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bibliobrittish's review
5.0
There is a certain magic to a prequel, especially one that dives into the kind of conflict that tears worlds (and families) apart. Winterspell was gorgeous and shimmering in its portrayal of the different kinds of power, but it's entirely possible I loved Summerfall just a little bit more for its characters' devotion to softness and compromise through mutual understanding. This novella broke my heart and I enjoyed every minute. Summerfall is the most beautiful backstory to the wintry world of Cane. Personally, I'd suggest reading it second so as not to spoil the original novel, but either way, it's worth the read. Bring tissues.
sophilozophy's review
4.0
Rinka is a faery, but unlike her kind, humans intrigue her. She's been learning everything she can about them since she was a child. It seems like there is war on the horizon between the faeries and humans. Rinka wants to do whatever she can to prevent that.
When Rinka isn't selected — like she expected she would be because of her vast knowledge about humans — to be part of the delegation invited to King Alban's court to help keep the peace between the two kingdoms, she goes against her father's wishes.
When she arrives at the the capital, Rinka and the delegates are met with fear and wariness. She had hoped the humans would be as delighted to learn more about her, as she is to learn about them, but that isn't the case at all. Then she meets a human that is immediately awed by her. This is what Rinka has been wanting — a human as intrigued by her as she as always been by them. A human who she finds out is the king himself, Alban.
I liked Rinka from the beginning. Her father has kept her close since she's his only child, which is why their is an innocent to Rinka. She genuinely wants the best for not just her kind, but everybody and willingly goes into a dangerous situation to achieve that goal.
Alban is a young king who — like Rinka — wants to do everything possible to prevent a war between their kinds. He never excepted to fall for Rinka – something which could ignite the war they're trying to prevent if discovered.
[b:Summerfall|21393345|Summerfall (Winterspell, #0.5)|Claire Legrand|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404321519s/21393345.jpg|40689836] is an amazing prequel. It's the story of forbidden love and political intrigue with a magical twist that adds a riveting insight into the world of [b:Winterspell|18475593|Winterspell|Claire Legrand|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1393855405s/18475593.jpg|19058165] while setting the stage perfectly for the events to follow.
When Rinka isn't selected — like she expected she would be because of her vast knowledge about humans — to be part of the delegation invited to King Alban's court to help keep the peace between the two kingdoms, she goes against her father's wishes.
When she arrives at the the capital, Rinka and the delegates are met with fear and wariness. She had hoped the humans would be as delighted to learn more about her, as she is to learn about them, but that isn't the case at all. Then she meets a human that is immediately awed by her. This is what Rinka has been wanting — a human as intrigued by her as she as always been by them. A human who she finds out is the king himself, Alban.
I liked Rinka from the beginning. Her father has kept her close since she's his only child, which is why their is an innocent to Rinka. She genuinely wants the best for not just her kind, but everybody and willingly goes into a dangerous situation to achieve that goal.
Alban is a young king who — like Rinka — wants to do everything possible to prevent a war between their kinds. He never excepted to fall for Rinka – something which could ignite the war they're trying to prevent if discovered.
[b:Summerfall|21393345|Summerfall (Winterspell, #0.5)|Claire Legrand|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404321519s/21393345.jpg|40689836] is an amazing prequel. It's the story of forbidden love and political intrigue with a magical twist that adds a riveting insight into the world of [b:Winterspell|18475593|Winterspell|Claire Legrand|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1393855405s/18475593.jpg|19058165] while setting the stage perfectly for the events to follow.
pagesplotsandpints's review
3.0
Had a hard time getting into this... I think I may try again after I read Winterspell and have more of a connection to the story line.
momwithareadingproblem's review
5.0
Summerfall by [a:Claire Legrand|1074989|Claire Legrand|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1372861336p2/1074989.jpg] is the prequel novella to this fall's highly anticipated Winterspell and tells the story of King Alban and Countess Rinka. Rinka, fascinated with humans, disobeys her father and follows a group of Elves to Erastadt, the high king's palace. Rinka hopes that while there she will learn more about the humans and build a bridge between their races. Alban Somerhart is the reluctant king, taking over after his father died. Alban, like Rinka, is fascinated with the Elves and hopes to bring his people together. When a forbidden love blossoms between them, their actions could save the kingdom or rip it apart.
The Lovers
Rinka has a beautiful spirit inside and out. Just over a hundred years old (young for an elf), she is fascinated with the human race and everything about them. In fact, I'd say she's a bit obsessive. But her obsession stems from love for her race and the need to protect both from war.
Alban is very much a reluctant king in a loveless marriage. Forced into kingship at the age of 16 and then into an arranged marriage, he is bitter and often escapes the palace when he can. In fact, he first meets Rinka while he is out on a botched hunting trip. Not knowing who he is works to his advantage as he learns about her. Though he also has a fascination for the elves, his true obsession lies with Rinka.
Star-Crossed Romance
The plot of this story really revolves around Alban and Rinka, their growing relationship, and eventually affair, but also some world-building on the author's part. The world of Cane is a magical place that exists by itself, apart from the Beyond or our world. I was intrigued by this world and found it enchanting. It was full of Elves, Mages, and humans, coexisting yet not happily. Hence Alban's request for seven elves to be sent to his kingdom.
Then there is the forbidden romance between Alban and Rinka. It is forbidden because the mixing of blood is taboo in their world. Elves and mages, mages and humans, or elves and humans are not supposed to mix. If they do, there are consequences. These consequences are thought to be myth, and Alban and Rinka believe that their love has the potential to heal the kingdom. However, it has the opposite effect.
My Conclusions
This short story is a gripping tale all on its own though it does set the stage for Winterspell nicely. It has an enchanting element that left me intrigued and wanting more. And yes I'll admit that I shed a few tears...I'm a softie like that ;) If you enjoy fairy tales, fantasy, and young adult literature (though in my opinion, this series is not young adult....well maybe mature young adult, 16+), then I suggest you check it out. It's a quick read and will definitely leave you craving more.
The Lovers
Rinka has a beautiful spirit inside and out. Just over a hundred years old (young for an elf), she is fascinated with the human race and everything about them. In fact, I'd say she's a bit obsessive. But her obsession stems from love for her race and the need to protect both from war.
Alban is very much a reluctant king in a loveless marriage. Forced into kingship at the age of 16 and then into an arranged marriage, he is bitter and often escapes the palace when he can. In fact, he first meets Rinka while he is out on a botched hunting trip. Not knowing who he is works to his advantage as he learns about her. Though he also has a fascination for the elves, his true obsession lies with Rinka.
Star-Crossed Romance
The plot of this story really revolves around Alban and Rinka, their growing relationship, and eventually affair, but also some world-building on the author's part. The world of Cane is a magical place that exists by itself, apart from the Beyond or our world. I was intrigued by this world and found it enchanting. It was full of Elves, Mages, and humans, coexisting yet not happily. Hence Alban's request for seven elves to be sent to his kingdom.
Then there is the forbidden romance between Alban and Rinka. It is forbidden because the mixing of blood is taboo in their world. Elves and mages, mages and humans, or elves and humans are not supposed to mix. If they do, there are consequences. These consequences are thought to be myth, and Alban and Rinka believe that their love has the potential to heal the kingdom. However, it has the opposite effect.
My Conclusions
This short story is a gripping tale all on its own though it does set the stage for Winterspell nicely. It has an enchanting element that left me intrigued and wanting more. And yes I'll admit that I shed a few tears...I'm a softie like that ;) If you enjoy fairy tales, fantasy, and young adult literature (though in my opinion, this series is not young adult....well maybe mature young adult, 16+), then I suggest you check it out. It's a quick read and will definitely leave you craving more.
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
Loved reading this story, being introduced to this world, and I can't wait to read the full length book!
bgg57's review
5.0
This elegantly told, darkly beautiful tale whet my appetite for the soon-to-be-published Winterspell, while remaining a satisfying story on its own. This is a much more adult story than the author's previous works, and in addition to providing plenty of action and suspense, it explores the main character's inner life with great psychological depth.
the_cover_contessa's review
4.0
I've been looking for a fantasy to fill my void since reading the most recent Throne of Glass book, and I think I've found it!
Many times I wait until after I've read the first book in a series to read the prequel. But this prequel is really quite a story unto itself. And it gives some great background for the first book. This novella shapes the world of Winterspell, the world of Cane. It sets in motion the events that shape the world Legrand builds for us when we're introduced to Clara.
I can say I really loved Rinka. I love that she's a bit naive, yet also mature at the same time. She has been sheltered but yearns to go out into the world and experience things. Yet, when she gets there, her ideals are shattered and she must begin to reconcile the world she has only learned about through books with what she sees in person.
Alban, swoons. This guy is really not what he seems. I have to say that I was surprised by his maturity, with the fact that he's only seventeen. He seemed more of a man than a child. And considering he hasn't really taken part in his kingly duties, I don't understand his maturity. This was one of the things I had an issue with when reading this novella.
My other issue with this book was the insta-love. It was a love at first site kind of attraction and it kind of bothered me. I think mostly because the human and fairy worlds have been at such odds and I found it amazing that a human would accept a fairy so quickly and completely without knowing anything. We get no inkling that Alban has ever studied about fairies as Rinka has about humans.
Overall, the writing was really great. I loved how quickly this novella read. I wanted to keep turning the pages to find out what happened. And the theme was touching and heart breaking with more tragedy than I could have thought possible for such a short read.
With this background in place, I hope I will understand Winterspell just a little better. I can't wait to see where the story goes.
Many times I wait until after I've read the first book in a series to read the prequel. But this prequel is really quite a story unto itself. And it gives some great background for the first book. This novella shapes the world of Winterspell, the world of Cane. It sets in motion the events that shape the world Legrand builds for us when we're introduced to Clara.
I can say I really loved Rinka. I love that she's a bit naive, yet also mature at the same time. She has been sheltered but yearns to go out into the world and experience things. Yet, when she gets there, her ideals are shattered and she must begin to reconcile the world she has only learned about through books with what she sees in person.
Alban, swoons. This guy is really not what he seems. I have to say that I was surprised by his maturity, with the fact that he's only seventeen. He seemed more of a man than a child. And considering he hasn't really taken part in his kingly duties, I don't understand his maturity. This was one of the things I had an issue with when reading this novella.
My other issue with this book was the insta-love. It was a love at first site kind of attraction and it kind of bothered me. I think mostly because the human and fairy worlds have been at such odds and I found it amazing that a human would accept a fairy so quickly and completely without knowing anything. We get no inkling that Alban has ever studied about fairies as Rinka has about humans.
Overall, the writing was really great. I loved how quickly this novella read. I wanted to keep turning the pages to find out what happened. And the theme was touching and heart breaking with more tragedy than I could have thought possible for such a short read.
With this background in place, I hope I will understand Winterspell just a little better. I can't wait to see where the story goes.
guardianofthebookshelf's review
4.0
Loved everything but the romance. This novella has made me want Winterspell even more!