The Summer Tree cover art

The Summer Tree

Fionavar Tapestry, Book 1

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The Summer Tree

By: Guy Gavriel Kay
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

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 Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Magic Student

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All stars
Most relevant  
I had to restart this 3 times. I don't know if it was the narrator or the story itself but it seemed so jumbled at the start. Lots of characters, lots of jumping around. It comes together at the end and I always enjoy listening to Simon Vance.

The next book is also included on the plus catalogue so I'm going to continue on with the series as I know the author is very popular.

Took effort

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I absolutely loved this trilogy. Narration was excellent! Took a while though to get into it.

Fabulous

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I am in awe of Guy Gavriel Kay and in what he does in this trilogy. I loved the story, characters, and the pacing. Not so much the narrator of this audiobook.

Love the story, not so much the narrator

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classic feeling story that is quite character based, bit of a slow burn in the begining but as it goes on you become quite invested in the fates of the character's, looking forward to the next one.

great character based story, classic feel

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Loved the whole premise of this book and can’t wait for the next one!
Very similar to LOTR but with some different themes and elements.

Enthralling storyline with engaging characters

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Firstly, Guy Gavriel Kay is a masterful writer.. by the time you reach chapter 9 at least, you’ll agree with me. He has a brilliant way to collate image and emotions through such beautiful and poetic prose.. 30 years after originally reading this book, it still captivates and surprises me.

Yes, I originally read this book in the early 90s, and the memory of one particular chapter stuck with me from that time, as feeling like I was part of a dreamlike scene. Listening back to this version so many years later.. my opinion hasn’t changed. It’s beautifully written, if you can get past the initial premise. Let’s get to that shall we.

The initial story starts in our world with five bright and young Americans who are pulled to a strange new world of a more genre established fantasy. In this day and age, this could be considered cheesy to say the least.

However, the world to which these characters are drawn to, is so brilliantly realised that they could quite easily give G R R Martin a run for his money. The characters, the societies, the magic are brilliantly thought out!

As for the main characters, their individual journeys will have you hooked I promise.

Narration: the narrator does an excellent job of conveying the tone of this book through his pace and character voice. My only gripe would be his initial portrayal of the main female characters, which for some reason he chose to make them sound like small children. However, I said “initially” for a reason. Once the narrator truly starts to get a grip with the recording project, he clearly realises the importance of the female characters and gives them more tone and seriousness. I’m sure he’d agree with me on that one!

Anyway. I really recommend this book if you want a fantasy with a more adult tone. It’s not quite Game of Thrones, but then again, it’s not quite “Not” Game of thrones. It’s an adult fantasy with brilliant character writing. You will enjoy!

Beautifully written, pleasantly presented.. minor flaws.

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I always loved this trilogy and i am glad for the new, much clearer narration.
Would have liked it if the narrator was a tad slower but overall a great experience!

A spectacular fantasy in Tolkien’s footsteps

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After reading Lord of the Rings as a teenager and being totally encapsulated by it, I was thirsty for stories of the same ilk. The Summer Tree certainly more than achieved that. Loved this book as a teen. Now hearing it read brilliantly by Simon Vance the story comes alive once again. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

Rekindled teenage memories.

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A beautiful story that I first read many years ago, performed superbly by Simon Vance.

Wonderful.

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I am aware that Simon Vance is an experienced narrator, and his storytelling is fine. But. Voices. Doesn't work for me. Am I the only one? Or I am just spoiled by Steven Pacey, I don't know. I think I would like this book so much more with a different narrator.

I can't decide

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