Summerkin

Gr 4–6—In this sequel to Winterling (HarperCollins, 2012), Fer discovers that being the daughter of the deceased Lady of the Summerlands and vanquishing an evil usurper isn't enough to live happily ever after. Called back from the human world where she lives with her grandmother to the world beyond the Way, the girl discovers that her half-human heritage means that she must prove to the High Ones that she is worthy of being Lady of the Summerlands. She travels to the court of the High Ones with a small retinue that includes her possibly untrustworthy puck friend, Rook. There, she learns that she must compete against three other candidates for the right to be ruler. As Fer tries to win over the disdainful High Ones while remaining true to her convictions, Rook makes things worse by behaving suspiciously. Is he truly a trickster with no loyalty, as Fer's disturbingly beautiful opponent Aren insists? Deciding whom to trust becomes a life or death decision for Fer. This is a solid fantasy with enough suspense, action, magic, and warmth to keep readers happily entertained from the first page to the last. Both Rook and Fer stand out as interesting, well-drawn characters. A must for fans of the first title, the story also stands on its own and will be appreciated where high fantasy is in demand.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library