meankentuckyqueen's review
4.0
I love a good ending like that! Although it was clear who the murderer was early on, I thought it was still entertaining. I'm ready for the sequel already!
mkfreckles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia
bookswithbrittanica's review
4.0
*3.5 stars*
I’ve been meaning to read this series for years, and here we are! This novella is the start of a series that would make C.S. Lewis envious- it’s about children who go through doors/portals to other worlds, only these worlds are “where they belong”. And when they come back through to Earth, they struggle to adjust back to their old lives.
Eleanor West (past and current door traveler) has her Home for Wayward Children where these troubled kids live indeterminately in between finding their doors again (if ever). This is so strange but serious, humorous but eerie at points. One of the shining moments of this novella is the diversity; an asexual main character and a transgender main character are great additions. The representation - top tier. I also think the messages in this book/series are amazing.
However, I thought the murder mystery was strange and didn’t really serve the book in any way. It’s also one of my least favorite additions to novels, so I’m sure that makes a difference.
This book/series is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't fit in and dreamed of a place that they truly belonged.
TW: https://bit.ly/3jNqJQa
Reading the Wayward Children Series: https://youtu.be/jnHHOYtJQ-c
I’ve been meaning to read this series for years, and here we are! This novella is the start of a series that would make C.S. Lewis envious- it’s about children who go through doors/portals to other worlds, only these worlds are “where they belong”. And when they come back through to Earth, they struggle to adjust back to their old lives.
Eleanor West (past and current door traveler) has her Home for Wayward Children where these troubled kids live indeterminately in between finding their doors again (if ever). This is so strange but serious, humorous but eerie at points. One of the shining moments of this novella is the diversity; an asexual main character and a transgender main character are great additions. The representation - top tier. I also think the messages in this book/series are amazing.
However, I thought the murder mystery was strange and didn’t really serve the book in any way. It’s also one of my least favorite additions to novels, so I’m sure that makes a difference.
This book/series is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't fit in and dreamed of a place that they truly belonged.
TW: https://bit.ly/3jNqJQa
Reading the Wayward Children Series: https://youtu.be/jnHHOYtJQ-c
unviincible's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
“Parents don’t always like to admit that things have changed. They want the world to be exactly the way it was before their children went away on these life-changing adventures, and when the world doesn’t oblige, they try to force it into the boxes they build for us. I’m Kade, by the way. Fairyland."
this book isn't easily categorized. it's got young characters with old souls but is also deeply dark. it's got magical realism and whimsy and horror. when the mystery starts, you go "what the fuck?"
I love the concept and the execution feels unique to the author's style. great writing and fun characters—I almost wonder if could be an allegory for conversion therapy? definitely one about coming out at the very least (closet door and all ha ha)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Transphobia
Minor: Deadnaming
tiramisucker_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
caitlinsmith's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
kaylink's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
danburn's review
4.0
A delightful and sad novella about a school of magical kids who have accidentally travelled to other magical worlds (Narnia-stylez) and returned. Some parts were absolutely heartbreaking - the Spider Queen bit had me moping for days, and I still feel sad when I think about it. It stands well by itself, but I'm glad it's listed as #1 in a series, as I'd like to read more of this world and these characters.
renn20751's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is an interesting concept/theme. It's a little chaotic and ends abruptly. I had to keep backtracking to figure out who was who, especially at the end.