This is the story of two sisters, very different from each other, searching for their parents who have suddenly gone missing. It's a fairy tale retelling of sorts, the story of the swan queen (their mother) and the evil puppeteer who wants to make herself queen. It's beautifully written, intensely emotional with vivid imagery. I'm just not sure it is written to the level of the age group it is marketed for. I usually love a Children's fantasy novel, but I found this one darker and more melancholy than most. When Summer and Bird's parents go missing, they follow them into Down to try and find them. Summer and Bird are separated early and must go throw their own adventures. Summer is helped by an old man named Ben, while Bird makes her way to the Swan's castle, where she is taken captive (though willingly) by the Puppeteer who promises her that she can be Queen of the Birds. By the end, I was glad I read it, but it took me a long time to get through, and I probably would have given it up, if I hadn't received it as a Library Thing Early Reviewer book. I think this is a case of Ranganathan's "Every book it's reader" law. I was not this book's reader. I saw it described in another review as being similar to Neil Gaiman's work, and that makes sense to me. If you like that sort of darker fantasy, this book will likely appeal to you.
What do You think about Summer And Bird (2012)?
Nice writing style with a "slow burn" plot that is probably suited to astute and well-read teens.
—Melissag
