This dystopian novel is set in the technologically advanced city of Palmares Tres, where a king is sacrificed every five years after he chooses the next queen. June and her best friend, Gil, both fall in love with Enki, the Summer King. Even though June and Gil are determined to save Enki, Enki has accepted that he will die and wants to use his death to draw attention to the plight of the lower classes.
Publisher’s Description:
The lush city of Palmares Tres shimmers with tech and tradition, with screaming gossip casters and practiced politicians. In the midst of this vibrant metropolis, June Costa creates art that’s sure to make her legendary. But her dreams of fame become something more when she meets Enki, the bold new Summer King. The whole city falls in love with him including June’s best friend, Gil. But June sees more to Enki than amber eyes and a lethal samba. She sees a fellow artist.
Together, June and Enki will stage explosive, dramatic projects that Palmares Tres will never forget. They will add fuel to a growing rebellion against the governments strict limits on new tech. And June will fall deeply, unfortunately in love with Enki. Because like all Summer Kings before him, Enki is destined to die.
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia/Utopia
Representation:
Gender:
Cis girls: June
Cis boys: Enki, Gil
Sexuality:
Bisexual: Enki, Gil
June’s sexuality is not specified.
People in this society are assumed to be bisexual.
Romantic Orientation:
Not mentioned in the book. Presumed to be the same as the characters’ sexual orientation.
Race/Ethnicity:
Afro-Latinx: June, Enki, Gil
Trigger Warnings:
Violence
Imprisonment
Additional Notes:
Some Brazilian readers have critiqued this book for inaccurate Brazilian representation.