The Summer Tree

Fionavar Tapestry, Book 1

By: Guy Gavriel Kay

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Two-time Aurora Award-winning author Guy Gavriel Kay has been nominated for the World Fantasy Award three times.

In the first book of his Fionavar Tapestry series, five college students meet a wizard who takes them to the heart of the first of all worlds - a place called Fionavar. The students soon discover that they have been pre-ordained as part of the pattern called the Fionavar Tapestry - and if they don't fulfill their destinies, the world will suffer devastating consequences.

©2001 Guy Gavriel Kay (P)2020 Recorded Books

One of the great fantasy series

The Fionavar Trilogy is among the very greats of fantasy. The Summer Tree is mesmerizing. I first discovered the trilogy as a teen almost 40 years ago. I’m utterly thrilled to find them all on audible now. The characters and story can be heartbreaking at times. Very well read by Simon Vance, though I’m still wrapping my head at the Dalrai (sp? I’m listening) having Scottish accents…

Good story

The book is one I’ve enjoyed since first reading it. The narrator does a good job. Some voices seem unlike the written characters, but are easily distinguished.

Okay

It was not the best GGK has written the story was not that thrilling. I didn’t like or care about any of the characters. I really didn’t care what happened to any of them
The plot sounded intriguing but the execution was not that great

This is an Intricate Story

I have been reading since I was six years old, well over half a century. This series, The Fionovar Tapestry, is my favorite ever. The author truly weaves a tale where everything ties together. There are many twists and turns, and much suspense and action along with romance and magic. You will love the characters. The story comes alive.

Nonspecific fantasy tale

Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Summer Tree is a fantasy tale where five university students are transported to a magical realm and undergo a series of adventures. One is separated from the group and wanders a bit with a provincial tribe for a while. Another is recognized as a seer and develops some magical abilities. Another is guilt ridden over the death of a former girlfriend and agrees to sacrifice himself on ‘the summer tree’ which the ruling leader has refused to do. In the background, an ancient evil entity is awakening. There are wizards, but they derived their power from another known as their source.

Kay weaves a number of traditional fantasy themes together to create a unique fantasy realm with both a backstory as well as familial issues that complicate the situation. Each of the students gains some self-awareness and insight, although eventually they finally all make it back to their home world.

The narration is very good with solid character distinction. Pacing is smooth.