Audiobook Review: Wayward Children series #1-3 by Seanan Maguire

Since these were so short for audio, I thought I'd do some quick reviews of the books. This is not the complete series but only the ones my library had at the time.

Series: Wayward Children #1
Unabridged
Published: 4/5/16
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Cynthia Hopkins
Length: 4 hrs. 44 min.
Source: Hoopla/Library

No SolicitationsNo VisitorsNo Quests 

Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere... else. 

But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children. 

Nancy tumbled once, but now she’s back. The things she’s experienced... they change a person. The children under Miss West’s care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world. 

But Nancy’s arrival marks a change at the Home. There’s a darkness just around each corner, and when tragedy strikes, it’s up to Nancy and her new-found schoolmates to get to the heart of the matter. 

No matter the cost.

My thoughts: This is a modern adult faerie tale even though it centers around young children. It is often dark and deals with a few adult themes and is also very inclusive. If you are looking for a dark adventure with diversity, this series is for you. There is a mystery that is easily solved but it still captured me nonetheless. I give it 4 stars as it had a slow start but worked well on audio.

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Series: Wayward Children #2
Unabridged
Published: 5/18/17
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Seanan Maguire
Length: 4 hrs. 4 min.
Source: Hoopla/Library

Twin sisters Jack and Jill were seventeen when they found their way home and were packed off to Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children.
This is the story of what happened first… 

Jacqueline was her mother’s perfect daughter—polite and quiet, always dressed as a princess. If her mother was sometimes a little strict, it’s because crafting the perfect daughter takes discipline. 

Jillian was her father’s perfect daughter—adventurous, thrill-seeking, and a bit of a tom-boy. He really would have preferred a son, but you work with what you've got.
They were five when they learned that grown-ups can’t be trusted.

They were twelve when they walked down the impossible staircase and discovered that the pretense of love can never be enough to prepare you a life filled with magic in a land filled with mad scientists and death and choices.

My thoughts: It was delightful to hear the book by the author and so I was intrigued to hear how she would voice all the characters. She did an excellent job and I slipped easily into the world. This one had a great message in how people try to box someone into their expectations and how it effects the person and how the brave find who they are despite those expectations.

Wayward Children #3
Unabridged
Published: 1/9/18
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrator: Michelle Dockery
Length: 4 hrs. 15 min.

Beneath the Sugar Sky returns to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children. At this magical boarding school, children who have experienced fantasy adventures are reintroduced to the "real" world.

Sumi died years before her prophesied daughter Rini could be born. Rini was born anyway, and now she’s trying to bring her mother back from a world without magic.

My thoughts: This was probably my least favorite in terms of Rini as I didn't care for her until the end. However the secondary characters make up for that lack and I was excited to see Sumi again. The ending was interesting and I love it when characters find where they truly belong. I look forward to listening to more of these stories and I hope my library gets them.

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