Book Review: The Summer Marked (The Winter People #2) by Rebekah L. Purdy

The Summer Marked 

(The Winter People #2) 

by 

Rebekah L. Purdy

 

Expected publication: 

September 22nd 2015 

by Entangled: Teen 

ARC for Review 

Summary

The sequel to the chilling Winter People returns to the world of Faerie, and is a romantic and enchanting follow-up.

Salome left humankind behind to be with her boyfriend, Gareth, in the Kingdom of Summer. But now forces of darkness are rising. Her happily-ever-after is coming apart, and the Kingdom is on the brink of war.

Newly-single Kadie Byers is on her way home for Thanksgiving, imagining a visit filled with hot chocolate, a hot guy for a little rebound action, and some girl time with her bestie, Salome. Except she receives a message from Salome with two important words: PLEASE HURRY.

When Kadie rushes to help Salome, she’s ripped from the human world and pulled into the kingdoms of Faerie, where she's shocked to learn that Salome's monsters are real, and that she's now at the mercy of one extremely vengeful Winter Queen...

Now both Salome and Kadie must find a way to survive the deadly chaos...or lose themselves to Winter's deadly, icy grasp.

The Spirit of the Faerie Knows Ones True Heart

Wa-wa-wa-WHAT?!! If it were raining right now I’d be out there singing. TALK about MAGIC!!! GAH! Rant, Rant, Rant, RANT! Okay um Purdy flipping kills it with this installment. There was so much action and Faerie horror but underneath it a strong message of hope. One thing I learned about the authors writing style is she likes to cleverly develop things. Once the truth is revealed or we get closer to finding out what’s happening it is like MIND EXPLOSION!! I did not want to put this book down. Any one that enjoys books involving Faerie will love this series. So far this is my favorite in the series Ms. Purdy set the bar high with this one my eyes are aglow with all of the awesomeness that is coming. Almost a perfect read for me I will be pacing seriously pacing until the next comes out and we get all the intricate beautiful fantastic conclusions this series is sure to bring.
The Story, my oh me oh my. I want to spill my guts but I’m going to try and keep it vague for those that haven’t read this. Summer Marked picks up shortly after the end of The Winter People. Salome has chosen to live in love with Gareth! I love these two together pretty freaking hard. Well, although Salome has broken the curse from the previous book, the winter queen has decided not to take any further chances. The Winter Queen allowed a human witch to carry out the curse and failed. Now she will do things herself. Ruling all of Faerie with darkness and evil is her ultimate plan and she will stop at nothing to have her way. This is where Kadie comes in, through trickery she becomes a prisoner. Forced to face terrors beyond her wildest imagination she focuses on her strength to keep from breaking. Unfortunately the Queen has dark manipulative ways of getting what she wants, breaking people is one of her greatest joys. The story alternates between Salome and Kadie where we get to see two very different sides of Faerie. Kadie is surrounded by desolation and despair threatening to undo her very soul. Salome is surrounded with beauty and opulence but faces peril at every turn. All she wanted was to live with her love for the rest of her days but there is a much bigger picture than anyone could imagine. These girls are challenged to the brink and I hope its not too late.


The Characters, I mentioned the challenges Salome faced it is these experiences within Faerie that help develop her character to one I admire fully. I typically like the bad “A” firecracker character that comes with a punch. However, Salome brings a quiet, humble, innocence that is fueled by love. Her steadfast commitment to Gareth never wavers but becomes stronger through their many challenges. Gareth loyal and strong his heart belongs to Salome but he is bound by honor and duty. He is willing to sacrifice his own desires for the good of the people especially during these times of darkness where danger looms close by. We learn so much about Faerie and its inhabitants it was wonderful. Things are not as they seem and we find out more about the history behind why Faerie is on the brink of destruction by the hands of the winter queen. Kadie always so strong broke my heart and I don’t see how she will come out of this but I’m not worried I know the author will do what is best regardless of which way it goes. The Queen is vile and disturbed, there are few brief moments when we see glimpses of loss and pain. My heart wanted to go out to her but I can’t help and think it is a twisted distortion of the truth. I could go on and on about all of the wonderful characters but I will say this. Purdy presents a beautifully dark and complex array of characters that touch your heart and bring the smell of all the seasons. This is a magical experience that everyone who has ever seen a fairy tale needs to read. The words contained in Summer Marked are a gateway into a stunningly captivating story of growth, sacrifice, loyalty, and the willingness to fight darkness until there is nothing left.


The End, talk about shocking Ms. Purdy does not hold back several different things that were developing come out and the result is nothing short of amazing. Salome knows that secrets have always lead her down a dark and dangerous path. Knowing she has to do something to change the past she will open up as much as she can. Love runs through her veins, a love that wants to right all of the wrongs. Love that forgives and allows second chances. Faced with so much she wants to do Salome doubts her ability because as we all know wanting is not the same as doing or having. The strength is there with every chapter the reader sees growth, all that is left is tapping into it and not being afraid of failure but proud of achieving. There are Four Courts, Summer, Winter, Spring and Autumn each one is an integral part of what makes this story so magical. This was almost perfect for me…I can’t wait to see what adventure Ms. Purdy takes us on in the next installment. This is one I highly, highly recommend!!!

My Rating

4.75 Adaba, Magic, Kelpie, Sword, Faerie Queen, The Sister Holds The Doorway Open, Marked, Faerie Knows, War is brewing while light is returning, Holy canola I’m beyond exited about what comes next filled stars!! Bravo! Purdy Nails it!

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About the Author

I was born and raised in Michigan (just look for the mitten-shaped state on the map). I’ve lived here most of my life other than the few years I spent in the U.S. Army. At which time I got a chance to experience MO, KS, SC, and CA. 

I work full time for the court system and in my free time I write YA stories. Pretty much any genre within the YA realm is game for me, but my favorites are fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, thrillers, light sci-fi, and some time travel.

I also have a big family–I like to consider us the modern day Brady Bunch. When my hubby and I met and got married, he had 3 children from a previous marriage, I had 2 and we have 1 together. It’s a lot of fun though.

And I can’t forget my other family members–yep, we’ve got some pets: 4 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 turtle. Everyone in the family has one…I won’t bore you all with their names (unless you really want to know). Okay, you talked me into it! Jack, Pearl, Grr…(yes that’s my dog’s name), Callie, Shadow, Mooshoo, Grouchy, and Sorbert. Other than writing some of my other hobbies include: reading (mostly YA of course), singing, swimming, football, soccer, running, camping, sledding, church, hanging with my kids, and traveling.

I belong to a fabulous writing group called YA Fiction Fantatics (YAFF) and you guessed it we all write YA!

Find Rebekah L. Purdy Online:

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