The Summer Prince

****CONTAINS POSSIBLE SPOILERS**** Although I did not enjoy the whole book until the last few hours, I cannot deny its merits or why anyone would enjoy it. One thing to consider before listening, is to have an open mind. The story takes place in a Dystopian future. Sexuality and romantic relationships are seen in “The Summer Prince” through a lens that is removed from our current standards. I admired the protagonist’s drive and motivations a lot, but could not sympathize with her behavior, particularly with her family or the bit with the Queen’s Award at the beginning. The events that carried the plot along weren’t always engaging but they at least moved everything forward. And it did get better towards the end. Where this book shines through the best is in its world building and in the final act where things really start picking up. The technology described is interesting. The body modifications are pretty cool and it feels like they are limitless. The matriarchal society with it’s political inclinations and culture is well thought out and can be subversive. My main point of contention was just that with the exception of the titular Summer Prince, the other characters, (and at times the protagonist) were not especially compelling. This was an interesting book with good ideas and if you are looking into exploring a unique Dystopian world you should definitely give it a chance. Also the song at the very end was beautiful.