Name: The Summer Queen
ISBN: 9780765304469

Joan D. Vinge

The Summer Queen

An epic, Hugo Award-winning novel that draws upon the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Snow Queen.

The Snow Queen

Becky A

Cheryl Hedlund

Expansive political space opera. Immersive world building. A female hero goes on an epic hero's journey in this sci-fi reimagining of the classic fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. Joan D. Vinge develops themes of colonialism (working together with capitalism), classism, and feminism in this novel. There is also light discussion of science and religion. There is excellent character work and we follow multiple POV characters. The pace is slow and reflective but when the action happens it is intense. The prose is wonderful to read. My only nitpick is that a couple of connections and revelations seem perhaps a bit convenient. Given the breadth and wonder of the whole, that seems like a tiny imperfection. There are follow-up books, but you could read this as a stand alone if you want to. The ending is not a huge cliffhanger and it is natural stopping point. I read this going back and forth with one of the books in Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy. I could not help seeing parallels in the traumas and emotional sacrifices that the characters are made to endure by both authors. Also, the complexity and depths of the politics and court intrigue.

Vladimir

Janice Hopper

Kelsey Lynn

As the end of her third lifetime draws near, Arienrhod, the ancient ruler of far Tiamat, clones several heirs, and seeds then on different islands throughout her sea-dark world.

The Summer Queen

Reviews

Highlights