2026 Reading Challenge
Middlegame (Alchemical Journeys, #1)

Questions About Middlegame (Alchemical Journeys, #1)

by Seanan McGuire (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (14)

What's the twin representation like in this book? I'm wary because of the matching names... As a twin myself I didn't really hear my name much growing up due to either being called 'Twin 1' or 'Twin 2' or 'Which one are you?' a lot, so matching names give me bad flashbacks. Has anyone who's a twin read this?
Alex Can Read There's a very specific reason given in the book for the matching names. Roger and Dodger are very different, very distinct characters given equal spa…moreThere's a very specific reason given in the book for the matching names. Roger and Dodger are very different, very distinct characters given equal space on the page and equal importance in the story. (less)
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Is this going to be a stand-alone book?
Ellen Seanan has said that she wants to write a follow-up (https://twitter.com/seananmcguire/sta...)
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Really enjoyed this book, but after finishing still can't figure what the title 'Middlegame' alludes to - did I miss a clue?
Michelle Erin says at one point, “You can't skip to the end of the story just because you're tired of being in the middle. You'd never survive.” The need to go…moreErin says at one point, “You can't skip to the end of the story just because you're tired of being in the middle. You'd never survive.” The need to go back and forth, to seek out a way to succeed & survive, means they're stuck in the middle of the game for a very long time.(less)
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Are there any LGBT+ characters?
Abigail Pankau No characters are explicitly LGBT, though Dodger might be Asexual (it is not explicitly stated that she is, but she shows no interest in relationships…moreNo characters are explicitly LGBT, though Dodger might be Asexual (it is not explicitly stated that she is, but she shows no interest in relationships at all). (less)
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Is this book horror-ey? I can deal with a little bit eerie but I dislike horror. Please don't spoil! Thanks!
solym No, not horror at all. Eerie parts for some. The hand on the cover gets an eerie backstory halfway through. It’s more sci-fi than anything else.
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Unanswered Questions (3)

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