A review by angorarabbit
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire

adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

TLDR:  I really enjoyed this novella. It is so nice to see an ace character. 
 
In my meditations of what is a YA novel this is almost one. Most characters are children, but we start out with the pov of an adult. I wouldn’t have a problem with a tween reading the book, but it doesn’t have the heroic chosen one vibe that I associate with YA. So I don’t know. I liked the book though and in the end that’s all that matters, right? 
 
The plot moves quickly, not wasting time on too many descriptions. The dialogue is crisp and believable. One is given enough information regarding backgrounds for the main characters. The High Fantasy girls group could us a little more book time. I kept getting confused who was who and it didn’t really matter too much. 
 
The mystery was unexpected and fun though it did require a little suspension of disbelief. I did figure out who did it before the end of the book though. 
 
I want to know about Nancy’s new adventures.I really loved Kade’s character and would like to see his growing responsibilities at the school. I’m not sure I can stand reading about Jacqueline and Jillian’s parents though. They sound truly disturbing. 
 
I also hope that whoever makes a film or series for the telly of this does not make it into a children’s movie or dilute the themes of alienation and otherness of the novella. 
 
Like I say, it’s easier to write lots about the books you hate than the books you love.
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