Where the Drowned.. - Wayward Children #7 [Jan 29, 2022]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

This is a Buddy Read for The Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire starting with Every Heart a Doorway, beginning on November 15, 2021.


Book 2 starting Nov 29th

[RachelG.]

I got both the print and audio version. I am ready to start Monday!

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

You’re set! I’m ready too, and excited. :D

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Starting today!

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Whoa! Ch 1. (view spoiler)[first off, I loved the prologue. It made the woman’s intentions sound so ominous. But I love that she really is trying to take care of these children no one believes. So cool!

And I immediately like Sumi. She made me laugh with the whole “I thought you were talking just to hear your own voice,” thing. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelG.]

Ch. 1 (view spoiler)[I agree on the prologue. I wasn't sure what to think starting chapter 1. I am really glad I switched to audiobook also. The narrator makes it very easy to engage in the story.

I am really enjoying the story so far. It reminds me of The Invisible Library series. I can't wait to learn more about what makes the different types of worlds that people are visiting. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelG.]

Ch. 2 (view spoiler)[I feel bad for Nancy who seems so confused. I really like Kade. I don't know how I feel about Sumi. She has no filter and doesn't seem to have compassion for the others. I think I would have trouble tolerating her as a roommate calling people "stupid" rather often. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote:

I haven't read that one! It would seem I need to add it to my tbr though because I'm loving this so far! I agree the audio is the way to go for this one - I love how distinguished all the girls sound. It's so fitting to the story. (view spoiler)[ There are so many questions I can't wait to be answered. The orientation she'll go through will be a good place to start. I can't help but feel excited that there are 7 books of worlds to explore on the horizon! Love it. I'm always a sucker for school settings, anyway. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote: "Ch. 2 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I agree, Sumi's not very tactful. I think what I like about her is her total acceptance of the way things are. It's such an interesting character profile. I don't get the impression she's intentionally being mean, I think it rather she sees the world frankly and doesn't understand that others might be bothered by the bluntness. My favorite part of the story so far is seeing the mannerisms each child picked up from their respective worlds. It's fascinating. And a bit unsettling. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

I somehow missed the transition from 3-4, so now I'm halfway through Ch. 4 (view spoiler)[ I liked the group therapy scene. I'm especially interested in Jacq and Jill. There are so many enigmas at this point. I love that each chapter is filled will new discoveries. It was hard to read about Nancy's parents not accepting her and loving her as she is now. It's heart-wrenching. maybe with more understanding on their part, she would be having a much easier time handling being in this reality. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelG.]

Chapter 4: I am looking forward to reading this series. I am really getting invested in the story so far. (view spoiler)[I like how Jack and Jill seem like they will also be friends with Nancy. Having twins go through the same door will be an interesting perspective to see how their experiences varied. It sounds like they were better off in the vampire world rather than the "real" world with their parents.

I was totally not prepared for the murder! I wonder why her hands were taken. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelG.]

Chapter 5: (view spoiler)[ I am enjoying the school setting in this chapter because it builds the characters and how they relate to other students. Loriel seems like the typical mean girl. She went to an interesting world but I would not enjoy a spider land. It almost seems like each student whose story we learn about is the next victim. I wonder who the killer is. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelG.]

Chapter 6: (view spoiler)[ Ugh, I have a thing about eyes and the thought of someone scooping them out is so disgusting! I can't believe they were allowed to dispose of the body either. I am also curious to see where this relationship goes with Kade and Nancy that seems to be developing. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote: "Chapter 4: I am l.."

(view spoiler)[ I was so shocked at that!! And to have it be a character I just connected with (figures lol). I don't get surprised that often in books anymore so it always delights me when I do. I really didn't expect this to take a murder-mystery angle. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote: "Chapter 5: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I love that the possibilities are endless with the different worlds. A spider world would most definitely not work for me lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote: "Chapter 6: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I have a thing about eyes too!!! Omgsh it makes me light headed to even think about what happened. I kind of had to read that part only half paying attention. Having an asexual MC is very interesting. It changes how she relates to Kade. I like that they're developing a friendship and a dependency on each other for some comfort - Nancy needs that. I'm curious how the next books are going to go and if we're going to be in the same POV. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Apologies for it taking a couple of days to get back on here - I can only open spoilers on my desktop at work and I've been slammed. Do you have any interest in BR the next book soon?

End of book spoilers (view spoiler)[ After the third murder, I started suspecting Jill because Nancy had seen her on the fringes of the forest. And that passing comment she made about getting blood out of her dress as if she were put out at just having done so. Then when the ghost pointed to Jacq's side I was sure. But there's always room for doubt and I was curious on the motive. There are so many side characters I want to know more about. I love the school setting too. I wonder if most of the novellas take place here or if we actually travel to these other realms. It'll be fun to find out. (hide spoiler)]

[RachelG.]

I finished the book today and my thoughts: (view spoiler)[When Lorriel pointed I also thought of Jill because that is who would be next to Jack. But I was also thinking Angela since she seems to keep being around the bodies. Jill became one crazy person. Wanting to build the perfect girl so the door would open and then keep on killing. I was surprised that Jack killed her sister but I can understand her reasoning.

I was also surprised about Nancy deciding that she doesn't want to go back to the underworld and would rather stay with Kade in the future.

Even though Sumi was rather annoying in my opinion I really enjoyed her note to Nancy letting her know that "You're nobody's doorway but your own and the only one who gets to tell you how your story ends is you." I felt that wrapped up the idea of the series well. (hide spoiler)]

I would like to BR the next book whenever you want. I have the audio version checked out from the library.

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote: "I finished the book today and my thoughts: When Lorriel pointed I also thought of Jill because that is who would be next to Jack. But I was also thinking Angela since she seems to keep being around..."

(view spoiler)[ I liked the note as well. I'm wondering how final all of the deaths are, considering there's a realm of the dead to visit and whatnot. I personally would like the series more if the deaths were final because then the stakes are higher. But we'll see what she does with it. It's funny we both had such polar experiences with Sumi. I've been reading too many Abercrombie and Erickson lately and they're known for really unlikable characters. It makes me stop and think about what sort of trauma makes these people behave in such off-putting ways so I like them from an analysis standpoint, not as people I'd actually like to be around. (hide spoiler)]

I have the second book also, but am in the middle of another novel that will probably take me a week to finish. If you're eager to get going I don't want to hold you up, so let me know if maybe the 29th works. :)

[RachelG.]

The 29th should work great. I am going to attempt to join the Fool Moon BR which is just before that so timing should work well.

I was excited to see that the audio version of Down Among the Sticks and Bones is read by Seanan McGuire. The fact that this one focuses on Jack and Jill will be interesting.

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote: "The 29th should work great. I am going to attempt to join the Fool Moon BR which is just before that so timing should work well.

I was excited to see that the audio version of [book:D..."

Oh interesting - that's actually kind of cool she's narrating herself. I'm glad that date works, I'll get the bookshelf adjusted.

[RachelG.]

I finished Part 1 during my commute yesterday: (view spoiler)[I totally had an a-ha moment where I felt no wonder Jack and Jill turned out how they did. It is interesting to know the outcome of their story before learning of the background.

Their parents are horrible in how they treat the family and just want kids so they can fit in with people they try to impress. I also couldn't believe that Chester dismissed his mother from their lives like he did. The girls seem lonely and it is too bad that they don't know the real reason Gemma Lou left. I also was wondering if she had gone through the trunk before them. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Awesome! I got slammed yesterday first day back at work. I'm going to try to have the first two parts done by tomorrow. :)

[RachelG.]

Part 2: (view spoiler)[ I am wondering how knowing the outcome of the first book is clouding my judgement of this book. I also don't know if I would choose the Master or Dr. Bleak if I was put in this situation. Jack seems like the voice of reason but I have to remember that these are 12 year old girls who have been rather sheltered in life.

With the amount of clothes that Dr. Bleak has I wonder how many other foundlings have been to the Moor. I had some other thoughts but my computer deleted them before I could save so maybe they will come back to me later. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Are you liking it so far? I'm so curious! I don't want to click the spoiler until I've gotten there.

[RachelG.]

Yes, I am liking it. I really seem to like portal fantasies. One thing I have been thinking of (which I don't think is a spoiler) is how much knowing the outcome of the first book could be clouding my judgement on the characters in this book.

I am also enjoying the audio version a lot but because I listen while I drive I find it good to go back and review the print because I miss things.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I'm tempted to do a re-read... I'm hit or miss with portal fantasy, I think, but really like this series... and the author's work in general...

I think the shortness of the stories helps, a bit...

The author narrates some of the books... including this second book you guys are on...

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote: "Yes, I am liking it. I really seem to like portal fantasies. One thing I have been thinking of (which I don't think is a spoiler) is how much knowing the outcome of the first book could be clouding..."

I haven’t read many portal fantasies. What are some of your favorites? I agree - knowing the outcome is influencing how I’m absorbing this story. I’m interested but I don’t usually stay engaged when I know what’s coming. But it will be interesting to see exactly how things ended up where they did. (view spoiler)[ is it making you not like Jillian because of what she eventually does? (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote: "I finished Part 1 during my commute yesterday: ..."

Part 1 (view spoiler)[ it did kind of seem like Gemma Lou may have gone through before them. I agree, it’s so interesting to see what shaped them, and my heart hurt when they sent Gemma home and told them she forgot how to love them because they weren’t perfect.

I did appreciate the author saying all children are ambushers because you don’t usually see all of the day to day difficulties before you become a parent lol. It was cute.

I liked the background story for sure. I think for such a short book we may have spent just a tad too much time getting to the new realm, but overall I’m enjoying it. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Timelord Iain wrote: "I'm tempted to do a re-read... I'm hit or miss with portal fantasy, I think, but really like this series... and the author's work in general...

I think the shortness of the stories helps, a bit......"

It’s definitely a quick go. I’m delighting at a few commitments that aren’t taking me 2-3 weeks to do lol.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Niki Hawkes wrote: "RachelG. wrote: "Yes, I am liking it. I really seem to like portal fantasies. One thing I have been thinking of (which I don't think is a spoiler) is how much knowing the outcome of the first book ..."

The thing with portal fantasy, especially in this series, is the sense that anything is possible... there's a world for everything, in this multiverse version...

The later books have some real payoffs in revisiting characters and bringing characters together...

I read a number of stories about Hollow places and places where the fabric of reality is softer, this year... they leaned more towards Portal Horror, than Portal Fantasy...

House of Hollow, The Hollow Places

And I remember the BR for The Ten Thousand Doors of January...

[RachelG.]

I have mostly read classics like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass, A Wrinkle in Time, Howl’s Moving Castle and The Narnia books as examples of portal fantasy.

Also I really like The Invisible Library series. It has worlds that the main character who works for a library organization travels through that are different mixes of magic and technology.

[RachelG.]

Niki Hawkes wrote: "RachelG. wrote: "Yes, I am liking it. I really seem to like portal fantasies. One thing I have been thinking of (which I don't think is a spoiler) is how much knowing the outcome of the first book ..."

(view spoiler)[ Yes, I am disliking Jillian and suspect is has a lot to do with how she turned out at the end of book 1. (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

RachelG. wrote: "I have mostly read classics like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Through the Looking-Glass, A Wrinkle in Time, Howl’s Moving Castle and The Narnia books ..."

Invisible Library is great... and has a great (if slightly obvious) mythos surrounding the MCs parentage...

I've read Narnia, but it's not that great of a series, imo... I enjoyed the early books, when I re-read them a few years ago, but they went downhill as the series grew more focused on the Christian themes and depressing ending...

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

I had a baby who wouldn’t rock to sleep last night so I got in over an hour of listening and finished the story (view spoiler)[I’m having a hard time being at peace with the idea that Jill could kill someone Jack loved and Jack out turn around and become altruistic about it. Especially considering the Doc gave her the option to kill Jill before coming back. And then to leave with her on top of all of that? Idk it just seems unlikely across the board, especially considering how distant they’d grown. The story would’ve worked better for me had any other character been slain. The author addressed it, but I didn’t buy it.

It does, however, make more sense why Jack was willing to kill Jill at the end of the first book. I guess maybe she was hoping Jill would change enough to go back with her, but it was the last straw when she found out Jill was killing people. Again. Jack is so smart, though, I think she would’ve figured out who was behind the killings sooner.

I was struggling with the first half of this one y til I sped up the audio a bit. Then I found myself still engaged. I would definitely like to read the next one. Are you interested in continuing? (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Oh, yes I’ve read a few of those. Invisible Library sounds so interesting! I love library settings in books but they always seem to be not quite as cool as they could be. The one in Deadly Education was great.

[RachelG.]

I also finished the book but will need to wait until I get home to comment with spoilers. I was really surprised about the outcome.

[RachelG.]

@ Timelord Ian- Narnia wasn’t my favorite series either. I agree that I really like how with a multiverse anything seems possible and how there can be worlds with different sets of rules.

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote: "."

(view spoiler)[They mentioned with all those clothes that some would fit non-humans... I'm wondering how many fun surprises lay in store now beyond what I'd originally suspected. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

RachelG. wrote: "I also finished the book but will need to wait until I get home to comment with spoilers. I was really surprised about the outcome."

looking forward to your thoughts!

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Niki Hawkes wrote: "RachelG. wrote: "."

[spoilers removed]"

Yea... (view spoiler)[the later books dip the toe into exploring the idea that Earth isn't the Prime dimension... it has a ranking on the Logic/etc spectrum (been awhile, sorry)... and other worlds connect to further worlds, without going back to Earth... and some don't have connections to Earth (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

I'm gonna join you guys... you're zooming through these, and I like the middle books and need to read the newest ones...

Probably do a book a day at work, over the next few days, to catch up... among other reads...

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Timelord Iain wrote: "I'm gonna join you guys... you're zooming through these, and I like the middle books and need to read the newest ones...

Probably do a book a day at work, over the next few days, to catch up... am..."

sweet!

[Elizabeth]

I'm enjoying ready through your thoughts. Are you going to be buddy reading the newest when it comes out?

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

From my vague memory of the series, pre-reread, my ranking of the 5 books I've read would be 4th/5th > 1st/2nd > 3rd...

The third book is in a world low on logic and high on fantasy/silliness... there are still elements of it I love, tho...

[RachelG.]

Thoughts after finishing Down Among the Sticks and Bones: (view spoiler)[ I couldn't believe what a monster Jill became and she was such an entitled, spoiled brat who treated everyone except the Master horribly. The Master was awful in killing anyone who showed attention to "his daughter".

I was surprised that Jack was willing to rescue her sister from the mob even though she knew that Jill killed Alexis.

I agree that I thought Jack would have immediately known who the killer was in the first book given her sister's history. (hide spoiler)]

I would like to continue on in the series. I am really enjoying it so far.

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Re-reading Every Heart a Doorway: (view spoiler)[I forgot about the references to Oz and Wonderland and Narnia…

I love the assertions about boys will be boys leading to the gender disparity… and the sad commentary on the expectation of silence of girls… and the Logic/Nonsense, Virtue/Wicked, etc…

I’m willing to overlook Jack’s resistance to blame Jill as a familial thing that’s pretty common…

The more egregious thing seems to be the claims that Jill looked for a way home longer than Jack… that was over the second they had dinner with the vampire, wasn’t it?… from then on, Jill wanted the vampire to know she wasn’t the consolation prize… (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Elizabeth wrote: "I'm enjoying ready through your thoughts. Are you going to be buddy reading the newest when it comes out?"

Yes, we're gearing up for it! :)

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Timelord Iain wrote: "R..."

(view spoiler)[I agree a hesitancy to blame her makes sense, but as soon as the ghost pointed next to her, the author could've had a shock of surprise on Jack's face or something that she immediately tried to hide (but maybe she hadn't planned that far out yet). I think it would've been better had there been at least a little suspicion.

It was weird that either of them would want to go home. Maybe it indicates how unstable Jill was. She still didn't feel accepted (ergo, killing someone for approval), so she still craved familiarity of where she knew exactly how to behave to gain that approval. (hide spoiler)]

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

I've put a hold on the next book. I think I'll get it within a couple weeks. Can I check in when it comes in and schedule the next book then? I'm hopeful to read that one and at least book 4 by the end of the month.