This was a wonderful conclusion to McGuire's Up-and-Under series! After reading McGuire's Alchemical Journeys series, I was thrilled to learn that she had actually written the Up-and-Under children's books referenced throughout Middlegame and Seasonal Fears. We follow Avery and Zib over a wall and along their winding path on the improbable road toward the Impossible City. They meet several friends and make a few enemies, but eventually locate the missing Queen of Wands thanks to the help and creative thinking of their companions. 

McGuire's narration is reminiscent of her Wayward Children series in that it is both fantastical, immersive, and easy to consume for readers of all ages. Now that this series is concluded, I'm eager to reread the Alchemical Journeys books to add more depth to my understanding of their stories.

This is my first book by Wilsner and I have to say, I think I understand why a lot of people say they like Mistakes Were Made better. I found the characters to be compelling as individuals, but the fact that sex was the main thing bringing our two FMCs together bothered me. It felt like they avoided other conversations and used sex as a coping mechanism for their unresolved issues. Now, I fully recognize this is a central component for the miscommunication trope, but the number of times they SIMPLY REFUSED to have a conversation when they should’ve…I rolled my eyes and did a lot of heavy sighing. 

I also don’t think this books has necessarily been marketed correctly? People call it an enemies to lovers…but it’s not? They were never enemies! The comparison I find most fitting is relating it to Ted Lasso characters Jamie Tartt and Roy Kent: Matthews is an up and coming soccer star (Tartt-adjacent) and Kent is the “I refuse to admit I’m injured and need to retire” veteran (Kent). Not the mention the grumpyXsunshine dynamic here. 

The things I appreciated about this book, however, is that readers don’t need to know a LICK about soccer to get references and be immersed in the book. Wilsner makes the sport terminology accessible (it helps that soccer really is the subplot, as we focus on the personal issues of our MCs).

I only wish we had the opportunity to explore the characters’ ADHD and autism diagnoses. I wish that had been more of a focus for each of the characters - it kind of felt like an afterthought subplot by the end of the book. 

Make no mistakes, though, this was an all-around enjoyable read. If you like spice, Wilsner DELIVERS. I look forward to reading more of their writing in the future!