3.5 stars rounded up. Thank you so much to Tor and NetGalley for the opportunity to review the new installment in the Wayward Children series! Seanan McGuire returns with yet another fascinating novel about children who fall through magical doors and fall back out again. Old characters return as we have our first look at the eerie sister school to Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children. ⁣
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Reeling from events in previous books, Cora enters Whitethorn Institute in the hope of erasing all memories of her magical travels. There she finds more than she bargained for including a headmaster who is not all that he seems and a returning character from a previous book… ⁣
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Seanan McGuire’s writing is just as interesting and poetic as ever. I really enjoyed getting to see what happened to some of my fave characters from previous books. I recommend this one to fans of the series but I must confess it’s not my most favorite. It’s just… bleak. Cora goes through so much and experiences so much (unfortunately mundane) cruelty that at a certain point I wanted to yell out, “ENOUGH!” ⁣
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Thankfully, the ending is satisfying but it’s a bit of a tough read the rest of the time. I guess the overall tone does suit yet another pandemic year… I just hope the next book has a bit more sunshine and ponies (even if they’re hiding sharp teeth).⁣

TW: fatphobia, bullying, mention of child abuse, mind control, suicide attempt, eating disorder, sea monsters, fantasy violence.

When recommending the Wayward Children series I always recommend that people read Every Heart a Doorway and then have a sort through the rest to see which particular characters or setting speak to them the most. For a long time, that book for me was Down Among the Sticks and Bones but I have to say Where the Drowned Girls Go reached deep into my soul and pulled out some emotions I had thought long buried. This feels like a return to some of the earlier books in the series which I personally am very much here for.
I adored Cora in an earlier book and it was both amazing and heartbreaking to get to experience this story through her perspective. While content warnings do apply, as they do with a number of books in this series, the issues at hand feel like they are dealt with in both a sensitive and realistic way.
I will say that of all the books so far, this has felt like one that would be much less impactful had you not read any of the previous books, which came as a surprise given that the prior book was so separate from everything else (though that character does feature in this book which brought me a great deal of joy).
Overall I have to say this might be hitting the top of my list in terms of my ranking of the books in this series...but another reread might be necessary to properly decide - back to Every Heart a Doorway I go!
I received a free digital review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange of which I write this honest review.
I might have been living under a rock but I never heard of the Wayward children series before coming accross this book. I was a bit lost at first but the beautiful writing and relatable characters got me hooked! I read it in just a few days and was completly in admiration with the world created by Seanan that I immediatly started reading the first book in the series after completing the seventh. Thanks for the great discovery: another series to add to my TBR pile!

This book introduces us to another school for Wayward Children that has a different approach to children and their doors. Cora who is struggling at The School for Wayward Children with bad dreams she wants to forget enrolls in Whitethorn Institute. But is forgetting always a good thing? This book introduces characters from other stories into this one as well and you are told of other lands that other children were in that I’m sure will be incorporated into other stories. This book was refreshing in the fact that it took us in a slightly different direction and was an enjoyable read overall but for this reader I think this will be my last as the novelty has sadly worn off.

I’ve been very hit and miss on Seanan McGuire’s WAYWORD GIRLS series, with my rating on books ranging from two stars to four. Though the results have been more miss than hit overall, since the books’ novella lengths mean they aren’t a big-time investment, I thought I’d give the latest, Where the Drowned Girls Go, a shot in hopes it would be closer to the four than the two. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

While the book can, somewhat, be read independently of the others (I’d say McGuire offers up just enough exposition so someone new to the series wouldn’t be completely at sea), it will be more effective had one read the earlier installments. That being the case, I’m going to assume you’ve done so.

Unlike many of the others, Where the Drowned Girls Go isn’t a portal story but rather a post-portal one set entirely in this world. Cora has decided Eleanor’s school isn’t working for her (she is being tormented by the voices of the Drowned Gods from her portal land) and so begs to be transferred to the sister school “where students go when they want to believe that everything that happened on the other side of the door was just a dream, or a delusion.” Eleanor is deeply opposed, though she only says that other school, the Whitehorn Institute, is “different, very different … and I view it as a personal failing every time I lose a student to them.” Cora won’t be deterred though and soon finds herself dropped off at the very remote Institute, which is surrounded by a huge stone wall that is also electrified (not a good sign). It doesn’t take long for Cora to feel she made a big mistake, and when her friend Sumi shows up from Eleanor’s school on a rescue mission, the two plot a way to escape, learning along the way that the Institute has far worse problems than the student bullying that goes on, the bad food, and the strict rules and punishments.

As is often the case with these novellas, the themes are a strong point, if familiar by now: find your true self, don’t let others determine your worth, what you think you desire or need isn’t always what you really want or need. Also familiar is an anti-bullying/shaming aspect (Cora is fat shamed both in flashback scenes and at the Institute). They’re well-handled if a bit on the nose/overt, and one can certainly relate to the situations on an emotional level. Another strong point in common with the earlier books is McGuire’s writing at the sentence level, where she can write some truly beautiful lines.

The characters beyond Cora have their moments, but overall feel a bit thin (this is one reason it would help to have read the earlier works). And their dialogue I felt didn’t always match their age, feeling either too adult or too crafted so that I felt these weren’t natural lines but composed ones. Other issues were similar to ones I’ve had with the less successful books in the series: multiple plot holes and contrivances, some writing that at times felt a bit careless or sloppy, a rushed ending, and a few others. These weren’t quite as egregious as some earlier books, but they were frequent enough and glaring enough that they significantly marred the reading experience, especially in the latter half.

That said, I will note that I tend to be an outlier on this series. And I also tend to be more bothered by execution problems than many, who either don’t notice the plot holes, etc. or are happy to overlook them in favor of other elements. If you fall into that category, or if you’ve been a fan of the other books in this series, then I’m guessing you’ll enjoy this book far more than I did.

2.5

If you are thinking about giving up the Wayward Children series, or if you already have, here’s your sign to keep reading it.

Let me continue by sharing that I generally dislike series, but the world-building of book one hooked me. Books 2-6 were a hit or miss, with 6 being the lowest rated for me, I was certain I was going to give this series up: I hated the resurrections of characters I thought dead or their story to be over. I hated how forced some plots were. I didn’t connect with more and more characters…But the prospect of learning about Whitethorn Institute? Well, I had to see what goes on there. Just one more book and then I’ll give the series up…

Imagine my surprise: I couldn’t have asked for, nor expected a more perfect story to reel me back in and keep me invested in every SINGLE world and character even briefly mentioned throughout this series. Boy am I glad I didn’t give up. This is McGuire at her finest and she gives me everything I’ve been missing from her. Where the Drowned Girls Go is exactly what this series needed. This story made everything I didn’t like in some of the other books in this series worth it.

Where the Drowned Girls Go allows us into Whitethorn Institute, the sister school that has been referenced throughout the series. We are graced with the a seamless and perfect marriage of familiar and new characters; both familiar and new adventures; and a new sense of purpose. I am both satisfied and hungry for more. I highly recommend. 4.5/5 stars.

*Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor/Forge for allowing me an ARC.*

I can not get enough of Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series! This title spends much more time in our world than most books in this series, but it's not worse for the wear. Our characters now have a formidable opponent in THIS world, and I can't wait to see how they rise to the challenge.

Once again I am back to rave about the wayward children series..is anyone really all that surprised? Although where the drowned girls go isn't my favourite of the series I still had a great time reading it, just like all the others. Cora as a character has never been my favourite character from the series. But this time around, you really get to see her grow and develop since you are following her in a new environment on her own, instead of at Eleanor Wests home where she is always surrounded by other characters that the readers know and care about. As always I'm amazed at how much Seanan McGuire can manage to fit so much adventure and intrigue into such short books! This time around you follow Cora and a new group of students as they try to navigate their lives at the Whitethorn Institute, the school for children who do not wish to find their doors. However, things aren't always what they seem and a new foe is determined to keep the doors closed forever no matter what. Although we don't get much time with them, I really enjoyed all the new characters we see in this book, and learning about all the different worlds they went to. Overall I'd probably give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars! I really can't wait for the next one!

This is a new novel by Seanan McGuire and I was curious about another Wayward Children adventure.

Cora has never fit in at Eleanor West’s school. She needs a change and even though everyone advises her against it, she asks to move to Whitethorne’s facility. However, this change will not be easy and Cora will discover that this place hides many secrets.

I had a good time with this short story. The author introduces us to new characters and it is always a pleasure to discover them.

This series just keeps getting better and better.

I love where this is headed and I’m so impatient for the next one.

It did take me a few pages to reacquaint myself with the characters and their stories since it had been a while since I read the last one, but there’s just something so incredibly special about this series.

True story: I completely did not realise there had been so many intermittent books after Every Heart A Doorway, and therefore was thrilled to have 'The sequel' to Every Heart A Doorway, which I enjoyed very much. A delightful surprise to realise five more awaited me when I finished this sorrowfully beautiful read. I love love love Cora more than any of the other protagonists (besides perhaps Lundy) and this might be, from a purely satisfactory and literary stand point, the best of the series so far.

I love that this one was from Cora’s perspective. I love the fat rep. I love that we get a bad guy. A real life baddie instead of a doorway villain. I love the way McGuire plays with real life malevolence and peels back the layers to expose the utter humanity in another person’s cruelty. And maybe love is the wrong word. But it’s definitely an element of her writing that draws me in every time.

Thank you so much to the Publisher (Tor) for sending me an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review will stay spoiler free...

I even filmed a very short vlog reading that book as long as "Along the Saltwise Sea": https://youtu.be/gDC5yImPEYw

At this point, everyone who knows me at least a little, knows that the Wayward Children series is MY FAVOURITE SERIES EVER! So this is without surprise that I gave this book 5 stars...

In my opinion, "Where the Drowned Girls Go" is a perfect addition to the series. It came at the right moment. It answers some questions we had after reading the previous books (one in particular but saying which one may be considered a spoiler, so I won't say anything). BUT it brings even more questions too...

In this book, we discover the other school, Whitethorn Institute, which is completely different to Eleonor West's Home for Wayward Children. It is NOT a school I would have wanted to go to. This school has a very different approach as it wants the children to forget everything about the doors and the worlds they have ever visited. And that whether they want it or not, sadly (I mean sadly because in my opinion it is sad but hey maybe some do need that approach).

So yes, this book focuses on the "reality" of these kids and it is not about the wandering.

Cora Miller, in a few words found her true self once she entered the Trenches as a mermaid. And despite having found her "home" she kinda got claimed by the Drowned Gods from another world, the Moors. Worlds and Gods she wants nothing to do with! She is terrified and just doesn't know what to do anymore. She doesn't want to go back and will do anything to protect herself from the Drowned Gods. That is why she asks Eleanor to transfer to the other school. She hopes it will be for the best, but once she gets there she realizes that the Institute is everything but kind or safe.

Cora is an amazing character! And the plus size representation is well done! I felt for her. I was hurt and all I wanted was to jump in the story and tell her that everything will be alright. She has been bullied her whole life for being chubby. And some of the comments and insults she had to hear reminded me of what I had to face as a kid and as an Adult when I couldn't control my weight because of my medication. This is why I found the Fatphobia representation on point, accurate and sadly believable and true... ​

Something else I also really loved, (but will not develop much) is the talk about one's identity through their names. Something very interesting and different happens in this book. we all know that knowing someone's name can be a powerful thing and here is no exception.

We see a lot of character development in this one. I mean we see Cora becoming stronger and stronger and shining more and more even though the school is dragging her down and trying to shut her down. And that is one of the reason why this book is so important.

Also the fact that we get to know a bit more about her world was also a plus! I wish I could just get a book explaining all the different worlds in the details and where they stand on the compass.

You definitely should not read this book before reading the others. Some of the books in the series could be read as stand-alones but this one? Definitely not!

I will just end this review by saying that this series is pure perfection. It is unique and brilliantly done. I believe that there is a book for everyone; the same way as there is a Door for everyone. This book is not just about fantastical worlds but also trigger questions and start deep conversations.
It is about who we are, where we belong and about Being Sure in general before making some decisions. it is about taking risks, going on adventures, friendship and finding a way to fit and be understood...

This series is everything...

Yes, I love that series and will keep recommending it to everyone... Please make it a never-ending series! Thank you!

Ahoy there me mateys!  I say this every time I finish one of these novellas but I seriously could read dozens of books set in the various worlds.  This is the first book in the series to take place on Earth and will make little sense to someone not familiar with the series (number 3 and 6 are required prerequisites).  In this installment, Cora is the focus.  Her time in the previous books has not been kind to her mental state and she is desperate.  So much so that she transfers to another school called Whitethorn whose approach to doorways is different.  Only Cora is horrified by the methods used and has to figure out what to do next.  While this book expanded the worldbuilding and understanding about doorways, it also it some ways felt like a bridge book opening up a larger conflict to come.  I want more!  Arrrr!

I gulped this down in one sitting! I’m so glad that Cora got the story that she absolutely deserved. As always McGuire treats her characters with respect — creating universes that suck you in from the very beginning. This series is, and with this newest installment, continues to be one of my favorite series of all time. Absolutely recommend.

Where the Drowned Girls Go is a darker installment in one of my favorite series. I really enjoyed the starkly different setting and vibes than the other 6 books. It was a completely different perspective and it answered questions I didn't even know I had. I love these characters so much and was so glad to get more of Cora! If you already like this series don't put off picking this one up!

Content warning: fatshaming, fatphobia, bullying

Cora’s door led to a world of Drowned Gods and mermaids. She returns to Eleanor West’s school still haunted by her experience and requests a transfer to the cruel Whitehorn Institute, where normalcy via suppression and repression is the rule of those halls. I found this entry much darker than those that came before it in ways that are less fantastical than eeriness of the worlds behind the doors.

This is an entry in which it is required to have read previous entries, despite how the back cover summary sounds. For the most relevant contextualization, Beneath the Sugar Sky (Wayward Children #3) and Across the Green Grass Fields (Wayward Children #6) are essential.

The darkness in this novella comes from the oppression of Whitehorn academy. The rules are slightly different depending on the world the student came from, but the matrons and even one student aren’t allowed names or even a sense of individuality. The goal posts for graduating shift, and it’s a heavy read. I truly loved the evolution of Cora characterization compared to her introduction in Beneath the Sugar Sky. Because this story is hers, we get a firmer sense of her wants and connections to the girls around her. I love her friendship with a special guest in particular.

Despite the school’s efforts to keep them apart, friendship does blossom among the female classmates. Seeing the girls come together at the end is filled with such compassion. I really love stories where girls start off antagonistic because of the system manipulating them all but then find the camaraderie necessary to tear it all down. Ultimately, it is a hopeful story, but the heartbreak and oppression hurts in way that feels too true to real life.

The Wayward Children series just doesn't disappoint. McGuire's writing is always stunning, and I just love the dark and twisty, yet hopeful worlds she creates. Where the Drowned Girls Go follows Cora after the events that took place in Come Tumbling Down. We learn more about a part of this world that was hinted at in other books - growing the Wayward Children universe. I'll admit that Cora's story hadn't really interested me much until this point in the series, but this book changed my opinion.

Definitely recommend this book (and the entire series), if you're interested in a light fantasy YA series that doesn't read *too* YA. Lots of LGBTQIA+ rep, and is progressive in a way that doesn't feel preachy.

Yet another wonderful installment in the Wayward Children series! Cora was one of my favorite characters from an earlier book, so I was glad to see her take center stage in this one. I loved watching a group of unlikely girls come together to thwart the evil presence lurking in Whitethorn Institute.

The 7th installment of the Wayward Children series, an entertaining, quick read. Fantasy, academia, young adult- entertaining and engaging- appearances from previous characters in the series. Well written and engaging.