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twistykris's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I was a little bit of a horse girl growing up, but not to the extent as our main character, Regan, so I guess this story was a little.. underwhelming for me. Again, as with previous books in the Wayward Children series, the world-building is fantastic and the prose is lovely, but this book was more ~vibes~ than plot for a lot of it. The inclusion of an intersex character was wonderful, and I loved how Regan's parents are attentive and loving and supportive, unlike some children in previous books. I also loved the found-family aspect, with the centaurs taking her in without question. Chicory was my favorite and I loved every interaction with her.
The ending (pre-epilogue) is what disappointed me the most. It felt like this huge build-up only to have an unsatisfying conclusion.
The epilogue was pretty gutting, and I really thought there would be some mention of Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, but there wasn't. Maybe Regan will be brought back in a later book. Overall, my least favorite in the series so far.
The ending (pre-epilogue) is what disappointed me the most. It felt like this huge build-up only to have an unsatisfying conclusion.
The epilogue was pretty gutting, and I really thought there would be some mention of Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, but there wasn't. Maybe Regan will be brought back in a later book. Overall, my least favorite in the series so far.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic friendship, Transphobia, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Murder, Outing, Blood, Body shaming, and Animal death
Minor: Confinement
sarahreadsthings's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Blood, Bullying, and Confinement
empathephant's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Small thematic spoilers, no major plot spoilers:
Seanan's depiction of childhood is spot on, and beautiful in a horrid sort of way. I reflected on the cruelty of playground politics, the secret wishes I hoped for as a child, and the ways I attempted to change myself to fit in people's boxes. I love the character of Reagan and the way she grows and frees herself from the shackles of destiny–or really just others' expectations.
The intersex representation is refreshing. I love when queer characters are allowed to just be and the story does not center on their queerness, though in this case the book manages to be educational and include an important scene about discovering identity, while still letting her go off and have adventures and have an identity that has more personality traits than just "oppressed queer person."
Literary structure of ending is mentioned:
<spolier>
The twist ending was unexpected and awesome. I loved the social commentary that could be discussed after reading the end.
Seanan's depiction of childhood is spot on, and beautiful in a horrid sort of way. I reflected on the cruelty of playground politics, the secret wishes I hoped for as a child, and the ways I attempted to change myself to fit in people's boxes. I love the character of Reagan and the way she grows and frees herself from the shackles of destiny–or really just others' expectations.
The intersex representation is refreshing. I love when queer characters are allowed to just be and the story does not center on their queerness, though in this case the book manages to be educational and include an important scene about discovering identity, while still letting her go off and have adventures and have an identity that has more personality traits than just "oppressed queer person."
Literary structure of ending is mentioned:
<spolier>
The twist ending was unexpected and awesome. I loved the social commentary that could be discussed after reading the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship and Bullying
Moderate: Kidnapping, Confinement, Murder, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Body shaming
Minor: Terminal illness
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Wayward Children books are usually hit or miss for me, and although I enjoyed parts of this sixth installment, Across the Green Grass Fields was a miss. I enjoyed reading about the centaurs adopting Regan, as well as her friendship with Chicory, but wasn’t all that invested in Regan herself or the Hooflands’ politics. McGuire skillfully incorporated very relevant discussions of gender, identity, and family throughout the novella, but didn’t succeed nearly as much in writing realistic children in the opening chapters. I also found the ending to be a bit abrupt and rather unsatisfying. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series.
Representation
Representation
- intersex protagonist
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Toxic relationship
Minor: Kidnapping and Confinement
A side character says hateful things to Regan upon finding out that she’s intersex, e.g. “You’re a lying, deceitful boy.” even though Regan is still a girl.lou_o_donnell's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Confinement, and Bullying
lilymurph's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Homophobia, and Violence
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