Summer of the Wanderer

Seasons of the Lukoi #3

by Iris Foxglove

Five years ago, a girl fell from a tree, and the fate of an entire country was altered…

As a young girl, Elena fell while climbing a tree with her best friend, Aleks. Thrown into the shore of the river of the dead, she found a boy named Evander Akti, who was there thanks to a terrible fall of his own…thousands of miles away in Arktos. Together, they turned their back on the river and went into the dark, holding each other tight as they escaped back to the land of the living.

But that was only possible because Aleks, left behind to watch Elena fall, made a deal with Death. In return for saving Elena’s life, Aleks is bound to be a ferryman, guiding spirits to the other shore. While Elena dreams of the boy she met on the river and Evander holds his heart in reserve for Elena, Aleks takes the hands of the dead and leads them to whatever awaits in the beyond. When Elena declares her intent to go to Arktos, Aleks jumps at the chance to join her, hoping to change his fate and leave the ghosts behind with the snow.

What Aleks finds in Arktos is not an escape from his duties as ferryman, but a country tipped out of balance, teeming with the restless dead. While Aleks struggles to right this imbalance without losing his humanity in the process, Elena learns that it’s one thing to leave home for a boy she’d met on the shores of the dead, and another to actually find him…especially when she learns that time doesn’t work quite the same way in the world beyond, and finds Evander much older and with children of his own. When Elena, Evander, and Aleks’s paths converge, sparks fly, and they learn that they each have a role to fill if they’re to set things right in Arktos.

SUMMER OF THE WANDERER is a poly romance featuring a stern dom with a country to rule, a brave dominant who refuses to settle for anything less than her heart’s desire, and a submissive ferryman who just wants his two dominants to wreck him in the best way possible.

(PLEASE BE ADVISED this title features explicit m/m/f, m/m and m/f sex scenes, polyamory, and natural power exchange.)

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Polyamory, M M F, Transgender, BDSM, LGBT

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2022

About the author

Iris Foxglove is the shared pen name of Avon Gale (she/her) and Fae Loxley (he/him). Avon and Fae met in fandom in 2019, and began writing fanfiction together in 2020 during lockdown. They eventually decided to collaborate on original fantasy fiction, and haven't looked back since.

They write queer fantasy with an emphasis on biological imperative, natural power exchange dynamics, complex worldbuilding and unforgettable characters.

You can follow Iris on twitter @irisfoxglove, or sign up for Iris' newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hrhA6z

Iris also has a brand-new Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/irisfoxglove

Iris' Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

You can also follow the authors individually on Twitter and Facebook:

Avon Gale
Twitter: https://twitter.com/avongalewrites
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2p8hz4fv

Fae Loxley
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fae_loxley
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/mrxt2fnn

Reviews

[Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story even more the second time around. The lore is rich and if you've read Storm Front you'll find even more depth here. It's absolutely breathtaking. I'm upping my rating to a full 5 stars.

-----------original review April 2022-----------------
I didn't want to put this one down. Even when I was done, I wanted more. And even though the Epilogue did something I normally don't like, I think it really worked here. It was kind of perfect.

[Merrikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this from the authors -- thank you! I've really been looking forward to this one for a while.

First of all, let me just say that I ADORE polyam romance and am poly myself, so it was nice to see a relationship like my own presented so positively. The poly rep in this is great, lots of important communication going on and I appreciated that a lot. I don't mind fantasy poly in the slightest, but it's nice to see the little touches of realism.

Second, I know some people will be annoyed this book is m/m/f after two that were m/m, but since these books are queer fantasy, I'm happy to see more rep and would love to see mixed-gender series become more popular. I promise there are readers out there who like it, I'm one of them! Despite getting this an ARC I will absolutely still buy a copy to be supportive.

This book was a fun take on the soulmate trope, and I am a sucker for anything that plays with the whole "ferryman for souls" mythos. Also loved the revelations about Lukos that we get in this book, it really ties some of the earlier worldbuilding together in a neat way. The book is nicely balanced between plot, action and romance, and I loved the characters to pieces (especially best boy Aleks).

I really liked the dom/sub aspect in this one -- Elena and Evander are both dominants, and Evander is a bit of a dominant masochist, which is always fun to read about. They were very hot together, and even hotter when Aleks was involved (honestly give me more of that Evander/Aleks daddy kink, please!) Speaking of Aleks, I'm cis so I can't speak with any authority to the trans rep here, but I did like there wasn't a hint of transphobia and Aleks being trans was just...who he was. Hopefully that will resonate with other readers as well.

The plot involves Aleks and Elena going to find her soulmate, who happens to be a lot older than she imagined as time doesn't work the same when they "met" in the world between life and death. While they're figuring it out, Aleks is dealing with a death cult and ghosts that can't get to the afterlife. When Elena almost died, he promised to be Death's ferryman in exchange for her return to life, so he's got a lot going on and is also realizing he loves her and is attracted to Evander. Like I said, the poly was great, and the soulmate aspect was interesting to read about, especially adding a third who wasn't a soulmate. And I cried at the end, but in a good way.

I'll be looking forward to a return to Lukos and to catch up with the other characters there, and to see how Micah/Sasha/Viv get together. And I hope to see more of some of the characters we met in Arktos, especially Evander's kids, Kataida and Theron..

Overall this is my favorite of the Lukos series and I will be reading it again immediately :)

[Iris Foxglove]

Out April 2022. This is a polyam romance (m/m/f) and we'll be leaving the shores of Lukos for the deserts of Arktos! Elena and Aleks go on an adventure to Arktos, spurred by a childhood incident in which Elena is convinced she's met her soulmate. But things aren't quite that simple, and Aleks and Elena are caught up in an ancient prophecy, death magic, soulmates, polyamory and, hey, even a little bit of daddy kink thrown in there for good measure!

[Lydia Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first polyam book I’ve read from these authors and I was so excited to check it out! I was hooked from the first page with the reveal that Aleks is trans and the representation was excellent. Transition in universe is handled beautifully for a medieval world and he does not need to deal with transphobia.

There is a significant age gap between the characters but their life experience and fates made the partnership seem more equal and any instalove is also explained by their destiny in a way I found very satisfying. The biologically imperative kink element that is part of this world continues to be handled masterfully and submissive and dominant characters are always allowed to be more than their designation.

I loved the new side characters we met, how their stories intertwined with the plot, and how the universe of these stories continues to expand. I didn’t want the story to end in the best way, and then, it kind of didn’t have to, but you’ll have to read to find out what I mean.

Only other note is there is a bit of Daddy kink, which is not my favorite but I can appreciate it when it’s not the focus of the story.

[thosemeddlingkids · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning for romance readers: this doesn't have a traditional HEA.

I'm sobbing over here. This was a really interesting follow up to the previous two books set on the island, and I enjoyed seeing more of the world and culture building in this story.

I also loved the mmf relationships! We had two dominants and a submissive, some casual Daddy/boy thrown in, and lots of love. I also looooved that Aleks was casually trans and there wasn't transphobia or anyone being surprised by that aspect.

HOWEVER, the ending surprised me and not in a way I really enjoy. It's not a traditional ending, I'm still sobbing, and would have appreciated a warning beforehand.

Also, the narrator had a Borat voice every time "my wife" was said. More funny distracting, but definitely took me out of the story at times.

This would have been a 4 to 5 star read without the ending. I'm still processing and a little bitter 🥲

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Iris Foxglove hits it out of the park with this one! I think it's best to have at least read Spring of the Wolf before this one, but you could probably get away with reading this one alone. Aleks and Elena leave Lukos for the distant lands of Arktos where Aleks learns more about his journey and Elena finds her fate. While Elena and Evander are great and I do love Evander's "siege", to me Aleks really stands out in this one. He's sense of always feeling a bit disconnected from the world was well done and his need to see his friend's happiness over his own is very poignant at times. It takes a while for the three to find their groove but sparks are flying between everyone at one point or another.

The side characters are also truly amazing and I think everyone will fall in love with the three Mislian children. In the end, even Kataida and Theron grew on me. I absolutely love this world and can't wait for last story in this series to come out. I just hope that we come back to this world for more. One of the best things about all the books is that each dynamic between the partners is unique. Each Dom and sub have different needs and while some themes overlap, no two are the same.

[Teeny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok! I’m sorry! I said I'd try and I did. I thought that maybe a MMF book from an author duo that I love would work but it didn’t and I’m sorry.

I can’t say I really liked Elena from the first 2 books in the series and that already was putting a strain to my experience but I tried to be open minded about it. But reaching the 74% of the story (after doing a lot of skipping of Evander and Elena getting it on) I’m out and I’ll be skipping future books with Female MCs.

*minor spoilers ahead*
The reason that I’m done at 74% is because that although Aleks love for Elena was evident throughout this book and the 2 previous ones, Elena had a change of heart about Aleks after meeting Evander based on nothing, but even if let’s just say that the restlessness in her calmed down after getting to Evander so that she could start seeing her friend as more than that, suddenly being all in love with him is just ABSURD!!! Really it was out of nowhere and so unbelievable, never mind how I’m guessing that before the story ends Evander will be as well when they have hardly spend any time till that point together! Urgghh…

Also I don’t get why it is so wrong for people in Arktos to leave Arktos, so much so that they are “traitors” and can never return. Why is it considered defecting? I don't know maybe I missed it when I was skimming.

And I won’t even start on the whole of how Elena is like the reincarnation of the “Empress” and the implications of that!!
*queue: *

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that I say this in each review, but this series keeps getting better with every installment. In this book, we leave Lukos and venture to yet another new country in this expansive world. The story opens as two secondary characters from earlier in the series are about to embark on an adventure of their own, as two of the first Lukoi to leave their island in generations. Foxglove seamlessly weaves the reasons for their departure, and the necessary accompanying backstory, into the earlier scenes. So, by the time the real meat of the book begins, we are already thoroughly invested in the characters of Elena and Aleks, their history, and their journey.

This method of storytelling also helps Foxglove introduce these two heroes effectively, especially in how Aleks is presented as a transgender man. The language and description used are firmly rooted in the world created. His identity comes off as an ordinary facet of Aleks’ life (as it should be, really) compared to his experience as someone who sees the dead and helps them move on to the next life.

The dead are both a significant plot element and thematic issue in this book, which could have made for heavy reading. Aleks’ joyful and irreverent personality acts as the perfect foil to these elements, as well as to Elena and Evander, the other two members of the amazing relationship arc that develops throughout this story. Evander and his position in life are not what Elena expected when she set out to find the boy she encountered as a child, but where the authors could have taken the easier route of fate-mandated insta-love, we’re instead treated to the delicious push and pull of the only way two extremely dominant personalities might consider flirting. (Swords are involved. I have no complaints.)

In much the same way Foxglove continues to expand this world with every book, they also show that they are far from locked into this world’s domination/submission fantasy element. Not only is there no reason that two dominant characters cannot have a (mostly) effective relationship, the way Elena and Evander come together is as explosive as it is sexy. However, it is still not without its problems, and Aleks becomes much more than a way for them to appease their natures. He is truly the glue that holds them together along with the eventual lynchpin to solving the main external threat to the country of Arktos and their very lives. One of the highest praises I can sing about this book (and this series as a whole) is how the relationship developed by the characters stands on equal footing to the external conflicts they face. One is not there merely to balance the other but also as an integral part of what makes these books compelling.

As usual, this story is also populated by secondary characters who truly bring this world alive. As much as I look forward to returning to Lukos in the next book, I’m pleased that I’m two for two in predicting future heroes when I flail at Foxglove on Twitter. So much of this world and its possibilities remain to be explored, and I know I’ll definitely be along for the ride.

Disclaimer: I received an electronic review copy of this novel from the authors.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy my friend Merrikat introduced me to these books last year, because I would have thought they were omegaverse and probably gave them a miss since I don't typically enjoy those. And how nice it is to see this author duo grow, in terms of craft and storytelling. The way the worldbuilding ties both series together is wonderful, and as someone who enjoys reading series with a variety of pairings beyond m/m, it's nice to see queer fantasy offer that to readers. As a queer reader I am always happy to see it, and I wanted to point that out and encourage other readers who like it to be just as vocal.

As for the plot, I'll try a spoiler free review and say that I loved the slow, gradual build up of the poly relationship and how the concept of fate was worked into the romance. Aleks and Elena being best friends and unable to really reveal their feelings (or even understand them for what they were) made sense to me, in context of the whole Azaiah (Death) and fate guiding them together, since of course Aleks couldn't come to Arktos unless he followed Elena, who had to come to find Evander or the whole plan wouldn't work. The epilogue really made me cry, it was so emotional and what a beautiful look at the future of their triad.

I loved Aleks, his indomitable spirit and humor, and his kindness toward the spirits he escorted to the world beyond made me sniffle more than once. A few times, when he could have chosen to be cruel and even had good reason (I don't want to spoil) to be angry at the spirits, he never went that way. I really enjoyed how the authors wrote him being transgendered, and how his struggle wasn't with his gender but with his role as ferryman and his growing feelings for his best friend/attraction to her soulmate. He was a wonderful character. Evander and Elena were wonderfully hot together, and it was interesting to see a dom/dom pairing in this universe. Of course it was even better with Aleks ;)

Very much looking forward to the next book, and going back to Lukos for some more m/m/f!

[Ez · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can always expect rich world-building from this writing team, and this book is no exception. I really enjoyed all these characters, even the secondaries, but especially Elena and Aleks!

Also, I have to say I'm just really glad to see more mixed series. The authors have said they write queer romance, not just M/M, so seeing a M/M/F polyam relationship in the same universe as their other work made me really happy. It looks like the next one will be similar in that regard, so I'm already hype for that one too!

[gimmethosebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aleks is everything.

This made me ugly cry in all the best ways.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things to like about this series, and they’re all on display in this book: intricate, layered world building; strong, compelling characters; and captivating narrative arcs that are easy to get caught up in. Arktos is such an interesting (in all the best ways) expansion of the series’ landscape: watching the larger world grow and expand in each book is always rewarding, and gets more and more nuanced every time. One of the major features of the world building in this book, as in the series overall, is what the blurb describes as “natural power exchange” (biologically imperative kink). There are so many ways this could have been reductive or weird, and it’s a tribute to the skill and care with which the authors approach this premise that it instead forms a compelling dynamic that enhances, without entirely defining, the relationships between the characters. Elena, Aleks, and Evander are each, in their own ways, richly-developed personalities, and watching them navigate each other, and Arktos, makes for a great read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Batwoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got Aleks and Elena’s story. It was so much more than I expected and I absolutely loved it. Evander was a very welcomed surprise. Aleks is definitely one of my favorite characters from Iris Foxglove. I loved reading their story and wished it didn’t end. Can’t wait for the next book. Very very highly recommend! Especially MM fantasy lovers.

[Rinnie Lazarowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

representation.

I’ve never before read a book that my orientation was represented in, let alone represented so beautifully. These authors never fail to empower, enhance, and inspire in each of their stories and they are just as talented in knitting every story together.

[Bizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elena and Aleks travel to Arktos to fulfill their destiny. This book had a promising setup but ultimately there was just too much going on and not enough page space for any of it. All three MCs had significant character arcs that often had to develop separately, plus there was a whole new country’s politics and customs to learn about, plus a subplot about the history of Lukos, plus new theological concepts to discover. I never felt like I got to know any of the characters particularly well, especially newcomer Evander, and the chemistry between Evander and the other two MCs never worked for me. The politics and theology were by far my favorite part of the book, and the authors have come up with some really interesting concepts that I wish had been given more time to breathe.

I also continue to dislike the biokink, which has never been used effectively in this series and which adds very little to the readers’ understanding of any of the characters or their relationships. It’s used as too much of a crutch to show how characters should fit together or what they should like or dislike, but it’s a poor substitute for developing each individual’s desires in a way that fits their history and personality.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Summer of the Wanderer” by Iris Foxglove centers around Elena, daughter of Dragan Wolf-Breaker, as she leaves to pursue her destiny, accompanied by her longtime companion and friend, Aleks. Both of them have been touched by Death, and their respective lives are heavily influenced by that meeting. Evander Akti, strategos of Arktos, has done his duty all of his life, but has never imagined the arrival of an unusual duo will disrupt his life and change his country forever.

This polyamory paranormal romance is the third book in the fascinating ‘Seasons of the Lukoi’ series. It picks up where “Spring of the Wolf” leaves off, and while it probably is possible to read this as a stand-alone story, it will be savored much better if both prior stories in the series have been enjoyed. I am impressed by the imaginative tapestry that combines standard mythological elements with the complex and intriguing societies that include a Dominant/submissive system, and acceptance of a wide range of romantic relationships.

It is fascinating to get a closer look at the feisty Elena, although I missed her beloved wolf friends, and seeing the interactions between the two dominants was very entertaining. The spine-chilling but emotional interactions with some of the spirits that Aleks had to deal with provided a nice counterpoint to the complexity of his interactions with not only Elena, but Evander and his children. One is quickly ensnared in the spell of this intriguing and complex world, and I can’t wait to find out what new layers are added.


A copy of this title was provided for review

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Summer of the Wanderer is the third book in Iris Foxglove’s excellent Seasons of the Lukoi series. The first two books take place on the island of Lukos and we learn about this community of former exiles who have grown to thrive in the harsh, frozen landscape of their new homeland. Both Elena and Aleks have been regular side characters in the series, but since this book moves the setting to Arktos, I think it would work as a standalone. That said, the larger series lore all plays together, so I think this one still works the best as a complement to the rest of the series.

We have seen the friendship and close bond Aleks and Elena have in previous books, as well as the hints that Aleks has feelings for Elena, so it was fun to see them find their way together here. They have such a fun, playful way about their interaction that I really love.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[ale ◡̈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ me bebí este libro a pesar de que estaba en inglés🤙🏻 el final fue emotivo y agradable, me hice una idea de que siguieron juntos incluso en la muerte gracias a aleks. no entendí algunos puntos seguramente porque no leí la saga en orden, pero fue una buena trama, interesante como trataron los roles de s/d y no me esperaba el daddy kink pero fue bueno ;) lo que si esperaba era un poco más de explicación con lo que le pasó a la hija de evander y quería saber sobre los hijos que tuvieron los tres, simplemente lo mencionaron pero no explicaron más🤡


el punto que más tomo en cuenta es que hay pocos libros que, en mi opinión, representen bien una relación poliamorosa pero la autora lo hizo muy bien acá, aparte que me encantó la representación de aleks siendo transexual. amo que fue tratado respetuosamente y eso es algo que me atrapó desde el inicio. me encariñé con este personaje, la manera en la que demostró su amor por elena y luego por evander fue demasiado lindo, conmovedor, etc 🤧

en fin, un buen libro 🫶🏻

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Amazing. Just character wise, Elena, Aleks, and Evander were everything. I just loved all three of them together and as individuals. Aleks in particular was such an interesting, and lovable character. I need more ferryman for the dead in the future books I read!

Story wise, the lore in this world is absolutely phenomenal (as always), and just leaves me wanting more! I have so many questions and can see how there could be a million other books that take place in this universe. I need a book about Death, about War, and about Evader’s children ASAP… I also can’t wait to revisit Lukos and get another poly romance in the next book!

Overall really enjoyable, and I hope the authors continue exploring this world after finishing this series!

[Kareena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one featured a new setting and a polyamorous romance. I really liked Evander. He's such a cinnamon roll under his powerful exterior. Aleks is a golden retriever boyfriend, down to the clumsiness and inability to hide any emotion. I did struggle with Elena. It felt a bit like she took advantage of her friendship with Aleks. I struggled with her at points. I am sad that there won't be any more stories after book four in this series because I would love to see what happens with Evander's children. The epilogue melted my heart though. It was so perfectly delightful.
Overall, a great addition to the series.

-Oh crap, looks like I need to read Iris's Immortals series.

[Kari Shanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I say this every time but I LOVED this book. Iris Foxglove has again woven another amazing tale about characters I've been interested in from the beginning of the series. I appreciate that this book was a poly-am book with a trans character. I've always enjoyed stories with diversity and this one delivered. Elena, Aleks, and Evander work well with each other and I'm happy they found one another. I cannot wait for the next book!!!! June hurry up!!

[Carol (bookish_notes)]

will try to finish this book in audio whenever that comes out. stopping at roughly 26% even though I did glance ahead. this book was going very well until Elena and Evander actually meet? feels like their attraction is too instant and they fall together too fast while Aleks is just on the sideline doing something else. makes me sad. I think I’m just not vibing with this series as much as the Starian Cycle books even though I do like the characters a lot. the story is just…eh?

[anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think this book had too many magical features. sometimes it felt like a fever dream. i didn’t get how they resolved the cult issue and restored the balance.

i didn’t like elena. she was a bratty princess. i wished alex had his own book with other love interest(s). it didn’t feel like alex’s invitation to the triad was sincere but convenient.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death, mystery, heritage, history, sex + love + longing + belonging? Utter catnip. Then trans rep and BDSM and a threesome? Heaven.

I haven't been disappointed by a single one in these series but some I like better than others, and then some I really love, and this is one of those.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Why has it taken me so long to read more in this series? Of yeah, because I'm not as into the f part of the mmf here. But Elena is so wonderfully dominant. Yeah, I gotta read more, no matter the parts.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[A ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one is my favorite so far. But I didn't like the epilogue, to be honest, quite sad (but also happy though), I wish the epilogue would've been them going back to Lukoi to visit.

[Skywalker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It might be my mood (again), but I cannot bring myself to finish this book after ca. 65%. The story just doesn’t work for me. 🤷‍♀️

[Eleftheria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this one after Storm Front, which I think makes way more sense, and I just can't get over the fact that when Aleks and Elena was mouthing off about Azaiah setting them up, in reality Azaiah is angsting over Nyx and too busy to think about someone else's relationship

[Kori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm kind of torn about this book. I loved Aleks and his story. It was extremely interesting. But I needed *more*. The story kept switching between the three main characters and honestly, I liked Elena and Evander well enough, but the blurb focused so much on Aleks, that I thought the book would mostly be about *him*. It actually seemed more about Elena, which wasn't *bad*. But once she and Evander reunited, it was pretty much instant-love and I was more or less done with their side of the story. I wanted more ghosts and seeing Aleks navigate his role as ferryman.

I'll admit I skimmed the MF-only sex scenes. The MMF scenes were fine (okay, I honestly just like anything with Aleks in the scene). The MM scene started out great, until surprise! Daddy kink! Daddy kink is 100% Not My Thing. It is one of my hard passes in books. I have nothing against anyone who likes it, it just makes me extremely uncomfortable. Thankfully it didn't extend outside the sex scenes.

In the end, it was an enjoyable enough book, but I probably won't re-read it like I have the previous two books.