The Chronicles of Faerie: The Summer King - Hardcover

O.R. Melling is the author of many, internationally acclaimed novels for young adults, including The Chronicles of Faerie series. She lives in Ireland and visits the U.S. and Canada often.

Grade 8 Up–A story that is lyrical and mesmerizing in subject and scope. In the year since her twin sister's death, practical and pragmatic Laurel has had dreams filled with fairies, giant birds, and questions about a king. While back in Ireland at her grandparents' home for Honor's memorial service, Laurel encounters a messenger from the Fairie realm who tells her that to save Honor, she must find the Summer King to light the Midsummer Fire. Hoping to bring her sister back, Laurel forces herself to share Honor's belief in Fairie and enlists the help of Ian, the village bad boy. Their relationship is complicated by the fact that she was on a date with him the day Honor died by falling off a cliff wall into the ocean. While trying to complete their task in the allotted time, they encounter a cluricaun who may or may not be telling them all he knows, ravens trying to stop them from freeing the Summer King, and unexpected things about Ian's true nature. Melling has taken Irish folklore and made it not only accessible, but also alive to readers unfamiliar with the stories. Through Laurel, an athlete who never had time for the fantasies that Honor loved so much, the tales are introduced seamlessly. Laurel's anger and indecision about being with Ian and his volatile anger bring these characters to life. An essential purchase for fantasy collections in which Tamora Pierce is popular.–Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA
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