What do you think?
Rate this book
Wayward Children #11
Through Gates of Garnet and Gold
A fan-favorite character returns in this action-packed installment of the Hugo Award-winning Wayward Children series.
After Nancy was cast out of the Halls of the Dead and forced to enroll at Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children, she never believed she'd find her door again, and when she did, she didn't look back. She disappeared from the school to resume her place in the Halls, never intending to return.
Years have passed. A darkness has descended on the Halls, and the living statues who populate them are dying at the hands of the already dead. The Lord and Lady who rule the land are helpless to stop the slaughter, forcing Nancy to leave the Halls again, this time on purpose, as she attempts to seek much-needed help from her former schoolmates.
But who would volunteer to quest in a world where the dead roam freely?
And why are the dead so intent on adding to their number?
After Nancy was cast out of the Halls of the Dead and forced to enroll at Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children, she never believed she'd find her door again, and when she did, she didn't look back. She disappeared from the school to resume her place in the Halls, never intending to return.
Years have passed. A darkness has descended on the Halls, and the living statues who populate them are dying at the hands of the already dead. The Lord and Lady who rule the land are helpless to stop the slaughter, forcing Nancy to leave the Halls again, this time on purpose, as she attempts to seek much-needed help from her former schoolmates.
But who would volunteer to quest in a world where the dead roam freely?
And why are the dead so intent on adding to their number?
5 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 6, 2026
201 people are currently reading
5333 people want to read
About the author
Seanan McGuire
508 books17.1k followersHi! I'm Seanan McGuire, author of the Toby Daye series (Rosemary and Rue, A Local Habitation, An Artificial Night, Late Eclipses), as well as a lot of other things. I'm also Mira Grant (www.miragrant.com), author of Feed and Deadline.
Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).
I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(
Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).
I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
Want to read
August 5, 2025NANCYYYYYYYYYY
Want to read
November 6, 2025reading a book in this series every year is my favorite tradition
January 6, 2026
this felt like such a delightful callback to the first book with the return of Nancy and a few other surprising cameos!
January 6, 2026
i love this series, but i haven’t been the biggest fan of the last couple novellas. i was so excited for the return of Nancy, but something was missing for me. of course i loved having all the characters back together again, especially seeing Kade and Nancy’s reunion. Jill is still out wrecking havoc apparently, but i am glad that Nancy came to the realization that she wanted to actually experience her life, instead of living in stillness. i’m hoping the next one will be in a more whimsical world.
⤞ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Macmillan Audio for the alc, all opinions are my own.
⤞ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Macmillan Audio for the alc, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nancy makes a reappearance in this one and the gang gets back together! Nancy had been happy in the Halls of the Dead as a living statue, until the ghosts that haunt the halls began attacking people. Now she needs help from the crew she left behind to save the rest of the statues and stop whatever is going on. This installment didn't strike a deep chord the way others have, but it was a fun mystery and I enjoyed seeing everyone back together. The audio narration is pretty good. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
July 26, 2025
A reunion of old friends and enemies
The typical novel in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is the story of one particular child, about the world that child's portal led them to, about the adventures they had there, and about how, in most cases, they were ejected. I say, "typical" because this structure is not universal. Also, the child in question may not be new to us. Wayward Children is unusual in that its stories often come to us pre-spoiled. That is, we often know, even before we get a novel devoted to a child, how the story of a particular child will turn out from their appearance in earlier novels.
Through Gates of Garnet and Gold is not one of those. In fact, it's not even the story of a particular child. We do meet a new child, Talia. She passed through a world called Yuemingyuan, where everything is about moths. She fell out or got kicked out -- I don't quite remember, even though I just finished the book yesterday. And this is the problem with Talia: Garnet and Gold is not her story, and she barely matters at all to the story that is told, so it's hard to care much about her.
I actually quite enjoyed the story that was told. The story begins with an old friend, Nancy, who is where she wants to be, in the Halls of the Dead. Bad things happen there and Nancy returns to Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children. Nancy recruits a bunch of children to join her quest to figure out and fix the problem in the Halls of the Dead. Eleanor's school rules forbid quests, but readers know by now that is a rule that is honored more often in the breach than the observance.
We know most of the children of the quest from previous Wayward Children books. (Talia is the only exception.) We also meet some other characters from earlier books in the course of the quest. I won't spoil who they are, except to say that they are some of the most entertaining characters from the earlier books.
So that was all fun -- a mostly straightforward portal adventure novel with fun plot twists and enjoyable reunions with old friends and enemies.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for an Advance Reader Copy of Through Gates of Garnet and Gold. Release date 6-Jan-2026.
Blog review.
The typical novel in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series is the story of one particular child, about the world that child's portal led them to, about the adventures they had there, and about how, in most cases, they were ejected. I say, "typical" because this structure is not universal. Also, the child in question may not be new to us. Wayward Children is unusual in that its stories often come to us pre-spoiled. That is, we often know, even before we get a novel devoted to a child, how the story of a particular child will turn out from their appearance in earlier novels.
Through Gates of Garnet and Gold is not one of those. In fact, it's not even the story of a particular child. We do meet a new child, Talia. She passed through a world called Yuemingyuan, where everything is about moths. She fell out or got kicked out -- I don't quite remember, even though I just finished the book yesterday. And this is the problem with Talia: Garnet and Gold is not her story, and she barely matters at all to the story that is told, so it's hard to care much about her.
I actually quite enjoyed the story that was told. The story begins with an old friend, Nancy, who is where she wants to be, in the Halls of the Dead. Bad things happen there and Nancy returns to Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children. Nancy recruits a bunch of children to join her quest to figure out and fix the problem in the Halls of the Dead. Eleanor's school rules forbid quests, but readers know by now that is a rule that is honored more often in the breach than the observance.
We know most of the children of the quest from previous Wayward Children books. (Talia is the only exception.) We also meet some other characters from earlier books in the course of the quest. I won't spoil who they are, except to say that they are some of the most entertaining characters from the earlier books.
So that was all fun -- a mostly straightforward portal adventure novel with fun plot twists and enjoyable reunions with old friends and enemies.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for an Advance Reader Copy of Through Gates of Garnet and Gold. Release date 6-Jan-2026.
Blog review.
Want to read
August 12, 2025omg nancy
1.) Every Heart a Doorway ★★★★★
2.) Down Among the Sticks and Bones ★★★★★
3.) Beneath the Sugar Sky ★★★★
4.) In an Absent Dream ★★★★★
5.) Come Tumbling Down ★★★
6.) Across the Green Grass Fields ★★★★
7.) Where the Drowned Girls Go ★★★
8.) Lost in the Moment and Found ★★★★★
9.) Mislaid in Parts Half-Known ★★★
10.) Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear ★★★★
1.) Every Heart a Doorway ★★★★★
2.) Down Among the Sticks and Bones ★★★★★
3.) Beneath the Sugar Sky ★★★★
4.) In an Absent Dream ★★★★★
5.) Come Tumbling Down ★★★
6.) Across the Green Grass Fields ★★★★
7.) Where the Drowned Girls Go ★★★
8.) Lost in the Moment and Found ★★★★★
9.) Mislaid in Parts Half-Known ★★★
10.) Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear ★★★★
Want to read
April 25, 2025YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
YES YES YES
screaming crying throwing up
this may have cured my depression
YES YES YES
screaming crying throwing up
this may have cured my depression
January 6, 2026
Sadly, despite a really strong start with the prologue, this one felt a little.. rushed? Not very polished? I know it's an ARC but still, I can't imagine much content will be added to smooth things out.
The only real upside, other than the beginning, was seeing a whole host of familiar faces from various stories up to this point; but the flipside to that is it was something of an awkward ensemble and the reunions didn't really land. We just crammed in quick backstories and summaries and teased things to come whilst also trying to plot and resolve the current conflict. It didn't work.
No matter how these instalments have gone, and most have been middling, I've always said that there was enough to keep me reading on. But I think we've come to an end on that. I think, like Nancy, though I've been in and out and in again — in my case, able to acknowledge some of the really poignant or important messaging within these stories but never managing to love them the way so many others do — I think it's time to let go. We'll see if it sticks but for now? It's enough; I’m sure.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
The only real upside, other than the beginning, was seeing a whole host of familiar faces from various stories up to this point; but the flipside to that is it was something of an awkward ensemble and the reunions didn't really land. We just crammed in quick backstories and summaries and teased things to come whilst also trying to plot and resolve the current conflict. It didn't work.
No matter how these instalments have gone, and most have been middling, I've always said that there was enough to keep me reading on. But I think we've come to an end on that. I think, like Nancy, though I've been in and out and in again — in my case, able to acknowledge some of the really poignant or important messaging within these stories but never managing to love them the way so many others do — I think it's time to let go. We'll see if it sticks but for now? It's enough; I’m sure.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
November 14, 2025
While I do wish these books were longer I still find them to be magical and love them, even when I’m cursing that they are over all too soon. I listened to the audiobook for this one and the narrator did a good job. I was glad to see a bit more of Nancy, I did think we weren’t done with her (and I imagine still not, but then I always want to see more of the core characters). I don’t want to go more into the plot, I would worry about spoiling it. I will say it was fascinating to visit the Halls of the Dead in this world, it is one of the doors I understand the least.
January 6, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and Tor for the pre-release copy of Through Gates of Garnet and Gold by Seanan McGuire. Below you'll find my honest review.
Another trip through the Doors, not to Confection, not to the Moors,
This time a trip to Nancy's home, so close in nature to Christopher's bones.
The ghostly specters are riled up mad, the end for the statues gruesome and bad,
so back Nancy goes to the school for her friends, to get help to stop these untimely ends.
Off on a quest, a handful of them go, their bravery and courage and cleverness show.
Seanan's done it again, this book's a delight! Now hurry and go read all that she writes!
Highly recommended, especially if you've read the rest of these (this one does spoil prior books!)
Another trip through the Doors, not to Confection, not to the Moors,
This time a trip to Nancy's home, so close in nature to Christopher's bones.
The ghostly specters are riled up mad, the end for the statues gruesome and bad,
so back Nancy goes to the school for her friends, to get help to stop these untimely ends.
Off on a quest, a handful of them go, their bravery and courage and cleverness show.
Seanan's done it again, this book's a delight! Now hurry and go read all that she writes!
Highly recommended, especially if you've read the rest of these (this one does spoil prior books!)
January 6, 2026
Ahoy there me mateys! This be the 11th book in the series. While I try to post no spoilers, if ye keep reading this log then ye have been forewarned and continue at yer own peril . . .
I say this every time I finish one of these novellas but I seriously could read dozens of books set in the various worlds. This is the 11th book and deals with Nancy from books 1 and 3. This book should not be read as a standalone.
In this installment, Nancy has been in the Halls of the Dead for years and was sure she would never leave. However, the living statues are being killed and the Hall is being overrun by the vengeful spirits. The Lord and Lady of the realm ask Nancy to run and find help. She ends up back in Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children and asks her old friends to help her save her world.
I have to admit that I did not like this installment a lot. There seemed to be something missing and I was not as engaged with the story. Part of it was the author's choice to bring back multiple characters besides Nancy. I was never expecting to see them again and it felt more like the ending of a series or tying up loose ends. Part of it was learning more about the Halls of the Dead and how it was run. Nancy may feel comfortable there but frankly I felt the Lord and Lady kinda sucked. And then there was the ending which I did not like at all. It seems to have negated everything the Doors stand for and Nancy's journey in particular. Are none of the children, except Jack, supposed to have a happy ending?
That said, there were parts I liked. I enjoyed the reason for the vengeful ghosts getting out of hand. I enjoyed watching Sumi aggravate the Lord and Lady with truths about their behavior. I enjoyed the Moth girl. I still would like to see Christopher get his own book. This may have been a weaker book but I still want more. Arrrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I say this every time I finish one of these novellas but I seriously could read dozens of books set in the various worlds. This is the 11th book and deals with Nancy from books 1 and 3. This book should not be read as a standalone.
In this installment, Nancy has been in the Halls of the Dead for years and was sure she would never leave. However, the living statues are being killed and the Hall is being overrun by the vengeful spirits. The Lord and Lady of the realm ask Nancy to run and find help. She ends up back in Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children and asks her old friends to help her save her world.
I have to admit that I did not like this installment a lot. There seemed to be something missing and I was not as engaged with the story. Part of it was the author's choice to bring back multiple characters besides Nancy. I was never expecting to see them again and it felt more like the ending of a series or tying up loose ends. Part of it was learning more about the Halls of the Dead and how it was run. Nancy may feel comfortable there but frankly I felt the Lord and Lady kinda sucked. And then there was the ending which I did not like at all. It seems to have negated everything the Doors stand for and Nancy's journey in particular. Are none of the children, except Jack, supposed to have a happy ending?
That said, there were parts I liked. I enjoyed the reason for the vengeful ghosts getting out of hand. I enjoyed watching Sumi aggravate the Lord and Lady with truths about their behavior. I enjoyed the Moth girl. I still would like to see Christopher get his own book. This may have been a weaker book but I still want more. Arrrr!
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2025
One of the weaker wayward children books but I love a lot of these characters. The wasian chinese girl was kinda silly like what the hell sure
September 28, 2025
If Seanan McGuire has one fan it is ME. If Seanan McGuire has no fans I am DEAD.
Nancy found her way home to the halls of the underworld, but a new danger sends her back to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children in search of help.
It's always so hard to separate my feelings for each individual book in this series from my diehard love for the world and the series in general. I did miss Nancy and Kade, Sumi, and Christopher who we didn't get a lot of in the last few books. McGuire's writing is god tier as ever, directly out of a fairytale and solely focused on ripping my heart out of my chest. I hope we get a book on Talia's world because it sounds beautiful and the high-reason worlds are always my favorite.
Another wonderful addition to a wonderful series that I hope never ends!
Thank you to Seanan McGuire and Tordotcom for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
Nancy found her way home to the halls of the underworld, but a new danger sends her back to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children in search of help.
It's always so hard to separate my feelings for each individual book in this series from my diehard love for the world and the series in general. I did miss Nancy and Kade, Sumi, and Christopher who we didn't get a lot of in the last few books. McGuire's writing is god tier as ever, directly out of a fairytale and solely focused on ripping my heart out of my chest. I hope we get a book on Talia's world because it sounds beautiful and the high-reason worlds are always my favorite.
Another wonderful addition to a wonderful series that I hope never ends!
Thank you to Seanan McGuire and Tordotcom for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
October 4, 2025
I wanted this one to work better for me than it did. I think in the end, these are too short and too on the nose for me. I want more of the plot, the relationships, and to see the diversities in the character rather than just being told. Unfortunately, the length doesn't really allow for that. I always find the worlds so cool, but half of the 200 page book is set there, so we really don't get to see a lot. Sadly for me, I think this book may be last in the series, but I do see why they are so well loved. I want more of Down Among sticks and Bones. Though I did enjoy seeing a familiar face...
Want to read
May 15, 2025Previous installments:
1. Every Heart a Doorway ★★
2. Down Among the Sticks and Bones ★★★
3. Beneath the Sugar Sky ★★
4. In an Absent Dream ★★★★
5. Come Tumbling Down ★★★
6. Across the Green Grass Fields ★★
7. Where the Drowned Girls Go ★★
8. Lost in the Moment and Found ★★★
9. Mislaid in Parts Half-Known ★★★
10. Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear ★★★
Short stories set in this series:
4.5 Juice Like Wounds ★★★
7.5 In Mercy, Rain ★★
7.7 Skeleton Song ★★★
1. Every Heart a Doorway ★★
2. Down Among the Sticks and Bones ★★★
3. Beneath the Sugar Sky ★★
4. In an Absent Dream ★★★★
5. Come Tumbling Down ★★★
6. Across the Green Grass Fields ★★
7. Where the Drowned Girls Go ★★
8. Lost in the Moment and Found ★★★
9. Mislaid in Parts Half-Known ★★★
10. Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear ★★★
Short stories set in this series:
4.5 Juice Like Wounds ★★★
7.5 In Mercy, Rain ★★
7.7 Skeleton Song ★★★
Want to read
May 9, 2025NANCY IS BACK! OMGGGGGGGG
December 8, 2025
Nancy!!!!!! We get more Nancy!
Nancy returns to Evelyn’s Home for Wayward Children with one of the three forbidden things… a quest. Something is killing the living statues in Nancy’s chosen world, and it’s clear that she’s the only one that can help her beloved serene and still world. It feels at odds to be in the world of the dead and fear dying, but there are just as many living residents as there are dead. Every living thing wants to survive, and in the world of the dead right now, that isn’t a guarantee. I am not ashamed to say I teared up at the end. This was a beautiful love letter to living. Seanan McGuire once again manages to capture the essence of difficult topics and spin them out into gorgeous tapestries. I’m in awe.
Now I’d read the physical copies of all the previous books, this is my first audiobook experience with the Wayward Children. It is clear I was sorely missing out. The narrator, Cynthia Hopkins, is an absolute treasure! I adored the way she narrated Sumi and Kade. (That was so spot on for Sumi in my head when I read Sumi.) Their character voices are absolutely PERFECT. Now I’ve got to go back and listen to all of the books!
Gigantic thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio (Drew, you’re a real one!) for the gifted ALC and the opportunity to review this amazing book. All opinions are my own. My opinion is that if you’re not already reading this series, you need to get on it asap!
Nancy returns to Evelyn’s Home for Wayward Children with one of the three forbidden things… a quest. Something is killing the living statues in Nancy’s chosen world, and it’s clear that she’s the only one that can help her beloved serene and still world. It feels at odds to be in the world of the dead and fear dying, but there are just as many living residents as there are dead. Every living thing wants to survive, and in the world of the dead right now, that isn’t a guarantee. I am not ashamed to say I teared up at the end. This was a beautiful love letter to living. Seanan McGuire once again manages to capture the essence of difficult topics and spin them out into gorgeous tapestries. I’m in awe.
Now I’d read the physical copies of all the previous books, this is my first audiobook experience with the Wayward Children. It is clear I was sorely missing out. The narrator, Cynthia Hopkins, is an absolute treasure! I adored the way she narrated Sumi and Kade. (That was so spot on for Sumi in my head when I read Sumi.) Their character voices are absolutely PERFECT. Now I’ve got to go back and listen to all of the books!
Gigantic thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio (Drew, you’re a real one!) for the gifted ALC and the opportunity to review this amazing book. All opinions are my own. My opinion is that if you’re not already reading this series, you need to get on it asap!
June 29, 2025
I didn’t realize how much I wanted to see Nancy again until we got more of Nancy’s story. I will say things aren’t “resolved” in this book BUT it does a really good job at poking holes in the accepted “fact” that people’s Doors lead them to where they most belong. Kade was a bit disappointing this time, but I can’t wait to get Talia’s story and Christopher and Sumi (and certain other returning faces that mentioning by name would constitute spoilers) really carried things.
While the lack of resolution does leave the book feeling rather incomplete, it is leading us toward a good (and inevitable) nearby ending. It might not be the next book, but I think it’s coming soon…
Also props to Sumi for calling out that what people “need” isn’t always good for them if they’re not also being cared for. She’s annoying but she always has the most poignant observations.
{Thank you TorDotCom for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review}
While the lack of resolution does leave the book feeling rather incomplete, it is leading us toward a good (and inevitable) nearby ending. It might not be the next book, but I think it’s coming soon…
Also props to Sumi for calling out that what people “need” isn’t always good for them if they’re not also being cared for. She’s annoying but she always has the most poignant observations.
{Thank you TorDotCom for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review}
Want to read
May 24, 2025it's tradition
December 4, 2025
Not my favourite Wayward Children book, but it's also nice to see some of the old characters again and go on another adventure.
Audiobook Notes:
This was a very bad audiobook, and I imagine that somewhat impacted my feelings. While the narrator has distinct voices for everyone, none of them fit the characters at all and I didn't enjoy the cadence she spoke with. I looked it up and apparently she's voiced other Wayward audiobooks, but I don't think I'd listened to those ones before. Cannot recommend this narrator at all.
But I know I've listened to another narrator, perhaps for book 1? And she did a good job because I remember thinking how she captured Sumi's voice and energy similar to how I would have. So there's definitely good audio narrators for this series, just not Cynthia Hopkins unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for granting me an audio ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Audiobook Notes:
This was a very bad audiobook, and I imagine that somewhat impacted my feelings. While the narrator has distinct voices for everyone, none of them fit the characters at all and I didn't enjoy the cadence she spoke with. I looked it up and apparently she's voiced other Wayward audiobooks, but I don't think I'd listened to those ones before. Cannot recommend this narrator at all.
But I know I've listened to another narrator, perhaps for book 1? And she did a good job because I remember thinking how she captured Sumi's voice and energy similar to how I would have. So there's definitely good audio narrators for this series, just not Cynthia Hopkins unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for granting me an audio ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 5, 2025
3,5 stars
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
Through Gates of Garnet and Gold is already the 11th installment in the Wayward Children novella series. Sometimes when you are along for the ride with a series, you get certain expectations. This didn't quite live up to my expectations. Its not a bad book but something felt missing for me.
We find Nancy in the world of the Halls of the Dead. She is being a statue there when attacks start on the other statue children. She runs back to Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children to ask for help from her old friends.
Of course I knew we were going back to Nancy. She was a character that I enjoyed when this series initially started. But since then we have seen so many more children and worlds. I didn't feel any urge to go back to her. Not anymore. There are so many others that are deserving of the spotlight this time. I guess that leaves me feeling a little frustrated with where the current story is going (especially considering that ending). This seemed very much a nod to the fan favorites as Nancy is not the only one who we see returned in this book.
Putting that aside, I was also just missing something. The connections between the characters maybe. I didn't quite feel the heart. There has been a shift and that shift in dynamic is not being dealt with all that well in this book.
It is entertainting. It wasn't bad seeing back some old faces. Seanan McGuire doesn't write bad books. But it is arguably one of the weaker books in the series and it has left me wondering where she wants this story to go.
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
Through Gates of Garnet and Gold is already the 11th installment in the Wayward Children novella series. Sometimes when you are along for the ride with a series, you get certain expectations. This didn't quite live up to my expectations. Its not a bad book but something felt missing for me.
We find Nancy in the world of the Halls of the Dead. She is being a statue there when attacks start on the other statue children. She runs back to Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children to ask for help from her old friends.
Of course I knew we were going back to Nancy. She was a character that I enjoyed when this series initially started. But since then we have seen so many more children and worlds. I didn't feel any urge to go back to her. Not anymore. There are so many others that are deserving of the spotlight this time. I guess that leaves me feeling a little frustrated with where the current story is going (especially considering that ending). This seemed very much a nod to the fan favorites as Nancy is not the only one who we see returned in this book.
Putting that aside, I was also just missing something. The connections between the characters maybe. I didn't quite feel the heart. There has been a shift and that shift in dynamic is not being dealt with all that well in this book.
It is entertainting. It wasn't bad seeing back some old faces. Seanan McGuire doesn't write bad books. But it is arguably one of the weaker books in the series and it has left me wondering where she wants this story to go.
November 16, 2025
This is a Young Adult Fantasy, and this is the 11th book in the Wayward Children series. I have read the first ten books in this series before picking up this book. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I loved the audiobook. We got to visit with some characters that show up in other books in this series which I always love. I really enjoyed this book, and I am so happy I decided to keep reading this series. I loved this series for a long time, but I did not enjoy the last couple of books from this series. I loved the characters in this book. I got pulled right into this book, and this book was filled with action and drama. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
August 7, 2025
I loved this - we haven't seen Nancy since the first book of the series and I'm so pleased that we got to follow her on her journey and see her continue to grow and change throughout the book. The Halls of the Dead is a fascinating world, and I always appreciate how Seanan shows that none of these worlds are perfect and they have flaws just like any other place. I always enjoy the characters going on quests and working together, and I loved this group and the main villain for the story. I also really appreciated the ending Seanan chose for Nancy - based on what happened in this story I think it makes the most sense, and it's also a new ending for one of the characters. But I love how Seanan is able to show that it is okay to outgrow something, someone, someplace, that you once thought was exactly what you wanted.
**I received an e-arc from Edelweiss**
**I received an e-arc from Edelweiss**
July 4, 2025
thank you netgalley, seanan mcguire, and tor publishing group for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! this series has been my obsession for the past few months and i was so excited to get this arc. it sadly wasn’t my favorite of the series, but it was great getting to see these characters again. this one follows nancy, which i really appreciated as we haven’t heard much about her in the past few books. i thought this one was a little boring though - maybe it’s because the door in this one wasn’t my favorite. i’m very happy mcguire keeps continuing this world though and i can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
November 12, 2025
another fantastic installment in one of my favorite series of all time!! was great to revisit some old friends and foes!! highly recommend this series for all fans of magical realism, found family, and epic adventures!!! thank you to NetGalley, Tor Publishing, and Macmillan Audio for both the ebook and audiobook arcs of this title!!
January 6, 2026
one of the things i look forward to at the beginning of each year is the release of a new installment in the wayward children series. it’s so comforting to come back to this group of friends!
while through gates of garnet and gold wasn’t my favorite, i still enjoyed diving back into this world and love that we get to return time and time again.
3 stars
while through gates of garnet and gold wasn’t my favorite, i still enjoyed diving back into this world and love that we get to return time and time again.
3 stars
December 7, 2025
And we’re back baby!!!! This is easily my third favorite of the series right after Down Among the Sticks and Bones and Come Tumbling Down. There were so many quotable lines, Sumi remains a delight, but most importantly, I’m really excited to see how the next quest book goes after this finale.
I don’t know whose character story we get next but if it’s Talia’s you won’t hear me complain! Her world sounds so beautiful and lovely.
I don’t know whose character story we get next but if it’s Talia’s you won’t hear me complain! Her world sounds so beautiful and lovely.
January 6, 2026
keeping up the tradition of reading a Wayward Children book first every year. happy 2026!
November 17, 2025
The Wayward Children series is a personal favorite. These short portal fantasies tackle tough topics with compassion, humor, and imagination. Perhaps the best gift in this book, and the series as a whole, is the way Seanan McGuire simply acknowledges the ways in which life sucks. This acknowledgement gives the reader permission to exhale. In this installment, we return to previous characters and settings. While it could be read as a standalone from a plot perspective, anyone diving in here for the first time will miss some of the character development. Although if you read enough in general, you'll be able to pick up on most everything from context clues. As always in these books, terrible things happen to children, adults cannot be relied on to save the day, and in the end - we have our friends, our obsessions, and our willingness to live. I loved every moment back in the worlds of McGuire's making. I was about to type "this is a favorite in the series" but I think I say that about every new story. They can't all be favorites. But this one felt like it was while I was reading it. Thank you to the Seanan McGuire for continuing to write about the wayward children - their stories mean so much to me and other readers, Cynthia Hopkins - who also narrated books 1 & 4, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the audioARC.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews