Ohhh my gosh this one hit me particularly hard. Nadya's story was deeply relatable for a number of reasons, and the undersea world in this book was so beautiful. I felt both melancholy and happy after reading this one.

This might be the best Wayward book in the series. Nadya's story was so heartbreaking but also so full of hope. Even knowing where she ends up did not prepare for the sadness I felt for her.

Another sensational addition to the Wayward Children universe. This time around we are given Nadya's back story and oh man did this come with some feels!!!

What I loved:
- GIANT. FUCKING. TURTLES.
- Disability rep and all that comes with
- Underwater world
- Found family
- Beautiful descriptions of nature

Honestly, this story may have skyrocketed to near the top of my power ranking for this series. It gave major Moana vibes in terms of the underwater world, the fishing, the riding giant turtles. There was a unity with nature that was so beautifully depicted.

McGuire perfectly expressed the life of being seen as "less" due to a birth "defect". That Nadya never felt as though she needed her other arm; never felt lacking. But the world saw it and imposed their feelings onto her. Her journey with her adoptive parents felt very familiar. The idea that the adoptee doesn't get a say. And what I'm sure many adopted into foreign cultures to parents who try to erase their home world from them must feel.

All in all just - continued perfection! I never want this series to end. Now I need to go back and do a re-read of the other books Nadya appears in because I feel that her story is going to hit harder. And ultimately, I hope she finds we way home.

Thank you soooooo much to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC for this book. Seriously screamed so loud when I saw I got approved for it. Was going to be my #1 most anticipated read for 2025, so I’m super grateful I got the chance to read it so early!!

Something I’ve always adored about the Wayward Children series is how whimsical it is. All of the stories take place within a world (or worlds plural?) where doors can open into new worlds and possibilities, which means there are endless chances for new adventures and stories.

I know people were shocked when the synopsis for this book was revealed, but back when I was reading Beneath the Sugar Sky, I mentioned in my review that I would love to see a book for Nadya! I’m aware how little she was in that book, but I’ve always found it fascinating when other doors are mentioned by side characters, so I was absolutely thrilled to see we were getting a book about Nadya. It’s fun to explore new doors that are mentioned in passing but don’t get much attention past that! I know a lot of fans of this series are dying for Kade’s book or Eleanor’s door, but those stories will come in time and I am more than perfectly happy getting fun adventures through doors that allow Seanan McGuire to explore more of the unique world she has created!

And this book truly did do that! I had so much fun discovering the world of Belyrreka! I was fascinated with it when Nadya mentioned it in Beneath the Sugar Sky, so getting to truly explore and learn more about it was amazing. I adored the bond that drowned girls and boys got to have with the turtles and how it helped Nadya feel even more at home in Belyrekka. The found family and unexpected romance that bloomed between her and Alexi was so heartwarming. Seanan McGuire sure does now how to build the story up before having it all come crashing down! I had to remind myself numerous times throughout the book that Nadya eventually returned to Belyrekka, but it still broke my heart knowing how the book was fated to end!!

The nostalgia for my childhood that I feel reading this series is so intense and this book did not give me a break from those emotions. There’s just something about this series that makes me reminiscence about being as young as the characters in this series (I’m 21, I need to chill out with how old I’m making myself sound, hah!) but getting to read a story about giant turtles and talking foxes and doors in lakes feels like a warm hug, one that I can cling tighter to with each turned page. It’s such a comforting series, and Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear continued those feelings.

I truly do not think I will ever get tired of these books. I’m glad Seanan feels comfortable writing the stories she finds interesting and wants to write! We will get the highly anticipated stories eventually, but I can say with full confidence that stories like this one, are ones that I would be delighted to read more of. I truly had so much fun reading this book and cannot wait to purchase it in store when it comes out next year! :)

Another great world and addition to the Wayward Children series. I enjoyed following the adventure of this Russian girl who was adopted and brought to the USA. Wish it was longer.

The next installation of the Hugo award-winning Wayward Children series focuses in on a specific character rather than the whole school. This time, we get to see Nadya's world, Belyrreka, the world where all is water, the people are Drowned, and the turtles grow to enormous size. We first met Nadya in the third novel in the series (Beneath the Sugar Sky), and I know for my part, I enjoyed her characterization and her relationship with the other characters (in particular Cora).

While I love all of the Wayward Children books and I love this one too, I think the early part of the novella works better for me than the ending. Seeing Nadya's relationship with her home in Russia, and the orphanage where she was raised, and the conflicts and contrasts to the American parents who adopt her (without thinking who she is or what she wants). Her early time in Belyrreka is fascinating, and I wish we had gotten to see more of Nadya's adventures there (the way we did in In an Absent Dream and Down Among the Sticks and Bones). And while we know that Nadya does indeed end up back in Belyrreka, we end here without any understanding of how she goes from almost drowning in a pond in Colorado to Eleanor West's school. I would have really enjoyed that little bit extra, especially since we know from past novels (and the earlier parts of this one) that Nadya doesn't have a good relationship with her adoptive parents. It could have been cool to see the relationship after she returns, especially given the circumstances.

Overall, I did love this book and I love McGuire's writing so I'll absolutely be purchasing this when it comes out in January!

There are rarely times with Wayward Children that I want to go back and start from the beginning, but this was one of them. I have no memory of Nadya, but I fell in love with her journey and now want to go back and reread. This series has gone many places, forward and back, over the years, and is now so expansive that perhaps an odd-book rereading is in order.

This had no sense of rushing, and much less of a sense that you are being told a story, and rather just reading one, as the last few books. It's just lovely words and tense moments and some true sadness.

The 10th installment of the Wayward Children series continues to captivate with Nadya's journey to an underwater world and her transformation into a Drowned Girl. I love that the series blends different worlds with the characters' struggles with identity and acceptance.

I prefer the parts of the story set in Eleanor West's school, where the children are together. However, the exploration of diverse worlds, like the underwater realm in Nadya's case, adds depth and intrigue to the series.

Nadya's experience of finding a place where she can truly be herself, without the pressure to conform to others' expectations, resonates with themes of self-discovery and acceptance that are central to the series. The underwater world's concept of different layers of water and unique inhabitants like the traveling turtles adds to the richness of the storytelling.

Readers who haven't followed the series from the beginning might feel a bit lost with the ending. The "end" of Nadya's story is captured in earlier installments..

This installment continues to deliver on the series' creativity and exploration of identity. It was a satisfying read for a fan of the Wayward Children series.

An interesting story. I hadn't remembered who Nadya was since she appeared quite a few books ago in the series. While the world of Belyrekka was interesting and I love that similar to other stories, she found belonging in her new world, for some reason, I found the story leading up to her walking through the door to be just a little more insightful and engaging to how she thinks and interacts with the world around her. Her experience in the orphanage and as an adopted child was presented really well and in a very thoughtful way. Her point of view was very fascinating and McGuire did an incredible job building her character and history. Will definitely continue on with the series.

I liked this one. We met Nadya previously in Antsy's book, but this is her story. I enjoyed it along with her love of turtles/tortoises. I felt for her when she was adopted and expected to be a perfect, grateful little doll instead of a disfigured and wild child. The one spot of happiness was crushed by a narcissist and that just ruins everything. She doesn't let the fact that she was born without part of her arm bother her however, she never knew she should miss it. Belyrreka was a very interesting world this time around. The entire world is made up of different densities of water and people and creatures live there helping each other. Nadya ends up paired with a turtle named Burian and they're perfect for each other. When I got close to the end I knew SOMETHING was going to happen to send her back but wasn't entirely sure what.

I am curious about what happens when she returns back to Belyrreka after being sent back home. There's a reunion short I'd love to see on her patreon one day.

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear is a fantastic return to The Wayward Children series. In this installment we get Nadya’s story and her journey in Belyrreka, the Land Beneath the Lake. It’s a world filled with turtles, amphibians, and a strong community that is familiar with “the door-swept.”

I love how Seanan McGuire includes so much representation in her books, from LGBTQ+ rep to disability rep. Nadya has a limb difference and is fine with this. Yet her adoptive parents get her an uncomfortable prosthetic arm, without bothering to seek her input. So much of Nadya’s story is about her lack of agency and inability to choose what she wants for herself. As a Drowned Girl in Belyrreka, she is finally able to make her own choices and go on her own adventures. The descriptions of the underwater world are imaginative, with a strong sense of found family.

Nadya is a caring and kind character. In the orphanage, she wants the other kids to be adopted before her and takes care of a little pet tortoise. When Nadya gains a turtle companion of her own, it is a heartwarming and satisfying moment. I liked learning more about the Drowned Worlds and how different this world was compared to Cora’s world. I enjoyed Nadya's story and can't wait to read whichever story comes next!

Thank you to Seanan McGuire, Tordotcom, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

Another amazing story by Seanan McGuire! I love the backstory this one gives on the main character with her arm and adoption.The world building is believable in a fantasy realm and you are immersed in the story, rooting for Nadya. I am always excited to see another installment in this series and can't wait to see where Mcguire takes us next.

I enjoy the Wayward Children's series and am always excited to see a new book. This was another great story in the series!

im of the opinion that even when a wayward children book isn’t my favorite, it will still always be very good, and that was the case with this one. I found the world interesting along with the mechanics of how everything worked. This series overall continues to be great, with some books standing out more than others.

Once again another wonderful addition to the Wayward Children series. Wonderful world building, sweet stories, a heroine you are rooting for endlessly, and you know how the story ends (kind of). I seriously think this series is my favorite of all time.

A sharp and realistic look at the issues with adoption in America especially with foreign born children. A resplendent take on growing up missing a limb and not feeling like you're missing anything at all. Seanan McGuire can do no wrong in this series! The underwater world was so clever, bright, and unique that I never wanted to leave.

I’m honestly scratching my head at why we needed to backfill Nadya’s story…

This story goes into a lot of depth about another Drowned world (not the depressing one that Cora went to), which I did enjoy. The layers describing how the world worked and the turtle companions were fascinating.

There’s nothing wrong with this story, but I felt let down with this book because we already know Nadya’s outcome but still don’t have Kade’s story or Christopher’s.

Edit: okay, so apparently Mariposa was touched on in a short story that Seanan wrote, but I feel like that’s a cop out when it’s not included in the full series. Christopher deserves his own book.

I didn't remember Nadya because Beneath The Sugar Sky was 6 books ago, so it felt like a rediscovery of her story. Seanan MacGuire is always great at describing difficult upbringings, and here she tackled the intricacies of international adoption and having a physical disability.
I loved Nadia's personality, and how she never felt lesser than others. And I think a lot of people will find relatable how easily she'd comply and shut down her own desires to appease adults.

Belyyreka was an interesting world, and I always enjoy leaning about a new one with its completely different rules. It looked nothing like what we've seen before, and I enjoyed the turtles as companions more than the centaures we've had previously.

The story did feel a bit boring once Nadya settled in Belyyreka. And upon rereading Beneath The Sugar Sky, this novella feels a bit like an extended version of what we were already told in the epilogue.

[SPOILER FOR BENEATH THE SUGAR SKY]
Mainly, I feel very confused about some elements regarding Nadya's age and the passing of time between those worlds. Because this is only a pre-Eleanor's School story, and nothing was added about what happened once she found her door again.
Did she go back into her 19 year-old body? Did 5 years pass for her family in Belyyreka? Why did she come back as a kid in the first place?
It's the first time I feel frustrated by some missing answers.


Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for providing me with this Arc.

I didn't even remember who Nadya was, but I guess she was part of the story in Beneath the Sugar Sky. Why was her story written now, since her arc seemed to have been completed way back then? I don't know but it feels like the author had a Lesson to teach. I just don't really agree with her Lesson.

This book is basically Nadya's life up until she is expelled from Belyyreka, the land of the drowned. It looks like the author was trying to play around with the Rusalka legend here, but the legend was softened considerably. In the world that Nadya discovers, water has different types of density and most of the people that Nadya lives with breathe water all the time. They have giant turtles that they use as vehicles and tools to get from one layer of water to another. I liked that concept and also enjoyed the turtles. If the book had focused more on that I would have been fine.

But Nadya was born without an arm and the author wants the reader to know that there is NOTHING WRONG with Nadya. Nadya doesn't think there is anything wrong with Nadya either.

Nadya is born and given up immediately by her mother and so is put in a Russian orphanage. This is one of the kindest most accepting Russian orphanages ever, because no one ever makes Nadya feel like less than because of her lack of one arm. In a space in which children are pushed toward being adopted, I feel this is an unlikely scenario. But that's how it is, I guess, until Nadya is adopted at the age of nine by missionary American parents.

Nadya also has some rather mature and strange views about Russian ( or any sort of ) patriotism, but I found Nadya unbelievable in many ways. I grew up with a medical condition that marked me out as different. I didn't think there was anything wrong with me because of it but I definitely knew that other people would not feel that way and it's never something I told many people about although I had a few fights in school bathrooms because of it. Kids, in my experience, don't act like they did with Nadya. Even after moving to a new country where she was not adept at the language, put in a new school, new culture and navigating it with a physical difference, the other kids were not Nadya's problem. They were basically fine. No, it was her adoptive parents who only wanted her as a trophy that were the problem. Now, I know that in these books there are no good parents because every child that finds a door is unhappy in some way.

The thing I was frustrated by is that Nadya's adoptive parents decide to get a prothesis for her. The author is outraged that Nadya is not consulted about this. Nadya thinks she is perfectly fine as she is and sees no need for a prothesis. Okay, but it didn't seem to me like the prothesis was the outrage against Nadya's autonomy that the author wants me to think. Many parents make medical decisions for their children all the time. Maybe things have changed since I was a child, but I don't think I would ever have expected my parents to get my approval for medical care at the age of nine.

Shortly after this violation, Nadya finds a door. Her prothesis is quickly taken from her (she doesn't get to have the choice to throw it away, so there's that lack of autonomy plus the author keeps the difficulty and ambiguity of that decision from Nadya). Nadya finds the other Drowned. This was weird to me too. These people all say that they are Drowned and that Nadya is too, but they are living beneath breathable water, really. It takes all the bite out of the idea of a Drowned Girl.

After this, there's nothing much but the standard coming of age plot. The world is neat but nothing interesting happens. Nadya grows up. She gets married. She ends up with a water prosthesis! Note that this just happens to Nadya- she is never asked if she consents to this prothesis but somehow it's just fine. Because it's magic? No idea but the inconsistency grated.

Finally, Nadya is sucked back to her old world. But- Nadya was never unsure! That seems to violate yet another rule of these books. Speaking of which, the author goes through the trouble to put the Russian for Be Sure into the book but it's not correct. Russian doesn't have a word for "to be" that is used in several tenses. It's like Klingon in that way. There is an imperative form but that's not the form that's used here. It looks like the author got the word for "to be" out of a dictionary and used that and didn't think about what case the verb would have to use.

So- lots of Russian stuff but not well researched or, in my opinion, realistic. Also unrealistic: the way that kids treat physical differences. Also weird: the author's outrage that parents would decide on a health treatment for a child without consulting the child.

Two stars for turtles. Otherwise- why was this book written? Nadya's story seems to be done and was done about seven or eight books ago. Or maybe the author's planning on coming full circle yet again? This had the feel of a book that was spun out to draw the series out longer.

Thanks to Tor and NetGalley for this eARC!

I am IN forever with these books, and though I liked this one, it was probably my least favorite of the bunch (again, still liked, just not lurveeeee like with some of the other books).

Part of this is a ME problem. I didn't do any rereading of the earlier books, and didn't have a ton of memories of Nadya from the previous volumes. Part of it was the very abrupt ending of this one (some of the other books have this, the novella format is occasionally tough!)

Still, the writing was lovely, and Nadya's journey from an orphanage in Russia to Denver to the drowned world, where everything is water, just of different weights, was interesting, if not quite satisfying. Really did love her animal protagonist, seeing this perspective on having one lower arm and hand, and was very interested in the <spoiler>end when she becomes a child again after being an adult beyond her door - would have loved to see this explored more.</spoiler>

Excited for the next book to maybe be a quest again, but we'll have to wait and see - I know I will be reading!