Across the Green Grass Fields

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Across the Green Grass Fields

Like all the Wayward Children, Regan's door appears when she wants nothing more than to have a world where she is accepted for who she is. Unknowingly she enters and finds herself in the Hooflands. A world where equine creatures such as centaurs and unicorns are its inhabitants. With her love for horses, Regan feels at home as she settles in with a family of centaur herders. But all humans who enter the Hooflands are pulled by destiny to save it. And dark secrets are lurking in the land.

Across the Green Grass Fields is not as dark as previous Wayward Children books. But that doesn't mean the story isn't as good. The central theme of the series remains the same. Children find doors to other worlds when they feel they are no longer accepted in our world. What may throw a few readers is the brand new character, Regan, who is introduced. This one is set as a standalone novel, so none of the characters readers have come to know throughout the series will be present.

Seanan McGuire always tackles unique subjects in the Wayward Children series. This time Regan is put out by her friends after sharing a secret about herself. (To avoid spoilers, you'll have to read the book to find out what exactly that secret is.) And unfortunately, because Regan is different from the other girls, once this secret has been told, the whispers and mean gossip begins. Feeling ostracized she leaves school. And so the door to the Hooflands appears, allowing her into a world that will accept Regan for who she is despite her differences.

Each new story in the Wayward Children is as heartbreaking as it is captivating. The depth of imagination that goes into each new world is surprisingly detailed given the length of each book. This is one series I don't want to see come to an end. There are so many possibilities, so many different worlds that can be discovered. If you're looking for a quick read and enjoy fantasy, give this series a try.