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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This reads like a fairy tale. It's a very short story about three siblings and two kingdoms. It has a bit of a Holly Black feeling to it.
It's a good novella, probably my favorite from Naomi Novik.
Thank you Netgalley and Del Rey for the ARC.
It's a good novella, probably my favorite from Naomi Novik.
Thank you Netgalley and Del Rey for the ARC.
I loved the tone of this book - it takes me away to a different land. I was really excited that this title was a novella. So many students have a hard time getting through a longer book and this would be a great way to get them interested in the author. Unfortunately, for me, I had a really hard time connecting with any of the characters. There was so much potential with the plot to create a tale that would have me rooting for anyone, but this didn't do it. The conflict that was there didn't leave me with any sense of turmoil or concern. For that reason, I had a hard time wanting to pick this book back up. I will recommend it to students, but with the caveat that they should check out her books.
For such a short novella, this one surely packs a punch. There is so much story here in just 75 pages but I could have kept reading. I am not always a fan of sibling led stories but this one is beautifully done. If you have read any of Naomi's other works and are a fan of those, you should most definitely like this one.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a fun fairytale! This felt very similar in vibes to The Cruel Prince while still being very different. I enjoy these types of fairytale stories a lot, so I think this just overall worked for me. I did think it was a little info-dumpy at the beginning, and I would’ve liked a little more thorough ending. All in all though, a fun time! Thanks for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was everything I wanted and more! Naomi Novik has done it again, painting a vivid landscape of lush fantasy rife with sorcery and fae promises. In a world reminiscent of a medieval fairy tale, a young woman unintentionally lays a curse on her beloved brother. Can she save him, her family, and the kingdom from ruin? Find Out!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars!
As always Naomi Novik is in a class of her own. The Summer war is a sweet fairytale about love that had me tearing up at times.
I really loved the relationship between Celia and both her brothers. I liked that the story allowed all the siblings to show their worth and their devotion to each other.
I also loved the description of the Summer lands and the Summerlings. The idea that the summerlings would just forget they were fighting a war for years on end and just not turn up was one of the most fae-like things I’ve ever read. I really hope there will be more novellas or even longer stories set in the summer lands.
I will read anything and everything Naomi Novik writes.
Thank you to NetGalley and DelRey for the opportunity to read this ARC.
As always Naomi Novik is in a class of her own. The Summer war is a sweet fairytale about love that had me tearing up at times.
I really loved the relationship between Celia and both her brothers. I liked that the story allowed all the siblings to show their worth and their devotion to each other.
I also loved the description of the Summer lands and the Summerlings. The idea that the summerlings would just forget they were fighting a war for years on end and just not turn up was one of the most fae-like things I’ve ever read. I really hope there will be more novellas or even longer stories set in the summer lands.
I will read anything and everything Naomi Novik writes.
Thank you to NetGalley and DelRey for the opportunity to read this ARC.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for this ARC!
“The Summer War” is a fairytale-like novella, set in a world ravaged by a war that has been ongoing for more than a century between the humans and the Summerlings, hailing from the neighbouring Summer Lands. It tells the story of Celia, who accidentally curses her oldest brother to a loveless life as her anger at him for leaving her manifests her magical powers. From there we follow her story as she attempts to find her brother again to break the curse, watching her grow up and learn of the true nature of the Summer War.
This was absolutely fantastic, and my only complaint is that it was too short. Now I have to clarify – it wasn’t too short in the sense of “this wasn’t a fully realised, well-executed idea” way or in the “this left you with too many unanswered questions” way, but simply in the “this was one of the best things I have ever read and I wish I could've stayed in this world for another 500 pages” way.
The pacing of this novella is superb, leaving you truly unable to look away for a second. The plot is well structured and thought out, though there were parts of the ending that I felt deserved more attention and to be fleshed out a little more.
The characters aren’t necessarily unique, but they are incredibly lovable, and even manage to surprise you with their actions, just when you thought you knew what to expect. Celia was especially fun because she reads exactly like the 12 year old she is at the beginning of the story, and you can feel her mature as we watch her grow up. The relationships between the characters were beautifully crafted, and I enjoyed watching these relationships change as the characters were changing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a sweet and whimsical but also heart-wrenching story reminiscent of fairytales, with an extremely memorable cast of characters.
Oh the brilliant mind of Naomi Novak! I would have loved every word of this modern fairy tale if it was a trilogy’s worth of words, but the fact that she packed so much into a novella makes it even more stunning. This was equal parts lighthearted and poignantly weighted, with twists and conclusions that I never saw coming. I was moved to tears multiple times in less than 150 pages of story, and was left so unbelievably satisfied with the HEA. The allegories and lessons here are especially poignant in the current state of the world/country, and I would never expect a fantasy novella to impart that level of truth so effectively. Loved this so much!
Thanks to Del Rey and Edelweiss for the ARC!
Thanks to Del Rey and Edelweiss for the ARC!