A Shadow in Summer

This book was a breath of fresh air. I borrowed it from my bestie and it was one of my many novels that I brought with me during my trip to Indonesia earlier this year.

“A Shadow in Summer” by Daniel Abraham is the first in a fantasy series called “The Long Price Quartet”. The series is set in a world where magic is personified in the form of humanoid spirits called Andats, and the only way to maintain control over them is for poet-sorcerers to invent new names to describe the kind of magic they represent.

I won’t go into too much detail about the plot here because there are a number of perspective characters, a number of twists and there is a lot of rather complex political drama. Suffice to say, the plot is engaging enough and I love that there are a diverse array of characters including my favourite – an old woman who is cleverer by half than the rest of them.

I think the thing that makes this book is the world-building. The magical system is really unique and Abraham is incredibly creative when it comes to weaving in interesting cultures into his story. For example, in the main region where the book is set, people communicate not only in words but through complex poses designed to convey emotion and respect.

When it comes to fantasy, I love novelty and this novel has that in spades. An easy and enjoyable summer read and I’m planning on ordering the rest of the series soon.