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The Summer Tree (Fionavar Tapestry, Bk 1)
The Summer Tree - Fionavar Tapestry, Bk 1
Author: Guy Gavriel Kay
Five young people find themselves flung into the magic land of Fionavar, First of All Worlds, to play their part in the vast battle against the forces of evil led by the fallen god Rakoth Maugrim and his dark hordes. This is the first book in a fantasy trilogy in the "Lords of the Ring" tradition.
ISBN-13: 9780425092941
ISBN-10: 0425092941
Publication Date: 9/1/1986
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 20

4.1 stars, based on 20 ratings
Publisher: Berkley
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Summer Tree (Fionavar Tapestry, Bk 1) on + 76 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
High fantasy at its finest. Better than Tolkien, better than C.S. Lewis. Five young people are transported to a realm of magic, the first of all worlds, Fionavar, where their destiny is to help defeat the Evil One who is poised to break free of his long imprisionment and enslave all the worlds of creation.

Kaye writes with such elegance, style, grace and passion that you will be swept away along with the characters.
reviewed The Summer Tree (Fionavar Tapestry, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent story. Characterizations are well thought out and story line is enjoyable. I discovered this author recently and am working my way through all his works.
jamblance avatar reviewed The Summer Tree (Fionavar Tapestry, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The Fionavar tapestry is one of the best series that I've read in any genre! The summer tree starts slow, but once you really get in the story it is excellent. It is a series of 3.
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reviewed The Summer Tree (Fionavar Tapestry, Bk 1) on + 77 more book reviews
This is a classic fantasy novel that has gotten a lot of praise by people. I did not enjoy this novel however. It was written in the 80s, perhaps it would have been better if I had read it back then?

To begin with, the plot is a mash-up of Narnia and Lord of the Rings. The characters are flat and annoying. There doesn't seem to be any reason for them to do anything that they're doing besides "sure, sounds good". It makes me think of a D&D game that no one is into, but there's nothing better to do. "Oh, the Dungeon Master wants us to go over there and do this thing? Sure, whatever, is the pizza here yet?"

The writing is pretty bad as well. The author was trying to give the book an epic feel, but managed to wander firmly into purple prose territory instead. And I'd like to know why a quarter of the way into the book (where I decided it wasn't going to get better anytime soon and stopped reading) the main characters are still routinely being referred to with their full name?
reviewed The Summer Tree (Fionavar Tapestry, Bk 1) on + 50 more book reviews
It took me awhile to get into this book, but about half way after lots of starts and stops, I really started getting into it. The author doesn't give a lot of details and I found myself with so many questions particularly about these 5 people who travel from "our" world to Fionavar. They seemed pretty blase about it, the food, the clothing, new customs, etc. It made it less believable for me.

This is a good story and a good read, it just takes awhile to get into. It has elements of LOTR, but not nearly as rich of a story. Still, I'd recommend reading.
reviewed The Summer Tree (Fionavar Tapestry, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
I could not put this book down!!!! One of the best urban fantasy/fantasy genre books I have read in a long, long time. I am going to start the next book in sequence right away. For anyone who likes a good fantasy with engaging characters that are really heartfelt this is the book for you. A must read for all who enjoy the genre as are all his other books!

Definitely a 5-star from me!!


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