"SUMMERS AT CASTLE AUBURN is delightful."

Bastard daughter of a royal lord, Coriel's life is unique among those who live at Castle Auburn. Three-quarters of her years are spent at her witch-woman grandmother's cottage in a small village far from the Castle. Her summers, however, are given to the Castle, where she enjoys the company of her half-sister Elisandra and, occasionally, her uncle Jaxon.

As the story opens, Corie is setting off on a Hunt with her uncle, a journey to capture some of the ethereal aliora who live beyond the river. Beautiful and delicate, aliora are prized slaves that command huge sums from the nobles who purchase their service. The trip, though mostly uneventful, marks the beginning of friendships, the furthering of acquaintances and Corie's first, fateful brush with the aliora.

The story deepens, winding political scheming and aspiration and family conflict with dark secrets and deeds. Friendships, infatuations, romances and sisterly devotion all play out through the years Corie becomes more and more involved at Castle Auburn and less at-home with her grandmother at the small village she spends most of her year in. Gradually, Corie begins to see the truths she has never acknowledged and the fears and hatred that surround her- sight that leads her to question everything she has ever known.

Written in first person, SUMMERS AT CASTLE AUBURN is delightful fantasy story with a romantic subplot. The story takes place over many years, as Corie goes from innocent girl to a woman all too aware of the political machinations going on around her. The worldbuilding is near-flawless, from the medieval-style kingdom to the lithe, magical creatures called aliora who play such a crucial role in the story. The characterization is excellent, as well, with each player being fleshed-out and fully believable. Despite the somewhat dark aspects of slavery and politics that color the background, the story's focus is on Corie and her growth. Romance readers will be pleased by the delicate relationship that develops between Corie and a certain royal lord, culminating in an ever-popular happy ending for all, but those who want deep emotional introspection (about romance) from a heroine who may not be as entranced. If you enjoy fantasy novels with a touch of romance, Shinn's SUMMERS AT CASTLE AUBURN is wonderful read.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Posted April 2, 2004

As a child, Coriel Halsing spent many glorious summers at Castle Auburn with her half-sister-and fell in love with a handsome prince who could never be hers. But now that she is a young woman, she begins to see the dark side of this magical place...