This is a really delicious book, what I mean by that is that its the sort of story you just want more and more of. I found myself reading it while waiting for the bus, on the bus, and then when I got home I just wanted to keep reading! Sharon Shinn has been one of my favourite authors for a long time, I adore her Angel series and have been trying to track down some of her fantasy works to read.

Summers at Castle Auburn is the story of Coriel Halsing, a young woman born as the bastard daughter of the second most noble house in the kingdom. She spends her winters at her Grandmother’s cottage in the country, learning about herbs and medicine and then travels to the royal ‘Castle Auburn’ to spend her summers at court with her beautiful half-sister Elisandra, a dashing and dangerous Prince, his level headed cousin and the mysterious Aliora, faerie like beings who are slaves and servants at the castle. This world is full of court intrigue, feasts, balls and hunts and of course romance, which is Sharon Shinn’s special talent as a writer.

I must admit I found the plot a little predictable, but that made it no less enjoyable. It is an interesting story and Coriel is a likeable heroine and especially easy for me to associate with as I’ve also studied herbal medicine for a long time. I found Elisandra a beautiful character too, an example of how a demure ladylike presence can mask an inner strength, sometimes it’s the quiet ones who are actually the strongest. Finally the theme of Slavery was well handled, I thought the Aliora were a truly amazing race.

This book left me wanting to spend my summer at a far away castle too! Listening to musicians, reading, doing embroidery during the day and then having an evening ride (I miss horseriding soo much! I should go again soon) before getting dressed for a glittering feast! I think I need a vacation.