Scan barcode
schnaucl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Pay attention to the content warning at the front of the book.
I really liked this book. The beginning of the book in our world was very skillfully done, both the section with Antsy's dad, who she obviously adores, and the section after, where it's clear to the reader what's happening, even if Antsy doesn't understand.
I also enjoyed the sections where Antsy was traveling between worlds and it was nice to see a few more of them (at least some of which I'm guessing we'll see again).
I felt so bad for Antsy to have found a world through the manipulation of an adult in our world only to find that her safe haven world was also a place where she was being manipulated by an adult.
It also seems unfair that her world rejects her for learning the truth.
It's interesting that West's school (and I think maybe the omniscient narrator, but I'd have to go back to check) presents it as the world rejecting them, but in at least two of the last three books it was more that the child had a moment of (understandable) profound uncertainty and walked through a door without realizing it was a Door. Maybe the suggestion is that the Doors planned it that way? This book certainly suggests that have some level of sentience.
I really liked this book. The beginning of the book in our world was very skillfully done, both the section with Antsy's dad, who she obviously adores, and the section after, where it's clear to the reader what's happening, even if Antsy doesn't understand.
I also enjoyed the sections where Antsy was traveling between worlds and it was nice to see a few more of them (at least some of which I'm guessing we'll see again).
It also seems unfair that her world rejects her for learning the truth.
It's interesting that West's school (and I think maybe the omniscient narrator, but I'd have to go back to check) presents it as the world rejecting them, but in at least two of the last three books it was more that the child had a moment of (understandable) profound uncertainty and walked through a door without realizing it was a Door. Maybe the suggestion is that the Doors planned it that way? This book certainly suggests that have some level of sentience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Child abuse and Bullying
Minor: Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Physical abuse, and Toxic friendship
mslaureeslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? No
5.0
Brief Summary: Ansty is young and has had to face unimaginable trauma. She runs away and ends up entering a nexus of doors to other worlds, a shop of lost things. Through her brave choices and incredible insight, she starts to find herself and the way home.
Mini Review: This was my favorite book of the Wayward Children series. It was hard to read (make sure to check trigger warnings before starting). Ansty was such a relatable protagonist. While, at times it was a difficult read, it was so important and meaningful. I wanted to just start the whole series again. Right now, I cannot imagine any book topping this title for being my favorite book of the year. The writing was beautiful. The characters were believable and flawed. The settings were fully realized. I do not know how McGuire does so much with so few words (this book is only 150 pages). If you have not read the Wayward Children series, stop right now and start reading it right away.
Overall rating: 5
Writing: 5
Plot: 5
Structure: 5
Characters: 5
Pacing: 5
Emotional impact: 5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia, Grief, Gaslighting, Death of parent, Physical abuse, Bullying, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
More...