I don’t know what to say. It could have been a 5 star read. The handling of illness was good but the unnecessary „problem creating“ in a relationship with a boy so perfect that - to me it was at the verge of being just too unbelievable - was just ridiculous.

It’s just been exactly 50% way to slow romance where everyone knew they both liked each other and they still needed weeks for a first kiss after admitting to liking each other ?!?!?? I was sometimes wondering about the main characters maturity. Then 50% drama which was handled good but also relationship drama without any reasoning whatsoever. It just put me off the book and I was just left angry and I couldn’t even care enough to be properly sad. 

I‘m still debating on the rating. On the one hand Bernice had a lot of traits I could really relate to and was an interesting POV but then came a part where I was just wondering what her problem was.. so

I liked this one a bit better than the first in some aspects. Liked the second half more than the first but didn't like how the ending was phrased.

I liked the art style and the relationship between the two side characters, though I wish it was more explicit and not just hinted at, I didn't like the story surrounding Nimona though and didn't like the ending.

loved this! The audiobook is a masterpiece, the narration style is amazing and addictive. I could listen to this audiobook while doing nothing and stayed up all night. Which says so so much because I normally have to occupy my body with another task to listen closely enough for an audiobook. Like cooking or cleaning. Not with this one. 

The love interest was so incredibly unlikeable that you found yourself rooting for Joe - the stalker/ murderer.

I just didn’t like the part where Beck is in the Cage and she says some things where I’m unclear if they are true. Like did she know Joe was stalking her before finding the box and if so why did she freak out? How did she find out Joe read her emails?

I enjoyed being back at the Wayward Children Home and following the story after #1 and #3, but I can't wait for the next prequel since I enjoy the stories set in the past (#2, #4) a lot more. I NEED Christoper and Kade's stories. (Also I want Kade and Cora to get together!) #6 will be glorious I'm sure of it!

My source:
(This is an excerpt from Seanan McGuires Twitter:)


WHY IS THE SERIES STRUCTURED SO WEIRD?

The Wayward Children books alternate one past with one present. So one book set at the school and after EVERY HEART A DOORWAY, one book set in the background of a character or characters we've already met.

Doing it this way keeps me interested, which produces better books--like most people, I do my best work when I genuinely care--and also allows me to deepen and expand upon themes that may not have time to breathe on their first appearance.

BUT YOU'LL KEEP GOING, RIGHT?

I absolutely will. IN AN ABSENT DREAM is book #4. I'm currently committed through book #8. This means two more books at the school (#5 and #7) and two more portal fantasies (#6 and #8), minimum.