Is it just me or is this title a tongue twister? I was trying to tell my friend about how fantastic this series is and all the ways it works into the Middlegame world and I could not say it right. Keep reading this book review for a text version of this tongue twister.
Summary
When the improbable road leaves Avery and Zib in the land of Air and at the mercy of the Queen of Swords, escape without becoming monsters may be impossible. But with the aid of the Queen’s son, the unpredictable Jack Daw, they may emerge with enough of their humanity to someday make it home. Their journey is not yet over; the dangers are no less great.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Into the Windwracked Wildss has a signature Seanan McGuire lyrical quality to the writing. There’s always a sense of whimsy and gorgeous phrases mixed with sentences that kind of stop you in your tracks. They manage to be profound and simple all at once if that makes sense? Either way, it is what I’ve come to associate with Seanan McGuire and Into the Windwracked Wilds has it! Additionally, this sequel has that fairy tale quality and logic. The ways it will take you back in nostalgia to the rules you follow because it’s a fairy tale world and why wouldn’t you?
To all the things that just make sense without thinking? It’s a world with rules none of us know and has an almost Alice and Wonderland kind of vibe. With this entire series, there’s a hidden piece of wisdom hidden underneath quests, infinite falling, and magical creatures. To channel my inner Harry Styles, “Into the Windwracked Wilds is a story that feels like a story”. Throughout it also focuses on ownership and agency as a theme. This idea of who owns us, the power in a name. Additionally, the theme I loved the most was this idea of how does one become a monster and how do we remain ourselves.
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Ultimately, if you love this Up-and-Under series you have to read this one. It has all the qualities I have come to love – wisdom and whimsy – all wrapped into one. This is also perfect for any one just looking for a story which takes us back and feels like a piece of our childhood returned. Find Into the Windwracked Wilds on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.
That word ‘windwracked’ alone is a solid enough tongue twister! My favourite childhood fairytale was the twelve dancing princesses 🙂
I could not say the title aloud right once