The Summer Queen

by Rochelle Hassan Narrated by Daniel Henning, Nikki Massoud, Dan Bittner

Overview

This captivating sequel to The Buried and the Bound draws listeners into the twisted and irresistible world of the Fair Folk-perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and The Hazel Wood.

As a new coven, Aziza, Leo, and Tristan faced evil and triumphed. All that's left is to put their lives back together, a process complicated by the fallout from painful secrets, the emotional and physical scars they now carry, and the mysteries that still haunt them.

But with the approach of the solstice comes the arrival of strange new visitors to Blackthorn: the Summer Court, a nomadic community of Fair Folk from deep in Elphame. They've journeyed to the border between the human world and fairyland, far from their usual caravan route, to take back something that belongs to them-something Leo's not willing to lose.

'Refusing to give up without a fight, he makes a risky deal with the Summer Court's princess and regent. The challenge she proposes sends Coven Blackthorn into the farthest, wildest reaches of Elphame.

But when you play games with the Fair Folk, even winning has a cost.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"[I]ntricate worldbuilding, deftly crafted multidimensional characters, and a slow-burn romance. The breathlessly tantalizing cliffhanger ending is sure to keep readers clamoring for the next installment.

A dark, atmospheric, and complex fantasy that leans into all the feels." —Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Buried and the Bound:

"With gorgeous prose and rich worldbuilding, this gripping dark fantasy slowly unfolds its tale of broken hearts, family secrets, and self-empowerment . . . . This is one for fans of Holly Black, Anna-Marie McLemore, and romantic fantasy that has a bittersweet bite. A wonderful start to a new trilogy." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"The teens’ journey to trusting each other is by turns heart-wrenching and hilarious, and the episodic nature of their quests will appeal to fans of supernatural shows like Sabrina or Wednesday. Although the main storyline is resolved, many questions remain unanswered, leaving readers desperate for the next installment." —School Library Journal (starred review)

"Overflowing with whimsy, danger, and a touch of humor, this alluring tale maintains a satisfying air of menace and unpredictability." —Publishers Weekly

"A thrilling dark fantasy. . . Hassan expertly weaves these three titillating storylines, featuring chilling and thrilling faerie monsters and creatures, into a multilayered magical adventure about companionship, sacrifice, and survival." —Booklist

"As she brings a Lebanese immigrant family into the heart of a witches-in-New England tale, Hassan deftly highlights magic’s global presence. Although Aziza’s magical specialty is maintaining borders, her sprawling world of magic illustrates the rewards that await readers when fantasy reaches beyond white, Eurocentric inspirations and characters. Imaginative and urgently paced, The Buried and the Bound will be enjoyed by fans of Holly Black, S. Jae-Jones and Alix E. Harrow." —Bookpage

Kirkus Reviews

2023-10-21
A coven of three teens ventures into the fairy realm to save a loved one.

In this follow-up to The Buried and the Bound (2023), hedgewitch Aziza, necromancer Tristan, and curse victim Leo have formed their own coven after defeating a hag in their small Massachusetts town. When Hazel, Leo’s changeling sister, is called to Elphame to join the Fair Folk’s Summer Court, the trio strikes a fraught bargain with the Folk to join the Wild Hunt in a bid to win her freedom. As the humans navigate their way among the tricky fae, they soon become entrenched in a deeper conspiracy. While trying to save Hazel, the group members wrestle with their own turmoil: Leo has the curse that’s made him forget his true love, Aziza struggles to reconcile her past and her powers, and Tristan grapples with new summoning abilities and the ache of unrequited feelings. The book shifts in point of view among all three protagonists, creating a fantasy with intricate worldbuilding, deftly crafted multidimensional characters, and a slow-burn romance. Although this is the sophomore volume, it’s a fine jumping-in point for those new to the series, thanks to generous recaps. The breathlessly tantalizing cliffhanger ending is sure to keep readers clamoring for the next installment. Tristan and Leo are white and queer; the previous volume established that Aziza is Lebanese American.

A dark, atmospheric, and complex fantasy that leans into all the feels. (Fantasy. 14-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159209474
Publisher:	Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publication date:	01/23/2024
Series:	The Buried and the Bound Trilogy , #2
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos