Amy Faulks's SUMMONERS is a fantasy novel that tells a careful and
thoughtful story about duty, identity, and the stress of keeping a fragile
world safe. The book shows that magic is a responsibility, not a gift, and that
systems are made to deal with fear and uncertainty.
In the world of SUMMONERS, death doesn't always mean peace. Their
spirits may stay close to the living world when people die. Some spirits are
calm, while others get angry or confused. The city hires trained professionals
called Executors to keep people from getting hurt.
Executors help keep things in balance and guide spirits away from the
living world. Their work is hard and often goes unnoticed. The book is about
Terry Mandeville, a devoted Executor who really believes in order and
structure. Terry trusts rules because they help him deal with fear and chaos.
When Terry meets the spirit of a man named Whip, he loses his sense of
control. Whip, on the other hand, stays aware, alert, and doesn't want to fade.
His spirit doesn't get free; instead, it becomes tied to Terry. This surprise
event changes what Terry can do and questions everything he thinks he knows
about his role.
Being in the same body all the time causes stress. Terry has a hard time
dealing with the loss of freedom and certainty. Whip has a hard time depending
on someone else to live in the world. Their forced connection is a big part of
the story, showing themes of trust, working together, and shared
responsibility.
While Terry and Whip try to adjust, the city is in even more danger. The
Veil that keeps the living world safe is getting weaker. The Veil keeps a lot
of spirits from entering the city by acting as a wall. If it doesn't work, the
world of the living will be in great danger.
This growing threat makes people think about the past. The Witch Queen,
Iris Westheide, is the most important person in this story. A long time ago,
her knowledge helped make the systems that keep spirits in check and order. The
only way to fix the Veil might be to call on her spirit.
But the Witch Queen's return makes things more complicated. What she did
made things safer, but it also hurt people. The book looks at whether it's a
good idea to use old power to solve new problems or if this will lead to more
mistakes.
Amy Faulks shows that magic is something that requires a lot of care.
You need to plan, focus, and be good at rituals. Mistakes can have big effects.
This structured way of doing things makes the fantasy seem real and grounded.
The way SUMMONERS writes is clear and easy to understand. The story is
easy to follow because the language is simple and direct. The pacing lets
readers get to know the world, the characters, and the themes without feeling
rushed.
The book doesn't focus on fast action; instead, it builds tension
through moral and emotional conflict. Characters have to choose what they are
willing to give up to keep others safe. These decisions have an effect on the
city and on people's relationships.
The story revolves around Terry's journey. He is not fighting for power.
It's about knowing who he is outside of his job. He has to rethink who he is
and what he wants to do when his beliefs are put to the test.
Whip's part makes the story more interesting. His point of view goes
against strict systems and questions the idea that order always leads to
fairness. He lived outside the law, but his voice adds depth and balance to the
story.
The city itself shows the same themes as SUMMONERS. Its systems,
rituals, and protections show that it is a society based on fear and
compromise. The Veil is a sign of safety that comes from giving up something.
Amy Faulks's SUMMONERS is a fantasy story that makes readers think about
duty, identity, and survival. It is a book that values clear writing, strong
characters, and important questions.
The book is out now, and it invites readers to enter a world where responsibility
shapes identity and every choice has consequences.
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