A Summer with the Hermit King

It’s 1888 and 16-year-old Augie Rose has run away from the orphanage where he had been constantly bullied for his small stature. He is headed for Presque Isle, a peninsula on Lake Erie where he hopes to meet Joe Root, a well-known recluse who has lived there for years. Augie hopes Joe will teach him how to live there like he does. But, on the way, Augie witnesses a murder. He manages to evade the murderer but a small act of kindness to ensure the victim will be found will have profound effects on his life.

A Summer with the Hermit King is a YA historical fiction novel by William Todd. Although it centres around the murder, it is about so much more - a coming-of-age tale about first love, friendship, and the true meaning of family. Unlike the frenetic pace of many of today’s YA novels, this is much quieter, more character-driven, at a slower, more steady pace that draws the reader in and allows them time to get to know and care about the characters, a perfect read for a quiet afternoon. I’d like to thank Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wonderful read with enchanting characters. The setting was enticing and the story flowed well. A very good choice for a quiet afternoon.

Teenage years are fraught with turmoil, melodrama, and raw emotions in the best of circumstances. For the young orphan Auggie, his life swerves out of control after the murder suicide of his parents and he ends up in a Catholic orphanage. Tired of being bullied by the bigger boys, Auggie decides to run away and take refuge in the wilds of Presque Isle on Lake Erie. Aware of stories of the Hermit King who lives off the land, Auggie sets off to mimic this rough and rugged adventure. You can't help but love Auggie as you follow him on his quest to start a new life, free of emotional ties and society's restraints. Set in a much simpler time and place, Auggie's tale has an almost Tom Sawyer/ Huckleberry Finn spin. His innocence and sweetness endear him to those who cross his path and they want to help him. Joe Root the Hermit King befriends the young rebel and helps him set up camp in the wilderness surrounding an exclusive hotel. There he meets the girl of his dreams Maisy as she provides him food and friendship. Even the local police detective Will take a shine to the young wanna be hermit.

Unfortunately Auggie is privvy to a murder on his first night of freedom and this clouds his adventure. The murder mystery provides plenty of fuel to complicate poor Auggie's wish for a simple existence. Set in the summer of 1888, Auggie and Will join forces to find the murderer of Will's cousin. This back story provides a good ole fashioned dectective tale without all the gimmicks and gadgets of modern CSI mysteries. Little does he realize the danger he has put him and his new found friends. Even Joe Root is dragged into danger as unseen forces want to destroy the idyllic life on the peninsula.

Auggie's coming of age tale captures a time and place long gone yet the sweetness of young love and the thrill of adventure are timeless. This YA novel, based on a true story of a hermit and a summer vacation resort, is a great summer beach read for all. The haunting charm of Presque Isle and its environs lend a sense of danger and reality to Auggie's desire to create a new life. You can almost smell the water and feel the heat of the summer sun and hear the buzz of the insects as you read. William Todd created a wonderful novel that stays with you long after you finish the last page.

I love a good coming of age story and this one was no exception.
This was a very enjoyable read. It had a little of everything in it which I absolutely love!
I loved in getting to know the characters and the plot was well written.
Augie was my very favorite from the get go. Poor baby.
I found myself rooting for him the whole entire time.
I couldn't put this book down until I was finished. Yes, I burned a little midnight oil but it was soo good!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review.
All opinions expressed are my own

This is a fascinating tale of a young man, the woman he loves, and a murder investigation.
It has been published and you can get a copy now.

Auggie hears two men arguing and hides. Suddenly one shots the other. He tries to tell the police officer about it but the cop thinks it's just a story.

Since Auggie ran away from the orphan's home, he's happy to meet Joe the Hermit that shares one of his handmade hovels with him. He even finds a girl that will bring him food.

He sees Joe almost get killed. He has to watch for himself. Will he survive?