Summers at Castle Auburn

Rating:
Summary: Pleasant, but lightweight
Review: I had not previously thought of Shinn as an author of Young Adult fantasy, but this belongs in the children's section. I was sorry when I finished it because I wanted there to be more. I wanted more depth in the characters, and more complication in the plot. It was like hoping for a meal and being served only dessert.

It was very pleasant, but it was not enough.

Rating:
Summary: A dreamy fairy tale for all ages...
Review: A beautiful story with a fairy tale feel and a bit of romance, this has become one of my favorite books. This tale tells the story of a young woman, Coriel, the bastard child of a now dead nobleman, who is torn between the world of riches and power in the Regent's court and a simple life as the trainee of her grandmother, a small village healer. Every summer she lives as a noble at Castle Auburn with her beautiful and loving half sister, Elisandra, who is affianced to Prince Bryan, the most adored young men in the Kingdom. Bryan, the young orphan prince, is just getting his first tastes of power, and likes it very much.

The story opens with most of the main characters embarking on a hunt for Aliora, a kind of very gentle and kind fairy folk who are used as slaves by the nobles. Coriel is a young 14-year old tomboy suffering from her first hopeless crush--on Bryan, the reckless and dashing young prince. The Prince's cousin, slim and serious Kent, keeps a watchful eye on Corie, and tries to curb his cousin's recklessness. Corie's Uncle Jaxon, the greatest Aliora hunter in the kingdom, herds the youngsters along, and Roderick, a young, handsome guardsman provides security. Only beautiful Elisandra is kept at home by her mother Greta, in order to avoid scandal.

The story follows these innocent children as they change and grow into adults. Some learn wisdom, some fall in love, one learns evil, and one will die, before the tale is told. And we see all this through Corie's eyes, overshadowed by her innocence until the blinders are removed and she finally grows up and sees the reality of life in Castle Auburn.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: The story was a little slow at first but after a chapter or two I found it to be totally delightful. So much so that I didn't want to put it down. Next time I'm at the library I'll be looking for her other books.

Rating:
Summary: The best book ive ever read
Review: ive read everything ranging from the virgin suicides,literture,teen novels,romance to harry potter and this is the best book. Its about illegimate daughter of a dead court noble,Coriel(also known as corie).Shes in love with a prince who is engaged to her older sister Ellisandra but neverthless he has sex with maids,servents and everything in between .he has a illegimate son who was killed when his mother tianza committed suicide.But her sister still marries him but not for long cause............

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Read
Review: Summers at Castle Auburn has a wonderful plot of a bastard daughter of a deceased king. It was his wish that every summer she come to the castle and there she meets her uncle and half sister who she loves, her step mom who she hates, and her sister's betrothed and the future king who she lusts. She also meets the Aloria, or fairy like craturs that are captured as slaves. The book begins when she leaves on a hunt for Aloria with her uncle, sister's betrothed, his taster, a gaurd, and the cousin of Bryan, the future king. She wakes in the middle of the night to find her uncle talking to an Aloria but say nothing about in the morning.

The book is about how the heroine never really fits in one place or the other. She will either be sold off to a noble or become an hebalist, like her granmother who raises her. She is not one thing nor the other, and lives for her summers at the castle untill things start to change. She is lost and upset. Nothing makes sense, and things will never be as she once thought. She watches as her grandmother trains another herbalist in her palce, as her sister prepares to marry, as romances swirl around her, and how different she really is.

This book is sweet and very enjoyable. I couldn't put it down and absolutly loved it. Surprises are thrown around every corner but things somehow turn out how the reader wants the too. I loved this book.

Rating:
Summary: A joy to read, not just great cover art
Review: Before I start let me get one thing straight: Even though I will critisize this book I still loved it and despite these things I feel that they made this book all the better. I was drawn to this book by the beautiful cover art and title. I then proceded to read the beginning to get a feel for the author. I continued to read right up to the checkout counter then through the parkinglot and into my car. This book is by no means an intense "What will happen next" page turner. But I couldn't put it down. It is light reading with a serious undertone that send definetly sends a message about human nature and society. The main character Coriel lives a naive life and throughout the book becomes disolutioned. She realizes the reality of the people she cares about and the flaws in her society. Things in this books which seem all to obvious to the reader Coriel spends the entire book realizing. But it is really fun knowing things that she doesn't. It makes you feel good to think "I know! I know! haha I know more than you!" You spend the entire book thinking "when will she get it!?" That is what makes this book a page turner. It has a fairy-tale happy ending and makes you want to live in Castle auburn with these people (even though it isn't all that pleasant). While the book is predictable there are definately some unexpected turns of events. I would recomend this book to ANYONE who is looking for a look into a more realistic fanstasy life. It is not tough reading and suitable for young fantasy readers as well as adults. Read it, I cannot see how anyone would not enjoy it.

Rating:
Summary: Loved it
Review: I was drawn in from the beginning, as I always am with Sharon Shinn. The characters were beautifully penned, and I got the resolution I needed at the end. Romance, intrigue, and thought provoking social commentary all wrapped up in a wonderfully told story. I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Magical
Review: As always, Shinn presents her readers with a beautifully written book that takes you away from your own life and situation for a few hours. This book is like a grass-scented breeze on a summer day -- something you'll enjoy every time you experience it.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I can not understand why only three people before me have given this 5 stars, and not more. I just got the book today, and read it in one sitting. The plot is original, the story line imaginitive, and the charecters well thought out. Corie is a believibe girl, as are her friends. Most people have typed that "this is not the regular Sharon Shinn style." Who cares? I've never read any books by the author, but this book was a wonderful story for any fantesy/romance fan. So if your looking for a good read, read this book.

Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Sharon Shinn Book
Review: Put aside your preconceived ideas of what you think a Sharon Shinn novel is supposed to be and enjoy the heck out of this charming, sweet novel. I think it is wonderful that Ms. Shinn tries something a little different in each book. Yes, we all love Samaria, but so what? This book is flawless and thoroughly entertaining. I loved every minute of it.