This is a strong entry into this series of novellas.

The Wayward Children series seemed to be spinning its wheels for a little while but now it seems to be moving forward with a greater plot. This book gives us a bit more information about Cade (at last!) although it looks like there will be quite a bit more to Cade's story. Sumi is a strong presence and I liked her a lot in this book, although I think her nonsense was toned down. Chris and his affinity for the dead were of use. Cora was also part of this book and I think I liked her best in this one.

The book is truly Antsy's, though. After coming to the School for Wayward Children, Antsy has a hard time finding a place for herself. She looks older than she truly is and doesn't know how to fit in. After running afoul of some mean girls she and the regular crew do a bit of door-hopping. There's not quite as much dinosaur stuff as the cover might lead you to believe. The girl in the dinosaur world was one I didn't really remember but it's been a long series and I've probably lost track of some characters.

This book continues the theme of Antsy pushing back when adults take advantage of children by not giving those children the full story, by gaslighting them and telling them that they are their protectors while actually exploiting those children. Antsy comes into her power here and I wonder if we are going to see a trend of children beginning to find their true places.

Every door has "Be Sure" written somewhere on it. I've never really understood that but in this book it's finally explained a little better. Our Wayward Children all have had a moment where they were uncertain. I think that being bounced out of paradise is a strong price to pay for having doubt, especially as when these children grow up they are going to develop a more mature and nuanced outlook on the worlds they have found. It's not wrong to doubt but these children seem to suffer a lot for it. I hope the author eventually addresses this too.

One last thing: the author does like to throw in the most villainous villains sometimes. I'm over mean girls who are special in the wrong way.

Another great entry in the wayward children series, featuring yet another quest, though it's a bit different from the rest. I really enjoy the quest plots, mostly because the scenes where all the kids are interacting together are some of my favorites, since it highlights just how different and impactful their experiences were. This book focuses on concluding Antsy's plotline, as well as a few others. Once some of the students realize that Antsy has insider knowledge of the doors, how they work, and can likely find the right ones, the situation quickly gets out of hand, leading to her, Kade, Sumi, Christopher, and Cora escaping through a door. They go through a few doors, all leading to places that have been discussed before, but not yet seen, so that was cool. The plot itself, more so than any others, felt like a conclusion. A lot of plotlines are tied up, or close to ending, and it feels like the next books will be leading into a new arc of sorts, with new characters. At this point though, i'm still really hoping for a Christopher-centric book, he's been a crucial character since book one and we haven't got much of his story yet.

This was definitely the closure we needed from Antsy's story. Wise and well-told, I just wish we'd gotten more dinosaurs.

After how much I loved book eight, I am super bummed to be here with this particular rating, feeling this particular way about the follow-up. Because as happy as I am that Antsy found her place and purpose, this whole instalment just felt.. all over the place and kind of meandering. Which is annoying because it did have some one or interesting observations but the problem became we had to hear them repeated over and over -- or at least it felt that way to me.

Even though I don't reread these like a lot of other fans of the series, I've never really felt the lack of that. But this one I think really needs a refresher or at least a solid understanding of the who is who and all the various dynamics. And so having so many people around, all with their little injokes and references (there's even a joke about this!), wasn't doing much for me because there were too many characters floating in and out of the page at any given moment.

But despite all this I think there's some fun stuff on the horizon (is something going to go down with Eleanor?) and I will continue to pick up this series.

2.5 stars

"Mislaid in Parts Half-Known" by Seanan McGuire is a captivating addition to the Wayward Children series that continues to explore the enchanting yet perilous world of portals and the unique abilities of the students at Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children.

The story revolves around Antsy, a new student at the school, whose remarkable talent lies in her ability to find anything. However, this ability attracts the attention of the school's mean girl, and Antsy is forced to embark on a journey with a small group of friends to find a way back to the Shop Where the Lost Things Go. Their quest takes them through a variety of worlds, each with its own beauty and dangers, and along the way, they encounter challenges that reshape their perspectives and lives.

Seanan McGuire's writing continues to shine with its imaginative world-building and well-developed characters. The author seamlessly weaves together themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the consequences of seeking what one desires. The narrative is filled with twists and turns that keep readers engaged, and the exploration of both the physical and emotional landscapes adds depth to the story.

One of the strengths of this series is how it delves into the multifaceted nature of characters and the intricacies of their experiences. In "Mislaid in Parts Half-Known," the characters undergo growth and transformation, and their interactions are both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

While the story is rooted in fantasy and portal exploration, it also explores relatable human emotions and challenges. It prompts readers to reflect on the concept of finding what one truly needs rather than simply what they want. The blend of whimsical elements and deeper philosophical themes makes the book accessible to a wide range of readers.

Overall, "Mislaid in Parts Half-Known" is a delightful continuation of the Wayward Children series that offers an engaging adventure filled with magic, discovery, and self-realization. Seanan McGuire's storytelling prowess shines brightly, making this book a must-read for fans of the series and those who enjoy stories that seamlessly blend fantasy with profound human experiences.

I wanted more dinosaurs, but even so,this book and series are still 5 stars for me. The premise is lovely and evolving. The Every Heart a Doorway series continues to grow and nurture its worlds and their children. I am here for the journey.

This series is just so, so brilliant. Loved being back with the Waywards. This may be the best book in the series.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

In this tale, Antsy leads her new friends in an quest zipping from world to world, exploring the idea of what it really means to be home and "be sure." I had to keep putting it down just because I didn't want to finish it.
McGuire's lore is expanding, enriching, and - terrifyingly - feeling like it might start to settle. I loved every moment of this installation. While focusing on characters we already know, the story still gives plenty of room to get to know and love them even more - something I didn't quite think was possible when it came to Kade, Sumi, Antsy, and the rest of the gang.
Seanan, please keep them coming. I'm sure.

I love love love this weird series. I maybe should have done a re-read of all of them to remember things, but I might do that anyway just because I love them. They're all thoughtful and weird and quirky and so clever.

Thank-you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 stars

Each installment of the Wayward Children deals with a heavy theme with a whimsical air and this one is no different. I took away a theme surrounding the doors and the difference between them calling you home and you forcing your way home. And extrapolating from there, what it is to be valued and desired vs just present in relationships, friendships etc.

Antsy is a new student at Eleanor's Home for Wayward Children and she can find anything... including missing doors. In Mislaid in Parts Half-Known we also get a bit more insight into Kade's story and his time in Prism, which I love. This is indeed another quest wherein the rules clearly state none are allowed.

The Wayward Children books rank up there as some of my favorite books ever because they touch my heart like nothing ever has. I used to dream of finding a door and stepping through, and Seanan McGuire captures perfectly what it's like to need that escape so bad you can almost taste it. Her stories are whimsical and magical and also haunting because she perfectly captures the hidden costs things can have and what it's like when the things you love and take for granted are taken from you.

Be sure.

This is not my very favorite of the Wayward Children books - that would be in an Absent Dream followed by Where the Lost Things Go. The stories like this one, that are quests rather than self-contained stories about a world, are a little harder to pinpoint as favorites because it's a continuous storyline that doesn't really have a clear beginning and end like the standalones do.

But saying it's not my favorite is like saying nectarines aren't my favorite fruit. I still love them more than just about anything else that's not fruit. Is this my favorite Wayward Children book? no. Is this leagues above most of the books I love that *aren't* Wayward Children books? yes.

I love that we get to see Antsy again and explore what happens after she leaves her world. I love that we get to see her accept what she lost and gain the confidence to go back and make changes. I love that we get more Kade and Cora and Christopher and Sumi and Emily.

The story Seanan McGuire has been telling throughout the whole series is still building, and each new puzzle piece we get to add broadens the view a bit and brings it a little more into focus. And have I mentioned how much I love it?

Every time I think she can't make me love her world and characters more, and every time I am proved wrong. And every time I *feel* the story so much that I end up crying and getting chills.

Seanan McGuire's writing is absolutely gorgeous. I highlighted so many quotes. I will be going back and listening to the audiobook once it releases (I preordered it the moment it was available). Actually I might listen to the whole series. They're short enough for it. And I want to experience the whole story (so far).

15/10 Highly recommend.

My favorite part of this series is always these stories in between, back at the home, where we get to experience this wide range of people get to find their joy, their places again, and also look back on our original cast and how they're growing and maturing and following on these new adventures.

I really really love Antsy and the pathway she took and the lessons her adventures taught the other cast were so well done. I particularly loved how many new worlds we explored in this book and the reappearance of some familiar faces! Seanan McGuire continues to expand on this endlessly exciting universe and makes me love every character introduced for their unique personality and perspective of the world.

Another fantastic continuation of this series :) I'm particularly glad about the last scene (no spoilers), the character deserved their happy ending and I'm glad they got it.

THIS is the Wayward Children I had loved and missed over the last few books. Our familiar cast of characters (plus or minus a few) pulling in the most recent stand-alone to loop into the greater plot with themes of belonging, found family, acknowledging and working through trauma, and challenging the notion of “what’s normal.”

We got quite a bit more of Kade and his story at around the halfway point, which leads me to believe that it’ll come back in a BIG way before the series is done. Antsy got the conclusion she deserved after the hurt she suffered in the previous book. Sumi was altogether too wise to the point where she’s very much growing on me (I will admit that I used to find her very frustrating, but I think she’s gotten more pointed as the story goes on). And Cora’s story also reached a resolution, after the very heavy toll of her book a few entries back.

There was a bit of repetitiveness in certain sections, but overall this was a SOLID offering in this amazing series

4.25

I received an arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange of a honest review

This story is in a way a continuation of book 8 and we follow Antsy and her friends on this new adventure through the doors and out of the school.
I really enjoyed knowing more of Antsy and the store and getting to see new worlds and getting to visit an old one. I loved that we got to know a bit more of Kade and I quite enjoyed seeing his friendship with Summi and with Cora and speaking of Cora I loved what happened to her at the end at the pond, it made me really happy for her. I thought this book was lighthearted, fun, reflective and adventurous and I most definitely I’m excited for the next installment 😆

I won’t say much more than that because like I said this one is in a way a continuation of the previous book in some ways and a brand new adventure that you should experience without spoilers but just know I quite enjoyed this book a lot and I think you should definitely pick it up and read it in January of next year when it comes out.

This a direct follow-up to Lost In The Moment And Found, that continues Antsy's story at the school. And because of her specific talent, our favorite group of kids fall into another quest.
I feel like this book and the previous one are pretty important points in the series, since the Nexxus brings a lot more knowledge about the Doors. It's a satisfying magical system, that I hope McGuire continues to develop.

On a character level, Antsy's journey has been an impactful one, and it was so satisfying to see her gain her agency back with the support of her friends. It was another great adventure, where Kade got a bit of focus for once. Our main kids Christopher and Cora were still there, with Sumi who remains my favorite ferocious weirdo. One of the girls who escaped Whitethorn also joined them. I love these kids so much, and it makes me emotional to see their group always changing with all these kids coming and going.

As always, there are so many beautiful lines from the characters, mainly about life, trauma, and growing up. At 9 books, the quality of this series remains constant.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for providing me with an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

"Mislaid in Parts Half-Known" by Seanan McGuire is book #9 in the 'Wayward Children' series and a great addition to the series. I am a big fan of the author and have read all her books, including the books in this awesome series.

This book continues the adventures of Antsy, the lost girl from the previous book. After being kicked out from The Shop Where the Lost Things Go, she finds her way into Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children. She tries to fit in, but things go south when her talent for locating lost things becomes known. The plot thickens when a student tries to force her to find her door. With the help of a few friends - Cora, Kade, Sumi, Christopher, and Emily - she manages to get away and is forced to use a door to flee. Thus, a quest begins, involving doors, other worlds, the Store, and Dinosaurs! The quest will make them question their past choices, make new ones, and learn the price of passing through the doors while at it.

I loved the book and finished it in one sitting. We meet old and dear friends and some new faces:

Cora - a temporarily land-bound mermaid from the drowned world.
Kade - from the Fairyland called Prism.
Sumi - a baked-up girl from Confection (a Nonsense world).
Christopher- from Mariposa (a country of happy, dancing skeletons) who sings to skeletons.
Emily - from Harvest (Halloween world) who used to dance with scarecrows around a bonfire that never burned down.

I enjoyed visiting old and new worlds, short though it was, and getting to know more about the kids. And we got Dinosaurs! I loved the references to Jurassic Park and Michael Crichton. I much preferred the Dinosaurs in this book! This book is a continuation of the previous book, so if you haven't read any book in the series, you should at least read Book #8 to understand what is going on. It is best to start from the first book, as not only is it a great series, but each book also adds another layer to the world the author built. I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Highly recommended, of course!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Tor for gifting me an early copy of this book. Below you'll find my honest review.

This is one of those series that, even though each book is actually pretty dang short at around 200 pages, still hits hard with emotional depth. We continue the story of Antsy, girl from the store that holds the lost things and main character of the last book, Lost in the Moment and Found. She has found her way to Eleanor's school, and has started to settle in... so of course, people find out about her gift of being able to find almost anything, and some want to take advantage of it and use her to find their Doors. Hi-jinks ensue and it's a fantastic tale, hopping through multiple worlds, and with a twist at the end that makes me both happy *and* sad.

All in all, yet another fantastic entry into this series, that you should definitely read... but start at the beginning, please. Highly recommended for fairy tale lovers, YA lovers, and adventure lovers, and of course, for all fans of McGuire's works.

Mislaid In Parts Half Known by Seanan McGuire

This is a fantastic Wayward Children novella!!

I love Seanan McGuire’s writing. (Note: I review a bunch of her books so I am copying part of some of my other reviews here to save time.). She has quickly become my favorite living writer and I feel very lucky that she is so prolific. I was first introduced to her work when her book Parasite, written as Mira Grant, was nominated for a Hugo Award. I loved it and quickly devoured the Newsflesh series before I realized that Mira Grant and Seanan McGuire were the same person.

I started reading her works under her own name, starting with Sparrow Hill Road, which is amazing, but I picked it because I was intimidated by her long running October Daye series. I had read some Urban Fantasy before, and I fondly remember Mercedes Lackey’s Diana Tregarde books, but my tastes run more to science fiction and then secondary world fantasy, so I was hesitant to dive into such a long series. I picked up the first book, Rosemary and Rue, when it was on sale as a kindle daily deal, and I found it somewhat disappointing compared to her other work. I reminded myself that it was her first published novel, so I cut it some slack. Then Incryptid was nominated for the Best Series Hugo in 2018 and I dove into that instead. I loved it! So I vowed to give Toby another chance. And I was so glad that I did! It is no one of my favorite series.

I was already a big fan of Ms. McGuire’s when the first wayward children book, Every Heart a Doorway, came out, and I loved it! As a kid who grew up loving the Oz series and resenting the Christian imagery in Narnia, it was right up my alley. It is a wonderful book and this is an excellent series, definitely deserving of its Best Series Hugo win. In this series, the odd numbered books are the main timeline, and the even numbered books tell stories outside the main timeline - sometimes introducing us to new characters when they travel through their Doors, and other times showing up backstory of preexisting characters.

I was overjoyed when tordotcom and NetGalley awarded me an eARC of Mislaid In Parts Half Known. I have been hoping for eARCs of the wayward children books every year and this year I was finally lucky enough to get one!

This story starts with Antsy, who was introduced in the last volume, and follows her story at the school. The adventure (that’s not a spoiler, is it? Surely not) ropes in perennial favorites Sumi, Kade, Christopher, and Cora. There is a decent amount of world hopping in this book, and my only complaint is that it was too short! I know this is a series of novellas, but this volume, like several of the previous ones, feels so restricted by its length. I feel like this story could have easily been told in a 300-509 page novel and then we would’ve gotten more insights into the characters’ feelings and motivations.

But that is a minor, minor quibble. This was another amazing entry in this series and I cannot wait to devour the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for this eARC.

These books still slap! This one is at the school/on a quest with the members of the squad who are still around the school. Know that though there are dinos here, that is a smaller part of this book than the cover would suggest. Antsy's story is most important to this one (this is a direct continuation of what was happening in the last book plus some other plot threads from Cora, Kade, Christopher, Sumi, and the rest of the group) and really grapples with what it looks like to let someone make her own choices with all of the information available to her.

I'm obviously in forever with these books, but as some reviewers have noted, this volume did begin to feel as though Seanan is winding up some of her outstanding threads.