Reviews with content warning for Toxic friendship - Across the Green Grass Fields

Reviews tagging 'Toxic friendship'

Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire

16 reviews

schnaucl's review against another edition

adventurous medium-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

3.75

It took me a while to get into this one, though I imagine it's a world that would appeal to a lot of horse girls. The centaur society was interesting, and I would have liked to learn more about it.

I was really amused by McGuire's take on unicorns.

I'm always surprised by how little the kids miss their parents. I get it for the kids with distant or unfit parents, but Regan seemed to come from a pretty loving home and got along with her parents.

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matcha_cat's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

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theoldestbennetsister's review

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adventurous lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

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twistykris's review against another edition

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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

3.75

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.

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books4em's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective 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? It's complicated

3.0

This was another good piece in the Wayward Children series. I appreciate how they all have different diverse characters, and seeing an intersex main character in any published book is monumental. However, I wish it was discussed more when the main character, Regan, traveled through her door. I think it would’ve led to interesting conversations with the centaurs if she had brought it up to them as she aged with them. I’m also only giving this one 3 stars as while it was good, it was too short. Even though these are all novellas, this one’s ending felt very rushed and could have been more drawn out, even just 20 pages. There’s so many questions at the end on whether she goes back to the Hooflands or not, and how is Regan and Chicory’s relationship affected, how do her parents react to her being home, is she sent to Miss West’s home? But overall, it was a sweet story about fighting destiny and having the ability to choose our own paths and break stereotypes/boxes society puts on us.

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dokushoka's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.75

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modernmatilda's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted 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? No

4.0

We love the intersex representation!!

Once again, I love the Wayward Children series. If you're looking for a slightly more grown-up (but not explicit or anything) series of fairytales, Seanan McGuire's short books will enchant you. If you were a unicorn or horse kid, you'll really enjoy this one. It felt more straightforward than the others and not much really happens, but in an enjoyable light-read way.

If you're going to pick up this series, I recommend starting with Every Heart a Doorway and then proceeding to whatever book you like, no order necessary!

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