Title: Beneath the Sugar Sky
Author: Seanan McGuire
First published January 9, 2018
174 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780765393586 (ISBN10: 0765393581)
Rating: 3.86
Overview
Come along on a fantastical journey with Seanan McGuire’s Beneath the Sugar Sky, the third installment in the Wayward Children series. Explore Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children, where children are reintroduced to the “real” world after experiencing magical adventures.
When Rini arrives in a splash at the pond behind the school, she discovers that her mother, Sumi, died before she was even born. But Rini is determined to save her world and restore her mother’s life.
Without magic and running out of time, Rini must find a way to succeed before Reality catches up to her. Luckily, Rini has the help of her fellow students, who are always up for a good quest.
Along the way, indulge in some baking and daring adventures. Warning: May contain magical ingredients.
Editoral Review
Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire takes readers on a fantastical journey through an impressive and imaginative world. First published on January 9, 2018, McGuire is an accomplished author with multiple awards under her belt in the science fiction and fantasy genres.
The story follows a group of misfit students who must embark on a dangerous quest to find a lost classmate who is trapped in a magical world of confectionary delights. Their journey takes them through various otherworldly landscapes, encountering a diverse cast of characters along the way.
McGuire’s writing style is highly engaging and vivid, painting a clear picture of the various settings and characters throughout the story. The pacing of the plot is fantastic, with just the right amount of action, suspense, and character development.
One strength of Beneath the Sugar Sky is the diverse cast of characters. Each one brings their own unique personality and backstory to the table, making it easy for readers to become invested in their individual journeys.
The themes present in the book, such as love, loss, and acceptance, are also strongly resonant and effectively explored. While the book is highly enjoyable, it does have a few weaknesses.
The novel tends to rely on certain tropes and cliches within the fantasy genre, which may feel derivative to some readers. Additionally, the story occasionally falls victim to predictability in its plot twists.
Overall, Beneath the Sugar Sky is a highly recommended read for fans of the fantasy genre. McGuire’s writing style is a true standout, and the worldbuilding is truly impressive.
The themes presented in the story are highly resonant, making it a thought-provoking read for adults and young adults alike. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced adventure that will transport you to a magical world of sweets and imagination, Beneath the Sugar Sky is the perfect choice.
We give it four out of five stars.
