Book Review: Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire
Title: Across the Green Grass Fields (Wayward Children 6)
Author: Seanan McGuire
Release date: January 12, 2021
Look, the reality is that many series begin to fizzle out after the first three book arc or after that magical 5th entry that seems to be a natural series ending. So, when we get to a series that has a book six, seven and more, you begin to wonder if the author can not only hold the initial magic that drew you in initially, but also whether the books themselves can still hold your attention. This isn’t meant as a negative, it’s just the hard truth that readers minds are finnicky and authors can also lose steam and/or world desire.
I have to say – not the case here. Probably should’ve led with that yeah?
The sixth entry in McGuire’s phenomenal Wayward Children’s series is a complete stand-alone story. Sure there may be nods to other characters in the world (there might be, but I don’t have a reader’s brain that let’s me remember every single character ever mentioned, sadly), but this one is a singular piece set in the shared world of the other five books. And honestly, I think that was exactly what needed to happen to keep this franchise fresh and vibrant.
What I liked: As with all of McGuire’s entries into this series, the story follows a child who finds an unexpected door and, after going through, finds themselves whisked away to a fantastical world. In this case, we follow Regan, who has discovered the reason behind why she’s not beginning puberty the same as the other girls in her class. After divulging this to her supposed best friend, she flees the school and finds a door.
As well, with all of McGuire’s entries, this story has an allegorical aspect to it that pertains to some very topical events going on in the world today. I’ll keep my yap shut about it, as I don’t want to spoil that, but I will say, it was a really refreshing way to discuss differences, belonging and how, sometimes, family isn’t always those you’re related to through blood.
The novellas always hum and crackle along and this one does the same. The story flows magically and it leads up to an ending that will most likely have reverberations across the future entries.
I really loved the characters within and the setting of this one. I’d think this was the most full on ‘fantasy’ style story thus far, with centaurs and fauns and Kings and Queens in a castle. Really made for some stunning imagery.
What I didn’t like: While I liked the ending, I thought it was a little too rushed. I would’ve loved to see a bit more action occur as a result of the decisions, but that’s minor.
Those folks who believe we live in a world of only males and females will most likely get their underwear in a knot reading this, but I think that’s part of McGuire’s goals when creating this phenomenal places and characters.
Why you should buy this: Being that this is a complete stand-alone, you could get away with reading this without having read any of the others. Saying that, you’d be missing out on some of the most sublime and pristine world-creating and characters you’ll fall in love with. Seanan is a master and I’m so happy to see that this series continues to rocket along at such a high level.
4/5
