The Summer War

The Summer War is a fantasy novella by Naomi Novik, set in the same world as her novels Uprooted and Spinning Silver. When her adored eldest brother, Argent, leaves home, young Celia discovers she can work magic. Hurt at being left behind, she lashes out, and her angry words take hold as a prophecy that dooms him never to find love. As Argent roams the world in pursuit of fame and glory, Celia grows up searching for a way to lift the curse. The answer turns out to be tied to a war that has lasted for centuries between her people and the summerlings, immortal beings who have never forgiven their mortal neighbors. With reluctant help from her middle brother, Celia sets out to mend what she broke. The novella was a 2026 Hugo Award finalist.