This early Charles de Lint novel, ?previously unavailable in a paperback
edition, ?is a stirring epic fantasy of Celtic and Nordic mythology
along with swords and sorcery.
In the Green Isles, the summer magic is waning. Snake ships pillage the
coastal towns, and the evil Icelord encases the verdant lands in a
permanent frost. A mysterious old wizard prepares to mount one last
defense of the Isles, hurrying to instruct his inexperienced apprentice
in the art of shape-changing. In a desperate race to awaken the
Summerlord, the newfound mage gathers a few remaining allies, including
a seemingly ordinary young woman and her protective adoptive family.
Mercilessly pursued by the Icelord's army of stormkin, they flee north
to the seat of the Summerlord's power.
But the revelation of a family betrayal leads to new treachery?and time
is running short for the Summerborn.