Summer's Crossing

By Julie Kagawa

A Midsummer's Nightmare?

Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existenceand secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's helpinto the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choicebetray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

Don't miss the first book in Julie Kagawa's highly anticipated new series, TALON, AVAILABLE OCTOBER 28, 2014

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harlequin
• Release date: Jun 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781459206403

Julie Kagawa

Born in Sacramento, CA, Julie Kagawa moved to Hawaii at the age of nine. There she learned many things; how to bodyboard, that teachers scream when you put centipedes in their desks, and that writing stories in math class is a great way to kill time. Her teachers were glad to see her graduate. Julie now lives is Louisville, KY with her husband and furkids. She is the international and NYT bestselling author of The Iron Fey series. Visit her at juliekagawa.com.

Reviews for Summer's Crossing

[mskeens_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Nice connecting short story to the series. Ash & Puck are at it again together. Even though they are enemies they are working together to get into the Summer Court - Arcadia to gather up a human child that Queen Titania had stolen from the Exile Queen Leannsidhe to return her, they are forced into this by a promise Prince as made to Leannside on behalf of the now Iron Queen Meghan.

[larissabookgirl_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Grimalkin may be cunning, conceited and hold a good many favours over a large number of fey, but that has only succeeded in creating a good many enemies among the fey for himself. Now as Grimalkin has gone missing it has fallen to an annoyed Ash and, to his dismay, an annoying Puck to find the wayward cat. However before they can get started duty, and deceit, calls them to action.Leanansidhe has promised to assist Ash and Puck in finding Grimalkin but only at a price. On what may well be a suicide mission for Ash, and a way to rid a love rival for Puck, these two fey will have to pull of the biggest prank ever, and they will have to do it right under the nose of Queen Titania herself. Succeed and they will be one step closer to finding Grimalkin, not to mention one favour down, fail and it will cost then their very lives.Summer's Crossing takes immortal enemies Puck and Ash on a dangerous detour through the summer court to retrieve that which has been stolen. The love hate relationship between these two once friends has never been more predominant, especially now when one must place his life in the hands of his sworn enemy. A fun, clever and witty little tale that cautions against giving favours to the fey and being wary of deals made. Just because the fey can't lie doesn't mean they always speak the truth.

[ladyliz-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I found Puck to be almost entirely cliche' in this book. Although a quick read, and the Great Prankster's Prank was hilarious (and useful), I actually found myself disliking the character of Puck by the end. Did he do the right thing? Yes, but I already knew that since I read this and the other Novellas after having finished the official Trilogy (all four books of it).

I might be a bit biased, however. I have found that the books not from Meghan's point of view aren't to my liking, even though it gives us insight into the other character, in this case Puck.

As I was describing this series to a friend, she asked me if the Novellas were part of the original plan, or perhaps an after thought, and I'm not sure of the answer. Having finally read them all, I kind of think they might have been a way to give more depth to the other characters, and if that's the case, then it is a bit disappointing.

[kybunnies · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I got this for my niece to read from my kindle. I know it is a teen book, but I enjoyed it. It is short, but well written. I need to look for the other's in the series.

[jennyjen-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great short story. I enjoyed this one more than the others even.. Coincidence that there was no Meghan in it?..

[camibrite · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cute little "hold me over 'til the next one comes out" story about Puck and Ash. Nice!

[aoibhealfae · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This probably one of the moment where you may bow to the awesome storytelling by Julie Kagawa. I mean, its hard enough to write in first POV and to immediately switch characters without too much putting subtleties into preparing her readers for the next book is superb. I hope the POV of "The Iron Knight" is Ash. Beside's the title gave a hint to what will happen to Ash btw.

Have I said it was a superb novella? well, it certainly made me want to time travel, thats for sure.

[kctlagman · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Puck, Puck, Puck...

This was a really great glimpse at the relationship between Puck and Ash. And my heart broke reading a couple of lines in this short little novella. I loved Puck's POV, he is hilarious and I'm really glad that we got a glimpse of his mind thought, even if it was just for 72 pages.

It was just really good.

I hope that Puck get his happy ending. He deserves it.

[jiraiya_5 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

What can I say without being harsh on Summer's Crossing? It was short, that I guess was a bonus. I was nonplussed at the foolish twist that the author wanted to saddle us with. It's the first subpar book of Julie Kagawa. Some of the quips and chapter names are obvious references to Shakespeare and A Midsummer Night's Dream. I can also grudgingly acknowledge that Puck being the narrator gives us more of a glance into his head. The book goes further than any other in making us feel that any injustice inside the story must be prioritized. Whatever death and suffering going outside the story but inside the universe amounts to naught. But this or that life must be saved at all cost.

[theyodamom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pucks book and adventure with Ash. A short quick read that takes us into Pucks head a bit and sets us up for the Iron Knight's amazing tale.

[monicalynn-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Nice connecting short story to the series. Ash & Puck are at it again together. Even though they are enemies they are working together to get into the Summer Court - Arcadia to gather up a human child that Queen Titania had stolen from the Exile Queen Leannsidhe to return her, they are forced into this by a promise Prince as made to Leannside on behalf of the now Iron Queen Meghan.

[communitybookstop · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book, as the two boys who use to be friends are working with each other to best the Summer Queen. While you are reading from Robin Goodfellow's perspective I enjoyed seeing them somewhat get along. It does show how they use to be very close and even Meghan can't separate what friendship lies deep down. Definitely different then the books that are told from Meghan's prospective. This one was purely about the guys. I laughed and could feel the missing element from the trio. Be interesting to see how The Iron Knight plays out.

[melhay_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Puck has tagged along, un-invited, with Ash to find Grimalkin. Ash had made a bargain, a rather large one, for his love and now the holder has come calling on it. So frazzled Ash goes out of character and against what he knows and lives in the fey world, and asks if the favor can wait, which he would never have tried to hold out on a favor before. But knowing Ash plans a search that could take a long time the holder calls the favor in now, and might be able to help him in the end.We get to see some of our fun characters again; Puck, Ash, Leanansidhe, and some not so nice but in a fun way...Queen Titania. I did enjoy the side we got to see of the Summer Queen here. We see Ash through his old friends, and rival, eyes ~ Puck. This way we see how lost and frustrated Ash is since the end of Iron Queen.We learn little pieces of things and ways of the fey through this short story. Like names. And another part of the Wyldwood that is a dangerous path full of Hedgewolves. The boys are in trouble here! And a little secret about Queen Titania.The friendship/enemy line really gets drawn here between Puck and Ash. They were once friends, then enemies after the first girl. Now with the second girl, Meghan, what will they be? Puck choose to go with Ash, but Ash needs Puck's help in this story. But Puck could turn on Ash and maybe end up with the girl he too loves. We do get to see the banter and fun between the two characters again. They do make a good team.We get Pucks' view of his kiss with Meghan and more of his feelings towards her and Ash. Puck is struggling with his feelings. Ooo, oh. King Oberon shows up and of all people to suggest what to Puck what he does! Astounding! Puck does always have jest in what he does. There is always a joke there to make you smile or chuckle, even when he and Ash have to go in disguise. I enjoyed that.But as always... things in the fey world are NOT always as they seem.

[ishanella · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Summer’s Crossing takes place between The Iron Queen and The Iron Knight.

Written from the point of view of Robin Goodfellow, this novella picks up right after The Iron Queen ends.

Puck agrees to take Ash into Arcadia - the seat of the Summer Court - so Ash could complete a task that Leanansidhe asked of him as a returned favor. Along the way, Puck has a tough choice to make and gets to play a complex trick on Titania.

I really enjoyed reading in Puck’s voice. It allowed the reader a chance to see what goes on beneath the goofball that is Puck. It was also a peek into the relationship that Ash and Puck had before Ariella’s unfortunate end.

Summer’s Crossing was all that Puck was and more. It was cunning, funny and the master trickster worked his magic through the narrative.

[sedelia_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I haven't actually started this series, though it is in my TBR pile, but I saw that this short story was being offered for free on Kindle, so I grabbed it. I wasn't too worried about spoilers, since I've seen plenty of reviews of other books of the series and I really wanted to get a glimpse of what all the fuss is about.I see now why so many people love these books.The world that Kagawa has created is amazing. It's rich with fairy tales and literary allusions, which I'm always a sucker for, and it's magical, exciting, and dangerous. As is common, the fey are portrayed as ruthless tricksters who are only concerned for themselves.As for the story, I enjoyed it. It was a fun, fast read that had me flipping page after page (figuratively, since I was reading it on Kindle). I liked the characters right away, even though some of Puck's humor fell flat for me. Overall, I think the plot is well constructed and holds a couple of surprises. I thought leaving the reader out of Puck's final plan would have worked better if it hadn't been predictable, but I still liked how things turned out.A good read -- one I recommend for readers of the series, and for those who don't mind reading spoilers for the rest of the books.

[coranne_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoy the world that the author has created (and adapted from famous literature.) This story is told from the veiwpoint of Robin Goodfellow and takes place directly at the end of "Iron Queen". Goodfellow and Ash have started their journey to find a way for Ash to remain in the Iron Court. However, their plans are waylaid as a certain fey returns to call in a favor. For only about 30 pages of actual writing (the rest of the pages are blank or about the series/ about the author pages- this was a very satisfying read. I will be honest- I forgot some of what happened in Iron Queen and I had to go back to Goodreads to remember everything that had happened. This was a fun, light, story that made me wish Iron Knight was coming much much sooner.This story is only available as an eBook, but I would recommend picking it up- you will read it in no time at all! (I don't have an e-reader, I read it on my computer!)

[cathy_keaton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Puck is telling the story this time! This is huge. HUGE. And, most importantly, he's adorable while doing it, I might add. Oh, Puck. I've always favored His Royal Icy-ness over you, but now I can't think of why. You are just too funny and cute.Anyway, needless to say, getting inside of Puck's head and seeing things from his POV is like eating the fluffiest, most sugary-sweet cake on your birthday while you're buried in oodles of expensive gifts given to you by all your favorite people in the world. It's nothing short of awesome. I want Puck to tell me more stories because now I am a much bigger fan!And, existing Puck fans will not want to go on with life unaware of this short story's existence. Such a thing cannot be endured. Puck gets to be such a schemer in this story, truly living up to his reputation as the most notorious impish prankster. Brilliant. If you love him, you'll want to know more about what goes on in the heart and mind of this delightfully witty, charming character who has had people enchanted since Queen Elizabeth I (the First) was on the English throne… (for realz).

[bookwhisperer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Iron Fey series is a masterpiece that I never seem to get enough of. Robin Goodfellow and Ash the Winter Prince are on a short adventure in the increbily fast story. With one mission on their minds they are surprised by the sudden appearance of Leanansidhe, and her demand of Prince Ash. Without the ability to deny such a demand these vowed enemies find themselves on a short adventure that takes them right to the heart of Arcadia. Puck is distracted yet again with the appearance of Lord Oberan, and with the seeds of doubt and deceit that he plants in Pucks mind. This is a story that marks a turning point in the Iron Fey series. The relationship between Ash and Puck will have another piece of history to overcome in the next book. They may just be running out of reasons to hate one another. That is except for the part where they both love the same girl.

[sithereandread · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

SUMMER'S CROSSING, by Julie Kagawa, is the second novella in The Iron Fey series, but this time we get Robin Goodfellow's/Puck's POV instead. Ash enlists Puck's help to find Grimalkin but someone requests the fulfillment of a favor from Ash. Puck and Ash have to take something from the Summer Queen, Titania, and make it out alive...somehow. I really loved getting Puck's POV in this novella. His sarcasm and wit always made me smile, but getting into his head showed that his personality is much deeper than being a jokster. The internal struggle for him after a visit from the Summer King, Oberon, amped up the tension and suspense in what Puck would ultimately decided to do with the prince who stole the heart of his beloved Meghan. Definitely a heart-pounder!Josh Hurley did an awesome job narrating Puck. His voice was smooth and perfect for the pranking Puck. Also, he did a really great job voicing the other characters too. Overall, this is definitely a must-read for fans of The Iron Fey series. It is full of adventure, suspense, and opens up the story for the highly anticipated next full book of the series, The Iron Knight.

[krau0098 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story takes place after The Iron Queen but before The Iron Knight. I love this series and was excited to read this story. It was an excellent installment in the series and well worth the money spent (I actually bought it for $2.39, although it is free now).The story is told from Puck's perspective. Ash is trying to find Grimalkin and he goes to Leanansidhe for help. Unfortunately Ash owes Leanansidhe and she decides to call in her favor now. Ash needs to go into the heart of the Summer Court and steal back Leanansidhe's violin from Titania. He will need Puck's help to accomplish this, but will Puck remain loyal to Ash or let Ash fall to Titania in order to have Meghan for himself?Kagawa does an excellent job in writing this story from Puck's perspective; Puck's tone of voice is deadon throughout and it was fun to read something from his viewpoint and to get inside his head a bit.The story is fairly straightfoward initially but Kagawa does a good job of throwing in a couple twists and turns to mislead the reader and keep them guessing. Kagawa's writing style is so readable and fun it made this story a pleasure to read. Kagawa also packs a lot of story into this short story; you get more insight into Puck's character and into Ash's. There was also some humor throughout to keep things lighter.Overall I really enjoyed this short story and look forward to reading The Iron Knight when it comes out. If you like reading about faerie be sure you read this series; Kagawa has great characters, a wonderful world, and doesn't sugar coat the danger of the Fey.

[usagijihen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh, Puck. Puck, Puck, Puck. I seriously think you’re now my favorite character (Sorry, Meghan, you’ve come in second, and Ash, you in third) in the “Iron Fey” series. I absolutely LOVED this novella – but there one was one pitfall. It was FAR too short for my liking. 57 pages? Not long enough even for a novella! I wanted more, and I still want more. It’s going to be a very long wait until October when “Iron Knight” comes out.I had a feeling that Leanansidhe wasn’t done with Ash after the third book (“The Iron Queen”). I won’t spoil this fun little side quest that Ash and Puck take at her request (note to self: do not ever, ever, ever make a deal in Faery unless it’s to save a life!), but I love the fact that we finally get to see Puck’s POV in first person, that we get to see the workings of his wonderfully mischievous little brain. My heart kind of ached with him when he talked about his relationship to Meghan, mostly because I’ve been in his position so many times myself (and unfortunately for me, it’s never really ended well).And then comes the Moral Dilemma ™: will Puck act for himself, or will he help his friend in this quest? What IS the ultimate goal of Leanansidhe’s request in terms of “what’s in it for Puck?”. Finally, Kagawa makes us ask ourselves the same thing if we were put in his place. Would we act out of love for our friends? Or would the temptation of fulfilling one’s most ultimate, dire wish control our actions instead? I love how Kagawa inserts this dilemma without shoving it down our throats, unlike a lot of the YA genre where the Moral of the Story is the ultimate goal of the author at the end of day. Here, it’s about having fun with a side of seriousness attached. At least, that’s the sense I got.Anyway, we need more of Puck’s POV. Badly. And another novella with Ash’s POV would be great (just to even things out – I get kind of OCD that way about my series and characters and such). This was just such a delightful read, and should be on anyone’s summer reading list – after the first three novels (and first novella) first, though. Otherwise you might get a bit too lost. Definitely awesome, making my best of 2011 list. Be proud, Puck! You didn’t have to trick me to win my heart.(crossposted to librarything, shelfari, goodreads, and witchoftheatregoing.wordpress.com)

[jdonnelly14_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***A First Person Narrative, told from Robin Goodfellow's point of view, Summer's Crossing is a delightful adventure into the Summer Fey Kingdom. This short story picks up right where Iron Queen left off. I'm not sure if it's necessary to understanding the print books of the series, however Kagawa offers a free copy on her facebook page so it doesn't make sense to miss this story. When Ash and Puck begin their journey to find Grimalkin and hopefully discover a way for Ash and Meghan to be together, they are stopped by Leansidhe who calls in the favor Ash promised her in the Iron Queen. She asks Ash to journey into the Summer Kingdon and retrieve a violin that Titania has stolen from her. Without Puck's help Ash won't be able to finish his quest alive, but if Puck helps him he's not only betraying his kingdom, but helping his rival get one step closer to getting the woman that they both love.The story is a page turner from beginning to end and a delightful read in Puck light and easy going voice. It allows you a look into this character that the other stories told from Meghan's point of view don't offer. You really feel the emotional battle within Puck and it leaves you guessing until the very end just what decision he will make. You couldn't completely blame him if he sold Ash out because it would eliminate his competition for Meghan's love, but at the same time he had years to proclaim his love and shouldn't have waited until Ash showed up to do so. Also if he really loves Meghan he should want her to be happy even if the person that makes her happy isn't him. Puck battles with the decision of what to do throughout the entire story and you can't help but feel for him. I really can't think of much negative to say about this story except that there just isn't enough of it. Being a novel reader, short stories just don't have the meat that I look for in a story. However if you love the Iron Fey series this isn't a title to be missed.

[snazz_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sigh. I love this series. If you are a Puck fan, you will adore this novella because it is from his point of view. It's also a lot better than Winter's Passage (the novella between books one and two). This one has it's own little plot that is fully completed by the end of the story.It also gives us more insight into Puck's life as well as his feelings for Meghan. It's not a heavy read and definitely worth reading. I assume that if you've read the series up until now, you will be reading this one regardless, but I thought I'd put in my two cents. So yea, read it. It's pretty great.