I really liked the idea behind this but sadly it fell a little flat for me, it needed more development as did the characters, but I think with more work would be a good book

it could have been much more if the writing style was improved, the character's less flat and the conflict between them made some sense because it started out of nowhere and ended as quickly. it was way to simple and plain for me but cool concept that could be improved

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this eARC.

I don't understand how this book isn't more popular. I couldn't put it down! The story is told through a dual storyline of a sister (Aldera) and brother (Kylem) who find themselves on opposite sides of a brewing war.

The world-building is interesting and exciting. Tales about the four gods, how the various groups view their roles, and the evil/good spectrum of the gods were fascinating, and I liked how the gods' stories were woven into the storyline.

At the age of eleven, Aldera joins the raven women from whence her mother came. I enjoyed learning about them, their rituals, and their magic. One ritual made me squeamish because it's difficult to determine if it was non-consensual, but it was vague.

Overall, it's a great first book in the series, and I plan to pick up the second one. The only reason I took off one star is that there's no ending. It just stops at the end of a chapter, which felt jarring. However, based on the sneak peek at the next book, it looks like it picks up right where it ended.

What an amazing intro into a medieval society with magic and secrets.
I was immediately enthralled with the characters and problems they faced.
Interesting mix of power struggle, and social rules.

A brother and sister separated by an evil greedy power hungry man. Without their knowing it, they are fighting against each other. This mythical adventure was one that I never thought I would be captivated by it. It was exciting, intriguing, and well written, with the right amount of magical wording which kept you glued to its pages.

As someone who reads quite a few ARCs, I know to go into the reading with my expectations realistic and sometimes maybe even blunted. But let me tell you...this is the best ARC book I have ever been allowed the opportunity to read!

The characters are well developed and distinct. And not just the main characters! Some of my favorite scenes involved non-POV characters being observed by a POV character, letting the reader learn about those characters through their actions and mannerisms. This is the definition of Show Not Tell, which is a lovely surprise to see executed so well.

There are so many good things I could say about this book so let me list them off in rapid fire:
- The main characters have POV chapters from different points in their life. The writing style stays consistent, but the chapters that feature the characters at younger ages actually feel younger.
- The characters are not infallible. They make mistakes and have weaknesses, Kylem in particular can be a frustrating character, but he is well written and realistic.
- The world building is detailed, but not overwhelming. It almost feels like soft world building, but with more intricacies.
- There are romantic relationships, but they are interesting, layered, and realistic.

In short, if you like fantasy stories and political intrigue, you should definitely pick this up!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a nice and easy read. I have to say, after enjoying a book so much, arriving at the end and having no ending was a bit of a letdown. I’ve never before read a series that didn’t at least have some sort of conclusions before moving on to the next book. This book stops absolutely dead in its’ tracks. Aside from that bizarreness, I enjoyed this book. Even though I received a review copy, I will actually continue to read on through the series on my own. It’s fantasy without pretension. There’s also a really deplorable villain and it’s always nice when there’s a truly thorny antagonist., The book moves easily as each chapter switches back from sibling’s story to the others. As both siblings are on opposite sides, you see both sides of the fight as they occur. It could’ve been a 5 star book if it hadn’t been for the sharp ending drop off.


This review was made possible thanks to a review copy provided by the publisher.

I'd give it 2.5 stars, I suppose. I liked the premise of the book and the world was interesting. What really failed for me was the writing. It was .... basic. Not sure how else to put it. The characters were rather two dimensional and conflict between different characters came out of nowhere and then just as suddenly disappeared. Honestly, they all seemed rather sullen and childish. I just didn't care what happened to them.

I received an ARC from Netgalley of this book. Won't be reading any more of this series.

I really enjoyed Daughters of Awen. The characters were interesting and I loved the magic system. The relationship between Aldera and Kylem. I will definitely reading more from Summer H Hanford in the future.

Super excited and intrigued by the description! I left the premises and the world of the story; the world-building and creation were done very well. I'm usually wary of sibling rivalry stories but I think this was done pretty well. Definitely recommend for fantasy readers!

This book was wonderful. Told from alternating perspectives, Daughter of Awen follows Aldera and Kylem - siblings who find themselves on opposing sides of a war for control of Cendoria (the kingdom). Below are the two things I loved the most

1. Aldera and Kylem are raised believing different version of how the gods created Cendoria. The description of each sibling trying to determine what's true versus false is really compelling and I found myself going back and forth on what version of events was the right one. I ended of leaning one way but I think it's a testament to the authors writing style that she's able to keep you guessing.

2. There are hints of romance but the romance isn't the only plot and the MC doesn't immediately fall in love, which I found refreshing and more realistic. I would say this is a book about adventure and the journey of two siblings where there MCs might or might not find love at the end.

If you enjoyed the Kingless Crown by Sarah M. Cradit I believe you will also enjoy this book.

I have been in need of a good fantasy book, and boy did Summer Hanford deliver! Daughters of Awen is the first book in the Rise of the Summer God series. I thought this was a great first book that had all the elements I look for in a series starter. It establishes the world, the conflict and leaves you wanting to continue the story!
The dual point of view lets you follow the story from two sides of an oncoming war with a brother and sister, separated as children, as the narrators. The magic is light and flows naturally with the story, and one of the things i really loved in this book was the magic and religion lore.
I would definitely recommend this book to any fantasy lover!