This series is just awesome!! I swoon over Salome and Gareth.

[Full disclosure: I requested and received a free ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]

While I had been initially skeptical about The Winter People, the first book in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed it in the end. So when I got the chance to read The Summer Marked, I had absolutely no hesitation in getting started. I couldn’t wait to find out the next chapter in Salome’s life after the supposedly completely happy fairytale ending of the first book. Of course, not all is well in paradise.

Salome and Gareth have moved in together but Nevin (the Summer king Salome kissed in order to free him from his curse) seems to be skulking around trying to break his promise that Salome and Gareth could be together. He seems increasingly controlling and also seems to be trying to separate the two, bringing them to court only to have Gareth sent away on mission after mission. While all this sounds so stereotypical, I can assure you that as always, Rebekah Purdy has some tricks up her sleeve, including a massive plot twist that totally blindsided me. It was a pleasant surprise and explained a lot in hindsight but I can’t talk much more about it without giving away massive spoilers. Needless to say, Salome and Gareth are finally together and everyone at court including Nevin want to tear them apart. And events throughout the novel definitely conspire to do just that.

Meanwhile, Salome’s friend Kadie is left wandering on her own. She got dumped and wants to live closer to home so she dropped out of university to come home for Thanksgiving and re-assess her life choices. When she gets there, of course Salome is gone and her mother and grandmother aren’t really being clear on where she is. So when she gets a text from Salome asking her to come right away, she gets sucked into a vicious trap set up by the Winter Court and has to endure unimaginable things in the land of Faerie. All while Salome lives an ideal life on the outside while she’s secretly barely holding things together.

While I didn’t like Kadie’s point of view at first because it sounded so much like the stereotypical ditzy best friend, she really came through as a character. At the Winter Court she learns to keep her mouth shut and scheme in order to survive and sometimes does the unthinkable to do so. She gains a real strength of character that is absolutely remarkable when you compare it to how she was in the beginning of The Winter People. That’s not to say she wasn’t a strong or three dimensional character then, but she really comes into her own and controls her own story (or thinks she does) a lot more than she used to. I really did like Kadie in this second book, despite some of the things she does.

Salome, having conquered a lot of her fears in the first book, learns that she has a long way to go if she’s going to survive alongside Gareth in Faerie now that the Winter Court is on a warpath. She learns to play the vicious games that are characteristic of faerie politics while adding in some human compassion that the fey seem to lack. And when faced with two horrible choices that would have been unthinkable at the beginning of the novel, her choice shows just how much she has really grown. Essentially, Salome really comes into her own in The Summer Marked so if you loved her in the first book, you will love her even more in this one.

I found the plot was a lot faster in this book compared to the first. There was of course plenty of character development and a lot of interpersonal/intrapersonal conflict but the plot moved along quite nicely. There’s quite a bit more action since the threat of the Winter Court is ramped up and the whole of Summer is at stake. And, as with the first book, Purdy throws in so many plot twists that you can’t help but read on to find out what happens next. The Summer Marked was definitely a one-sitting book for me because of that. Even if the plot wasn’t fast-paced, it would have still been a one-sitting book because Rebekah Purdy has a magnificent writing style. It’s beautifully descriptive and she does both the darker Winter Court and the gorgeous Summer Court incrdibly well. It was her writing that initially sucked me into the first book and it’s part of why I enjoy this series so much. While The Summer Marked was far darker than The Winter People, it was still very enjoyable on many different levels.

You really can’t go wrong with The Winter People series. If you haven’t read the first book, you absolutely should right now. If you read the first book and loved it, then you definitely need to read this second book. It will blow you away.

I give this book 5/5 stars.

THE SUMMER MARKED is the second book in author Rebekah L. Purdy's young adult fantasy series, The Winter People. Whereas in the first book the author sweeps readers into a highly atmospheric Winter-landscape brimming with unusual Fae creatures and dangers, this time around it is the Summer Court that we are taken to. No less danger awaits here, there's more court intrigue, magic, and very cool and unusual Fae creatures to explore, plus - Rebekah L. Purdy gives her readers plenty more swoon-worthy kisses to sigh over!

I love it when a second book in a series surpasses my hopes and expectations, and THE SUMMER MARKED achieved just that! It took many of the loose threads from book one and gave new, clearer direction and greater intensity to the story. The romance is definitely between two characters, the mystery behind the Faerie Courts is explained better, and there's an addition of some terrific secondary characters that really made the story stand out for me. I'm looking at you Darach, Adaba and Grisselle!

Told from dual points of view of both Salome and her best friend Kadie, the story is easy to fall into without any confusion. Each clearly has a mission. Salome's involves the Summer Court, her growing magic, and her connection to the Fall and Spring Courts. Whereas Kadie's mission is much darker in my opinion as she faces off with the Winter Queen. Salome, in particular, shows tons of character growth, and Kadie brings a whole dimension to the story, increasing the tension and danger up-a-notch.

As I mentioned earlier, the romance is very swoon-worthy with a clear direction leaving me sighing happily. Yes, there's plenty of obstacles standing in our couples way, but it is such a nice change to have the couple in the young adult genre open with their feelings and minus the angst - working with a like-mind goal. In this case, namely to take out the evil in the form of the Winter Queen

From the chilling realms of the Winter Queen's court and her deadly Bone Yard to the green magic of the Summer Court, I was once again transported into a realm where ghosts, magical horses, and creatures both good and bad peaked out between the pages, I'm so excited to see where the story continues and I can't wait for more in the series!

YES, yes, yes! I can't say it enough! This series continues to blow me away. I loved Winter People and was eager to get my hands on book two and let me tell you, it has every element that any YA fan could be looking for!

Go Into This One Knowing AMAZING. Enough said.

Purdy presents a beautifully dark and complex array of characters that touch your heart and bring the smell of all the seasons.

This is a magical experience that everyone who has ever seen a fairy tale needs to read.

The words contained in Summer Marked are a gateway into a stunningly captivating story of growth, sacrifice, loyalty, and the willingness to fight darkness until there is nothing left. Snippet of my Review :0)

The Spirit of the Faerie Knows Ones True Heart

Wa-wa-wa-WHAT?!! If it were raining right now I’d be out there singing. TALK about MAGIC!!! GAH! Rant, Rant, Rant, RANT! Okay um Purdy flipping kills it with this installment. There was so much action and Faerie horror but underneath it a strong message of hope. One thing I learned about the authors writing style is she likes to cleverly develop things. Once the truth is revealed or we get closer to finding out what’s happening it is like MIND EXPLOSION!! I did not want to put this book down. Any one that enjoys books involving Faerie will love this series. So far this is my favorite in the series Ms. Purdy set the bar high with this one my eyes are aglow with all of the awesomeness that is coming. Almost a perfect read for me I will be pacing seriously pacing until the next comes out and we get all the intricate beautiful fantastic conclusions this series is sure to bring.

The Story, my oh me oh my. I want to spill my guts but I’m going to try and keep it vague for those that haven’t read this. Summer Marked picks up shortly after the end of The Winter People. Salome has chosen to live in love with Gareth! I love these two together pretty freaking hard. Well, although Salome has broken the curse from the previous book, the winter queen has decided not to take any further chances. The Winter Queen allowed a human witch to carry out the curse and failed. Now she will do things herself. Ruling all of Faerie with darkness and evil is her ultimate plan and she will stop at nothing to have her way. This is where Kadie comes in, through trickery she becomes a prisoner. Forced to face terrors beyond her wildest imagination she focuses on her strength to keep from breaking. Unfortunately the Queen has dark manipulative ways of getting what she wants, breaking people is one of her greatest joys. The story alternates between Salome and Kadie where we get to see two very different sides of Faerie. Kadie is surrounded by desolation and despair threatening to undo her very soul. Salome is surrounded with beauty and opulence but faces peril at every turn. All she wanted was to live with her love for the rest of her days but there is a much bigger picture than anyone could imagine. These girls are challenged to the brink and I hope its not too late.

The Characters, I mentioned the challenges Salome faced it is these experiences within Faerie that help develop her character to one I admire fully. I typically like the bad “A” firecracker character that comes with a punch. However, Salome brings a quiet, humble, innocence that is fueled by love. Her steadfast commitment to Gareth never wavers but becomes stronger through their many challenges. Gareth loyal and strong his heart belongs to Salome but he is bound by honor and duty. He is willing to sacrifice his own desires for the good of the people especially during these times of darkness where danger looms close by. We learn so much about Faerie and its inhabitants it was wonderful. Things are not as they seem and we find out more about the history behind why Faerie is on the brink of destruction by the hands of the winter queen. Kadie always so strong broke my heart and I don’t see how she will come out of this but I’m not worried I know the author will do what is best regardless of which way it goes. The Queen is vile and disturbed, there are few brief moments when we see glimpses of loss and pain. My heart wanted to go out to her but I can’t help and think it is a twisted distortion of the truth. I could go on and on about all of the wonderful characters but I will say this. Purdy presents a beautifully dark and complex array of characters that touch your heart and bring the smell of all the seasons. This is a magical experience that everyone who has ever seen a fairy tale needs to read. The words contained in Summer Marked are a gateway into a stunningly captivating story of growth, sacrifice, loyalty, and the willingness to fight darkness until there is nothing left.

The End, talk about shocking Ms. Purdy does not hold back several different things that were developing come out and the result is nothing short of amazing. Salome knows that secrets have always lead her down a dark and dangerous path. Knowing she has to do something to change the past she will open up as much as she can. Love runs through her veins, a love that wants to right all of the wrongs. Love that forgives and allows second chances. Faced with so much she wants to do Salome doubts her ability because as we all know wanting is not the same as doing or having. The strength is there with every chapter the reader sees growth, all that is left is tapping into it and not being afraid of failure but proud of achieving. There are Four Courts, Summer, Winter, Spring and Autumn each one is an integral part of what makes this story so magical. This was almost perfect for me…I can’t wait to see what adventure Ms. Purdy takes us on in the next installment. This is one I highly, highly recommend!!!

My Rating 4.75 Adaba, Magic, Kelpie, Sword, Faerie Queen, The Sister Holds The Doorway Open, Marked, Faerie Knows, War is brewing while light is returning, Holy canola I’m beyond exited about what comes next filled stars!! Bravo! Purdy Nails it!

I enjoyed the story very much, but had a little trouble with the language, which seemed very young. I will be recommending though.

Oh. My. Gawd! The Summer Marked is another winner for Ms. Purdy. I nearly broke my computer in half submitting for this title! I absolutely loved The Winter People and was in raptures when I found out there was a sequel... and it did NOT disappoint! Salome was just as lovable as in the first, and all the secondary characters were memorable along with some new ones. So I didn't think anything could be any more creepy that Kasandra (the witch from book 1)... Well, hold on tight. Make sure you have a snuggle blanket, someone to grab hold of and all the lights are on in the house, because when you meet the Winter Queen...she'll scare the living daylights out of you! I loved the introduction into all the courts...Summer, Spring, Autumn, and Winter, and even the Ruined Courts. Ms. Purdy really went well above and beyond in her thought process and the beautiful descriptions of a novel that read more like a movie to me. It was all so vivid and real. This was a stunning sequel and needless to say, I desperately want more!