Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire ★★★★★ (Wayward Children #1)

Started 10/30/19

I was reviewing my TBR for October, and I realized a week or so ago I added Every Heart a Doorway. I immediately thought, there’s no way I can do this; I just don’t have the time. Fast forward to now (next day), and dear god was I wrong. This story is utter perfection. I came into this fresh off the Wizard of Earthsea, and it is just what I need. It is everything I want in a story. It may be my favorite of the year.

We all know the classic story of Narnia. A child steps through a doorway to far away magical land and experiences something previously only ever dreamed of. Fast forward and the story is over. They’re back in their old world, forced to live separate but forever knowing. Imagine what that must be like. Imagine the pain and heart ache you would feel to step into that world then be ripped away from it. Never before has an author (I know of) so perfectly explored the sad reality that must accompany this classic tale of magic and whimsy. It is devastating and all too real.

I still have a small piece of the book left, but I’m confident this will earn its place as one of the best I’ve read all year. Where Earthsea felt traditional (it is half a century old to be fair), Every Heart a Doorway is fresh and poignant.

Finished 10/31/19

There isn’t much more to say beyond what I’ve already said. I love this story. The plot of this novella approaches fairly abruptly, but it all wraps up cleanly and nicely. This might be my favorite book of the year not only for the concept but also the style. The concept for this series is fairly dark, and McGuire does not shy away from that, and the writing feels natural and more mature than what I am used to in YA stories. Maybe I have a misconception of what YA has to offer. I’ll definitely be giving this series more of my time and probably more YA too. Highly recommended 5/5 Stars.

6 thoughts on “Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire ★★★★★ (Wayward Children #1)

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