 8, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. It gave me all sorts of warm, fuzzy feelings as one character after another redeemed him- or herself. While some may find this pattern of behavior in so many different characters unlikely or perhaps even unrealistic, I found it a welcome change from the more grim series out there.
March 29, 2017
The final instalment of Jess E. Owen's gryfon tetralogy sees Shard heading rapidly towards his destiny as the Summer King of the Silver Isles. Given the choice, he would rather negotiate peace with the terrifying wyrms than fight them, but his efforts so far have failed and everyone else seems eager for battle...
A satisfying conclusion that nevertheless leaves lots of room for further stories.
A satisfying conclusion that nevertheless leaves lots of room for further stories.
June 27, 2017
My books took the long road home, but it was absolutely worth the wait. A satisfying (if bittersweet) ending to the series. ^_^
September 20, 2017
I consider myself very lucky to have stumbled across this series. I met Jess while visiting a friend in Montana, and I almost didn't get Song of the Summer King (because I'd gone a little spend happy). Something called me back, and I got SOTSK in hardcover (was it ever beautiful). And I read it. And I loved it.
And by that time I was back in Canada and in school, so it became a bit of a problem to get the following novels. However, I remembered what Jess said about her books being on ereading formats, so I downloaded Skyfire and A Shard of Sun, and read those with great delight. And then came my biggest hurdle: finding By The Silver Wind. It honestly wasn't the biggest hurdle, but it took me forever to figure out the Kindle app, and then download it, but I did, and I read it and WHY DID IT HAVE TO END.
The Characters
Jess has portrayed, through Shard, Kjorn, Ragna, Sverin, and SO many others, a level of depth and growth that is lacking from many YA/MG and similar novels. Her characters may be mystical creatures, but their struggles, goals, and abilities are very real and grounded. They have all grown and changed through the entire series, evolving into amazing, broken-but-whole gryphons that make this series stand out and truly be something special.
Shard coming into his own and accepting his role as not only the Summer King of legend, but also THE king of the Silver Isles was so beautiful to see. He will lead, and has led before, but accepting the role of being king is not easy for him. Coming to terms with it, accepting the changes it brings, and not taking advantage of it, showcases how very kingly he is. It's been such a pleasure to read Shard as he grows from bottom tier little scruff to A+ Kingly Material, and the pay off is worth it. I'm going to miss him so much.
Kjorn, in similar vein, coming into himself and accepting his role with dignity (and some severity) shows he's going to be just as amazing a king in the Dawn Spire as Shard is with the Silver Isles. He hits some serious doubts and suspicions along the way, but boy does he come out and bring the fire.
Ragna and Sverin's relationship was one that encapsulated anger, grief, bitterness, and forgiveness. When they finally come together past their past, their ability to help the pride, and save the pride, is spectacular as well as heart breaking. Honestly, Sverin's redemption had me crying by the time all was said and done. I don't cry easily with books, but holy damn it was so moving.
Hikaru was and still is one of my favourites, my little sky snake beebee, and I was so worried for him, but he does SO WELL, and just. I really love Hikaru. I wish we could have seen more of him. I want to see more Hikaru. I will always need more Hikaru. He brings levity and an outside view that greatly benefits the entire series.
Brynja, as always, was beautiful and amazing, and I will always want more of her as well. She's such a strong character, and a great partner to Shard. Her support to him, while also calling him out when she needs to, is a great demonstration of a healthy and solid relationship between to equals.
At the end of the day, Jess creates characters that are real, flawed, broken, and not always good, but she creates multi dimensional beings that sing off the page.
The Story
So, there were many stories within this one book: Shard's, Kjorn's, Ragna's, and Rhydda's (to an extent). Shard is still our main character, but the book is pretty evenly distributed between the three gryphons. It starts a little slow, with Shard and Kjorn meeting and aligning with the various gryphon and animal groups, until Shard goofs harrrrd. Then it becomes a race for Shard and Kjorn to figure out how to fix said goof, and where they need to be to do it. There's a fair amount of scrambling around to get collective things together and out, and although it drags a bit at times, it is all essential.
Ragna, now primarily leading the Silver Isles pride, is trying to keep up hope and certainty for the remaining gryphons after Sverin's leap into (and return from) madness, while also dealing with Sverin himself. They have several conversations that play into their connected and deeply broken past. Although there is little love gained from this, there is a respect that grows and ultimately leads to them being able to save the pride when a great danger descends on the Silver Isles.
When the stories converge, in the last act, it's very much all out war. Things get bloody, gryphons die, but it also shows how even in times of extreme and dark peril, the world will continue and will recover. The final chapters with Kjorn and Sverin moved me to tears in a way I haven't experienced in a novel in an extremely long time. Again, Jess deserves so much more love and attention, she is a master class storyteller. I full intend to reread the entire series now, and really sink into it.
Criticisms for this book are relatively small, but it's not perfect. There is significant repetition of the word 'quietly' that did get a little aggravating. Some diversity in the vocab would have been nice, but, that said, that was really the only thing that jumped out at me. Everything else was so minor or nondescript, that I really had no major qualms with this book.
Final Thoughts
I love this series, and it's willingness to take chances and do more than the standard storyline most YA/MG type books take. This is something original and special, and I cannot recommend it enough. I eagerly await for whatever Jess brings us next.
And by that time I was back in Canada and in school, so it became a bit of a problem to get the following novels. However, I remembered what Jess said about her books being on ereading formats, so I downloaded Skyfire and A Shard of Sun, and read those with great delight. And then came my biggest hurdle: finding By The Silver Wind. It honestly wasn't the biggest hurdle, but it took me forever to figure out the Kindle app, and then download it, but I did, and I read it and WHY DID IT HAVE TO END.
The Characters
Jess has portrayed, through Shard, Kjorn, Ragna, Sverin, and SO many others, a level of depth and growth that is lacking from many YA/MG and similar novels. Her characters may be mystical creatures, but their struggles, goals, and abilities are very real and grounded. They have all grown and changed through the entire series, evolving into amazing, broken-but-whole gryphons that make this series stand out and truly be something special.
Shard coming into his own and accepting his role as not only the Summer King of legend, but also THE king of the Silver Isles was so beautiful to see. He will lead, and has led before, but accepting the role of being king is not easy for him. Coming to terms with it, accepting the changes it brings, and not taking advantage of it, showcases how very kingly he is. It's been such a pleasure to read Shard as he grows from bottom tier little scruff to A+ Kingly Material, and the pay off is worth it. I'm going to miss him so much.
Kjorn, in similar vein, coming into himself and accepting his role with dignity (and some severity) shows he's going to be just as amazing a king in the Dawn Spire as Shard is with the Silver Isles. He hits some serious doubts and suspicions along the way, but boy does he come out and bring the fire.
Ragna and Sverin's relationship was one that encapsulated anger, grief, bitterness, and forgiveness. When they finally come together past their past, their ability to help the pride, and save the pride, is spectacular as well as heart breaking. Honestly, Sverin's redemption had me crying by the time all was said and done. I don't cry easily with books, but holy damn it was so moving.
Hikaru was and still is one of my favourites, my little sky snake beebee, and I was so worried for him, but he does SO WELL, and just. I really love Hikaru. I wish we could have seen more of him. I want to see more Hikaru. I will always need more Hikaru. He brings levity and an outside view that greatly benefits the entire series.
Brynja, as always, was beautiful and amazing, and I will always want more of her as well. She's such a strong character, and a great partner to Shard. Her support to him, while also calling him out when she needs to, is a great demonstration of a healthy and solid relationship between to equals.
At the end of the day, Jess creates characters that are real, flawed, broken, and not always good, but she creates multi dimensional beings that sing off the page.
The Story
So, there were many stories within this one book: Shard's, Kjorn's, Ragna's, and Rhydda's (to an extent). Shard is still our main character, but the book is pretty evenly distributed between the three gryphons. It starts a little slow, with Shard and Kjorn meeting and aligning with the various gryphon and animal groups, until Shard goofs harrrrd. Then it becomes a race for Shard and Kjorn to figure out how to fix said goof, and where they need to be to do it. There's a fair amount of scrambling around to get collective things together and out, and although it drags a bit at times, it is all essential.
Ragna, now primarily leading the Silver Isles pride, is trying to keep up hope and certainty for the remaining gryphons after Sverin's leap into (and return from) madness, while also dealing with Sverin himself. They have several conversations that play into their connected and deeply broken past. Although there is little love gained from this, there is a respect that grows and ultimately leads to them being able to save the pride when a great danger descends on the Silver Isles.
When the stories converge, in the last act, it's very much all out war. Things get bloody, gryphons die, but it also shows how even in times of extreme and dark peril, the world will continue and will recover. The final chapters with Kjorn and Sverin moved me to tears in a way I haven't experienced in a novel in an extremely long time. Again, Jess deserves so much more love and attention, she is a master class storyteller. I full intend to reread the entire series now, and really sink into it.
Criticisms for this book are relatively small, but it's not perfect. There is significant repetition of the word 'quietly' that did get a little aggravating. Some diversity in the vocab would have been nice, but, that said, that was really the only thing that jumped out at me. Everything else was so minor or nondescript, that I really had no major qualms with this book.
Final Thoughts
I love this series, and it's willingness to take chances and do more than the standard storyline most YA/MG type books take. This is something original and special, and I cannot recommend it enough. I eagerly await for whatever Jess brings us next.
June 25, 2022
Everything about this series is amazing, and the finale did not disappoint. Culture, characters, plot... everything about it is just astonishingly well-written. It ends well, making me satisfied with what happened but still wishing for more, as it is with all good stories. I would definitely recommend reading this whole series. Over and over again.
December 10, 2024
What an amazing, gripping, beautiful series of books. I am writing this fresh from finishing the last page and maybe it would be wiser to sit and let actual words come to me, but I think it would be almost disingenuous.
I have been struggling to get back into reading regularly as an adult, and only by getting a library card in August was I able to get into a routine again as having set return due-dates made it harder to set a book aside for months or years at a time. Looking for books outside of my comfort series, I picked up Song of the Summer King by the suggestion of some close friends. Immediately I fell in love with the series. The first book I wrote a review on, but to summarize it, I couldn’t put it down. I finished it faster than I had been able to finish a book in YEARS, and I loved it! I quickly went to my library and requested the next, and then the next, and finally I have finished the fourth and final book, at least in this arc (short stories withstanding).
Every character is so well fleshed out, and the pacing at which you learn things leaves the reader asking questions and making theories the whole way through, up until the very end, but it never feels like you’re being taunted with bits of information that will never add up to anything. Everything, and I mean Everything, in this series has a purpose and is brought back at a later date, no matter how big or small.
And don’t even get me started on the development of characters, both on personal levels (Sverin and Halvden realizing their wrongdoings and making efforts to change, even at their own expense) but also from how characters, and by extension the readers, slowly learn to see others in a different light (Shard realizing that Caj had protected him as a father, regretting pushing him away). I actually struggled not to shed tears at the end of the final battle, at Sverin’s fate and the forgiveness he received from those he hurt, who he did not deserve forgiveness from, much less to have them protect his body and give him an honorable departure to the Sunlit Land.
I may come back and add things at a later date, but for now I’m still reeling. I definitely plan to continue with the short stories as soon as possible, and I already have the first book of the second arc ordered to read. Definitely one of my top recommendations for fans of xenofiction.
I have been struggling to get back into reading regularly as an adult, and only by getting a library card in August was I able to get into a routine again as having set return due-dates made it harder to set a book aside for months or years at a time. Looking for books outside of my comfort series, I picked up Song of the Summer King by the suggestion of some close friends. Immediately I fell in love with the series. The first book I wrote a review on, but to summarize it, I couldn’t put it down. I finished it faster than I had been able to finish a book in YEARS, and I loved it! I quickly went to my library and requested the next, and then the next, and finally I have finished the fourth and final book, at least in this arc (short stories withstanding).
Every character is so well fleshed out, and the pacing at which you learn things leaves the reader asking questions and making theories the whole way through, up until the very end, but it never feels like you’re being taunted with bits of information that will never add up to anything. Everything, and I mean Everything, in this series has a purpose and is brought back at a later date, no matter how big or small.
And don’t even get me started on the development of characters, both on personal levels (Sverin and Halvden realizing their wrongdoings and making efforts to change, even at their own expense) but also from how characters, and by extension the readers, slowly learn to see others in a different light (Shard realizing that Caj had protected him as a father, regretting pushing him away). I actually struggled not to shed tears at the end of the final battle, at Sverin’s fate and the forgiveness he received from those he hurt, who he did not deserve forgiveness from, much less to have them protect his body and give him an honorable departure to the Sunlit Land.
I may come back and add things at a later date, but for now I’m still reeling. I definitely plan to continue with the short stories as soon as possible, and I already have the first book of the second arc ordered to read. Definitely one of my top recommendations for fans of xenofiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2017
The pieces are in place: Kjorn and Shard are uniting the various races against the wyrms, renewing old ties and forging new alliances. But Shard is uneasy. He wants to settle things peaceably, and Kjorn is fired up for war. Even though he knows war may be the ultimate answer, Shard continues to try dreaming with Rhydda, the old female wyrm. Meanwhile, in the Silver Isles, Sverin's reign of terror has come to an end. But the pride is beginning to fracture as it waits for the return of its king . . .
This was a little slower than the other three books, which wasn't entirely a bad thing. It would've felt way too rushed to simply have the alliances, but the slow task of running to various groups and convincing them was less interesting to me than a more action-packed plot. Mbari is amazing, though. I like all the lions, who are both mystical and playful.
It was also very interesting to see Sverin interact with his pride from a position of weakness, not power. He's the last character I would've expected to actually learn something from all he went through, but he does, and he changes (and there's a hint of a thing going on that I really didn't expect, but frustratingly Sverin's decision cuts a lot of things short, and I wish he hadn't done that).
I also like how so many things come full circle here. Kjorn and the Dawn Spire. Shard and the Silver Isles. The missing piece of the puzzle that finally explains the presence of the wyrms, and why they hunt gryfons above all else.
Although I didn't have quite as much fun with this as I did the earlier books, it's still a good ending. This book finishes off the series very well, and although there's a lot of room for more books in this world, the particular tale that started in Song of the Summer King does close here. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
This was a little slower than the other three books, which wasn't entirely a bad thing. It would've felt way too rushed to simply have the alliances, but the slow task of running to various groups and convincing them was less interesting to me than a more action-packed plot. Mbari is amazing, though. I like all the lions, who are both mystical and playful.
It was also very interesting to see Sverin interact with his pride from a position of weakness, not power. He's the last character I would've expected to actually learn something from all he went through, but he does, and he changes (and there's a hint of a thing going on that I really didn't expect, but frustratingly Sverin's decision cuts a lot of things short, and I wish he hadn't done that).
I also like how so many things come full circle here. Kjorn and the Dawn Spire. Shard and the Silver Isles. The missing piece of the puzzle that finally explains the presence of the wyrms, and why they hunt gryfons above all else.
Although I didn't have quite as much fun with this as I did the earlier books, it's still a good ending. This book finishes off the series very well, and although there's a lot of room for more books in this world, the particular tale that started in Song of the Summer King does close here. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
April 2, 2024
I love these books, even with the typos, and am sad to be coming to the end of the stories. Silver Wind wraps up Shard's main journey, bringing together many threads into what I found a satisfying conclusion. I especially like how Owen crafts characters that grow, doubt, struggle, and redeem themselves. There is uncertainty at times but never a real sense of impending doom. The books feel safe for most readers except those who absolutely cannot have death or carnivores.
I fervently hope that these books are picked up by a bigger publisher or otherwise re-issued with all the typos fixed. They would be worthy additions in hard copy to any library (we read/are reading them as ebooks).
I fervently hope that these books are picked up by a bigger publisher or otherwise re-issued with all the typos fixed. They would be worthy additions in hard copy to any library (we read/are reading them as ebooks).
February 6, 2017
The perfect conclusion to the series (if it is indeed the end).
I don't care that these books are targeted towards young adults...the compelling characters are well-rounded plot make it enjoyable for everyone. Gryfons, wolves, and dragons...how could you not love it?
I don't care that these books are targeted towards young adults...the compelling characters are well-rounded plot make it enjoyable for everyone. Gryfons, wolves, and dragons...how could you not love it?
June 21, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know the old characters better and meeting new ones. It's so hard to find good books about gryphons, but this series definitely fits that description. I will definitely read this series again in the future.
July 31, 2017
Great series
I love this book and this series and would recommend it to anyone who loves mythical creatures and loves fantasy
I love this book and this series and would recommend it to anyone who loves mythical creatures and loves fantasy
August 17, 2018
Any review I can write will fail to convey the feelings I would want to convey. So I'll just say that this book was absolutely amazing.
May 20, 2022
Now I feel sad.
February 26, 2023
A fantastic conclusion! The final battle was exhilarating and I loved all of the resolution for the characters!
October 22, 2025
What a fitting conclusion to this wonderful story! I loved every moment of it.
March 14, 2017
WOW
This book is amazing you should definitely read this series I love this series and am going to look forward to reading the new series!
This book is amazing you should definitely read this series I love this series and am going to look forward to reading the new series!
December 22, 2024
Finished this book about a month ago. Said I'd give myself a few days to sit on my thoughts, and uh, well, better late than never!
Long story short: I'm really glad I read these books.
Short story long: I'm really glad I read these books! The prose is a selling point throughout, with even more aurally pleasing descriptions in this closing chapter of the quartet. The characters are also a strength, especially Shard and Kjorn's hourglass dynamic, and especially Kjorn facing the darker parts of his self. (Also? I'm ready for that Dagny-centric spinoff series whenever you get around to it, Jess, hint, hint...)
However, despite my 5-star rating, these books weren't perfect—the female character do get more to do, but most of the plot is still carried by the male cast. Which is a shame, really. Catori, Ragna and Sigrun are so easy to root for and invest in, so hopefully, they get more to do in the second series and short stories. Additionally, the tension eases off greatly in book 3 from book 1 and book 2, and the finale only mostly manages to bring us back to the same, edge-of-your-seat reading. Part of this is down to tastes: the stakes were more personal in book 1 with Rashard learning who is before his character arc could turn outward towards helping mend his broken world. None of this is bad writing—the story probably had to go that way—but the price of failure being the complete destruction of Rashard's sense of self is much more interesting to me, personally. Ah well!
On the whole, though, these books were a treat to read. I'll get to the sequel quartet eventually, but for now, I intend to savor what I've already experienced. Highly recommended.
Long story short: I'm really glad I read these books.
Short story long: I'm really glad I read these books! The prose is a selling point throughout, with even more aurally pleasing descriptions in this closing chapter of the quartet. The characters are also a strength, especially Shard and Kjorn's hourglass dynamic, and especially Kjorn facing the darker parts of his self. (Also? I'm ready for that Dagny-centric spinoff series whenever you get around to it, Jess, hint, hint...)
However, despite my 5-star rating, these books weren't perfect—the female character do get more to do, but most of the plot is still carried by the male cast. Which is a shame, really. Catori, Ragna and Sigrun are so easy to root for and invest in, so hopefully, they get more to do in the second series and short stories. Additionally, the tension eases off greatly in book 3 from book 1 and book 2, and the finale only mostly manages to bring us back to the same, edge-of-your-seat reading. Part of this is down to tastes: the stakes were more personal in book 1 with Rashard learning who is before his character arc could turn outward towards helping mend his broken world. None of this is bad writing—the story probably had to go that way—but the price of failure being the complete destruction of Rashard's sense of self is much more interesting to me, personally. Ah well!
On the whole, though, these books were a treat to read. I'll get to the sequel quartet eventually, but for now, I intend to savor what I've already experienced. Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2016
I was a Kickstarter backer for this book, and received a copy before the general release on Amazon.
A fantastic end to a wonderful book series, By the Silver Wind met all of my expectations and then some. Following Shard and his band of fellow gryfons after he reunites with his wingbrother Kjorn, it takes you all across the world of the Summer King and culminates in a spectacular finale, tying up the conflict first created 100 years ago by Kjorn's ancestors.
I've always been a fan of anthropomorphic animal fantasy stories like the Summer King Chronicles. Growing up I read the usual fare, from Redwall to Guardians of Ga'Hoole, and in more recent years dipped my toes into Warriors, Birth of the Firebringer, and even the daddy of them all, Watership Down. These books were geared towards kids, and I was fine with that as a kid. But what sets SKC apart from other series like it is that I didn't just enjoy this as a fan of animal fantasy - I enjoyed as an adult.
By the Silver Wind, and the Summer King Chronicles as a whole, does something that I've rarely ever seen in animal fantasy - it does not overtly cater to the children's audience. Although SKC is appropriate for middle grade and up, I never got the feeling while reading this series that I was reading a book for kids. The fluent, descriptive prose, the deep, well-rounded characters and the motifs and themes spread throughout allowed me to enjoy it fully as an older reader. The characters didn't feel like humans in animal skin - they were animals in their own right, yet capable of the full range of emotions and depth that human characters ought to possess. The main themes of acceptance, tolerance, listening to others and finding peace over war were not hamfisted, they were sprinkled throughout and juxtaposed with the reality of a world where trust between creatures is short and hard to come by. The struggles that Shard, Kjorn and the other gyrfons and creatures go through feel real and harsh, and help build up the strength of character that makes me truly love them as characters and root for their survival and eventual victory over adversity. Few, if any, characters in SKC are flat and uninteresting. Virtually all of them have goals, aspirations, motivations, and different pasts that affect the current setting, and Jess plays them off each other in such a skillful matter.
It's been a long time, truly, since I enjoyed a book series as thoroughly as this one. Of the four books, BTSW is the longest, but did not feel long in the slightest, and by the end I was yearning for more. I enjoyed every moment of my time reading these four books, and I'd recommend them to anyone who also grew up reading animal fantasy stories, and as an adult want something similar but with the depth and substance that books for older audiences possess. I think Jess has set a new standard for animal fantasy stories, and I eagerly look forward to what else she has planned in the future.
A fantastic end to a wonderful book series, By the Silver Wind met all of my expectations and then some. Following Shard and his band of fellow gryfons after he reunites with his wingbrother Kjorn, it takes you all across the world of the Summer King and culminates in a spectacular finale, tying up the conflict first created 100 years ago by Kjorn's ancestors.
I've always been a fan of anthropomorphic animal fantasy stories like the Summer King Chronicles. Growing up I read the usual fare, from Redwall to Guardians of Ga'Hoole, and in more recent years dipped my toes into Warriors, Birth of the Firebringer, and even the daddy of them all, Watership Down. These books were geared towards kids, and I was fine with that as a kid. But what sets SKC apart from other series like it is that I didn't just enjoy this as a fan of animal fantasy - I enjoyed as an adult.
By the Silver Wind, and the Summer King Chronicles as a whole, does something that I've rarely ever seen in animal fantasy - it does not overtly cater to the children's audience. Although SKC is appropriate for middle grade and up, I never got the feeling while reading this series that I was reading a book for kids. The fluent, descriptive prose, the deep, well-rounded characters and the motifs and themes spread throughout allowed me to enjoy it fully as an older reader. The characters didn't feel like humans in animal skin - they were animals in their own right, yet capable of the full range of emotions and depth that human characters ought to possess. The main themes of acceptance, tolerance, listening to others and finding peace over war were not hamfisted, they were sprinkled throughout and juxtaposed with the reality of a world where trust between creatures is short and hard to come by. The struggles that Shard, Kjorn and the other gyrfons and creatures go through feel real and harsh, and help build up the strength of character that makes me truly love them as characters and root for their survival and eventual victory over adversity. Few, if any, characters in SKC are flat and uninteresting. Virtually all of them have goals, aspirations, motivations, and different pasts that affect the current setting, and Jess plays them off each other in such a skillful matter.
It's been a long time, truly, since I enjoyed a book series as thoroughly as this one. Of the four books, BTSW is the longest, but did not feel long in the slightest, and by the end I was yearning for more. I enjoyed every moment of my time reading these four books, and I'd recommend them to anyone who also grew up reading animal fantasy stories, and as an adult want something similar but with the depth and substance that books for older audiences possess. I think Jess has set a new standard for animal fantasy stories, and I eagerly look forward to what else she has planned in the future.
June 7, 2016
Disclaimer: I was a Kickstarter backer for this book.
I finished this novel a few days ago, but waited a while before posting my review. I simply didn't want my journey with Shard to end. Posting a review would put a decisive cap on the whole experience. Yes, I know, you can always go back and reread (something I don't do often enough these days), but everyone has experienced a beloved series ending -- and you want to hold onto those feelings as long as you can.
By the Silver Wind opens with Shard and Kjorn preparing to gather all the creatures of the Winderost for a final assault on the wyrms. First, they travel to the Vanaheim shores to enlist the aid of the gryfons there, then onto the plains for the lions, then the painted wolves, and finally the eagles. Between journeys, Shard continues to try and reach the wyrm queen, Rhydda, through his dreams. His attempts are not immediately successful, nor do they result in an instant connection. More often than not, Shard fails at getting Rhydda to come to an understanding.
Elsewhere, on the Silver Isles, the mad king Sverin has been taken into custody and awaits Shard's return. Ragna, Shard's mother, does her best to keep the Vanir and Aesir tribes working together for the betterment of the whole pride.
As the combined predator army descends on the wyrm stronghold, Shard makes one last attempt to convince Rhydda and her brood to return to their homeland. However, he inadvertently reveals that Sverin looks exactly like the red gryfon king she and her kind were sent to destroy ages ago. Not only that, but he also shows her the Silver Isles, which leads the wyrm queen to take her brood there and fulfill her promise to the sinuous dragons.
By the Silver Wind is a lyrically beautiful tale, filled with a rich, lush landscape and wonderful, but flawed characters. One will rise higher, indeed.
I finished this novel a few days ago, but waited a while before posting my review. I simply didn't want my journey with Shard to end. Posting a review would put a decisive cap on the whole experience. Yes, I know, you can always go back and reread (something I don't do often enough these days), but everyone has experienced a beloved series ending -- and you want to hold onto those feelings as long as you can.
By the Silver Wind opens with Shard and Kjorn preparing to gather all the creatures of the Winderost for a final assault on the wyrms. First, they travel to the Vanaheim shores to enlist the aid of the gryfons there, then onto the plains for the lions, then the painted wolves, and finally the eagles. Between journeys, Shard continues to try and reach the wyrm queen, Rhydda, through his dreams. His attempts are not immediately successful, nor do they result in an instant connection. More often than not, Shard fails at getting Rhydda to come to an understanding.
Elsewhere, on the Silver Isles, the mad king Sverin has been taken into custody and awaits Shard's return. Ragna, Shard's mother, does her best to keep the Vanir and Aesir tribes working together for the betterment of the whole pride.
As the combined predator army descends on the wyrm stronghold, Shard makes one last attempt to convince Rhydda and her brood to return to their homeland. However, he inadvertently reveals that Sverin looks exactly like the red gryfon king she and her kind were sent to destroy ages ago. Not only that, but he also shows her the Silver Isles, which leads the wyrm queen to take her brood there and fulfill her promise to the sinuous dragons.
By the Silver Wind is a lyrically beautiful tale, filled with a rich, lush landscape and wonderful, but flawed characters. One will rise higher, indeed.
June 14, 2016
(I got this as a Kickstarter Backer)
He is borne aloft by the Silver Wind. He alone flies the highest peak. And when they hear his song at battle's end The Nameless shall know themselves And the Voiceless will once again speak.
I feel like crying, because this book is beautiful. By the Silver Wind has made my heart clench with fear, eyes blur with mournful tears, and forced me to smile, to laugh out loud with Shard, Asvander, Hikaru, and all the other lovely characters.
I love, love, love this book. To prove my point, when I received it on Wednesday, I only had about 2 hours to begin reading until bedtime. Then, the next day, school limited my reading for 7 whole hours, but by the time I went to bed, I was halfway through. Finally, today, this lovely summer Friday, I have read almost non-stop and finished it before 5 pm.
This book is amazing. Wonderful, fantastic. Spectacular and terrific. Outstanding, excellent. Many thanks to the super author Jess E. Owen for writing the Summer King Chronicles. I enjoyed every page read, every chapter loved, every hour spent yelling at my family to let me read it peace (in a loving way, of course).
Not only has the Summer King Chronicles been an excellent read, it has changed my life. And I mean it. I cannot imagine how I would be if I had not bought Song of the Summer King out of curiosity a year ago, but I know for certain that I would be a lot worse off. Shard has helped me fly through stormwinds, helped me battle wyrms, helped me make peace with myself and others around me.
Fly high, my fellow members of the pride and wolf pack friends, windfriends and earthfriends alike, and fair winds!
He is borne aloft by the Silver Wind. He alone flies the highest peak. And when they hear his song at battle's end The Nameless shall know themselves And the Voiceless will once again speak.
I feel like crying, because this book is beautiful. By the Silver Wind has made my heart clench with fear, eyes blur with mournful tears, and forced me to smile, to laugh out loud with Shard, Asvander, Hikaru, and all the other lovely characters.
I love, love, love this book. To prove my point, when I received it on Wednesday, I only had about 2 hours to begin reading until bedtime. Then, the next day, school limited my reading for 7 whole hours, but by the time I went to bed, I was halfway through. Finally, today, this lovely summer Friday, I have read almost non-stop and finished it before 5 pm.
This book is amazing. Wonderful, fantastic. Spectacular and terrific. Outstanding, excellent. Many thanks to the super author Jess E. Owen for writing the Summer King Chronicles. I enjoyed every page read, every chapter loved, every hour spent yelling at my family to let me read it peace (in a loving way, of course).
Not only has the Summer King Chronicles been an excellent read, it has changed my life. And I mean it. I cannot imagine how I would be if I had not bought Song of the Summer King out of curiosity a year ago, but I know for certain that I would be a lot worse off. Shard has helped me fly through stormwinds, helped me battle wyrms, helped me make peace with myself and others around me.
Fly high, my fellow members of the pride and wolf pack friends, windfriends and earthfriends alike, and fair winds!
August 17, 2016
By the Silver Wind is exactly the type of ending I wanted to have in a book series. It's here where we truly see our characters at their strongest, especially compared to when we first met them in Song of the Summer King.
Two wingbrothers, now finally reunited, travel across the land to build an army to take back their lands. We meet old friends, old enemies, and learn the powerful secrets of the great wyrms.
I think the thing that really, REALLY made this book work for me, along with this series, is that the key to "defeating the enemy" is something that is so different from your usual kids books. Without giving anything away, it's a step in the right direction compared to so many books that end with the main characters outright killing the bad guy. The key theme in this series is forgiveness, that's what it's all about. It's about what it's like to heal wounds, to regret past decisions, and how important it is to move on. It doesn't invalidate the past decisions and wrongdoings of characters before, which is very important, nobody just blindly forgives other characters after an "I'm sorry" speech. But it does rely heavily on the importance of understanding, learning to know your enemies, and finding compassion and an even ground. That theme, which to me is a very important lesson for younger audiences, is what makes these books so good.
I absolutely recommend this series to all ages, they're a lot of fun to read if you have a thing for animal books, and you might find yourself falling for some magical beasties.
Two wingbrothers, now finally reunited, travel across the land to build an army to take back their lands. We meet old friends, old enemies, and learn the powerful secrets of the great wyrms.
I think the thing that really, REALLY made this book work for me, along with this series, is that the key to "defeating the enemy" is something that is so different from your usual kids books. Without giving anything away, it's a step in the right direction compared to so many books that end with the main characters outright killing the bad guy. The key theme in this series is forgiveness, that's what it's all about. It's about what it's like to heal wounds, to regret past decisions, and how important it is to move on. It doesn't invalidate the past decisions and wrongdoings of characters before, which is very important, nobody just blindly forgives other characters after an "I'm sorry" speech. But it does rely heavily on the importance of understanding, learning to know your enemies, and finding compassion and an even ground. That theme, which to me is a very important lesson for younger audiences, is what makes these books so good.
I absolutely recommend this series to all ages, they're a lot of fun to read if you have a thing for animal books, and you might find yourself falling for some magical beasties.
July 19, 2016
I was a Kickstarter backer for this book and received a copy before general release.
This was a beautiful end to a beautiful series. All of the characters have grown through the course of the books but here that character growth and change is put to the test. More then anything I love how none of the characters have fallen into tropes or cliches. Whether it's the son of a tyrant or the son of a former leader none of their stories turned out quite as I might have expected them to. Even the tyrant himself while perhaps not redeemed, gets more depth and understanding from those around him in this book.
The plot itself keeps things moving quickly and provides plenty of excitement while still introducing new ideas and wrapping up old story threads. Everything comes together beautifully in the end. It's a rare book that can make me tear up but this book definitely had me on the verge of full blown crying more then once.
This was the perfect end to a wonderfully crafted series and an emotional one as well as we see the culmination of everything the characters have been through and learned across their journey finally come to a head. This was a wonderful book and I can't recommend this series enough.
This was a beautiful end to a beautiful series. All of the characters have grown through the course of the books but here that character growth and change is put to the test. More then anything I love how none of the characters have fallen into tropes or cliches. Whether it's the son of a tyrant or the son of a former leader none of their stories turned out quite as I might have expected them to. Even the tyrant himself while perhaps not redeemed, gets more depth and understanding from those around him in this book.
The plot itself keeps things moving quickly and provides plenty of excitement while still introducing new ideas and wrapping up old story threads. Everything comes together beautifully in the end. It's a rare book that can make me tear up but this book definitely had me on the verge of full blown crying more then once.
This was the perfect end to a wonderfully crafted series and an emotional one as well as we see the culmination of everything the characters have been through and learned across their journey finally come to a head. This was a wonderful book and I can't recommend this series enough.
November 17, 2019
This was only my second time reading the finale of the Summer King Chronicles, and therefore I was surprised by many things along the way! And it was the perfect conclusion to the series, with everything ending in a joyful, hopeful manner, in the peaceful world the characters have all striven 4 long books to build!
The character development of this series has been truly wonderful to watch, especially Kjorn, Ragna, and, in this one, Sverin. Even the side characters have real stories and personalities, and I love the way the different characters interact based on these things.
The plot was fast paced, with much anticipation leading up to the final battle, which was just as heartbreaking and epic as it needed to be. And yet, even with such a plot driven book, there was still much time taken to describe the stunning scenery which this series takes place in.
This series is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorites. It isn't every book that sends you into another world, one filled with beautiful creatures and landscapes that you never want to leave.
The character development of this series has been truly wonderful to watch, especially Kjorn, Ragna, and, in this one, Sverin. Even the side characters have real stories and personalities, and I love the way the different characters interact based on these things.
The plot was fast paced, with much anticipation leading up to the final battle, which was just as heartbreaking and epic as it needed to be. And yet, even with such a plot driven book, there was still much time taken to describe the stunning scenery which this series takes place in.
This series is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorites. It isn't every book that sends you into another world, one filled with beautiful creatures and landscapes that you never want to leave.
December 22, 2016
Oh. My. Gosh.
I've been following this book series for quite some time and I have to say, this was a perfect ending. Without giving too much away, everything seems to come full circle as references to previous lessons learned pop up and character arcs are happily fulfilled. It's a bittersweet ending with a fantastic, satisfying plot end. If there's anything I could say, I suppose I would have liked a little more in the cool down chapter to see the various surviving characters in their new happy roles, but overall, it's fantastic. The characters have really grown.
Also, it's one of only very few books that brought me to tears at the end. This is the second book in the series to do that. Amazing writing.
I've been following this book series for quite some time and I have to say, this was a perfect ending. Without giving too much away, everything seems to come full circle as references to previous lessons learned pop up and character arcs are happily fulfilled. It's a bittersweet ending with a fantastic, satisfying plot end. If there's anything I could say, I suppose I would have liked a little more in the cool down chapter to see the various surviving characters in their new happy roles, but overall, it's fantastic. The characters have really grown.
Also, it's one of only very few books that brought me to tears at the end. This is the second book in the series to do that. Amazing writing.
December 24, 2016
Satisfying end to the series
This book starts slow. At first I thought that the author had let me down, promising Wyrms and delivering only politics. Then BAM, Shard makes a big mistake, endangering the Silver Isles, and the tension drives the rest of the book.
The ending had me choked up and wiping my eyes, and I don't often cry over books. It's sad, and yet wonderfully satisfying. Such a beautiful, wonderful series. It needs a CG movie series, something like that Ga'Hoole movie with the owls. War and love and drama and conflict--it's all here. The Lion King fans would be eclipsed by the gryfon fans. And the dragons ... the lovely, lovely dragons.
This book starts slow. At first I thought that the author had let me down, promising Wyrms and delivering only politics. Then BAM, Shard makes a big mistake, endangering the Silver Isles, and the tension drives the rest of the book.
The ending had me choked up and wiping my eyes, and I don't often cry over books. It's sad, and yet wonderfully satisfying. Such a beautiful, wonderful series. It needs a CG movie series, something like that Ga'Hoole movie with the owls. War and love and drama and conflict--it's all here. The Lion King fans would be eclipsed by the gryfon fans. And the dragons ... the lovely, lovely dragons.
June 11, 2016
By the Silver Wind rounds off this quartet perfectly! Slipping from Silver Isles to Winderost, you learn just how much Rashard, the Summer King has grown from book one, where he was a conquered, unknowing Prince of the Vanir. Old friends and new combine to bring peace and harmony to the Silver Isles, uniting different factions and proving that, in the end, war is never the answer. The most engrossing book out of the series, and one I will, like the previous three books, reread over and over again!
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