In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire

In an Absent Dream (Wayward Children, #4)

by Seanan McGuire

Every Heart a Doorway racked up comparisons to C. S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll, and the Wayward Children series has delighted and mesmerized readers.

This fourth entry and prequel tells the story of Lundy, a very serious young girl who would rather study and dream than become a respectable housewife and live up to the expectations of the world around her. As well she should.

When she finds a doorway to a world founded on logic and reason, riddles and lies, she thinks she's found her paradise. Alas, everything costs at the goblin market, and when her time there is drawing to a close, she makes the kind of bargain that never plays out well. For anyone . . .

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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I loved the Goblin Market, the rules and consequences. McGuire's vivid imagination never ceases to amaze me. These are present day Grimm fairy tales. Katherine is a sensible girl who loves reading and prefers rules that are black and white. She loves escaping being left to her own devices and hates being asked to help look after her younger siblings.

With her face stuck in a book she accidently takes a wrong turn on the way home from school and ends up in front of a tree with a door. Within the tree is a passage and posted on the path are rules. Rules that make little sense and so she continues. She soon finds herself in the Goblin Market and meets a young girl with strange attire and eyes.

McGuire pulled me into this whimsical world with its strict, yet simplistic rules that have serious consequences. A place where real names have power. Here Katherine goes by the name Lundy. The world of the Goblin Market is built on bartering and fair value.  Katherine soon find she likes these logical rules but must decide if she will stay. She can come and go but must decide before she reaches her 18th birthday when the door will close completely.

Rule One – Ask for nothing
Rule Two – Names have power
Rule Three – Always give fair value
Be Sure.

The twist that occurs sent shivers up my spine and had me yelling at Katherine even as I knew she could not possibly hear me.

Cynthia Hopkins narrates, and she brought the characters and world to life. She captured all of Katherine/Lundy's emotions. I loved her voice for the old wise woman and her home filled with books.  This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 1 February, 2019: Finished reading
  • 1 February, 2019: Reviewed