Along the Saltwise Sea (Up-And-Under, #2)

by A. Deborah Baker

[Quirky Cat]

Along the Saltwise Sea is the second novella in The Up-and-Under series, written by A. Deborah Baker (aka Seanan McGuire). This series started as a children's book referenced in another one of McGuire's worlds (Middlegame), but I feel like it has quickly gained a life of its own. Also, before I dive into my review, can we take a moment to appreciate that cover? It's to die for.

Once up a time, two children, Avery and Zib, climbed Over the Woodward Wall. Now they're stuck in the Up-and-Under, and what an adventure that has been! Two have become four, and now there are four children (only two humans) on this adventure.

The children have unintentionally found their way to the coast of the Saltwise Sea, where they come across a pirate queen's cottage. One night there costs them a week out on the waters and yet another adventure that they couldn't have planned or prepared for.

Now, I may be in the minority here, but I think I loved Along the Saltwise Sea even more than Over the Woodward Wall. I feel like both the children and the story have really grown to fit the world, and it shows.

Or maybe I'm just a sucker for nautical stories. Either way, I adore the events that transpired in Along the Saltwise Sea. If you read and enjoyed the first part of this adventure, or even if you read Middlegame and want to know how the story goes, I would strongly suggest picking up Along the Saltwise Sea and giving it a read.

Everything about this journey has felt so unbelievable and yet so organic. Each part flows smoothly onto the next, even as the world changes and new scenery pops into the foreground. I'm gobbling up all the details to this world; you better believe me.

I think the thing I loved the most about Along the Saltwise Sea is that it felt like we got to know all four children a bit more here. Not just Avery and Zib, but Niamn and Crow Girl as well. More than that, I feel like their individual stories are being pushed to new horizons as they grow alongside the main plot.

I'm thrilled that I got the chance to read an early copy of Along the Saltwise Sea, even though this means that I will naturally be waiting even longer for the sequel to come out. Still, I already know that it will be worth it.

Thanks to Tor.com and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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