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‘You may have noticed,’ said Maut, ‘that the Tree is on the move.'

On the edge of the town of Kottow stands the tallest (and oddest) Tree in the land. It’s a staid and solid arbour — until the Tree picks up its mighty old roots and wanders off, taking its resident band of misfits away with it. Whither goes the Tree? Not even the wizard can say.

'There is something mighty fey about all this, or my name ain't Diggory Stokey.'

Far away from Kottow, a forest lies lost in the mists of a dream. There’s much to mend in this hoary old wood, for the Summer’s been swept from the glittering skies, and no one’s keeping an eye on the Winter...

'Enchanted forests,' Mudleaf spat. 'Bah. Like it's been raining magic this long age through.'

The good folk of Kottow aren’t used to so wayward a magic — not even Maut Fey, the one with the sunlight behind her eyes. But magic will have its way with them, whether they will or no.

Summertide’s waiting. Can the folk of the Tree bring it back, or will the wild magic wash them away?

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2020

277 people are currently reading
512 people want to read

About the author

Charlotte E. English

77 books353 followers
English both by name and nationality, Charlotte hasn’t permitted emigration to the Netherlands to change her essential Britishness. She writes colourful fantasy novels over copious quantities of tea, and rarely misses an opportunity to apologise for something. Spanning the spectrum from light to dark, her works include the Draykon Series, Modern Magick, The Malykant Mysteries and the Tales of Aylfenhame.

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5 stars
140 (40%)
4 stars
115 (33%)
3 stars
68 (19%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
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10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Erica Baxter.
1,052 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2022
I was thoroughly seduced by the cover of this book. I love the premise of the story and the writing is competent, BUT it was just too slow for me. Based on the cover, I was expecting something beautiful, magical and joyous. I guess it was magical in the sense that there was a lot of magic, but it wasn't magical in a way that moved my soul.

At about 25% into the book, I still hadn't engaged with it. It was still basically introducing characters (there are a lot), but I was desperate for plot. It felt like too much talking in circles. I decided to speed read the last 75%. Sadly, I never found anything to hook me.

This was probably a 2 star read for me, but I'm giving it 3, because I loved the cover.
Profile Image for Steven Tryon.
266 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2020
A delightful read with a most intriguing cast of characters. It immediately went on my read-again list, but next time I am going to have my pencil and notepad handy to keep track of who's who and who is connected to whom and to what. When the tree you live in starts walking and picking up new residents along the way, you know you are in for surprises.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Trever.
282 reviews9 followers
June 4, 2023
Charming, well written, and completely inoffensive, but while I really enjoyed the opening, I found myself struggling to finish it and only did so out of dogged determination. It reminds me a bit of a fantasy version of a Becky Chambers book - Everyone is nice, everyone is sensible, and not a lot happens. The central idea of the people who live in the giant tree is great, and my favorite parts of the book were the opening chapters with their descriptions of the various characters and where they lived up the trunk of the tree. Living in a hobbit hole in the side of a gigantic magical tree sounds like my ideal escapist life, so that I very much enjoyed.

One day the tree uproots and goes for a walk, and the story begins. Annnd... that's where I began to drift, because the bulk of the book is the various characters exploring a new location and there are a LOT of characters, to the point that I couldn't tell some of them apart at all, and just not all that much happens. I kept hoping for some conflict, some action, something, but alas. If you're looking for a relaxing book that will ease your mind and give you a mellow 6 hours of reading, though, it's ideal. Just not quite my cup of tea.
205 reviews
July 1, 2022
Imagine your domicile is within the trunk of an enormous tree, one the size of a small town, and suddenly one day the tree pulls up its roots and starts sauntering away. What do you do? You and the rest of the tree’s inhabitants - human and other - hang on for dear life and enjoy the journey! Destiny awaits all onboard.

This is a charming and whimsical faerie tale about recovering memories, reclaiming birthrights, fulfilling duties, reconnecting with old comrades, and restoring order in the world. Or at least one’s small part of the world. There’s a touch of the world of Disney’s “Frozen” within the story (minus a short, affable, talking snowman). I can see parents and grandparents reading this tale to the young kiddies as a pleasant bedtime story. No horrendous scary creatures nor evil beings determined to raze, plunder, maim or destroy will make their appearance, all but ensuring that the young audience will have pleasant dreams and restful sleep. And with mellifluous sounding names like Berengaria, Plumwood, Brackenberry and Ysebelon both the narration of the tale and the audible reception should be an enjoyable experience. In “Summertide” a magical, fantasy world is waiting to unfold for you, just open the book and step right in! All ages are welcome!
20 reviews
July 21, 2020
Summertide

Absolutely wonderful!
The characters make getting into the book so enchanting. They were odd and different, but so well developed it was enticing with each page of the book.
I have read Faerie Fruit, Gloaming and Summertide in the series so far. I'm entranced to say each book holds a special place in my heart. It's a unique writer who can write such magical adventure. Thanks Charlotte for the imagination and dedication to story you put into every book. I will finish off the series with Samds and Starlight. Then, off to another series of hers so I may enjoy more adventures to come.
I recommend this book to folks who like to be magically transported through to places unknown. You will come out with smiles and feeling great when your done. And want for more and more.
Profile Image for Rosalie Oaks.
Author 11 books134 followers
June 11, 2020
What a delightful escape. The huge enchanted tree, complete with various odd inhabitants, reminded me of The Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, one of my first favourite books as a child. Even better, elements of my favourite fairytale, The Snow Queen, were woven in as well! The prose is old-fashioned; there were even words I did not know (vitner, anybody?). Reading it was a dreamy experience, which reflected the journey of some of the characters.

With only a tiny hint of romance, this tale felt archetypal and old, as if it came direct from the pen of fae themselves.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
652 reviews51 followers
December 22, 2022
Recommended: YES!
For a world of magic and wonder, for a story that warms your heart, for an intriguing and exciting plot rife with mystery, for extraordinarily unique and lovable characters


Thoughts:
Are you feeling a bit burnt out? Does it feel like there's endless stress and pain in the world and you just want somewhere to take a break? Are you hoping to find a world of sunshine and compassion that is still exciting and compelling?

Y'all, this book is exactly what I needed and exactly what you might need too. Apparently the author also thought that, because in the notes at the end they mentioned writing it during COVID lockdowns and how they really need something happy and lovely to carry them through. The result is this wonderful gift for us all.

This book is something of its own. It is somehow gentle and loving without being boring or lacking intrigue and drama. Every character is multifaceted and infinitely lovable. If I could read spin-off books about all the people we meet in this tree I absolutely would. Luckily for me, there appear to be multiple books in this series, and while they may not focus on these exact characters, if the vibe is the same then I will love them just as much.

So I think I've made it clear that the overall feeling of reading this book is light-hearted and comforting and wondrous. The story itself is solid too though, and does have a clear plot to drive it all. With the focus on lost monarchs, good friends, and seasons trapped in time, this is just a wholeheartedly warm and fun tale of magic. If you don't end it wanting to live with them, I would be surprised. Granted, as I write this, today is the first day of winter where I live and the weather forecast just says "WIND", so the idea of endless summer feels pretty appealing in some ways.

Anyway, I definitely recommend this book and I am really glad that I purchased a copy of my own so I can reread it anytime I want. I will definitely be getting the others books in the series as well!
18 reviews
January 15, 2021
This spring or summer, I played a story-game/ visual novel game series. The series was called The Big Old Tree that Dreams, and in it the world is one Great Oak. All the residents of the world live down below in its roots; the gods live in the high branches and the Underworld – or, more accurately, a liminal space before death – is underneath the roots of the Great Oak. Each day, formed as light travels around the tree, is called a Breath, and each year is called a Blossoming.

I kept thinking about that game as I read Charlotte English's Summertide. Like that game I played earlier this year, the characters of Summertide live in a massive tree; unlike that game, in this one the Tree could almost be said to *be* the main character – in a way, anyhow. I was never quite sure if those characters residing in the Tree were human, or small fae, or some other woodland creatures. They could have been any. Like all her "Wonder Tales" before it, this one is infused with luminous description, this one full of all the magic of summertime and the rich forest. I felt, like the denizens of the ancient tree in the story, transported. It was a story that was soothing to my anxious spirits. I felt lulled by the words, and comforted by them.

The story changes perspective from one character to another in the way that a film does; it could have been distracting but wasn't. Instead I was more eager to see how their lives would intertwine.

I saw echoes of some of Ms. English's other works in Summertide; it was as if some of the natural Elemental spirits had coalesced together to become the Tree. The Tree also bore some resemblance to House of the Modern Magick series – locomotive, protective of its inhabitants; sentient and kind.

Read Summertide on a dreary day to be reminded of the drenching sunlight of summer; read it on a day when you feel melancholy and mundane and need to be carried off to a far more bewitching place. It won't disappoint.
Profile Image for Metaphorosis.
978 reviews63 followers
June 9, 2023
3.5 stars, Metaphorosis reviews

Summary
In the town of Kottow, a huge tree hosts an odd mix of residents. But one day, the tree decides to take off on a journey to places unknown - or are they?

Review
I picked this up in part because it was free, , in part because it sounded interesting, but mostly because I liked the cover. Initially, at least, that was a good call – the setting and prose were just as rich as the cover promised. The tone is on the mythic side, the characters are interesting, and the whole concept of a mysterious, walking tree was promising. I liked the first half of the book quite a bit.

Unfortunately, I quickly lost interest once the tree stopped, and, gradually, all was revealed. First, it turns out there’s a fair amount of court intrigue happening, and that just doesn’t appeal to me anywhere near as much as the more intimate, friendly characters we first meet. More important, however, is that the transition didn’t work for me on a number of fronts. First, the geography is extremely vague, even allowing for some mystic uncertainty. Second, the character transitions were more gestured at than developed – characters change, but not in particularly interesting ways, and it all seems to happen in the background, with very little clarity. New characters are introduced, but more sketched than developed. The last third of the book not only feels substantially muddled but almost part of a different book than we started with.

I think this will probably be quite appealing for some readers, but for me, the sum just didn’t work. The first half was strong, the second half fairly weak.
Profile Image for R.
855 reviews5 followers
July 2, 2022
I've had a couple of books to fall into the same category recently: I got this book for free, it was a DNF, but the reason that I DNFed it was personal and not about the book, itself.

This book seems quite charming. It has a cute little plot, from what I read. The characters are well-developed, and they're endearing and cute. It's well-written. I could imagine a child really enjoying this book, and I could see people enjoying sharing this book with their children at story time.

I can find no objective problem with this book. I have absolutely no idea why this book didn't work for me. All of the things that I normally would want (in this kind of book) were there. It simply didn't hit any of the right spots for me. Therefore, I decided to DNF it and move on instead of forcing myself to keep going when I knew that I wasn't feeling the story.

I do think, however, that this story is one that plenty of people would adore!
Profile Image for Karen Mazzaferri.
222 reviews8 followers
June 18, 2023
An enchanting little fairy tale, written in the flavor of old English, about betrayal and deceit. There are no good or bad characters, as much as there are characters that deceive to escape a life that lacks enjoyment. A tree that stands over many lifetimes that houses a small village of people that are integral to the story, each playing a role in the ending.

The characters are more based in personality than physical appearance. I did not have a clear picture of them, but I understood them. The setting is magical and I can picture a wonderfully beautiful animated movie of the colors and changing scenery when it rains, which is magic.

The tree becomes the main focus collecting people for 100 years to make a wrong, right. I really want this to be a movie 🎦
Profile Image for Diane.
622 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2020
This story is enchanting and unusual. It centers around an odd assortment of characters who live in the grand Kottow Tree which has been stationary outside the town of Kottow for decades. The tree inexplicably starts moving one day taking all of its inhabitants along for the ride, moving them inexorably towards an unusual adventure that I won't reveal at the risk of spoiling the story.

The story is unpredictable and the characters are delightful! What a crazy, imaginative world and a fun, satisfying fantasy! I recommend this book and, if you're new to Charlotte English and enjoy this story, also pick up her Modern Magick series. It's wonderful also.
514 reviews5 followers
April 25, 2023
Pure unadulterated fantasy.

Explore this magical wonderland filled with fey folk and trees that can uproot themselves and go travelling. Full of the magic of the Sun King and the Moon Queen both lost for the last hundred years, climb aboard the travelling tree as it takes all the diverse characters on an epic adventure to find their new lives and destinies. Great storylines with wonderful characters fascinating for adults but I recommend reading it to your children I think they will love it, Baz.
2 reviews
January 12, 2023
Charlotte does it again, I love her imagination!

Summertide, like many other books I've read by Ms. English, take you into an imaginary world that is like our own, but so very different; worlds of fey, mythical beings and humans living lives that are entirely relatable.
From the first book I read by Charlotte English, "Miss Landon & Aubranael" I was hooked.
I wait in anticipation for each new book release, her stories captivate me and make me happy.
Profile Image for Rachel.
212 reviews20 followers
August 1, 2022
Reading this is like planting a tree and wanting it to be 1000 years old in one day, but if you're patient you'll see how beautiful it is as it develops. An "English Fairy Tale". Very slow but better than expected. How the ending all came together (it was nice) but maybe something was missing, or I missed something. I'll be reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Laurel .
1,355 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2023
Clean fantasy that I think would be better to read to elementary school students or made into a Disney movie. Personally, I had to put it down frequently. There was so much detail that was completely senseless, until the last two chapters of the book. Then it all came together. The content is not childish. It takes a great deal of imagination to read from beginning to end.
19 reviews
May 18, 2023
What a fun read! I did have to write down names just so my addled brain could keep track of all the characters, but it was worth it!
Not realizing the title included "Wonder Tales #4", and never having read this author, there were no expectations.
Really, what's not to like when in the first chapter a tree starts to walk, and. you're in for one wild ride!
Profile Image for Marija P..
291 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2023
I wanted to drop this book so bad, but it was a part of a challenge so I had to finish it. Characters have amnesia (or sth like that), like no one is sure what is happening, who are they and what should they do. Plus all characters have two names, forgotten and a new one. The only fun part of the book was a beginning in which we saw a Tree taking a walk.
101 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2020
Wonderful !

Another great story by a fantastic author. I cannot recommend her books highly enough. This one is a fairytale full of magic. Interesting for an adult but wonderful to read to a child. Every book by this author has been well written and again I recommend.
Profile Image for Mairi Krausse.
379 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2022
Full of magic and imagination

This book seemingly wanders through many magical places, and is enthralling and mystical. Many adventures later, it all comes together at the end, and has a happily ever after feeling.
Profile Image for Roger Weetch.
124 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2023
A group of individuals living inside a gigantic tree with its own weather system find that it has decided to literally uproot and transport them all to a new land where amazing changes and new lives await them. A really original and very enjoyable fairy story.
6 reviews
May 19, 2023
The writer has a vivid imagination.. I was immideately charmed . as I read the first few pages, Lots of characters, great plot and all came together at the end. To get lost in a little bit of magic is so refreshing in the hectic pace of today's world.
5 reviews
May 28, 2023
Wonderful book!

I love Charlotte’s stories and this book is no exception. The colourful characters are slowly and expertly released through the story to weave a wonderful tale. I can highly recommend this book and all Charlotte’s other books.
84 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2023
Great installment in this series

I love that the books in this series are each their own separate story but they all have the fairy dream like theme running through them. Each story is a treasure!
161 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2024
A tale of fae

What a lovely story, all about the moon queen and summer king who went roving, and how their court got them back.

It's the first book I've read by Charlotte English, but it won't be the last. Her descriptive prose made the tree and all the characters come alive.
Profile Image for Katy.
667 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2024
Now realising that this is a book in a series and maybe that was why I was confused as hell the whole time. Why were the names so long and convoluted, why was it so boring and yet so confusing. But at least the vibes were there.
Profile Image for Toni .
97 reviews
July 10, 2022
Can't wait to read this to my grandchildren. Fun Fantasy in a Neil Gaiman style.
Profile Image for Debrac2014.
2,338 reviews20 followers
May 11, 2023
I enjoyed the beginning! A huge tree with people living within it! Then, the tree uproots itself and travels to a distant land! The rest of the tale didn't live up to my expectations!
2 reviews
May 21, 2023
What an imagination.

Innovative fantasy writing. Sometimes hard to keep up with but worth pursuing. If you long for something different, this is it.Total fantasy escapism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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