The Summer Tree (The Fionavar Tapestry, #1) (Unicorn, #1)

by Guy Gavriel Kay

Taken to a realm of magic and war, five men and women from our world embark on an epic journey in the first novel in Guy Gavriel Kay’s classic, critically acclaimed fantasy trilogy, The Fionavar Tapestry.

It begins with a chance meeting that introduces the five to a man who will change their lives: a mage who brings them to the first of all worlds, Fionavar.

In this land of gods and myth, each of them is forced to discover what they are and what they are willing to do, as Fionavar stands on the brink of a terrifying war against a dark, vengeful god...

• ISBN10: 0451458222
• ISBN13: 9780451458223
• Publish Date: 1 April 2001 (first published 1 September 1985)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
• Imprint: Signet
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 400
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780451458223

Reviews

[smartflutist661]

I'm incredibly conflicted about this one. I found the world to be far too derivative of Tolkien's. On the other hand, I thought the fusion of Norse and Celtic mythologies helped the feel of Fionavar as the "first world," though this is obviously a limited view of world mythology. The characters feel at the same time like mere sketches and as though they were sketched with depth. I connected particularly well with Paul and Dave, and Paul's death and resurrection on the Summer Tree alone makes me feel like I should rate this book even more highly.

Overall, there's definitely a lack of polish and the fact that this was Kay's first book is obvious. The second half (once Paul goes to the summer tree) felt infinitely stronger than the first half, however, and in the end was well worth the read.