I will forever be a fan of Amy Wilson's worlds. I've read most of her stories, and I'm always in awe about how she combines traditional fairytale elements with the real world, somehow keeping both sides of the door rich and believable. This second installment in Owl's journey is no different, and I'm certain readers will fall easily back in love with Owl and her friends!

The quick pitch for this series: what if Jack Frost had a daughter? What if she was a quick-witted girl struggling between her human and fae sides, as well as the difficulties of having an elemental trickster as a father? And what if, one year, summer refused to end?

The answer lies in an adventure that traces itself through various fairytale realms (including Time itself) as Owl and her human BFF Mallory attempt to track down Alberic, the son of autumn, after he goes missing and summer tightens her hold on both worlds. Aside from the adventure, I appreciated how Wilson dealt with pretty existential themes about loss, belonging, and loneliness, all from a totally MG-appropriate lens. The pace did occasionally feel quite slow and repetitive, as it often seems like characters have the same conversations about their goals/problems again and again, and I would've liked to have seen more growth in Owl and Mallory --- because despite all the rushing about and soul-searching, I never felt like I could connect with them in that magical way that breathes characters to life. I think, as well, being able to root more deeply for our heroes might've made the pace feel less dogged. But overall, this was a shimmering gem of a tale, and I'd happily recommend it to 9-12 readers who are searching to immerse themselves in the fantastic.

ARC Copy...it was nice to see the continuing adventures and Owl and her emotional journey of dealing with her "magical status" along with having to navigate fae court social-politics and her legacy of her unusual family.