Monday, October 13, 2014

The Summer Prince by Alaya Johnson - NO

Johnson, Alaya Dawn The Summer Prince, 289 pgs. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2013. Language - PG-13 (51 swears, 0 "f"), Sexual Content - PG-13; Violence - PG-13; 

For centuries now, Palmares Três' kings have sacrificed themselves for their city, for their people. June knew that when she voted Enki as Summer King he would die after his year was up But that didn't stop her from falling in love with him as they created art together that would change Palmares Três forever. 

Premise-wise, The Summer Prince is amazing; I love the futuristic Brail that Johnson has imagined and how it somewhat reflects the ancient American civilizations. However, the culture that Johnson created was hard for her to explain quickly enough to help me understand what I was reading. I was confused for two-thirds of the book and spent more time than I should have to rereading passages, trying to follow what June was doing or explaining, and the implications her actions would have. If you still want to read it, though, rest assured that the ending was fantastic and fitting. 

HS - NO. Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

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