A Shadow in Summer: Book One of the Long Price Quartet
A Shadow in Summer marks the beginning of Daniel Abraham's acclaimed Long Price Quartet, introducing readers to a world where poet-sorcerers bind powerful spirits called andat to serve entire civilizations. This epic fantasy novel combines political intrigue, cultural complexity, and high-stakes conflict in the prosperous city-state of Saraykeht.
The Story
The powerful city-state of Saraykeht is a bastion of peace and culture, a major center of commerce and trade. Its economy depends on the power of the captive spirit, Seedless, an andat bound to the poet-sorcerer Heshai for life. Enter the Galts, a juggernaut of an empire committed to laying waste to all lands with their ferocious army. Saraykeht, though, has always been too strong for the Galts to attack, but now they see an opportunity. If they can dispose of Heshai, Seedless's bonded poet-sorcerer, Seedless will perish and the entire city will fall. With secret forces inside the city, the Galts prepare to enact their terrible plan.
In the middle is Otah, a simple laborer with a complex past. Recruited to act as a bodyguard for his girlfriend's boss at a secret meeting, he inadvertently learns of the Galtish plot. Otah finds himself as the sole hope of Saraykeht, either he stops the Galts, or the whole city and everyone in it perishes forever.
What Makes This Fantasy Novel Unique
Daniel Abraham crafts a fantasy world built on economic interdependence and magical systems tied to poetry and language. The andat—bound spirits that power civilization—create a magic system grounded in intellectual and emotional complexity rather than combat. This approach to fantasy worldbuilding sets the Long Price Quartet apart from traditional epic fantasy series.
Perfect For Readers Who Enjoy
Readers seeking character-driven epic fantasy with political depth will find A Shadow in Summer compelling. The novel appeals to fans of intricate magic systems, cultural worldbuilding, and stories where conflict emerges from ideology and economics rather than purely martial confrontation. This first installment establishes the foundation for the complete quartet.
