Hello Summer, Goodbye

Hello Summer, Goodbye plunges readers into the unique world of Rax, a planet that mirrors Earth in its familiar comforts yet teems with alien oddities. Alika-Drove, a young man seeking a seaside vacation, finds the planet's peculiar ecosystem—from its ice goblins to its thickening water and unearthly tides—a commonplace backdrop to his escape. However, this idyllic getaway is shattered by the impending "ascendant" of Rax's second sun, a celestial event synonymous with malevolence, akin to Satan and Hell. As this terrifying astronomical phenomenon draws nearer, the planet itself warps and succumbs to a sinister transformation, threatening to bring about either the brutal end of Alika-Drove's innocence or the permanent annihilation of his world. Michael G. Coney masterfully crafts *Hello Summer, Goodbye* as a prime example of his signature blend of science fiction and the uncanny. Coney excels at creating vividly realized alien worlds that feel both strange and strangely familiar, drawing readers in with their unique ecologies and social structures, much like the early works of Ursula K. Le Guin but with a distinctively darker, more visceral edge. The novel's strength lies in its exploration of cosmic horror through a deeply personal lens, as Alika-Drove's journey shifts from a simple vacation to a desperate fight for survival against an overwhelming, malevolent force. Coney’s ability to weave profound philosophical questions about innocence, corruption, and the nature of evil into a thrilling narrative, driven by unsettling imagery and a palpable sense of dread, makes *Hello Summer, Goodbye* a standout work and a testament to his talent for crafting truly memorable speculative fiction.