Novella Review: Summer's Crossing

Summer's Crossing (Iron Fey #3.5)

By: Julie Kagawa

Published By: Harlequin Teen

Publication Date: June 2011

eBook

Buy it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Source: Purchased by Reviewer

Audience: Young Adult - Fantasy

I cleared my calendar so that I could devour Summer's Crossing the moment it was released!!  This little e-novella was a fun little read that, as we were warned, would be told from Puck's perspective, and would involve a great deal of shenanigans brought to you by who else but Puck!   

The following will be just a little spoilery...

At the end of The Iron Queen, Ash vowed that he would find a way to be with Meghan again... and Puck decided to go along for the ride.  Their first order of business was to find "a certain cat" (Grimalkin).  But before the guys embark on their journey, Leanansidhe has a little detour planned for them first.  Ash had previously bargained a favour with the exiled queen, and she has decided to cash it in now.  The favour involves going into the Summer Court, which the winter prince cannot do without Puck's help, to retrieve something that Titania stole from Leanansidhe.

Woven into this witty little side-story is the fact that Puck has not totally checked his feelings for Meghan at the door.  Deep down -- even though he knows Ash makes her happiest -- what he wouldn't give to be in Ash's place, or better yet, maybe have Ash totally out of the picture.  Being tempted to do just that is the heart of the story.  Can their contentious friendship survive this?  Will Puck do the right thing?  

Summer's Crossing served to pacify me just a bit for the bigger event, The Iron Knight, which came out last October.  It was fun getting into Puck's head... getting a glimpse of what his true feelings are behind his silly antics.  Ash remains quite solemn, but I think he secretly likes the company, however annoying said company is.  I will always have a soft spot for Robin Goodfellow, but I am still totally devoted to Ash.

Summary:

A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts. 

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist. 

An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.