A review by fauna_n_fiction
Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

fast-paced

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

4.0

Every Heart a Doorway – 4/5
Down Among the Sticks and Bones – 5/5
Beneath the Sugar Sky – 4/5 

I was super excited for this book because I have one big ol’ sweet tooth. But this series is constantly throwing me curveballs. I was nervous to read DAtSaB and it’s my favourite in the series so far and I was so excited to read this and it was just kinda average. 

Characters: 

Kade – All hail Kade. He is so sweet and wholesome and lovable! But you can FOR SURE see how taking up the role as Eleanor’s assistant has made him mature. He’s a lot more stoic and serious and taking more responsibility than in EHaD. 

His backstory is still a little bit confusing; I can’t wait for his novella! I just want to know everything about him. 

Cora – I am SUPER confused about Cora’s story. I don’t really know when she was in our world and when she was in the Trenches and for how long. It’s not a huge deal but I didn’t fully grasp it. I LOVE her character and her strength. I appreciated her being the “second-in-command” sorta and I love that she carried that responsibility really well. 

Rini – Just like Sumi, I love her but she is a tiny bit too crude and blunt for me. I love a blunt character but sometimes it makes me the tiniest bit uncomfortable. 

Christopher – Love this boy. I love him and I love his story and the backstory with his flute was *chef’s kiss.* I love his humour and his authenticity! 

                “You were a mermaid, weren’t you? That’s what Nadya said.” 

“I still am,” said Cora. “I just have my scales under my skin for now.” 

Christopher smiled, a little lopsided. “Funny. That’s where I keep my bones.”

Atmosphere:

We jumped around a lot in this book but I enjoyed all the places we visited. I am a SIMP for the Lord of the Dead even if he was only there for 5 seconds. 

I am SO excited to read Where the Drowned Girls Go because I LOVE water and the ocean and if I could be a mermaid, I WOULD! 

I am so intrigued in this world! I love how it is fantastical but still real enough for me to stare at doors and really wander what’s on the other side. 

Writing:

As per usual, McGuire’s writing is spectacular and poetic and I love it. 

                If the light and the water came together just so, if the rainbow touched down where she could reach it, she would be gone, off and running, running, running all the way home. 

Plot:

I feel like this plot moved along a lot better than the story in EHaD. The pacing was super nicely handled and I loved the resolution at the end. 

I am happy about who found their doors and who didn’t.