Reviews with content warning for Suicidal thoughts - Where the Drowned Girls Go

It's been a while since I last visited this series, and when I spotted it the other day I decided to add it to my priority TBR on a whim. I usually have an excellent time with the Wayward Children books, so I hoped it was going to be an excellent way to end the year... And Where The Drowned Girls Go has definitely helped me remember me why I love this series! Sure, there isn't as much magic going on this time around, but the whimsical vibe is still there and Cora's story is such an important one. A little warning is in place as this sequel has minor spoilers for the previous books, and you might not understand the full scope of the situation if you haven't read them yet... Although it can still be read quite easily if you (like myself) don't remember all the details. I loved learning more about the Whitethorn Institute, and it was interesting to see the different approaches. There are so many important topics and hidden messages incorporated, and I could really appreciate how the story shows that it is okay to be yourself and stand up for what you believe. I'm looking forward to continue the series in 2024!

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raybudbury's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful 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

5.0

One of my favourites from this novella series, necessary to read all of the previous ones for this one. Lots of fatphobia towards the main character of this one just a warning.

I would say my favourite books of this series are when they involve the schools for wayward children and not the ones that only take place through one character’s door.

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cj13's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional 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? Yes

4.5

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decie's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging fast-paced

3.75

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cappuccino136's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense

4.0

Cora has been tormented by the voices of the Drowned Gods from the world of the Moors ever since returning from the quest the group of friends went on in an earlier book. It has worn her down and she is desperate to forget all of the doors and experiences she has had in other worlds. She has heard of the existence of another school for children who have returned from their other worlds through the doors. Against Eleanor's advice, she insists that she needs to transfer to Whitehall, where the approach is to enforce by strict discipline the children to deny and then forget their time in other worlds. Cora believes that this is the only way to break the connection to anything not in this world and be safe.

It is very interesting to learn about the other school and how it is run. The story is emotional and dark, par for the course in this series. It widens the worldbuilding and sets up many possibilities for more stories. Content warnings for fatphobia, suicide, and suicidal ideation.

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brie_is_reading's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced

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

3.5

What I liked:
- a look at the Whitethorn Institute
- more characters/more looks in doors
- Sumi was a highlight in this book
- revisiting Regan so quickly.
- a peak with at the potential relationship with Cora and Kade
- Pushed the plot forward/added to our cast of typical characters.

Not My Favorite:
- For such a huge shift in the “at school book” style, it felt shorter than normal
- spent too much time building up to Cora leaving, not enough time at the Institute

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sarahweyand's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful 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

3.75

This is probably my favorite installment in the Wayward Children series so far. I can't say that Cora is my favorite character, but I was excited for the chance to see what the other school mentioned in prior books was like. I feel like McGuire's prose was muchhhh more under control this time and the dialogue and narration flowed nicely.

I wish there had been more doors and magic in this one, but I understand that isn't always the case in these books. I expect I might find it difficult to remember the plot of this one in a month or so, but I do know I enjoyed my time reading it.

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