This book is best read aloud, to a child, one chapter per night at bedtime. It is a brief adventure, with a little mystery. It is charming and it feels old and new all at once.

I wish that the author didn't have to recap the previous book, because I felt like that took up so many space (is this a publisher that makes her do it? she's mentioned being obligated to for another of her series), but it works well.

Along the Saltwise Sea is the sequel to Seanan McGuire's, writing here as A. Deborah Baker, 2020-release, Over the Woodward Wall. These novels, which are loosely-related to her tour de force of SFF, Middlegame, are perfectly suited for the young at heart.

The story follows two children, Zib and Avery, who upon encountering a giant wall where it shouldn't be on their walk to school one day, go up and over, thus finding themselves in a different world; the Up-and-Under. In the first novel, the children travel through a magical forest while following the improbable road, making friends and enemies along the way.

In this installment, Zib and Avery, joined by their new friends, Niahm and the Crow Girl, are exhausted from the continuous stress of their travels. Their hope is to find the Queen of Wands, who may have the answer on how to get them home.

Unsure of how much more they can take, however, they collectively decide they can't go on right away. They need to rest. Children need to rest. As luck would have it, they discover an abandoned cottage. It's pristine, with everything in place that they would need. Sure, it's a little ominous, but they can't resist.

They stay the night. Zib and Avery eternally grateful to have a comfortable bed in which to sleep through the night, as well as fresh running water. Unbeknownst to the children and their companions, the cottage actually belongs to a powerful pirate Captain, who believes they now owe her a debt for trespassing on her property and using her things without asking. The group agrees to board her ship and work for her for one week in order to pay off their debt. It certainly extends their adventure, but does it get the kids any closer to finding their way home?

Y'all, I absolutely LOVED my time reading Along the Saltwise Sea!! I'll admit, I was a little nervous going in, because it has been a long time since I have read Over the Woodward Wall. I was concerned I wouldn't remember enough of the story for this one to make sense. That was completely silly of me. I should have trusted McGuire.

This novel has the perfect amount of refresher at the beginning to let the Reader fall gracefully back into the story. It was seamless and probably the best transition between books I have ever read. Further, I am absolutely obsessed with the narrative voice of this series. It has that classic, whimsical fairy tale feel, meshed perfectly with modern inclinations on how to be a good human.

I say this because, I feel like fairy tales are intended to teach lessons and consequently, Zib and Avery are also learning lessons throughout their journey in the Up-and-Under. Fortunately, the lessons aren't outdated. They are perfectly tailored for today's world.

I love all of these characters so much. Avery and Zib are as opposite as opposite can get, but have learned to love and appreciate one another not just in spite their differences, but because of them. The setting of this one, mostly on the pirate ship, was just so fun! I love stories set at sea and this one captured everything I love about that atmosphere.

I cannot wait for the next installment of The Up-and-Under. I am not sure how long this series is slated to be, but I am hoping it goes for as long as the Wayward Children series. At least!

Thank you so much to the publisher, Tor, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. It was an absolute delight!

Along the Saltwise Sea is an enthralling sequel to Over the Woodward Wall, and I loved every minute of it. That being said, as the second book in a series, it sets up the scene for the third series so if you're expecting a lot out of this one, you might be disappointed. Regardless, it's a whimsical tale that captivates you and leaves you wanting more, and I am so excited for the next book in this series.

This is the direct sequel to Over the Woodward Wall , the children’s book that featured in Middlegame. Zib and Avery are continuing their journey to the Impossible City with the Crow Girl and Niamh. They fall into debt with a pirate captain after seeking shelter for the night in her cottage. A week’s worth of work for the night’s stay seems to be an ok trade with the pirate crew treating them fairly well. But there is a mystery on the ship and a book of Up and Under fairy tales that will bring the mystery to light.
This is more of a middle book in the series and the children still have more traveling to do. Not sure where their journey will take them but it is a fun ride.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss

4.5 Stars

The second book in the world of Up-and-Under. This sequel was just as good as the first. We continue to follow Avery and Zib (accompanied by the Crow Girl and a Drowned Girl) as they journey along the improbable road trying to reach the Queen of Wands and a way home. In this book, they get dragged through a well and end up Along the Saltwise Sea where they encounter pirates!

This series reminds me so much of a mix of Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. Its written so well in true whimsical style as we've come to expect of Seann McGuire with some serious truths of the world. I feel like younger kids can learn some important messages from her books!

Loved this installment. Thank you so much to Netgalley and publishers Tordotcom for an eArc of this book for an early review.

Along the Saltwise Sea is the latest installment in the Up-and-Under series by Seanan McGuire writing under the pseudonym A. Deborah Baker which releases next week (thank you to the publishers for an early review copy!). The series is a middle grade spin off of McGuire’s hit adult fantasy Middlegame and simply put, it is SPECTACULAR. ⁣
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In this book, Avery and Zid continue their journey through the magical and logic-defying world of Up-and-Under alongside their new friends: a Crow girl and a drowned girl. As they search for an ending (and maybe a way home) along the improbable road they encounter new foes and new challenges on the high seas that might test their friendship. ⁣
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The Up-and-Under series is essentially a book within a book as it’s referenced in and parallels Middlegame (A. Deborah Baker is a character in Middlegame) but you don’t need to have read Middlegame to enjoy this series. I think Over the Woodward Wall stands on its own as a riveting middle grade fantasy and this sequel is just as enjoyable. The themes of friendship, trust, and adventure are poignant for all ages.⁣
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This book has me convinced that Seanan McGuire is pure magic. Her writing is lush, witty, and just plain fabulous. Sometimes I had to stop and BASK in the beauty of her turns of phrase. This book is a literary feast. I’ll even go out on a limb and say… It’s better than the Wizard of Oz (!) This is a new classic in the making and if you love adventure fantasy you NEED to pick up this book!

The second in The up-and-under series, this book continues the whimsical and enchanting journey of Zib and Avery, two children who climbed over the Woodward wall into the Forest of Borders.

The author has such an engaging writing style, beautifully lyrical and world building that’s vivid and full of magical, intertwined elements.
You can see this series has been well plotted and planned. Each character has depth and a path to follow lending to the plot and its place in the story.

There is a paragraph in this book about our second selves that really struck me. It’s about that side of us that comes out even when we don’t want it to, when we are angry, hurt or in pain. The author talks about how we need to shape and mould that second self to be kinder and more caring. I think it is one of many very strong messages and lessons in this book and a delight for children to read and muse.

This book does a wonderful job of highlighting that we are all different and different is good.
Being a girl doesn’t mean neat and tidy or quiet and pretty and being a boy doesn’t mean adventurous and bold, loud and proud. Being you is what really matters.
The very strong message in this book and the previous in the series, is we are who we are and gender had no bounds. For example I love that Zib is described as a storm cloud stitched into a little girls body.
A really refreshing look at how children, male, female or otherwise are described and something I feel hugely important in books for young children.

A favourite quote of mine:
“So when she wishes on stars, she wished only to be better at being the thing she seemed condemned to be, and not to be something else altogether”

A writer I will never tire of and a series I will cherish!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for supplying me with an ecopy of Along the Saltwise Sea in exchange for my honest review.

The sequel to Over the Woodward Wall, Along the Saltwise Sea does not disappoint. Though not as magical and whimsical as the original, this is certainly a solid sequel in the series and propels the story of Zib & Avery along an adventurous path.

A. Deborah Baker (AKA Seanan McGuire) has an immense talent for telling stories. These characters are rich and realistic and even the crazy upside-down world feels magically tangible. Written for a middle grade audience, Along the Saltwise Sea keeps the prose relatively straightforward and the plot can be a smidge predictable, but it is fun to read and a story where you consistently root for the protagonists because they are just so darned lovable.

The character writing in these book is just magnificent. Avery & Zib are perfectly written for their age, complete with anxieties, things they need to learn & experience, and some fearlessness. They are incredibly different, but work together so well and present so much of a range in terms of audience access. I love that the author does not shy to have her characters have imperfections. I also enjoy that sometimes these imperfections are shortcoming and sometimes they are strengths. There is just so much wonderful inclusivity in these books.

The plot moves incredibly swiftly and there is always something going on. There is a good recap of the first book at the beginning, which I think will work especially well for middle grade readers but also allows readers to jump in at the second book if they are so inclined (though I don't recommend because you will miss out on some enchanting writing and a wonderful story). The narrative is straight to the point in this installment and it almost felt too short for me. Things just flew by.

These stories remind me very strongly of the Oz series and I love their imaginative style. Though written for middle grade readers, they are easily enjoyable enough for adults. I'm totally here for them and I'm looking forward to what Avery & Zib find next along the Improbable Road.

* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novella from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

In a further extension of the world first created in MIDDLE GAME, this enchanting whimsical novella will enrapture you and leave you wanting more.

I have three words to describe this novella: whimsical, friendship and adventurous.
I quite liked the change of scenery on a pirate ship but as with the first book, I wasn’t a fan of the writing style. Don’t get me wrong, I adore McGuire’s books but this novella did not keep me captivated. I enjoyed Zib, Avery, Niamh and the Crow Girl’s dynamics and it was heartwarming to see their friendship blossom.

Overall, this was a solid sequel, with many themes readers will appreciate!

I am OBSESSED with this series. It’s the first I’ve come across that reminds me of the Girl who Circumnavigated Fairy World Series. Baker creates a world that is reminiscent of Wonderland and all fantastical lands. The improbable road is taking Zib and Avery on another journey, with Niameh and the Crow Girl in tow. I love the juxtaposition of Zib’s wild nature with Avery’s practicality. I love the fantastical elements. I love that it’s a quick read. I can’t wait for the next in the series!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Tor.com/Tor-Forge, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another great entry in this wild fairy tale "book from a book world" series. I'm assuming this one will play a role in Seasonal Fears, like it's predecessor did in Middlegame.

This time we find Zib, Avery, Crow Girl, and Niamh pulled off the Improbable Road and taken to the Saltwise Sea. It's very piraty. :)

I would have given it five stars, but it didn't quite feel like there was a complete story in this one, just some travel and what happened to them during said travel, but no overarching plot.

Still, I highly recommend this one and the first one, Over the Woodward Wall, if you enjoy Seanan McGuire's works or loved Middlegame like I did.

I requested this book by mistake, and had to read the first one before and.... how I absolutely LOVE this world.
I don't really know how to give a decent feedback without any spoilers, just so you know that it's really good and I'm super excited for the #3!

Thanks Netgalley and Tor.com for the advanced copy!

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.

I love this world.

We pick up right where Over the Woodward Wall left off, moving towards the Saltwise Sea. The kids end up on a pirate ship to repay a debt. We learn a little bit about each of the kids and a little bit more about the world and the way it works.

The fairytale language I loved so much continues, but I feel it opens up a bit more in the sequel.

Without giving too much away, I loved this sequel and the way it ended. I can’t wait to read the third book in this series.

Thank you NetGalley, Tordotcom, and A. Deborah Baker for the chance to read this advanced review copy! Along the Saltwise Sea releases on October 12th.

Thanks to the publisher for making an advanced reading copy available to me via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When I first read Cat Valente's Fairyland series, I realized that there's a specific type of fairy-tale story that will win me over every time. This series checks those boxes for me. It's the world-building, the narrative voice, the hard lessons, and the emotional investment -- all of those things combine into a reading experience that's magical and fulfilling and nostalgic.

My only real complaint about this novel is that it felt very much like a middle novel, in the sense that not as much seemed to happen before the characters moved on to the next part of their journey. While we learn much more about the structure of the Up-and-Under, it felt as though that information came in info dumps rather than through events and actions. But overall, that's a minor quibble. This is still a lovely little novel, and it will take its place on my bookshelf among other favorites of its kind.

Prettily written fairytale. It falls into the category of if you liked book one and enjoyed the writing style and story you’re probably going to like book two just as well. They are leisurely very descriptive books for all their short length. This series should appeal to adults that like the Wayward Children series as well as to the target age range- middle school I’m guessing. While it isn’t the fastest paced story in the world the feel it has to me was being read a bedtime story when you are perhaps a bit too old to have bedtime story read to you but you’ve had a bad day or don’t feel good and the bedtime story is a special treat.

I have yet to give a book by Seanan McGuire less than 5 stars and I am not about to start now! I absolutely adored Over the Woodward Wall and this follow up was just as excellent!

Thank you so much @NetGalley and @tordotcompub for the early eARC of Along the Saltwise Sea. This will be available on October 12 and is the second book in the Up-and-Under Series, a companion to MiddleGame. In Along the Saltwise Sea, Avery, Zib, Niamh, and the Crow Girl go on a high seas adventure after spending the night uninvited in the Pirate Queen's cottage. Along the way, they discover the power of stories, the balance of honor and obligation, and that not all sea monsters live under the water.

In typical fashion for a middle-grade book, there are many great life lessons here (that more adults need to pay attention to), and the theme of friendship is powerful. These characters are so different from each other but balance each other very well. I love this world, and I was very excited to see more of it. While you don't need to have read MiddleGame, it does make the story more enjoyable to see the parallels.

Sometimes when I read a book, I feel like the author has a direct line into my heart and writes words that I have needed to hear to know that I am not alone.

I think we are now starting to see authors quarantine books. And I think we are going to find a lot of themes of what it means to be a friend and what it means to stand up for what you believe in especially when those you love believe something completely different. And if they all resonate the way Seanan McGuire‘s dead, I think I am really going to dig this next wave of books.

I love the fairy tale cadence to this series and how they feel like they could be read to children, but there's also so much emotional depth and nuance.