As a big fan of Seanan McGuire and Middlegame, you know I had to read the sequel in The Up-and-Under series! If you weren’t aware, this series takes the stories and book from Middlegame and tells that story. Isn’t that so fun and immersive? Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Be sure to explore the myriad wonders that can be found Along the Saltwise Sea.
After climbing Over the Woodward Wall and making their way across the forest, Avery and Zib found themselves acquiring some extraordinary friends in their journey through the Up-and-Under.
After staying the night, uninvited, at a pirate queen’s cottage in the woods, the companions find themselves accountable to its owner, and reluctantly agree to work off their debt as her ship sets sail, bound for lands unknown. But the queen and her crew are not the only ones on board, and the monsters at sea aren’t all underwater.
The friends will need to navigate the stormy seas of obligation and h
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
There is just a signature style of writing that I’ve come to associate with McGuire’s books. It’s this lyrical simplicity mixed with an utter sense of the profound. Full of stories of whimsical meandering, McGuire takes us on thrilling adventures within worlds humming with possibility. Along the Saltwise Sea is no different. Avery and Zib embark on an adventure that promises danger and delight. That will force them to learn, to reflect, and to wander.
The central idea that I think Along the Saltwise Sea explores is the idea of possibility. The idea that we have to break the idea that everything that happens will be something we think of possible. To expand what we think of capability. In some ways, there’s both a naivety to Avery and Zib, to their trusting selves, which is also balanced by their ability to empathize and understand. All the times that we have to remind ourselves that, in many ways, children are taught to be cruel, absorb the fears around them. And that, on their own, there’s this immense wisdom in the ways they see the world. Can distill the truths of kindness and understanding.
Overall,
Along the Saltwise Sea is a story of friendship and adventure. But it’s also about friends who you feel you’ll never understand and perfect strangers to whom you instantly relate. It’s a fantastic addition to the Middlegame world and is perfect for fans of the books. It’s also great for those who have loved McGuire’s other novellas!
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Find Along the Saltwise Sea on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.