Sunday, August 18, 2013

The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson Review


"A heart-stopping story of love, death, technology, and art set amid the tropics of a futuristic Brazil.

The lush city of Palmares Três shimmers with tech and tradition, with screaming gossip casters and practiced politicians. In the midst of this vibrant metropolis, June Costa creates art that’s sure to make her legendary. But her dreams of fame become something more when she meets Enki, the bold new Summer King. The whole city falls in love with him (including June’s best friend, Gil). But June sees more to Enki than amber eyes and a lethal samba. She sees a fellow artist.

Together, June and Enki will stage explosive, dramatic projects that Palmares Três will never forget. They will add fuel to a growing rebellion against the government’s strict limits on new tech. And June will fall deeply, unfortunately in love with Enki. Because like all Summer Kings before him, Enki is destined to die."

The Summer Prince is not what I expected. To be truthful, I expected fairies or some odd witches who can control the seasons. Maybe it's a hopeful thought inspired by The Iron Fey (written by Julie Kagawa). The Summer Prince should be named The Summer King instead because there isn't a Summer Prince in the book. (Another random thought of mine).

The Summer Prince is narrated by June Costa. Remember the term "starving artist?" Well, that's what June Costa seems to be. Underrated. Underappreciated. Invisible. Silent. Hidden. Worthless until dead. The Summer Prince tells of June's adventure and times through Palmare Tres. The Summer Prince is an Young Adult, Dystopian, and Futuristic book. The Summer Prince is amazing, and stunning. Every moment is surprising yet also random, or at least in the beginning.

The Summer Prince's plot is entertaining. Every moment is a moment I don't want to miss. The Summer Prince isn't crying material, but it is close, like many good books. As I think about this book over and over again, The Summer Prince gets better and better. The writing is somewhat confusing and the author didn't do a really good job of explaining the futuristic words (dialects). I had to guess the meanings because the words are so odd, and replaces nouns. 

WOW! What a beautiful ending! I never dream the ending was going to be like that. (MINOR SPOILER ALERT) I thought that Enki was going to defy his destiny and live with June forever or at least until death. But no. He isn't going to. (END MINOR SPOILER) I almost, almost cried at the end. 

Characters: 

June is unafraid of being on the wrong side of law. She sees things in a whole different perspective than normal people. We see a king, but she sees an artist. A possible friend and maybe even more than that. (Or at least she likes to think so). June struggles with her identity and roles in her life. She doesn't know what to do and is going in circles until she met Enki. All because of a boy, like always.

Enki is trapped within a pretty and rich cage. He's fearless, scandalous, and unafraid to do something totally outrageous, like upsetting the Queen and even boldly daring the Aunties. (I have no idea who are the Aunties, but they seem to be advisers to the Queen and hold some power). I can see why June is so smitten with Enki. 

Rating: Four out of Five

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