The Summer War by Naomi Novik

Rating: 4 star rating

Fantasy Folk Tale with Big Heart.

I just read The Summer War by Naomi Novik, and it is the kind of fantasy read I have been looking for. It is a short standalone novella at about 144 pages.

The starts off with a girl named Celia who accidentally releases her hidden magic while being completely heartbroken and grieving over her favorite older brother, Argent, who is leaving home for good. Out of sorrow and anger, she puts a curse on her brother, that traps her brother into a lonely life of empty fame where he can never find real love. Fast forward a few years, and her ruthless father tries to use her as a piece in a political game, forcing her into an arranged marriage with their Kings son, the prince. Which becomes connected to the summerland wars against the immortal fae folk known as the summerlings. 

To fix her curse, save Argent, and protect herself, Celia has to join forces with her ignored middle brother, Roric, while navigating danger from a mysterious Summerling Prince.

There is so much character development packed into such a short book. Celia starts out pretty self-absorbed, but she transforms into a sharp-witted sorceress/witch who knows how to outplay the corrupt royals.

Argent shifts from a proud, untouchable knight into someone way more vulnerable, and Roric finally gets his moment to shine when his musical talents become the key to saving everyone. I loved watching these siblings actually grow closer and learn to respect one another instead of the story just focusing on a predictable romance.

Just a quick LGBT content warning for anyone who likes a heads-up, there is a gay romance subplot here. It features some kissing scenes between male characters, but the sexual content stays clean/closed door.

The best part is that the book gives you complete closure. There are absolutely no annoying cliffhangers or sequel setups; the curse gets broken, the war wraps up, and everyone walks away with a genuinely earned happy ending.  

Thank you, NetGalley, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, author Naomi Novik, for this free ebook review consideration. All review opinions are my own.

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