Reba Birmingham’s Search for the Summer Stone takes readers on another wild ride in the Hercynian Forest Series, blending fantasy, adventure, and social commentary into one entertaining package. This time, Panda Fowler and her crew set off on a mission to Africa in search of the fabled Summer Stone, a powerful magical artifact. Along the way, they deal with old enemies, ancient prophecies, and their own evolving abilities. At the same time, trouble is brewing back home in Merryville, where political tensions mirror the global fight against the oppressive forces of Lupus Imperium. The book weaves magic and reality together in a way that feels both fantastical and eerily relevant.

Right from the prologue, the book plunges readers into high-stakes action. The opening scene in the Namib Desert sets the tone, immediately painting a brutal and desperate situation. I loved how Birmingham doesn’t waste time with long-winded exposition—she throws us into the deep end and lets us figure it out along the way. Panda’s narration, laced with dry humor and self-doubt, makes the journey feel personal. She’s not some fearless warrior; she’s a tax preparer who just happens to have a destiny, and that’s what makes her so relatable. Her struggle to harness her “Raven magic” is a running theme, and I found it fascinating how she doubts herself even as everyone else places their hopes on her.

One of the most unexpected joys of the book was the blend of humor and tension. The airport chase scene with Mitzi and Lulu had me laughing, especially Mitzi’s inner monologue about driving Panda’s car. It’s a testament to Birmingham’s skill that she can make moments of genuine danger feel fun without undercutting the stakes. The social conflicts in Merryville, like the protests over Virginia Merry’s statue and the “Native California Patriots” group, add another layer of depth. It’s fantasy, sure, but it also holds a mirror up to real-world issues, making the world feel grounded despite all the magic.

The emotional weight of the story resonated with me in the scenes at the Ute Reservation. Panda’s struggles with self-worth and responsibility come to a head when she trains with Ahanu, an elder who refuses to coddle her. Their interactions are some of the most powerful in the book, and it’s here that we really see Panda start to grow. The lesson about balance, how fighting evil isn’t about total destruction but about restoring harmony, felt deep. It gave the fantasy elements a deeper purpose, something more than just a battle between good and evil. I also appreciated how Valerie’s Native American heritage was explored with respect and authenticity, adding another layer of richness to the world-building.

Search for the Summer Stone is a must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy. If you enjoy witty protagonists, high-stakes magic, and stories that weave social issues into adventure, this book is for you. Longtime readers of the Hercynian Forest series will love how past characters circle back, but even newcomers will find plenty to enjoy. It’s fast-paced, thought-provoking, and just plain fun.

Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0DWLYJFYX