Written by: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: June 1, 2011
Source: Free download available through Harlequin Teen
5 out of 5 stars - In short, it's Puckalicious. A must read for Iron Fey fans.
Synopsis (from publisher): 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.
Puck and Ash are two of my favorite literary BFFs/frenemies/buddies. I can't even put a label on them but, I adore reading their banter. Here's a sample from the very beginning of Summer's Crossing:
"So," I said brightly, " falling into step behind the brooding prince, "Grimalkin. We're going to find him, right?"
"Yes."
"Any idea where he is?"
"No."
"Any idea where to start looking?"
"No."
"You do realize that doesn't constitute much of a plan, right ice-boy?"
He turned to glare at me, which I considered a small triumph. Ash usually ignored my goading. Anytime I could poke through his icy indifference was a victory. Of course, when poking at the Winter prince, one had to proceed with caution. There was a fine line between irritation and having icicles hurled at your face.
I loved this story because it provides a perfect pause between the two larger plot-lines in The Iron Queen and The Iron Knight. In Summer's Crossing, our two heroes get sidetracked by a small favor which is called in by a certain person neither one can refuse. The mini-quest they go on is full of action and witty conversations but most of all, it's filled with insights into Ash's and Puck's long-standing friendship. And with the two of them, the threat of betrayal is always strong, leaving the reader unsure of what will happen next.
My only complaint is that I wanted more. I wanted to see more of them together fighting each other as well as their common enemies. The good news is that The Iron Knight will be released in a mere four months (October 25th) so my wait won't be too long. If you haven't downloaded it (for free!) from Harlequin Teen be sure to do so quickly; our hot, sweltering weather makes this a perfect time to read about a Winter prince's adventure in the Summer Court.