The Summer Tree

Fionavar Tapestry, Book 1

By: Guy Gavriel Kay

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Two-time Aurora Award-winning author Guy Gavriel Kay has been nominated for the World Fantasy Award three times.

In the first book of his Fionavar Tapestry series, five college students meet a wizard who takes them to the heart of the first of all worlds - a place called Fionavar. The students soon discover that they have been pre-ordained as part of the pattern called the Fionavar Tapestry - and if they don't fulfill their destinies, the world will suffer devastating consequences.

©2001 Guy Gavriel Kay (P)2020 Recorded Books

Nonspecific fantasy tale

Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Summer Tree is a fantasy tale where five university students are transported to a magical realm and undergo a series of adventures. One is separated from the group and wanders a bit with a provincial tribe for a while. Another is recognized as a seer and develops some magical abilities. Another is guilt ridden over the death of a former girlfriend and agrees to sacrifice himself on ‘the summer tree’ which the ruling leader has refused to do. In the background, an ancient evil entity is awakening. There are wizards, but they derived their power from another known as their source.

Kay weaves a number of traditional fantasy themes together to create a unique fantasy realm with both a backstory as well as familial issues that complicate the situation. Each of the students gains some self-awareness and insight, although eventually they finally all make it back to their home world.

The narration is very good with solid character distinction. Pacing is smooth.

why, why why oh why?

it’s a good story …it has a lot of things that are similar to other books and authors but I guess that’s fantasy! “there’s nothing new under the sun” as the saying goes…but why, why all the weird accents? Scottish and Irish and Jewish and I’m not really sure what some of the other ones were but it actually made me laugh at places where I probably shouldn’t of been laughing :-/
so if you can get past that, overall, it’s a good start to a Trilogy and the last third of the book is a little easier to bear because now you’ve become accustomed to the narration.

Love this trilogy

Many years ago, The summer Tree was my intro to Guy Gabriel Kay’s work. I’ve been a die hard fan ever since. Enjoyed hearing it for the first time in years. The only downside is the voicing for the Canadians- Dave, Jen, Kevin, Paul , and Kim. Really distracting, and seems like an odd choice given how well Mr Vance narrates everything else in this tale.

This is an Intricate Story

I have been reading since I was six years old, well over half a century. This series, The Fionovar Tapestry, is my favorite ever. The author truly weaves a tale where everything ties together. There are many twists and turns, and much suspense and action along with romance and magic. You will love the characters. The story comes alive.

Epic Read

LOVE THIS SERIES!!! Definitely one of my top Favorites since I was 16 till now

Beautifully written and skillfully woven tail

This is one of my favorite fantasy trilogies of all time. I first read it several decades ago and it has not lost its charm in translation to audiobook. Listening to this tail again was like spending time with an old friend. It is well worth your time invested in the age old story of light versus the dark.

The Summer Tree

I wavered back and forth with this novel. It was an engaging read, but it was also quite dark. I attempted to reread it to remind myself of the flow of the story, but found I did not want to reread the torture scenes.
I did really enjoy the world building. The different races, the royal family dynamics, the political power plays, it all weaves together to create a very engaging and intense story. You are left wanting to know what is going to happen next with each character.
The author also did an excellent job fleshing out some of the specific characters. You find yourself invested in each individual and hoping that things end positively for each them. Redemption. I’m interested to read the next novel in the series.

Made me wish for a longer commute

Beautifully written and narrated, my hour long work commute transported me to Fionovar, and wished I never had to leave!

One of the great fantasy series

The Fionavar Trilogy is among the very greats of fantasy. The Summer Tree is mesmerizing. I first discovered the trilogy as a teen almost 40 years ago. I’m utterly thrilled to find them all on audible now. The characters and story can be heartbreaking at times. Very well read by Simon Vance, though I’m still wrapping my head at the Dalrai (sp? I’m listening) having Scottish accents…

Good story

The book is one I’ve enjoyed since first reading it. The narrator does a good job. Some voices seem unlike the written characters, but are easily distinguished.