I enjoyed this much more than I expected to, and am looking forward to finding out what happens next: if the sequel had been available I would have bought it immediately on finishing this one.

I'd describe it as a coming of age story, that features griffins (that feel like dragons to me, but apparently there are also dragons in this world and griffins are not them) with political intrigue, secret rebellions, competing worldviews and religions, cross-species communications, divided loyalties, and heartfelt friendships. ( )

This was an interesting story. I've never read fantasy in this genre and I enjoyed it. I was able to relate to the characters and their struggles and found the mysteries intriguing as the story unfolded. I definitely want to continue the series to see how it all works out. ( )

Shard is a young male Gryphon who lives under the command of the Red King, along with his sister and mother. In their home of The Silver Isles, Shard is old enough to hunt, fly, fight... and over-throw his King. Most may say his way go flight is strange, but to Shard, it is perfect. One of the last known Vanir Gryphons in the Silver Isles, his ancestors were over-thrown by the Aesir, in which the Red King is. When he sets off onto the dangerous initiation hunt, Shard's life changes forever. He meets a young red she-wolf, Catori. Wolves have been the sworn enemy of Gryphons for years and years. Yet, there is something odd about Catori. Teaching him earth-animal words, Shard defeats a might boar without so much as lifting a talon. As she continues to hint into his strange and long-forgotten past, Catori warns Shard of grave danger. As he returns to his home, things get even weirder. Ragna-The-White speaks to him, an old Widowed Gryphon, hints more into his past as well. As he tries to speak to his mother about it, she warns him to stop. He begins to sneak out at night, meeting Catori and continuing their talk. One night, however, things change. Shard meets his uncle, Stigr, who had been outcasted long ago. He tells Shard he is not the last Vanir. They are living amongst him now. Suddenly, a rumor of war is spread. Now Shard must make the biggest choice of his life. Fight for his King, or against him with his new wolf allies. Shard chooses the wolves... and now must complete an epic journey. Search the world for the lost Vanir... and take down his king once and for all.
I honestly loved this book. I couldn't put it down for the longest time. The plot and setting were both very creative, words flowed smoothly throughout the book. Fantasy animals and new story lines along with them hook me up immediately, so I found this book very interesting. However, if you are a huge fan of action novels, I don't really recommend this book to you. There was very little suspense, but definitely adventure. I chose to give this novel 3 stars for one reason. I feel that everything happened too quickly and suddenly. The main thoughts of the chapters throughout the book seemed almost random. For example, in one chapter it seemed Shard was just talking to and meeting Catori, and the next he knew every single thing. The wolf had only hinted such little and limited information. All the other gaps seemed to fill up in seconds. I believe I would have given this book 4 or 5 stars, if the author included a few more chapters, so the main ideas flowed a bit more smoothly into each other. Other than that, I highly recommend this book (and series) to a person who adores the make-believe and fantasy as much as I do. :) ( )

Originally Reviewed at Witchmag's Boekenplank

!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, a couple of days after reading Song of the Summer King, I’m still at a loss for words. Totally speechless. Shard, Kjorn and all the other characters are still haunting me. I’ve never read a book that had such a great impact, that kept me thinking about all the characters, the story, the world, till days and days after. Strangely enough it also makes it difficult to write a review about a book this phenomenal. I don’t know where to begin. Should I start with the world-building or the plot? Or is it better to start with saying something about the characters? There’s just so much I want to tell, that I want to praise to the sky, that I want to share with you. And I can assure you, reading this book will rock your world and sacrificing some sleep to finish it won’t be a hardship at all ;)

Hmm… Okay, let’s begin with the plot first. That was what drew me initially to this book (and the absolutely fabulous cover of course ;) ). Gryfons and wolves, oh my! That’s going to be a very unique story! And unique it was, but it was also so much more. It touched something in my very core. It’s so detailed and rich. With splendid characters and a story that will keep you enraptured till the end. A story… and I can go on and on like that. In short: this story was amazing and a must read. I won’t tell more, you’ll just have to read it yourself ;) And you won’t be disappointed, trust me!

The world that Jess E. Owen creates is at least as fascinating as the story, if not more so. Add to that touches of Norse Mythology, mythical creatures and talking animals and I was hooked. The time I spent in this world was awesome and I loved every minute of it. It was fantastic to fly with the Gryfons and run with the wolves. It’s written so well that everything felt almost real. Like I could feel the wind, hear the wolves howl and a Gryfon roar…. It was totally and utterly perfect!

The characters too were great to be around. In this story it’s all about Shard, the little grey Gryfon, who discovers that he is destined to do a bit more than he originally thought he would. And this books tell his journey, his road to discovery, to find his true inner self. His path is not an easy one and he could be a bit too gullible, but he’s also adorable and fun and I just loved him to death. The other characters, too, were given a very sound “voice”. They were multi-dimensional, easy to distinguish and totally intriguing to read about. They were the topping of this delicious treat I was given. And now I’m hunkering for more! Where’s the next book?

Conclusion

5 HEARTS. It may seem like I did not go into details with this review, but this is only because it’s such an amazing, griping,terrific book that you should read for yourself. And I also don’t want to spoil everything, which might happen if I really start talking. AKA: thanks for reading my review and go read this book. Or at least add it to your TBR-pile ;). I can recommend it wholeheartedly, for young and old. It’s an ageless story that will stick with you,that will rock your world. ( )

This was an interesting story. I've never read fantasy in this genre and I enjoyed it. I was able to relate to the characters and their struggles and found the mysteries intriguing as the story unfolded. I definitely want to continue the series to see how it all works out. ( )