Thank you Abrams press for this arc and a chance to give a review

While I can see why parts of this story may come off as a lot i personally enjoyed getting the history of the camp and other historical aspects. It definitely makes the story heavier in plot which may be off putting for folks who may be looking just for a romance but I find it fits well for the story. We get to see exactly why Yura and Volodya are the way they are and as a queer person who is old enough to remember the early 2000s in America I found kinship in their struggles.

There is joy within their relationship even while they try to figure things out and stumble their way through it. We get to see them grow as people, change along side the world around them while in their own ways achieving their dreams even if it's not in the way they thought they would.

I do have to say it was slow at times but I have to wonder if that is because it wasn't originally in english and that in it's native russian it would be shorter. I know there is meant to be a second and third book in the series and I hope that we will be able to get those books translated into english as well, but if not I will have to stretch my language learning lessons and continue to learn russian so I can read the other two books

MM Romance

DNF @ 15%

I’ve been trying to read this for months. It’s a banned book FFS, I want to support it! But unfortunately I just cannot get into it and I don’t know if it’s my mood or the story itself or the translation that is the issue but it’s just not working for me. I’ll have to come back to it when I’m in a better headspace and if I do I’ll update my review.

When I first started Pioneer Summer, I struggled to get into the story. The opening chapters are heavily focused on setting the scene, with an almost overwhelming level of detail about the environment and surroundings. While this style may appeal to some, I personally would have preferred less description and a quicker progression into the actual plot.

That said, I’m incredibly glad I stuck with it. Once the narrative found its footing, it evolved into a beautifully told and deeply moving story. Being a translation from Russian, there were a few moments that didn’t quite resonate—likely due to the nuance getting a bit lost in translation—but these instances didn’t take away from the emotional depth at the heart of the book.

The character of Yurka stood out as my favorite. There was something raw and refreshingly honest about him. As he began to experience attraction toward another male for the first time, he leaned into those feelings with sincerity and courage. His journey of self-discovery was powerful and incredibly authentic.

Volodya, on the other hand, was more complex. His feelings weren’t new to him, and his past struggles with self-acceptance added layers of emotional tension. He wavered between embracing and rejecting his feelings, and as the story unfolded, we slowly learned about the turmoil that shaped his actions. The contrast between the two characters created a rich dynamic that highlighted different experiences of coming to terms with identity.

What I appreciated most was how Yurka and Volodya helped one another grow. Their relationship developed naturally, never feeling forced or overly romanticized. It was tender, nuanced, and full of genuine emotion.

The ending, in particular, hit me hard. The story follows both boys into adulthood, showing how life took them in different directions despite their efforts to stay in touch. Their eventual reconnection was deeply emotional. I usually find “happily ever after” endings after years apart to be unrealistic, but in this case, it felt deserved. After all they endured—individually and together—their reunion felt both satisfying and earned. Their reunion actually left me in tears because I was so genuinely happy that they were able to finally be together without all that kept them apart earlier in their lives.

Pioneer Summer went from a book I was unsure I’d even finish to one I haven’t stopped thinking about weeks later. If you go into it knowing that the beginning takes time to build, you’ll be rewarded with a wonderfully complex love story that stays with you long after the final page. Yurka and Volodya are characters I’ll carry with me for a long time.

Obviously I requested this for the controversy but also because I love boys in love. Honestly, I started reading this and got so nervous that it was just going to be devastating, and since most of the reviews were in Russian I panicked and peaked the ending. Resolved that this was a narrative I could manage, I proceeded. So, yes, it is slow in some parts, but at the same time it's pretty immersive in this camp space that I knew nothing about. I really appreciated the authors note for that. I don't know that I've ready any other current russocentric lit, so the discussion of the soviet political system really was intriguing, I thought the translator did a great job, and obviously I am going to be annoying and ask my friends and their parents from post-soviet countries all about this for their perceived accuracy. Given the amount of romance I read, my reflection on this was definitely the exposure to the culture through these characters in both the then and the now. Recommend, even outside of controversy curiosity. Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams Press for the ARC. All opinions my own.

This was such a moving read that showed an undeniable connection that was emotional, nostalgic, and beautifully written.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest rating.

After seeing all the positive reactions to the book, I decided to give it a chance. Perhaps it was the translation or maybe it was a bit too dry for me... but I didn't love it. It was good in several parts, boring in others, and for the most part, it felt like it was missing substance and chemistry. I may not be the ideal reader, lacking Russian history and experience, which can sometimes make or break a subject matter. I am glad I read it, tho I found myself skimming sections that seemed too plain or filler. Curious how it will end up becoming a series.

I think I shed a few too many tears. I really didn’t think this book would have an effect on me, yet here we are.

I loved the plot and execution, and the authors writing style only made it 10x better.

I will say I wasn’t a fan of most of the characters, but the ones I did like, I LOVED.

The historical aspect of this book was unique to me for queer literature. This book is based on post-World War 2 Russia, and the original is in Russian, so this book is in English translation. I like the idea of summer camp and many of the concepts of how historically the youth were taught in the USSR. I liked the love story of the Yurka and Volodya; they were opposites of each other, but had good chemistry. I like the relationship between troop leaders and the scouts. I did like a lot of dialogue between the characters, and the different adolescents do think and act differently.

The rating would have been higher, but the biggest problem with this book is notably just too long. I usually like long books, and I don't mind the length of books, but by like 40%, it became so hard to read for me, and I wanted to DNF it. After finishing, though, I think this book should be at least 100 pages shorter because the plot line felt dragged way too long, and I think it can ruin the experience of the book for some readers.

Thank you to Abrams Press for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review.

A delightful take on romance from the perspective of Russian/Ukrainian points of view. I have not read a lot of Russian translated work before, but I believe there is a subtle beauty in the nuance of the word choices. There is a reason this book has taken booktok by storm, and it is certainly worth checking out if you find yourself drawn to MLM romances centered on hidden affection and unfriendly environments.

I've never read a book quite like Pioneer Summer. I find I don't want to give too much away because I went in knowing nothing and it was such a great experience.
This felt like a classic, the writing was so good, and even though it took a while to get the story going once it did it moved really fast.
This is a story about love between two boys, accepting yourself and a lesson in Russia's history. I found it fascinating in every way.
Please read it once it comes out(June 3rd)

Pioneer Summer is sold as a TikTok session. As a reader NOT on TikTok (hold your applause), I’m unsure how true that is. It’s not a bad book at all. It’s just not as enjoyable or “hot” as the other books I’ve seen toted as sensations on social media. Let me explain.

The book drops us in the 80s as 16-year-old Yurka Konev is sent to Pioneer Camp, expecting another uneventful summer. However, when he’s assigned to work on the camp’s theater production, he forms an unexpected and risky bond with the troop leader, Volodya. Twenty years later, Yurka returns to the abandoned camp to reflect on their relationship, discovering that the past has left a lasting mark on his life.

There are moments of romance, but the novel reads more like a history lesson, with a focus on the political and social climate of the 1980s rather than a passionate love story. While the narrative offers an interesting premise, the slow pacing and heavy historical context may leave some readers bored. Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams for the ARC.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Abrams press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Unfortunately this wasn’t for me. The premise was very interesting and the context surrounding the actual publishing and sale of this book made me want to read it.

I found the book to be very slow and the main character acted very young, in turn making the relationship feel a bit weird to me. In addition I just wasn’t a fan of the writing style. It read like a translation, but lacks some of the depth and vocabulary that I imagine is just hard to translate.

This is a powerfully resonating story that helps provide context for discrimination lgbtq people have experienced and are currently undergoing not just in Russia but throughout the world. But most importantly, it is a powerful tale of the way that love persists despite all efforts to quash it.

I almost DNF'd Pioneer Summer because of how slow a read it was in the beginning. I felt there was a lot of gratuitous dialogue and description that made it seem like the story was dragging on. But I'm glad I completed the book. The authors did a fantastic job of situating the reader in the location/setting of the book (Camp Barn Swallow) and its time-period. Both Yurka and Volodya were memorable characters. I found Yurka to be hilarious. His commentary was a highlight for me as he did snarky and teenage so well (for instance, when he lamented Masha's terrible playing).
On the other hand, Volodya was an incredibly complex character, a Russian nesting doll of sorts who--with every subsequent page in the book--was unveiled to be more than his outer appearance belied. I would have honestly loved to know more about him or read about events from his point of view (a shout-out for a spinoff from his perspective, perhaps?). The challenges the characters faced and their angst and anxieties felt very relatable and realistic, particularly taking into account the era in which the book was set. The ending was quite touching although I did feel it was wrapped up too quickly considering the build-up. I wish we saw more of the "after" and I would frankly love an epilogue or a sequel.

I wanted to read this because of the crackdown in Russia. Highly recommend if you like queer romance.

This was fantastic. Alternating between 1986 and 2006, this is the story of two boys (young men) who meet at a Soviet summer camp, Camp Barn Swallow.

The book begins in the more modern era, where we find Yurka returning to the ruins of the camp which held such an important place in his life. As he wanders through the camp’s remains, he starts having flashbacks to the fateful summer in 1986. Each place he sees within the camp’s remains has some kind of memory attached to it, most all of which involve a young man named Volodya, who was a counselor at the camp but only slightly older.

As we travel through the story, we experience the summer, the forbidden love that develops between the boys, and the events that unfold after the summer is over. As the boys grow, events unfold within their lives and the Soviet Union and its downfall which cause them to lose track of each other.

This is why, 20 years later, Yurka returns to the camp, seeking a long buried time capsule.

I enjoyed this story. It makes quite a statement about what life was like in the final years of the USSR and the stigma within their culture over two men having feelings for each other.

As you read this, remember that it has been translated from Russian to English, and while I feel it was done quite well, some may feel it is a bit off.

This is a wonderful journey of falling in love, losing each other, losing one’s way in life, and yet still having the hope reconnecting with your lost love one day.

This book has been banned in Russia, so you know it’s something that should be read. I’m eagerly awaiting the next two books in the series to be released.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher/author for this copy of the book.

Interesting in premise, I found the writing to be hard to follow and I was not a fan of the main character. there were one or two supporting characters that stood out to me but all in all, one that I will not revisit.

I had mixed feelings while reading this book. On one hand, it was enjoyable to immerse myself in the everyday life of the Pioneer camp. There was a sense of nostalgia, even though I’ve never been to a camp myself.
On the other hand, I couldn't fully connect with the romance between Yura and Volodya. It felt a bit shallow to me, even though I understand it’s their first love — and a significant one, especially since we know what happens to them later in life after that unforgettable summer at the camp.

One of the biggest highlights for me was the portrayal of homosexuality in the USSR and how being gay was impossible during that time. This theme was really well explored, and I found myself sympathizing with the characters and their stories.

I’d definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re interested in immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a Soviet summer at a pioneer camp.

It seems unfair to offer a star rating since the narrative's trajectory and point-blank, no-frills style made reaching the end impossible. Unfortunately, "Pioneer Summer" is too distracted by the historical significance of its setting. Yet even its exploration of the cult-like nature of the Soviet Union feels like a distracted perusal of a topic buried beneath an endless stream of names. The queer angle of the story is glimpsed from afar, obscured by a mirage and a wall of cursory assumptions. The language, likewise, reflects the monotony and slight artifice of a typical airport read, lacking both flair and flow. It serves merely as a tool for quickly constructing a story for those who view literature as little more than formulaic drama on paper. Then again, since the book has apparently found its audience on TikTok, perhaps its appeal is best assessed by that specific readership.