Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens grapple with dark fae in this gripping fantasy sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE SUMMER QUEEN finds Leo, Tristan, and Aziza investigating a rowdy group of campers on the border between the human and fairy worlds. The campers are none other than the Summer Court of fairies from deep within the realm of Elphame, looking to reclaim a changeling fairy. When they return to their realm, they take Leo's sister, Hazel, with them, so now the new coven will have to brave everything the fairy world can throw at them in order to get Hazel back. But what if she doesn't want to come back?
Is It Any Good?
This is a worthy sequel to the inventive, dark fantasy series opener, The Buried and the Bound. The Summer Queen keeps everything fantasy fans loved about the first volume while skillfully building new worlds, deepening friendships as well as mysteries, and keeping the pages turning with strong writing, a solid plot, and believable, relatable characters. There's also still plenty of humor in the banter between Aziza, Leo, and Tristan and a swoony, slow-burn romance. Lots of questions are still to be answered, and the open ending will have fans eager for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Summer Queen. Is it too much? Does it have a different effect if it's in the fantasy realm instead of the real world?
How do Leo, Aziza, and Tristan show perseverance, courage, and teamwork? What individual strengths and weaknesses does each person bring to the coven?
Did you read The Buried and the Bound first? If you did, is one better than the other? If you didn't, would you like to now?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : January 23, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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