Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - Mislaid in Parts Half-Known

Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire

38 reviews

kirstym25's review

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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

3.0

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sarahweyand's review

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adventurous tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Side note but this is the same audiobook narrator that did the last book and her voice is just great, would absolutely love to listen to more by her.

Another solid installment in the Wayward Children series! Probably one of my most favorite ones so far. I really enjoyed Antsy's door and her story in Lost in the Moment and Found, but I also enjoy the found family aspect of the rest of the group, so this was a lovely meeting of the two. The inciting incident here was a little silly and I felt it wasn't totally resolved at the conclusion of the story, but that didn't bother me too too much. As usual, some of the dialogue was a little clunky and trying too hard to be quirky, but that doesn't bother me as much anymore.

I enjoyed the fact that we went through some new doors this book! I wish we had spent more time in them but I understand the constraints of the novella format. Hopefully we'll be able to get to Kade's world soon and that he gets a story all his own - or Eleanor herself! Who knows. These stories are cozy to me and I could keep listening for as long as Seanan keeps putting them out.

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leanniefae's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful 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

5.0

This is one of my favorite series, with this installment no exception. We learn a little about all our beloved characters in this book, though as the author stated, this is the continuation of Antsy's story. I'm SO glad we got more about Antsy, and I feel good about her progress and where she was at the end of the story. Knowing what Seanan said online about the dinosaurs cover, I feel that we were given the perfect amount of dinosaurs, though I understand that some would want more.
My prediction is that we go to Mariposa next for Christopher. We shall see!

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themichellegray's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

The ninth installment of the Wayward Children series sadly didn't impress me as much as some of its predecessors. It was still a joy to spend more time with characters I already adore and the ending was perfect, yet my critiques outweigh my overall enjoyment.

There wasn't a plot driving this particular story forward and it felt as-if the characters went on a quest just because thats what happens in odd-numbered books within the series. The writing often felt disjointed as we were following so many characters who were each trying to have their own discussions. Rather than providing an empowering message, these conversations and monologues became repetitive which muddled the points that were trying to be made. (Also, marketing a book with dinosaurs on the cover yet having barely any time in that world is super misleading.)

It's possible I wasn't in the right headspace to read this novella but I can't help feeling as-if this was simply a rushed "filler" book to remind readers of who everyone was and what worlds they visited. I still admire the whimsical settings this fantasy series offers and hope my enjoyment will pick up in future publications!

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bear_ridge_tarot's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The story is about Antsy, the new kid at Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children, and how she realizes that her gift of finding lost things might extend to the doors that open into other worlds. As part of an odd group of students (whom we've met in previous books), they set out on an unauthorized quest that leads them through other worlds on their way to the Shop Where the Lost Things Go.

Finding that sense of home is such an integral part of each story in the Wayward series, but none so much as this one. While all the books in the series explore what it really means to be human, and how adults see children, this one touches on a person's pure, honest desire to belong. Antsy can only return to the Shop Where the Lost Things Go if she is sure. Sumi knows she will go back to her lost world because she is and has always been sure. Kade is sure he will never go back to Prism.

As an installment of the Wayward Child series by Seanan McGuire, this book satisfies the curiosity in me to tie up all the loose ends of characters who already starred in their own books. While not every character gets a satisfying story conclusion in this book (leaving room for more to come!), the utterly fascinating storytelling kept me engaged with the narrator. Not my favorite in the series (I still love Jack and Jill so much!) but definitely one of the best.

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tahsintries's review against another edition

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4.0

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tangleroot_eli's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

I first crossed paths with this series one year ago (January 2023). I loved it so much that I 1) devoured the whole then-extant series in about 3 weeks; and 2) got a tattoo inspired by it. So I'm a very biased reader/reviewer.

That said, I really enjoyed this one. The quest plot is fun, and I loved McGuire's exploration of the metaphysics of Doors and world. These books are kind of standalone, but also kind of not, and some very interesting things are happening in the world(s) in this one.

It's not perfect.

Seraphina's involvement, which could've been a rich complication, turned out to be a McGuffin. I would probably read a book about her.
I really wanted more time given to Kade's reactions to both returning to Prism and Cora's departure. I desperately want a book about him.
Christopher's chapter at the Door didn't go much of anywhere. I'd've liked to see him have to deal with Vineta or Yulia on his own.

On the whole, though, this is a delightful addition to a wonderful series.

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