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Wraith Kings #3.5
A Memory of Summer: A Prequel to The Nomas King
Spinsterhood has never bothered or embarrassed the independent Emerence Ipsan, and the winter festival of Delyalda keeps her far too busy managing her father's shops to worry about matters as trivial as marriage.
Until the arrival of a young Quereci warrior with old eyes and an admiring gaze makes her question that notion.
Until the arrival of a young Quereci warrior with old eyes and an admiring gaze makes her question that notion.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2021
41 people are currently reading
1413 people want to read
About the author
Grace Draven
54 books7,594 followersI'm an author and Louisiana native living in Texas with my husband, three smalls and a big doofus dog. I have lived in Spain, hiked the Teton Mountains, honeymooned in Scotland, ridden in competition rodeo and am the great great granddaughter of a Nicaraguan president. I also hate doing laundry and refuse to iron anything.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.
I've loved storytelling since forever. I published my first short story with Amber Quill Press and have since written several other tales. A love of the bad boy in fiction always inspires me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 15, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a delicious taste of characters that I hope we'll see in the Nomas King. I really loved Emerenece and Gaeres as characters and if they're who we'll see in that book, there's chemistry a-bubbling. I did want more story though, thus the rating. It is hard with novellas and the 53 pages left me wanting.
This was a delicious taste of characters that I hope we'll see in the Nomas King. I really loved Emerenece and Gaeres as characters and if they're who we'll see in that book, there's chemistry a-bubbling. I did want more story though, thus the rating. It is hard with novellas and the 53 pages left me wanting.
November 22, 2023
A Quereci nomad. A strikingly handsome one at that. Swarthy skin made even swarthier by the mountain sun and sharp features that reminded her of a raptor bird, he stood out among the pallid, sun-deprived Beladine crowds like a memory of summer, beautiful and brief in these climes.
Summer came unexpectedly to the apothecary near noon, golden and warm and dusted with snow.
He was big and warm, solid and comforting in her arms. His breath tickled her neck and ear as he bent closer to whisper, "I hold the stars."
Well, Grace Draven did it again. Just like Ziga and Andras in Night Tide she gave us a glimpse in Gaeres and Emerence's personalities (and meeting) and I can't wait to read their story.
Now that her health issues have subsided I'm looking forward to what her talent will create for us to enjoy.
Summer came unexpectedly to the apothecary near noon, golden and warm and dusted with snow.
He was big and warm, solid and comforting in her arms. His breath tickled her neck and ear as he bent closer to whisper, "I hold the stars."
Well, Grace Draven did it again. Just like Ziga and Andras in Night Tide she gave us a glimpse in Gaeres and Emerence's personalities (and meeting) and I can't wait to read their story.
Now that her health issues have subsided I'm looking forward to what her talent will create for us to enjoy.
December 19, 2021
Aww- its like my favorite Chinese food, a little bit sweet and sour. But its memory lives on.
Well written and with a delayed HEA, this story made me sad for Em and Garnes, to have to wait with a longing that flares so intense. If this is a taste of the next book and series- I am all in!
Well written and with a delayed HEA, this story made me sad for Em and Garnes, to have to wait with a longing that flares so intense. If this is a taste of the next book and series- I am all in!
November 16, 2021
A beautiful prequel to Wraith Kings Book 4~ The Nomas King It was such a magical ~ short & sweet novelette. An intriguing introduction to one of the Wraith Kings ~ Gaeres & Emerence, his heroine.
Emerence was a bit older than him ~ by nine years to be exact ~ 37 when they first met. She was already an independent lady of means while Gaeres was still searching for ways to make himself husband-worthy to females in his tribe!
I'll be waiting for him ~ just like Emerence will. And will be wishing with all my heart that their full length love story will arrive in our hands in summer of 2022💞
Here's how their short encounter ended 💘
Emerence was a bit older than him ~ by nine years to be exact ~ 37 when they first met. She was already an independent lady of means while Gaeres was still searching for ways to make himself husband-worthy to females in his tribe!
I'll be waiting for him ~ just like Emerence will. And will be wishing with all my heart that their full length love story will arrive in our hands in summer of 2022💞
Here's how their short encounter ended 💘
"I don't know if or when I'll return to Timsiora," he told her. "If I do, may I escort you home again?"
Kiss you again? Dance with you again?
Emerence heard all three questions in the one he spoke. She smiled, a difficult expression now that melancholy shadowed her heart at his leaving and the very real possibility she might never see him again. "Come back to Timsiora and I will answer you." she said.
He captured her hand and kissed her fingers. "Summer," he said as he backed away. "Look for me when summer comes, Emerence Ipsan." He bowed and left the garden to find his aunt and cousins.
Emerence listened to the door's click. Only the towering conifer bore witness to her promise. "I will wait as the seasons turn. Wait and remember."
April 19, 2022
This is not what I thought it would be. This is only the beginning of a love story. This is not complete. It is well written but I am pretty upset I actually spent money on that.
December 28, 2021
A lovely novella that introduces a wonderful couple who, I hope, will be the focus of the books to follow. The only downside is the short length. A Grace Draven story is never long enough to satisfy my love of her writing!
November 14, 2021
MORE PLEASE!
Perfect short.....need The Wraith Kings ,Bk 4 !!
In the meantime, I'd happily read Grace Draven's grocery list because they're Her words!
Perfect short.....need The Wraith Kings ,Bk 4 !!
In the meantime, I'd happily read Grace Draven's grocery list because they're Her words!
February 20, 2022
Wow!
Wow! That's all I can say. Wow! There better be more. There must be more. I can hardly wait for the next book.
Wow! That's all I can say. Wow! There better be more. There must be more. I can hardly wait for the next book.
December 28, 2022
I absolutely loved every page of this (except for the very end when he must leave of course) and desperately hope that The Nomas King will reunite them and continue their story.
Read
November 14, 2024It was a sweet novella, I didn’t want it to end!
January 20, 2021
4 Stars
A Memory of Summer is from the Under a Winter Sky: A Midwinter Holiday Anthology.
I liked A Memory of Summer and enjoyed the main characters. It said the novella was to be read before The Ippos King. Hope Emerence and Geares make an appearance in that book.
A Memory of Summer is from the Under a Winter Sky: A Midwinter Holiday Anthology.
I liked A Memory of Summer and enjoyed the main characters. It said the novella was to be read before The Ippos King. Hope Emerence and Geares make an appearance in that book.
June 14, 2025
TOO SHORTTTTTT
December 22, 2021
Too short...ending bittersweet
November 25, 2021
Loved it
Wish it was longer, desperately want the next chapters in their story, but everything Draven writes is so good, I’ll happily wait for more…
Wish it was longer, desperately want the next chapters in their story, but everything Draven writes is so good, I’ll happily wait for more…
December 6, 2021
Ugh! My heart’s all achy now, wishing for more of Gaeres and Em. I don’t know if it’s a gift or a curse, but Draven manages to do it every time with every book. I love the depth of emotion she can write into her characters, no matter how short the book.
Maybe I’ll have to go back and do some rereads!
Maybe I’ll have to go back and do some rereads!
November 11, 2021
Grace can do no wrong!
I adore Grace Dravens work. This is an absolute delightful novella set in the same wonderful world as other works. I look forward to the next part of this story.
I adore Grace Dravens work. This is an absolute delightful novella set in the same wonderful world as other works. I look forward to the next part of this story.
October 10, 2023
3,5 stars
A pretty short novella (or novelette) in Wraith Kings world, and also prequel to The Nomad King, Gaeres's story. We will get introduce to his love interest, Emerence Ipsam that already in her 37-ish, therefore make she older than Gaeres. This is sure is my catnip. The event itself happen in the same timeline with The Darkest Midnight novella since Emerence and her father prepare for the wedding of Sodrin Uhlfrida, in which Sodrin is Jahna's older brother.
I like how Draven incorporated the message about marriage through Emerence. Emerence herself never bother with her spinsterhood, because she want to held true to her principle, that she will married a man that she deemed worthy rather than rushed, resulted in unhappy marriage. Draven also write how Quereci's matriarchal customs work, in which they value their women so much more compared to the patriarchal Beladine society. This novella offer a glimpse into how Emerence and Gaeres's romance blossoming and I can't wait to see how Gaeres will prove that beside his great deeds in banishing the galla to ensure his worthy to have a wife of his own, he's also worthy of Emerence's love.
The waiting for The Nomad Kings, indeed, will be a torture. Also, I think this is a pretty smart marketing move, since if reader want to read about how Emerence and Gaeres meet and develop feelings for each other, they can check this one.
A pretty short novella (or novelette) in Wraith Kings world, and also prequel to The Nomad King, Gaeres's story. We will get introduce to his love interest, Emerence Ipsam that already in her 37-ish, therefore make she older than Gaeres. This is sure is my catnip. The event itself happen in the same timeline with The Darkest Midnight novella since Emerence and her father prepare for the wedding of Sodrin Uhlfrida, in which Sodrin is Jahna's older brother.
I like how Draven incorporated the message about marriage through Emerence. Emerence herself never bother with her spinsterhood, because she want to held true to her principle, that she will married a man that she deemed worthy rather than rushed, resulted in unhappy marriage. Draven also write how Quereci's matriarchal customs work, in which they value their women so much more compared to the patriarchal Beladine society. This novella offer a glimpse into how Emerence and Gaeres's romance blossoming and I can't wait to see how Gaeres will prove that beside his great deeds in banishing the galla to ensure his worthy to have a wife of his own, he's also worthy of Emerence's love.
The waiting for The Nomad Kings, indeed, will be a torture. Also, I think this is a pretty smart marketing move, since if reader want to read about how Emerence and Gaeres meet and develop feelings for each other, they can check this one.
December 28, 2021
3.75 stars. A solid partial novella. No hea, but fulfilled its purpose of setting up the next book. Emmerence is a 37 yr old Beladine shopkeeper. Gaeres is a 28 yr old Querci warrior who is fascinated by Emmerence.
What I liked: Typical Grace Draven it had solid world building and character development.
What didn’t work for me: 1) Emmerence harping on about her age, though I recognize that was a societal non-norm for her. 2) I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, so that kind of dragged the star rating down for me, too.
What I liked: Typical Grace Draven it had solid world building and character development.
What didn’t work for me: 1) Emmerence harping on about her age, though I recognize that was a societal non-norm for her. 2) I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, so that kind of dragged the star rating down for me, too.
January 20, 2022
A pleasant enough read, I enjoyed an older main character, but being a short story, character development was limited. I did like the ending however, and would happily read a follow up.
December 8, 2024
Short novella that takes place in the same time and place and the end of In The Darkest Midnight. Emerence is the manager of two successful businesses, and at 37 is only planning on marrying if she can find a man she is totally in love with. Enter Gaeres, who is the undisputed (by me) hottest and most interesting of the wraith kings. From a mountain nomad tribe, he came down to fight the dead. He's also ten years younger than Emerence. Get it girl.
So they have a lot of cute interactions, but she can't believe he would be attracted to her because of the difference in age and hotness levels. Even though he does the old "this shop is so crowded, I have to press right up on you" and "so are you single or...." etc etc. Eventually they realize their feelings are mutual, just as he has to leave town. It's the winter festival during this novella, and he's like, I'll come to town again next summer. So HFN, and I can't wait for his book. Five stars because Gaeres is the best and Emerence is kinda a boss the way she's like, no need to marry I'll just be making money at my thriving business. Wish they had acted a little sooner in the festival so they could have enjoyed each other more. I guess that's what their book is for!
So they have a lot of cute interactions, but she can't believe he would be attracted to her because of the difference in age and hotness levels. Even though he does the old "this shop is so crowded, I have to press right up on you" and "so are you single or...." etc etc. Eventually they realize their feelings are mutual, just as he has to leave town. It's the winter festival during this novella, and he's like, I'll come to town again next summer. So HFN, and I can't wait for his book. Five stars because Gaeres is the best and Emerence is kinda a boss the way she's like, no need to marry I'll just be making money at my thriving business. Wish they had acted a little sooner in the festival so they could have enjoyed each other more. I guess that's what their book is for!
February 19, 2023
I loved this novellas SO MUCH!!! Grace Draven does it again. The GORGEOUS winter scenes. The intimacy between the characters. The insanely beautiful writing. I feel like I'm in another land, truly.
Emerence has given up on love, until one day she encounters a man named Gueres. He's essentially a "gypsy," as would probably be the reference in our world. He's 10 years younger than her, but is immediately intrigued by her. This story was held just before and during their days' long winter festival, and Emerence and Gueres give in to temptation after a particularly entertaining event of the festival. I so enjoyed meeting these characters and watch their infatuations with one another result in something so beautiful (yet fleeting). I also loved the undercurrents of feminism and honor that held up the story. PLEASE TELL ME THESE CHARACTERS ARE IN THE NOMAS KING!! :o)
Emerence has given up on love, until one day she encounters a man named Gueres. He's essentially a "gypsy," as would probably be the reference in our world. He's 10 years younger than her, but is immediately intrigued by her. This story was held just before and during their days' long winter festival, and Emerence and Gueres give in to temptation after a particularly entertaining event of the festival. I so enjoyed meeting these characters and watch their infatuations with one another result in something so beautiful (yet fleeting). I also loved the undercurrents of feminism and honor that held up the story. PLEASE TELL ME THESE CHARACTERS ARE IN THE NOMAS KING!! :o)
May 8, 2023
Well, I can certainly relate to Emerence, and I wouldn't mind a Gaeres of my own... My complaint with this one is that it's far too short! Hopefully we see much more of these two in the next Wraith Kings book.
February 15, 2023
The Warmth Of Memory
This is one of my favorite worlds built by Grace Draven. The story seems to fall in the Wraith Kings canon, though I’m not sure where.
Emerence Ipsan is content in her singleness, though it bothers many around her. But she would rather wait for the one who would hold her heart’s devotion, than marry for propriety.
When a stranger to her town comes to her rescue as a drunken bully tries to sully her business, Emerence glimpses a man who draws her. And he watches back.
Older by nine years, Emerence self-censors the possibility of anything between them; but, Quereci is not so judgmental. I hope there is more to unfold.
This is one of my favorite worlds built by Grace Draven. The story seems to fall in the Wraith Kings canon, though I’m not sure where.
Emerence Ipsan is content in her singleness, though it bothers many around her. But she would rather wait for the one who would hold her heart’s devotion, than marry for propriety.
When a stranger to her town comes to her rescue as a drunken bully tries to sully her business, Emerence glimpses a man who draws her. And he watches back.
Older by nine years, Emerence self-censors the possibility of anything between them; but, Quereci is not so judgmental. I hope there is more to unfold.
August 1, 2022
What a special story. Ms. Draven continues weaving deeply believable characters into an amazingly creative world full of fantasy and magic in a time long before now. Gaeres and Emmerence are the focus in this prequel to "The Nomas King." They meet in Belatine. Emmerence (as a thirty-six-year-old "spinster") has no plans for marriage. Then along comes Gaeres. Enough information and opinion. Just know Ms. Draven is a weaver of spells with her writing for I surely seemed caught in one as I, smiling and sighing, read this in one sitting.
February 16, 2023
She was neither embarrassed nor ashamed to return Gaeres's affections, no matter how fleeting.
Actual Rating = 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
I'm a Grace Draven fan; I haven't read everything she's written but what I've read I've enjoyed, and A Memory of Summer was no different. It was classic Draven: ruthless but efficient worldbuilding, a romance that manages to be sweet and swoony, and the introduction of characters I'm excited to get to know better. I was already excited about The Nomas King, but even more so now.
April 1, 2023
Series: Wraith Kings #3.5
Rating:3 stars - I liked it
This was a short and sweet introduction to Emerance Ipsan, a shopkeeper, and Gaeres, one of the former Wraith Kings. I assume these characters are going to be in the focus of the next book so we are getting to see their first meeting. I enjoyed this brief little flirtation but was sad that they never got their one night. I am excited to see how their story continues in the next book though.
Trigger Warnings; Emerance is harassed and has her house broken into.
Rating:3 stars - I liked it
This was a short and sweet introduction to Emerance Ipsan, a shopkeeper, and Gaeres, one of the former Wraith Kings. I assume these characters are going to be in the focus of the next book so we are getting to see their first meeting. I enjoyed this brief little flirtation but was sad that they never got their one night. I am excited to see how their story continues in the next book though.
Trigger Warnings; Emerance is harassed and has her house broken into.
April 13, 2023
A Memory of Summer is a sweet novelette about a spinster named Emerance Ipsan from Belawat, and her meeting and growing affection and attraction for Gaeres, the Quereci who was one of the Wraith Kings from Eidolon. It is a quiet book about an independent woman who makes a connection with a younger man and wonders, “What if?” There are many factors they contend with: age (to Emerance at least), culture, physical location. But they are drawn together nevertheless. This is a prequel to The Nomas King, which is yet to come. I look forward to reading The Nomas King, if and when it is released. 4.5 rounded to 5 stars.
December 30, 2024
Grace Draven has a special magic when it comes to her characters. Whether it’s a short story or a longer one, the people she writes about always feel alive. I love the way she portrays two people meeting—it’s never just about physical attraction; it’s something deeper, and that’s what I adore about her writing.
She does it once again in this short story, and I’m completely intrigued. I want to know more about the shop the woman owns, the clan the man belongs to, and all the ways they might meet again and develop their relationship.
She does it once again in this short story, and I’m completely intrigued. I want to know more about the shop the woman owns, the clan the man belongs to, and all the ways they might meet again and develop their relationship.
July 2, 2025
I just really love Emerence. She deals with a perceived flaw that even women today deal with: singlehood. The carries the weight of singlehood with such grace and tenacity when well-meaning relatives would like to see her happy because, of course, one must live a more fulfilled and meaningful life if one is married. Also, I'm loving this age gap. Gaeres is obviously too young for her, right? Right? I can't wait to read their story. I really enjoyed this little introduction to both of them as individual characters and as a couple.
March 31, 2022
The Nomas King
This is a prequel to The Nomas King, the next installment in the Wraith Kings. I have absolutely loved all of them, but this one might end up being my favorite. That's because this is an older woman with a younger man, one of my weaknesses. As always, the writing is impeccable and completely immerses you in the story. What a great teaser! I can't wait for the book. 😁
This is a prequel to The Nomas King, the next installment in the Wraith Kings. I have absolutely loved all of them, but this one might end up being my favorite. That's because this is an older woman with a younger man, one of my weaknesses. As always, the writing is impeccable and completely immerses you in the story. What a great teaser! I can't wait for the book. 😁
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews