Cruel Summer

-- Editor Kat Szmit, Barnstable Patriot newspaper: “Cruel Summer, the prequel novella to KR Conway's "Undertow" series, is an amazing read. From the opening chapter I found myself hooked, eager to read more about the two central and incredibly engaging characters. If you're a fan of the YA series, this is the perfect book for you, and if you're not yet among the brave, it's time to start reading!”

– Lindsey Hugh, YA Librarian, Marstons Mills Public Library: “Having read the first two books in the Undertow series, I wasn't sure how this novella would fit. Well, It fit perfectly, like a puzzle piece! There is just enough of a back story to be a stand alone book, without even knowing that there were other main characters involved in the series main story line. The evolution of the characters, both having a thick armor and then ultimately needing each other to penetrate it, worked itself out softly throughout the book. Along with wonderful characters, the author created a character of summer on Cape Cod. Local haunts, the juxtaposition of annoyance and love of it's tourists, and effect on all who visit glow perfectly through out the book. Great read!” – Lindsey Hugh, YA Librarian, Marstons Mills Public Library

-- Book Twister Reviews: "In this prequel novella to K.R. Conway’s novel Undertow, readers are given an up close and personal look at the relationship of Ana Lane and Kian O’Reily in the infamous summer before the events of Undertow takes place. And I loved it. It was so great to see an inside look at the relationship between two characters who were somewhat of mysteries in the first novel of the Undertow series. Cruel Summer also has the added bonus of a more present villain. One hides in Ana’s abusive and alcoholic father, who remains a constant and chilling presence within the pages of the story. One is never quite sure when the man will turn up, and just how his character will act during a particular scene.

But the other villain is a little less tangible and hides within Ana and Kian’s relationship. It’s the constant threat of just how and when their relationship will come to an end. In Undertow, readers are told why, but the whole picture never really becomes clear until the end of Cruel Summer, and it sheds a whole new light on Kian as a character, and maybe even as a hero of sorts. Cruel Summer is a must read!!"

-- ARC reviewer -- “Another all-nighter reading Conway's latest, twice. Starts off with a bang and keeps building the suspense. Kian is the quintessential bad boy who is transformed by love and Ana...what can you say, you fall in love with her and empathize with her. Watching the growing attraction between the two is a great reminder of the first love all of us have experienced. Not saying the book is all roses and valentines; Conway has plenty of dark moments that offer insights into Ana's personality. Another MUST read!”

-- The Reading Diva: “Wow! That about sums up my feelings on CRUEL SUMMER and for the author KR Conway. It didn’t take long for her to make it to my favorite author list. This story is all about Ana and Kian (with some MJ who is really deep down my favorite). I didn’t think I could love Ana anymore than I already did, but this girl is one amazing character. She is tough and witty, and down right brilliant in how she handles Kian. Kian – a Mortis, soul shark – is struck by Ana’s presence and moved to get to know her, protect her, be near her. They change each other – they protect each other – their relationship is beautifully described and well written. I am so glad that the author wrote this book before the last in the series. Getting the opportunity to know Kian and Ana, see how their relationship blossomed and then fell apart – well it was PERFECT.”

-- ARC reviewer : “Wow!!! As the books keep coming, I get more and more excited to read K.R. Conway's books. She is amazing with writing each and every scene as she sees it so the readers can picture amazing scenes as they read her work. Now to start Cruel Summer over and read it another 5 times. I can't wait for the next book comes out. I REALLY WISH I COULD GIVE THIS BOOK 10 STARS INSTEAD OF 5.”

-- UK Reviewer, JennieZelos.com: “I really enjoyed the first two Undertow books, they’re examples of well written YA that appeals to older readers too. This one follows that format of a book that’s not dumbed down, doesn’t have thin, flimsy plots, but is packed with realistic characters and a story that unfolds to reveal many facets. If you enjoyed the first two books you’ll love this, and if the series is new to you then it would be fun to start with this one – though if you like your HEA make sure you’ve got the next two ready so you can read straight on!”

– Teen Reviewer at AllTimeBookReader.com: “This is one of the very rare books I have read where all the characters just seems so alive and real. In fact, it's not just this book, but all the books in the Undertow series. I love how the characters seems to come alive and makes me feel like I am right there with them throughout the story, and feeling exactly how they felt during certain events. If you haven't read any of Ms. Conway's books yet, I suggest you do so right now, because it will blow you away! This is one of the most perfect books I have read in a long time and I am in love with not only this book but also this series. I can't wait to see what else Ms. Conway has in store for these characters and reading more books by her.”

-- Between The Pages Book Blog: “Wow! A hot mechanic! Loved Loved this book -- very easy to read and didn’t want the story to end and loved the paranormal immortal aspect of the book cant wait to read the next one.”

-- Publisher’s Weekly (BookLife) for UNDERTOW: “Conway’s debut shows promise . . . When 17-year-old Eila moves across the country to take possession of a previously unknown family home in Cape Cod, there are several surprises in store: the house is a mansion built more than a century ago, terrifying dreams about an ancestor’s suspicious death begin to plague her, and she meets Raef, a mysterious boy with coal-black eyes. Eila soon learns that she’s descended from a line of warriors who use the power of human souls to fight an ancient evil. With Raef’s help, Eila must find a way to defeat the ruthless clan that’s after her before more innocent lives are lost.” Ages 12–up. (BookLife)

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