When Asta’s nephew is taken by slavers, she pledges to her brother that she will find him, or die trying. Her search takes her from the fading islands of the Scattering, a nation in thrall to a powerful enemy, to the port city of Abonnae. There she finds a people dominated by a sinister cult, thirsty for blood to feed their hungry god.
Haunted by the spirit of her brother, forced into an uncertain alliance with a pair of assassins, Asta faces a deadly choice – save the people of two nations, or save her brother’s only son.
The Summer Goddess by Joanne Hall was a refreshing and powerful read, something quite different from the usual fare in epic fantasy, and all the better for it.
What stood out to me immediately was the diversity woven throughout the story. Of characters, cultures, and perspectives. The narrative is driven by a compelling female lead, Asta, who is wonderfully complex. She’s fierce and determined, but also allowed moments of vulnerability, doubt, and tenderness. She’s not portrayed as a flawless heroine or a typical chosen one, but rather as a woman pushed to action by loss, rage, love, and a deep sense of loyalty.
The story begins in a small, close-knit village that is torn apart when many of its people are taken and enslaved. Asta makes a promise to bring them back, and from that vow, the narrative expands across the sea into two very different lands. Her journey is long, difficult, and emotionally charged, filled with peril, cultural clashes, and hard-won lessons.
I particularly appreciated the exploration of different cultures. Hall presents them with care and nuance, allowing readers to see the contrasts and commonalities without ever slipping into caricature or heavy-handed moralizing. Instead of telling us what to think, the story invites reflection on power, justice, identity, and what we owe to one another as human beings.
That said, there were moments when the characters felt a touch too naïve, especially considering the brutal circumstances they had lived through. There’s a recurring optimism that “there’s good in almost everyone,” which, while admirable, sometimes felt a bit too idealistic given the darker turns of the plot. Likewise, a few challenges were resolved a bit too neatly, pulling me out of the story momentarily. Still, these were minor distractions in an otherwise rich and immersive experience.
The tone of the book is not afraid to go dark, there are scenes of violence, bloodshed, and cruelty, but these moments never feel gratuitous. Instead, they’re grounded in the emotional weight of the characters’ choices and the world they inhabit. The balance between brutality and beauty, vengeance and compassion, was spot on for my taste.
And while the story is filled with action and conflict, its real strength lies in the emotional and relational threads: family bonds, enduring friendships, and the quiet strength found in solidarity. It’s an emotionally intelligent book that doesn’t shy away from pain but also doesn’t wallow in it.
Overall, The Summer Goddess is a beautifully told, thematically rich fantasy that offers something far beyond the typical “white male protagonist” hero’s journey. It’s a breath of fresh air for anyone looking for fantasy that centers on diverse voices, emotional complexity, and a strong female lead on a journey that feels both personal and epic.
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