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The Up-and-Under #2
Along the Saltwise Sea
After climbing Over the Woodward Wall and making their way across the forest, Avery and Zib found themselves acquiring some extraordinary friends in their journey through the Up-and-Under.
After staying the night, uninvited, at a pirate queen’s cottage in the woods, the companions find themselves accountable to its owner, and reluctantly agree to work off their debt as her ship sets sail, bound for lands unknown. But the queen and her crew are not the only ones on board, and the monsters at sea aren’t all underwater.
The friends will need to navigate the stormy seas of obligation and honor on their continuing journey along the improbable road...
After staying the night, uninvited, at a pirate queen’s cottage in the woods, the companions find themselves accountable to its owner, and reluctantly agree to work off their debt as her ship sets sail, bound for lands unknown. But the queen and her crew are not the only ones on board, and the monsters at sea aren’t all underwater.
The friends will need to navigate the stormy seas of obligation and honor on their continuing journey along the improbable road...
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First published October 12, 2021
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About the author
A. Deborah Baker
5 books405 followersPen name for Seanan McGuire writing for the Over the Woodward Wall series. Also a character mentioned in the book Middlegame
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
October 24, 2023
Along the Saltwise Sea is the sequel to Seanan McGuire's, writing here as A. Deborah Baker, 2020-release, Over the Woodward Wall.
These novels, which are related to her tour de force of SFF, Middlegame, are perfectly suited for the young at heart.
The story follows two children, Zib and Avery, who upon encountering a giant wall where it shouldn't be, go up and over, thus finding themselves in a different world; the Up-and-Under.
In the first novel, the children travel through a magical forest while following the improbable road, making friends and enemies along the way.
In this installment, Zib and Avery, along with their new friends, Niahm and the Crow Girl, are exhausted from the continuous stress of their travels. Their hope is to find the Queen of Wands, who may have the answer on how to get them home.
They collectively decide they need some time to rest. Children need to rest.
As luck would have it, they discover an abandoned cottage. It's pristine, with everything in place that they would need. Sure, it's a little ominous, but they can't resist.
They stay the night. Zib and Avery eternally grateful to have a comfortable bed in which to sleep through the night, as well as fresh running water.
Unbeknownst to the children and their companions, the cottage actually belongs to a powerful pirate Captain, who believes they now owe her a debt for trespassing on her property and using her things without asking.
The group agrees to board her ship and work for her for one week in order to pay off this debt.
It certainly extends their adventure, but does it get the kids any closer to finding their way home?
Y'all, I absolutely LOVED my time reading Along the Saltwise Sea. I'll admit, I was a little nervous going in, because it has been a long time since I read Over the Woodward Wall.
I was concerned I wouldn't remember enough of the story for this one to make sense. That was completely silly. I should have trusted McGuire.
This novel has the perfect amount of refresher at the beginning to let the Reader fall gracefully back into the story. It was seamless and probably the best transition between books I have ever read.
Further, I am absolutely obsessed with the narrative voice of this series. It has that classic, whimsical fairy tale feel, meshed perfectly with modern inclinations on how to be a good human.
I say this because, I feel like fairy tales are intended to teach lessons and consequently, Zib and Avery are also learning lessons throughout their journey in the Up-and-Under. Fortunately, the lessons aren't outdated. They are perfectly tailored for today's world.
I love all of these characters so much. Avery and Zib are as opposite as opposite can get, but have learned to love and appreciate one another not just in spite of their differences, but because of them.
The setting of this one, mostly set on the pirate ship, was just so fun! I love stories set at sea and this one captured everything I love about that atmosphere.
I cannot wait for the next installment of The Up-and-Under. I am not sure how long this series is slated to be, but I am hoping it goes for as long as the Wayward Children series.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Tor, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. It was an absolute delight!
These novels, which are related to her tour de force of SFF, Middlegame, are perfectly suited for the young at heart.
The story follows two children, Zib and Avery, who upon encountering a giant wall where it shouldn't be, go up and over, thus finding themselves in a different world; the Up-and-Under.
In the first novel, the children travel through a magical forest while following the improbable road, making friends and enemies along the way.
In this installment, Zib and Avery, along with their new friends, Niahm and the Crow Girl, are exhausted from the continuous stress of their travels. Their hope is to find the Queen of Wands, who may have the answer on how to get them home.
They collectively decide they need some time to rest. Children need to rest.
As luck would have it, they discover an abandoned cottage. It's pristine, with everything in place that they would need. Sure, it's a little ominous, but they can't resist.
They stay the night. Zib and Avery eternally grateful to have a comfortable bed in which to sleep through the night, as well as fresh running water.
Unbeknownst to the children and their companions, the cottage actually belongs to a powerful pirate Captain, who believes they now owe her a debt for trespassing on her property and using her things without asking.
The group agrees to board her ship and work for her for one week in order to pay off this debt.
It certainly extends their adventure, but does it get the kids any closer to finding their way home?
Y'all, I absolutely LOVED my time reading Along the Saltwise Sea. I'll admit, I was a little nervous going in, because it has been a long time since I read Over the Woodward Wall.
I was concerned I wouldn't remember enough of the story for this one to make sense. That was completely silly. I should have trusted McGuire.
This novel has the perfect amount of refresher at the beginning to let the Reader fall gracefully back into the story. It was seamless and probably the best transition between books I have ever read.
Further, I am absolutely obsessed with the narrative voice of this series. It has that classic, whimsical fairy tale feel, meshed perfectly with modern inclinations on how to be a good human.
I say this because, I feel like fairy tales are intended to teach lessons and consequently, Zib and Avery are also learning lessons throughout their journey in the Up-and-Under. Fortunately, the lessons aren't outdated. They are perfectly tailored for today's world.
I love all of these characters so much. Avery and Zib are as opposite as opposite can get, but have learned to love and appreciate one another not just in spite of their differences, but because of them.
The setting of this one, mostly set on the pirate ship, was just so fun! I love stories set at sea and this one captured everything I love about that atmosphere.
I cannot wait for the next installment of The Up-and-Under. I am not sure how long this series is slated to be, but I am hoping it goes for as long as the Wayward Children series.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Tor, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. It was an absolute delight!
November 19, 2021
A pirate’s life for me! Final review, first posted on www.FantasyLiterature.com:
In the 2020 portal fantasy Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker (a pseudonym for the prolific Seanan McGuire), two children, Avery and Zib, climbed a granite wall that had inexplicably appeared in the road and were transported to a magical world, the Up-and-Under. It’s much like the land of Oz but with far sharper teeth, and Avery and Zib are anxious to find their way home to our world. They are told to follow the improbable road to the Impossible City, and there ask the Queen of Wands for help getting home.
Following the improbable road is easier said than done, with mudslides, dangerous rulers, and misunderstandings and hurt feelings hindering their path. Worse yet, the Queen of Wands has disappeared, upsetting the balance of power and endangering the entire Up-and-Under. But along with the dangers there are new friends, like the brave Crow Girl and Niamh, a drowned girl from a city beneath the sea ice, not to mention Avery and Zib’s growing friendship for each other.
As Along the Saltwise Sea begins (after a long introductory chapter that recaps the first book), Avery, Zib, the Crow Girl and Niamh, bedraggled and footsore from walking the improbable road for so long, drink from a well of water and then, for no particularly good reason, tumble down to the bottom of the well. Some helpful kelp (at least Niamh calls it helpful; the children aren’t so sure) pulls them underwater and eventually to a cave that leads — after another too-long walk — to a beach and an empty cottage. It would certainly be too much to expect the exhausted children to pass up the chance to sleep in a clean, comfortable bed.
When a ship appears the next morning, captained by the owner of the cottage, our uninvited guests find they have a debt to pay off to the pirate queen, Captain Alas. As members of her crew on the ship Windchaser for the next week, they sail off toward more adventures and, hopefully, toward their goal of finding their way home. But there are storms and dangers at sea, and on the ship there’s a narrow staircase that appears and disappears, and a tattered, underfed woman locked behind a door at the top of the stairs, who nobody on the ship wants to talk about.
Along the Saltwise Sea is the second book in THE UP-AND-UNDER series and, like many second books in a series, suffers from Middle Book Syndrome. The ongoing story of Zib and Avery’s journey is pleasant and occasionally even exciting, and sailing on the Saltwise Sea in a pirate ship makes for a nice change of pace from walking the improbable road. But in the end, little forward plot movement actually happens in this book.
If you enjoyed Over the Woodward Wall and are agreeable to more magical adventures that don’t as yet have an ending in sight, you’ll like Along the Saltwise Sea too. The wise, perceptive narrator is still narrating insightfully — I do very much enjoy the nuggets of truth that are strewn along the path. And the characters are appealing even when (and perhaps even especially when) they’re afraid and lash out at each other. Avery and Zib are on a long quest here, both physically and in their personal growth, and for now the reader needs to just relax and enjoy the journey.
Many thanks to Tor for the ARC!
In the 2020 portal fantasy Over the Woodward Wall by A. Deborah Baker (a pseudonym for the prolific Seanan McGuire), two children, Avery and Zib, climbed a granite wall that had inexplicably appeared in the road and were transported to a magical world, the Up-and-Under. It’s much like the land of Oz but with far sharper teeth, and Avery and Zib are anxious to find their way home to our world. They are told to follow the improbable road to the Impossible City, and there ask the Queen of Wands for help getting home.
Following the improbable road is easier said than done, with mudslides, dangerous rulers, and misunderstandings and hurt feelings hindering their path. Worse yet, the Queen of Wands has disappeared, upsetting the balance of power and endangering the entire Up-and-Under. But along with the dangers there are new friends, like the brave Crow Girl and Niamh, a drowned girl from a city beneath the sea ice, not to mention Avery and Zib’s growing friendship for each other.
As Along the Saltwise Sea begins (after a long introductory chapter that recaps the first book), Avery, Zib, the Crow Girl and Niamh, bedraggled and footsore from walking the improbable road for so long, drink from a well of water and then, for no particularly good reason, tumble down to the bottom of the well. Some helpful kelp (at least Niamh calls it helpful; the children aren’t so sure) pulls them underwater and eventually to a cave that leads — after another too-long walk — to a beach and an empty cottage. It would certainly be too much to expect the exhausted children to pass up the chance to sleep in a clean, comfortable bed.
When a ship appears the next morning, captained by the owner of the cottage, our uninvited guests find they have a debt to pay off to the pirate queen, Captain Alas. As members of her crew on the ship Windchaser for the next week, they sail off toward more adventures and, hopefully, toward their goal of finding their way home. But there are storms and dangers at sea, and on the ship there’s a narrow staircase that appears and disappears, and a tattered, underfed woman locked behind a door at the top of the stairs, who nobody on the ship wants to talk about.
Along the Saltwise Sea is the second book in THE UP-AND-UNDER series and, like many second books in a series, suffers from Middle Book Syndrome. The ongoing story of Zib and Avery’s journey is pleasant and occasionally even exciting, and sailing on the Saltwise Sea in a pirate ship makes for a nice change of pace from walking the improbable road. But in the end, little forward plot movement actually happens in this book.
If you enjoyed Over the Woodward Wall and are agreeable to more magical adventures that don’t as yet have an ending in sight, you’ll like Along the Saltwise Sea too. The wise, perceptive narrator is still narrating insightfully — I do very much enjoy the nuggets of truth that are strewn along the path. And the characters are appealing even when (and perhaps even especially when) they’re afraid and lash out at each other. Avery and Zib are on a long quest here, both physically and in their personal growth, and for now the reader needs to just relax and enjoy the journey.
Many thanks to Tor for the ARC!
April 15, 2022
Star Rating: —> 4.5 Stars
This was SO whimsical, & wholly wonderful, because I missed Avery & Zib SO.
VERY. MUCH. It did not feel as much a full STORY as the first book did, but more as a sort of... fairytale & segue to whatever comes next in the Up & Under,
.
BUT that is just fine with me, because it was immensely enjoyable, filled with stuff & nonsense, high seas adventuring & pirates & one mysterious girl in a cell. There was also more wonderful world development, this time in a different domain, or country, as they call it; plus absolutely wonderful character development—more on Avery's part than Zib's, I feel like(?), as well as much development for Niamh (the Drowned Girl), & the Crow Girl!
And honestly? Does a whimsical, nonsensical story HAVE to have any particular structure? I just loved it because quite frankly, I enjoyed reading it, rather a lot.
I read Middlegame a long while ago, and it is an extremely amazing, yet very densely written novel. I don't remember if any part of THIS adventure in the Up & Under was featured in it... BUT if NOT, I have a very strong feeling that it WILL be featured in the upcoming second novel in the Middlegame series.
100% recommend this series for anyone who loves the Wayward Children series, has read middlegame, or are interested in reading middlegame, anyone who enjoys portal writing and/or Alice in Wonderland, also anyone who just loves fairytales’
_____________
OMFG THIS COVER IS GLORIOUS! I absolutely CANNOTWAITFORTHISSSSSS. Seanan McGuire is just the absolute best 🖤
This was SO whimsical, & wholly wonderful, because I missed Avery & Zib SO.
VERY. MUCH. It did not feel as much a full STORY as the first book did, but more as a sort of... fairytale & segue to whatever comes next in the Up & Under,
.
BUT that is just fine with me, because it was immensely enjoyable, filled with stuff & nonsense, high seas adventuring & pirates & one mysterious girl in a cell. There was also more wonderful world development, this time in a different domain, or country, as they call it; plus absolutely wonderful character development—more on Avery's part than Zib's, I feel like(?), as well as much development for Niamh (the Drowned Girl), & the Crow Girl!
And honestly? Does a whimsical, nonsensical story HAVE to have any particular structure? I just loved it because quite frankly, I enjoyed reading it, rather a lot.
I read Middlegame a long while ago, and it is an extremely amazing, yet very densely written novel. I don't remember if any part of THIS adventure in the Up & Under was featured in it... BUT if NOT, I have a very strong feeling that it WILL be featured in the upcoming second novel in the Middlegame series.
100% recommend this series for anyone who loves the Wayward Children series, has read middlegame, or are interested in reading middlegame, anyone who enjoys portal writing and/or Alice in Wonderland, also anyone who just loves fairytales’
_____________
OMFG THIS COVER IS GLORIOUS! I absolutely CANNOTWAITFORTHISSSSSS. Seanan McGuire is just the absolute best 🖤
June 22, 2024
꒰ 3.5 ⭐ ꒱
how can i describe this series as anything other than a warm hug? the prose is just so comforting - it feels like i'm being personally addressed by the narrator to gently guide me through the hills and valleys of this fairytale-esque story. 🫂
i only wished we had explored more settings as we did in Over the Woodword Wall, but i understand why not every book can be a forward adventure (still doesn't mean i can't wish for it ,,).
"There's a difference between speaking truly and being cruel. You were cruel. You chose words you knew would hurt her, and you slung them like stones. Words have power. If they didn't, we wouldn't carry them the way we do. Sometimes, a word is the only weapon you have. Go apologize." (ilysm niamh)
how can i describe this series as anything other than a warm hug? the prose is just so comforting - it feels like i'm being personally addressed by the narrator to gently guide me through the hills and valleys of this fairytale-esque story. 🫂
i only wished we had explored more settings as we did in Over the Woodword Wall, but i understand why not every book can be a forward adventure (still doesn't mean i can't wish for it ,,).
"There's a difference between speaking truly and being cruel. You were cruel. You chose words you knew would hurt her, and you slung them like stones. Words have power. If they didn't, we wouldn't carry them the way we do. Sometimes, a word is the only weapon you have. Go apologize." (ilysm niamh)
January 19, 2022
So, reality check: if you liked or loved Over the Woodward Wall, the light, magical adventures of two kids who couldn't be more different from each other, then you'll likely get along just fine with the second book in the adventure.
It has more misadventures and missteps on the Improbable Road on the way to the Impossible City, but most notably is the mystery of the missing Queen of Wands. Think Oz, but with a subversive slant that specifically nods and bucks the other.
Is this a classic on its own? No. But is it important to a much bigger scheme? Yes.
It's not apparent at first glance, however. It's fully connected and referred to in Seanan McGuire's other book, Middlegame, and the main author of THESE books had hidden messages in them to perform major alchemical magics. So, therefore, the adventures, seemingly so light and strange, have a much deeper and weird meaning. You get your four major arcana with all the normal significance of coins, cups, wands, and swords, with the Wand missing. You have quadrants in Middlegame that are associated with real places on America's map.
Beyond this, I'm not reading much more into it, although I suppose I could if I put more effort into it.
As it is now, I'm not THAT invested, except insomuch that I want to see where Seanan takes this all. :) We shall see, won't we?
It has more misadventures and missteps on the Improbable Road on the way to the Impossible City, but most notably is the mystery of the missing Queen of Wands. Think Oz, but with a subversive slant that specifically nods and bucks the other.
Is this a classic on its own? No. But is it important to a much bigger scheme? Yes.
It's not apparent at first glance, however. It's fully connected and referred to in Seanan McGuire's other book, Middlegame, and the main author of THESE books had hidden messages in them to perform major alchemical magics. So, therefore, the adventures, seemingly so light and strange, have a much deeper and weird meaning. You get your four major arcana with all the normal significance of coins, cups, wands, and swords, with the Wand missing. You have quadrants in Middlegame that are associated with real places on America's map.
Beyond this, I'm not reading much more into it, although I suppose I could if I put more effort into it.
As it is now, I'm not THAT invested, except insomuch that I want to see where Seanan takes this all. :) We shall see, won't we?
October 12, 2021
It's always a good day when I get to read a new Seanan McGuire/A. Deborah Baker book!
Along the Saltwise Sea continues the adventures of Avery and Zib in the Up-and-Under, a strange and magical world that these children climbed into one strange and magical day. This was incredibly charming and whimsical while also weaving in commentary on gender, sexism, prejudice, love, and friendship. I loved it. I love how Avery and Zib contrast and complement each other, each with their own strengths and weaknesses that they learn to understand along the way.
Unsurprisingly given the title, this installment includes a good chunk of time aboard a ship and the story expands our understanding of the Up-and-Under and its mythology. And if it's been awhile, you'll be pleased to know that chapter 1 is essentially a recap of what happened in the first book! It's a brief novel at just under 200 pages so I won't say too much more except that this swept me away and I loved. Can't wait for more books in the series! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Along the Saltwise Sea continues the adventures of Avery and Zib in the Up-and-Under, a strange and magical world that these children climbed into one strange and magical day. This was incredibly charming and whimsical while also weaving in commentary on gender, sexism, prejudice, love, and friendship. I loved it. I love how Avery and Zib contrast and complement each other, each with their own strengths and weaknesses that they learn to understand along the way.
Unsurprisingly given the title, this installment includes a good chunk of time aboard a ship and the story expands our understanding of the Up-and-Under and its mythology. And if it's been awhile, you'll be pleased to know that chapter 1 is essentially a recap of what happened in the first book! It's a brief novel at just under 200 pages so I won't say too much more except that this swept me away and I loved. Can't wait for more books in the series! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 25, 2023
#1) Over the Woodward Wall ★★★★☆
#3) Into the Windwracked Wilds ★★★☆☆
#4) Under the Smokestrewn Sky ★★★★☆
A. Deborah Baker just keeps winning with these covers
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
January 20, 2022
Avery and Zib, the children that entered the world of Up-and-Under by climbing the Woodward Wall in the previous book, are continuing their journey on the Improbable Road.
After having journeyed through the forest where they met and escaped the Queen of Swords as well as the King of Cups in the previous book, Avery, Zib and their friends have now arrived in the King of Coins' territory, at the titular Saltwise Sea.
There, they unfortunately trespass on a pirate queen's cottage (also stealing her food and drinks). Now, they have to work off their debt by serving on her ship, which leads to them encountering all kinds of monsters both in the water and above it and learning a lot about this world they find themselves in.
Is there anything more adventurous to many children (and adults) than sailing on a pirate ship? I think not. The salty air in your lungs, the strong winds pushing large sails, the cries of gulls overhead ... yeah, just imagining it is already fun.
However, this journey is about more than having fun. It's about personal growth, about doing what is necessary even if it isn't much fun, about not being cruel, and so much more.
As usual for a so-called portal fantasy, there are relatively dark themes touched upon that are wrapped in a narrative of travel through space and time. Thus, while the children are indeed childlike / far from perfect, they are learning and putting in the effort.
Moreover, as in the previous installment, the major arcana is a constant companion and there is an extra level of enjoyment if you know the book this story was written for (as a story-within-a-story) as both the tarot and that other book are also about journeys and exploration.
The writing is whimsical, though not overly so. Moreover, a child’s perspective is often better as kids look at the world differently (they are also more observant and have better instincts than most adults). My favourite part, though, was probably the story of The Lady of Salt and Sorrow.
Granted, this was not quite hitting the sweet spot as much as the previous volume for me, but it was still immensely entertaining and enchanting and one of the best books of its kind that I’ve read in a long time (the only series beating this one is by the same author *lol*).
And now that I know that we’ll be getting book #3 this year, I’m even more excited to read about Avery’s and Zib’s further walk on the wild side to find the Queen of Wands.
After having journeyed through the forest where they met and escaped the Queen of Swords as well as the King of Cups in the previous book, Avery, Zib and their friends have now arrived in the King of Coins' territory, at the titular Saltwise Sea.
There, they unfortunately trespass on a pirate queen's cottage (also stealing her food and drinks). Now, they have to work off their debt by serving on her ship, which leads to them encountering all kinds of monsters both in the water and above it and learning a lot about this world they find themselves in.
Is there anything more adventurous to many children (and adults) than sailing on a pirate ship? I think not. The salty air in your lungs, the strong winds pushing large sails, the cries of gulls overhead ... yeah, just imagining it is already fun.
However, this journey is about more than having fun. It's about personal growth, about doing what is necessary even if it isn't much fun, about not being cruel, and so much more.
As usual for a so-called portal fantasy, there are relatively dark themes touched upon that are wrapped in a narrative of travel through space and time. Thus, while the children are indeed childlike / far from perfect, they are learning and putting in the effort.
Moreover, as in the previous installment, the major arcana is a constant companion and there is an extra level of enjoyment if you know the book this story was written for (as a story-within-a-story) as both the tarot and that other book are also about journeys and exploration.
The writing is whimsical, though not overly so. Moreover, a child’s perspective is often better as kids look at the world differently (they are also more observant and have better instincts than most adults). My favourite part, though, was probably the story of The Lady of Salt and Sorrow.
Granted, this was not quite hitting the sweet spot as much as the previous volume for me, but it was still immensely entertaining and enchanting and one of the best books of its kind that I’ve read in a long time (the only series beating this one is by the same author *lol*).
And now that I know that we’ll be getting book #3 this year, I’m even more excited to read about Avery’s and Zib’s further walk on the wild side to find the Queen of Wands.
July 22, 2023
The start of this book gave a good recap so that was helpful since I read book 1 which I loved, two years ago. The narrator did a good job. I love the fairytale story Avery read. I liked how the Saltwise Sea played a part in this story. The kids being on the ship was a chore so there weren't many interesting activities. I love the magic of the crow girl.
This story, the boy Avery and the girl Zib are still in this land that's comparable to Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz because they want to go see the Queen of Wand and traveling on the improbable road. But their travel wasn't as planned and they got pulled in different unexpected direction. At the well they drank some water to cool down from their walk and then they decided to get in for a swim and then a plant pull them down and into another place. There they found a cabin and had the best sleep ever since they appeared in this magical place. This magic land where birds talk and plants can think. Their travel companion is a murder of crows who can come together to become a girl and a drowned girl who long ago drowned and continued life underwater until something happened and she's back up on the surface again.
I listened to this audiobook via Libby app and Macmillan Audio. I need to go back to read the book to understand what happened to the drowned girl. I think I missed it while listening to the audiobook.
Thank you Tordotcompub for the opportunity to read and review!
This story, the boy Avery and the girl Zib are still in this land that's comparable to Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz because they want to go see the Queen of Wand and traveling on the improbable road. But their travel wasn't as planned and they got pulled in different unexpected direction. At the well they drank some water to cool down from their walk and then they decided to get in for a swim and then a plant pull them down and into another place. There they found a cabin and had the best sleep ever since they appeared in this magical place. This magic land where birds talk and plants can think. Their travel companion is a murder of crows who can come together to become a girl and a drowned girl who long ago drowned and continued life underwater until something happened and she's back up on the surface again.
I listened to this audiobook via Libby app and Macmillan Audio. I need to go back to read the book to understand what happened to the drowned girl. I think I missed it while listening to the audiobook.
Thank you Tordotcompub for the opportunity to read and review!
February 7, 2022
I am so glad to see more of Avery and Zib and their friends! I will say this short novella isn’t exactly a complete story in itself, but more like another chapter in a book of adventures of the two children we’re getting slowly. I love that these were born from quoted non-existent fictional works in another of Seanan McGuire’s series and she had to write it (under the pen name quoted in her other series of course). I love the way this world comes alive despite how strange it is. I can tell the children’s adventures are far from over and I can’t wait to read more. I love the idea of climbing a wall to the Up-and-Under with a world filled with rules that feel strange but somehow make sense.
October 12, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Tordotcom/Tor-Forge, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Another great entry in this wild fairy tale "book from a book world" series. I'm assuming this one will play a role in Seasonal Fears, like it's predecessor did in Middlegame.
This time we find Zib, Avery, Crow Girl, and Niamh pulled off the Improbable Road and taken to the Saltwise Sea. It's very piraty. :)
I would have given it five stars, but it didn't quite feel like there was a complete story in this one, just some travel and what happened to them during said travel, but no overarching plot.
Still, I highly recommend this one and the first one, Over the Woodward Wall, if you enjoy Seanan McGuire's works or loved Middlegame like I did.
Another great entry in this wild fairy tale "book from a book world" series. I'm assuming this one will play a role in Seasonal Fears, like it's predecessor did in Middlegame.
This time we find Zib, Avery, Crow Girl, and Niamh pulled off the Improbable Road and taken to the Saltwise Sea. It's very piraty. :)
I would have given it five stars, but it didn't quite feel like there was a complete story in this one, just some travel and what happened to them during said travel, but no overarching plot.
Still, I highly recommend this one and the first one, Over the Woodward Wall, if you enjoy Seanan McGuire's works or loved Middlegame like I did.
December 27, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an eArc of this book (even though it was after I bought myself a copy because obviously I had to buy it as soon as it came out hahaha) in exchange for an honest review!
Is it weird to say that I love that series but as it is too nonsense for me I just can't enjoy it as much as I would? I am a logical a wicked Wayward Child and the nonsense just doesn't speak to me at all haha
This story though is very whimsical and beautifully written. It also feels a bit like "classic" fairy tales which brought me back to my childhood. I will read the whole series, this come without saying!
I loved "MiddleGame" with every single cell of my body! When I read it, the only thing I could think of was to reread it immediately. And that is why I picked up that series. You see bits of "Over the Woodward wall" in "MiddleGame". So I wonder if we will see a bit of "Along the Saltwise Sea" in the "Seasonal Fears" (the sequel to MiddleGame). I just can't wait!
This time, we get back to the Up-and-Under with Avery and Zib; two characters I truly love and would fight for them! I enjoyed reading about their new adventure with Pirates, a mysterious new girl and some more nonsense (even though the nonsense doesn't talk to me hahaha). Yes, new adventures even though what they truly want to do is to go home and/or rest. Which is quite understandable after living some exceptional adventures on the improbable road in the previous book.
Avery and Zib are completely different, not wanting the same things, not thinking the same way but I learned to love them.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!
Is it weird to say that I love that series but as it is too nonsense for me I just can't enjoy it as much as I would? I am a logical a wicked Wayward Child and the nonsense just doesn't speak to me at all haha
This story though is very whimsical and beautifully written. It also feels a bit like "classic" fairy tales which brought me back to my childhood. I will read the whole series, this come without saying!
I loved "MiddleGame" with every single cell of my body! When I read it, the only thing I could think of was to reread it immediately. And that is why I picked up that series. You see bits of "Over the Woodward wall" in "MiddleGame". So I wonder if we will see a bit of "Along the Saltwise Sea" in the "Seasonal Fears" (the sequel to MiddleGame). I just can't wait!
This time, we get back to the Up-and-Under with Avery and Zib; two characters I truly love and would fight for them! I enjoyed reading about their new adventure with Pirates, a mysterious new girl and some more nonsense (even though the nonsense doesn't talk to me hahaha). Yes, new adventures even though what they truly want to do is to go home and/or rest. Which is quite understandable after living some exceptional adventures on the improbable road in the previous book.
Avery and Zib are completely different, not wanting the same things, not thinking the same way but I learned to love them.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!
April 18, 2023
This is a very enjoyable fairytale-like story set on an improbable sea on an improbable pirate ship on an improbable world. It's a direct sequel to Over the Woodward Wall, and though there is a nice summary of that book to ease the reader into this one I'd suggest reading them in order. I mean, why wouldn't you? The main characters are a girl and boy from our world who have been swept into that one and, Dorothy-like, set off on an improbable road, making friends and having wild adventures along the way, intent on finding their way home. A. Deborah Baker is a pseudonym of Sean McGuire's, and Baker is a character (or presence or influence) in McGuire's novels Seasonal Fears and Middlegame, though it's not necessary to have read them in order to appreciate these, or vice versa. This transition from Earth to Water doesn't seem to advance the quest as much as one might wish, but the writing is bright and wonderful, seeming both lazy and languid and very stylized and carefully crafted, with occasional thought-provoking shout-outs to the reader. Lots of good fun for all ages!
December 28, 2021
Actual rating: 2.5 stars Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this second book in the Up-and-Under series nearly as much as I did the first. While I still enjoyed the writing style for the most part, I didn't find it as magical or whimsical as the first book.
A large part of the plot of this book focused on the characters journeying on a ship which doesn't always work for me. I'd much rather read about a quest over land. Zib and Avery met a few new characters, but I didn't find these characters nearly as compelling as the characters they met in the first book.
One of my main problems, though, was the amount of preachiness and moralizing throughout the entire book. We couldn't go 3 pages before a character was pointing out why another character's behavior was or wasn't morally superior. I get that in middle grade this is done a little more often, but my goodness! It drove me crazy! Here and there is ok, especially if it is the quirk of one character. When all the characters are doing it, it's just the author inserting themselves into the narrative which is not cool.
Still, because I enjoyed the first book so much, I'm willing to give the third book a try whenever it comes out.
A large part of the plot of this book focused on the characters journeying on a ship which doesn't always work for me. I'd much rather read about a quest over land. Zib and Avery met a few new characters, but I didn't find these characters nearly as compelling as the characters they met in the first book.
One of my main problems, though, was the amount of preachiness and moralizing throughout the entire book. We couldn't go 3 pages before a character was pointing out why another character's behavior was or wasn't morally superior. I get that in middle grade this is done a little more often, but my goodness! It drove me crazy! Here and there is ok, especially if it is the quirk of one character. When all the characters are doing it, it's just the author inserting themselves into the narrative which is not cool.
Still, because I enjoyed the first book so much, I'm willing to give the third book a try whenever it comes out.
April 6, 2024
3 stars for 3 words--Middle. Book. Syndrome.
April 11, 2022
The second book in the companion series to Middlegame continues right where the first one left off, in exactly the same whimsical tone, with the same high quality of writing. Needless to say, I've had just as much fun following Zib and Avery in their grand adventure.
The plot is much more focused, exploring in depth just one new area of the Wonderland-like magical world, rather than painting it in broad strokes, the way the first novella did. It's guaranteed to be enjoyable for readers with a weakness for pirates like me.
I took pleasure in the flawed characters, the quirky nature of The Up-and-Under and the unexpected turns the Improbable Road took.
My little complaint is that it seemed like the author tried extra hard to insert quotable passages a.k.a. the moralising stuff. There's nothing wrong with it in itself. Quite the opposite - it's part of McGuire's charm and I have multiple quotations from her books saved. It's just that in here maybe it was too much for such a short book.
The plot is much more focused, exploring in depth just one new area of the Wonderland-like magical world, rather than painting it in broad strokes, the way the first novella did. It's guaranteed to be enjoyable for readers with a weakness for pirates like me.
I took pleasure in the flawed characters, the quirky nature of The Up-and-Under and the unexpected turns the Improbable Road took.
My little complaint is that it seemed like the author tried extra hard to insert quotable passages a.k.a. the moralising stuff. There's nothing wrong with it in itself. Quite the opposite - it's part of McGuire's charm and I have multiple quotations from her books saved. It's just that in here maybe it was too much for such a short book.
Want to read
December 9, 20202020 might sucks completely but now this exists and more books in the series are confirmed, so I can say THERE IS A JOY!
November 7, 2021
Moc jsem se na to těšila a bylo to přesně takové, jak jsem doufala. Možná i o chlup lepší.
October 12, 2021
If you're wondering if you need to read book 1 before you read this one, have no fears. Seanan McGuire does a really excellent job of catching you up right at the beginning of the story. I think my favorite part of both of these books is the narrator. At one point, the narrator does break the fourth wall and speak to us and honestly, it was so good. It's got this fairy tale like quality to it as if you can easily read this on audiobook and feel like a kid at reading time listening to a story unfold.
While I'm not 100% sure if this story is for kids, I did love following along while Avery, Zib, Niamh, and Crow Girl continued their journey to the Impossible City. This time, they fall down a well and land in a clever ocean that helps them find someone who can point them in the right direction.
I feel like a lot of this book was setup and explanation for what happened in the first book. Unlike the first one, this had very little action and really didn't move the story much along. In fact, it very much read like the second book in a series; you know, the one that explains some things a bit more and sets you up for the next book. It did have some really interesting character development and I was intrigued by the pirates and the adventures, but it felt more like an explanation. I felt like book one was about Crow Girl and how she lost her name and turned into a murder of crows and this one is about the drowned girls and the Lady of Salt and Sorrows (the patron of Niamh's world).
It's not a fault of the book, I was expecting more of the action I saw in book one, but when I readjusted and realized this book was going to explain some things and actually build on the character development, that's when I liked it more.
Because it's more about the characters than the plot, I felt like it had way more quotable moments. I was finding myself dog-earing every few pages with the beautiful words about life, finding yourself, and being who you're supposed to be. There's a lot of growth happening for Avery and Zib. Not only are they learning about this weird world they found themselves in, but they're also learning things about themselves. Like how Avery is learning to let go of everything being perfect and how Zib is learning that she's not defined by the body she's born into.
While this story doesn't have a lot of action, there's a lot in the book that's worth exploring. The worlds may be different from ours, but the lessons feel the same and it's always fun to see where the adventures takes Avery and Zib.
Overall, this is a good one especially if you're a fan of fairy tales. The storytelling is excellent and while the plot doesn't move much, it's definitely got merit in learning more about the kids, the Up-and-Under, and what they're both capable of.
While I'm not 100% sure if this story is for kids, I did love following along while Avery, Zib, Niamh, and Crow Girl continued their journey to the Impossible City. This time, they fall down a well and land in a clever ocean that helps them find someone who can point them in the right direction.
I feel like a lot of this book was setup and explanation for what happened in the first book. Unlike the first one, this had very little action and really didn't move the story much along. In fact, it very much read like the second book in a series; you know, the one that explains some things a bit more and sets you up for the next book. It did have some really interesting character development and I was intrigued by the pirates and the adventures, but it felt more like an explanation. I felt like book one was about Crow Girl and how she lost her name and turned into a murder of crows and this one is about the drowned girls and the Lady of Salt and Sorrows (the patron of Niamh's world).
It's not a fault of the book, I was expecting more of the action I saw in book one, but when I readjusted and realized this book was going to explain some things and actually build on the character development, that's when I liked it more.
Because it's more about the characters than the plot, I felt like it had way more quotable moments. I was finding myself dog-earing every few pages with the beautiful words about life, finding yourself, and being who you're supposed to be. There's a lot of growth happening for Avery and Zib. Not only are they learning about this weird world they found themselves in, but they're also learning things about themselves. Like how Avery is learning to let go of everything being perfect and how Zib is learning that she's not defined by the body she's born into.
While this story doesn't have a lot of action, there's a lot in the book that's worth exploring. The worlds may be different from ours, but the lessons feel the same and it's always fun to see where the adventures takes Avery and Zib.
Overall, this is a good one especially if you're a fan of fairy tales. The storytelling is excellent and while the plot doesn't move much, it's definitely got merit in learning more about the kids, the Up-and-Under, and what they're both capable of.
April 15, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4.
After climbing Over the Woodward Wall and making their way across the forest, Avery and Zib found themselves acquiring some extraordinary friends in their journey through the Up-and-Under.
After staying the night, uninvited, at a pirate queen’s cottage in the woods, the companions find themselves accountable to its owner, and reluctantly agree to work off their debt as her ship sets sail, bound for lands unknown. But the queen and her crew are not the only ones on board, and the monsters at sea aren’t all underwater.
The friends will need to navigate the stormy seas of obligation and honor on their continuing journey along the improbable road.
After finishing Over the Woodward Wall, I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this and continue on the journey with Avery and Zib to see how they fared in their search for the Queen of Swords with their trusty companions Crow Girl and Niamh and whether or not they would make it home!
This time the group find themselves indebted to a Pirate queen and must endure a period of employment on her ship and from then in the story gave me Peter Pan/Treasure Island vibes and I absolutely loved it; nearly as much as Zib and definitely more than Avery and the Crow Girl.
As usual the crew got themselves into all sorts of trouble and chaos but Baker ultimately kept the message of friendships and loyalty clear in her writing. Unfortunately they still haven’t got home, nor found the Queen of Swords… so their quest continues!
This sequel was good, but was also for me, not as exciting as the first instalment but still ultimately an enjoyable read.
After climbing Over the Woodward Wall and making their way across the forest, Avery and Zib found themselves acquiring some extraordinary friends in their journey through the Up-and-Under.
After staying the night, uninvited, at a pirate queen’s cottage in the woods, the companions find themselves accountable to its owner, and reluctantly agree to work off their debt as her ship sets sail, bound for lands unknown. But the queen and her crew are not the only ones on board, and the monsters at sea aren’t all underwater.
The friends will need to navigate the stormy seas of obligation and honor on their continuing journey along the improbable road.
After finishing Over the Woodward Wall, I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this and continue on the journey with Avery and Zib to see how they fared in their search for the Queen of Swords with their trusty companions Crow Girl and Niamh and whether or not they would make it home!
This time the group find themselves indebted to a Pirate queen and must endure a period of employment on her ship and from then in the story gave me Peter Pan/Treasure Island vibes and I absolutely loved it; nearly as much as Zib and definitely more than Avery and the Crow Girl.
As usual the crew got themselves into all sorts of trouble and chaos but Baker ultimately kept the message of friendships and loyalty clear in her writing. Unfortunately they still haven’t got home, nor found the Queen of Swords… so their quest continues!
This sequel was good, but was also for me, not as exciting as the first instalment but still ultimately an enjoyable read.
September 6, 2022
This novella was good but nothing memorable for me. I enjoyed the audio narrator but my emotional attachment to the characters did not increase with this installment, which was an issue I had with the previous book and it was more of a straight up adventure fantasy middle grade story. I am not sure if I will continue reading these in world books since they haven't really worked for me so far but highly recommend the audio if you want to give them a try.
November 8, 2021
This series is great. I think it is a lot of fun and even more so for children. It's like Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz had a love child and came up with The Up-and-Under. It can be a little hard to follow, but I think if I was younger it might be easier to follow along with the silliness. I would like to give it a 5-star, but unfortunately, it is missing that something special. Still very entertaining. I'm excited for the next book.
How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.
How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.
October 9, 2022
I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first book! While I adored the first, this book felt like it had a bit more of a plot beyond wandering around and exploring the Up and Under, and I feel like that's the main thing I found missing in book 1. I also just adore pirates and pirate ships, and ship stories generally, so getting some seafaring adventuring was a nice shift from the land-based journeying Zib and Avery had done so far!
I also really liked how this book leaned more and more into specific lore in the Up and Under, since the basics of the world had already been explored in book 1. It has me really excited to see where the next book goes, and I can't wait to see what the ending mean for the final book in the series!
I also really liked how this book leaned more and more into specific lore in the Up and Under, since the basics of the world had already been explored in book 1. It has me really excited to see where the next book goes, and I can't wait to see what the ending mean for the final book in the series!
May 10, 2023
In the second book in the magical "Up-and-Under" series, Along the Saltwise Sea, Avery and Zib still need to find their way back home. After walking the improbable road in the first book they get to sail across the kingdom of the element Water in a pirate ship.
Unfortunately, I thought this book suffered a bit of middle-book-syndrome; not much happens to propel the story forwards
Unfortunately, I thought this book suffered a bit of middle-book-syndrome; not much happens to propel the story forwards
February 21, 2024
Just read the wayward children series instead
READING VLOG | giving authors a second chance: https://youtu.be/_crFqQWHQZ4
READING VLOG | giving authors a second chance: https://youtu.be/_crFqQWHQZ4
September 28, 2021
I love this world.
We pick up right where Over the Woodward Wall left off, moving towards the Saltwise Sea. The kids end up on a pirate ship to repay a debt. We learn a little bit about each of the kids and a little bit more about the world and the way it works.
The fairytale language I loved so much continues, but I feel it opens up a bit more in the sequel.
Without giving too much away, I loved this sequel and the way it ended. I can’t wait to read the third book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley, Tordotcom, and A. Deborah Baker for the chance to read this advanced review copy! Along the Saltwise Sea releases on October 12th.
We pick up right where Over the Woodward Wall left off, moving towards the Saltwise Sea. The kids end up on a pirate ship to repay a debt. We learn a little bit about each of the kids and a little bit more about the world and the way it works.
The fairytale language I loved so much continues, but I feel it opens up a bit more in the sequel.
Without giving too much away, I loved this sequel and the way it ended. I can’t wait to read the third book in this series.
Thank you NetGalley, Tordotcom, and A. Deborah Baker for the chance to read this advanced review copy! Along the Saltwise Sea releases on October 12th.
June 9, 2024
I’m really enjoying this series. In this one they are on a pirate ship and need to get through several obstacles before they can continue their journey. A fast, imaginative read.
September 4, 2021
Huge thanks to Tor for not only giving me access to an e-arc, but sending me a physical arc too!
Along the Saltwise Sea is the sequel to Over the Woodward Wall, and is written by A Deborah Baker (pen name for Seanan Mcguire, for those not in the know).
Over the Woodward Wall is a spinoff from Middlegame that was a magical middle grade adventure and the sequel is no different.
My favourite part about Mcguire's writing is how she can strike deep into the core of you even from a child's perspective. I truly felt myself traversing the Improbable Road with Avery, Zib, the Crow Girl and Niamh. I was scared for them, I felt for each individual's feelings and story, and wanted them all to succeed.
Although I did guess the plot a little early on into the book, I know this is a middle grade adventure and so plot threads aren't as heavy or twisted up as they can be in adult or YA so I completely forgave this. I enjoyed the book immensely, and I'm always so sad when I can only get 200 or so pages of Mcguire's writing.
The setting was a stark difference to the first book as this was set on the sea - a good change of setting and change of pace as in the first book we were introduced to a lot of characters. This book built on those characters and their stories, and what makes them tick as well as what they want. It's so hard for me to explain how crazy it is in my head trying to imagine characters from Middlegame matching up to characters in the Up-and-Under - and I LOVE it.
I absolutely cannot wait for the third book - I'm unsure how many are planned for this series but I'd highly recommend picking them up if you are a fan of Middlegame.
Along the Saltwise Sea is the sequel to Over the Woodward Wall, and is written by A Deborah Baker (pen name for Seanan Mcguire, for those not in the know).
Over the Woodward Wall is a spinoff from Middlegame that was a magical middle grade adventure and the sequel is no different.
My favourite part about Mcguire's writing is how she can strike deep into the core of you even from a child's perspective. I truly felt myself traversing the Improbable Road with Avery, Zib, the Crow Girl and Niamh. I was scared for them, I felt for each individual's feelings and story, and wanted them all to succeed.
Although I did guess the plot a little early on into the book, I know this is a middle grade adventure and so plot threads aren't as heavy or twisted up as they can be in adult or YA so I completely forgave this. I enjoyed the book immensely, and I'm always so sad when I can only get 200 or so pages of Mcguire's writing.
The setting was a stark difference to the first book as this was set on the sea - a good change of setting and change of pace as in the first book we were introduced to a lot of characters. This book built on those characters and their stories, and what makes them tick as well as what they want. It's so hard for me to explain how crazy it is in my head trying to imagine characters from Middlegame matching up to characters in the Up-and-Under - and I LOVE it.
I absolutely cannot wait for the third book - I'm unsure how many are planned for this series but I'd highly recommend picking them up if you are a fan of Middlegame.
August 22, 2023
reread, August 2023
Perhaps I was too critical of this the first go. Sure, doesn't beat the first book, but it fits well into the whole series arc. Still feels uneven in how long we stay in the salt wise sea (compared to the varied experiences of book 1.
read
I enjoyed returning to this world and the central story within this novella. However, it felt overall incomplete. Not only is this substantially shorter, but the journey is itself very short. Naturally, that means our characters have made little progress, but it's more than that. In the first book, our characters face obstacle after obstacle. It was a carefully crafted narrative with very deliberate plot points.
In this, it feels as if we focus on only one obstacle. Granted, it is fairly large, but it is still weird to focus on this one piece of the story. Plus, we spend a good deal of time recapping the first story and a bit of meandering before we get to the central conflict of this one. We learned more about the world, but our characters left it effectively unchanged. And while the final conflict did evoke an emotional response (i.e. keep me invested), it still felt somewhat anticlimactic and abrupt.
Honestly, I'm talking myself into a lower rating because it really wasn't as good as the first. I don't get the sense that McGuire is as invested in this as her Wayward Children series despite it's many similarities. Hopefully the final two will take us further.
before reading
I'm excited for book two but sad to learn there will be only 4 in the series.
Perhaps I was too critical of this the first go. Sure, doesn't beat the first book, but it fits well into the whole series arc. Still feels uneven in how long we stay in the salt wise sea (compared to the varied experiences of book 1.
read
I enjoyed returning to this world and the central story within this novella. However, it felt overall incomplete. Not only is this substantially shorter, but the journey is itself very short. Naturally, that means our characters have made little progress, but it's more than that. In the first book, our characters face obstacle after obstacle. It was a carefully crafted narrative with very deliberate plot points.
In this, it feels as if we focus on only one obstacle. Granted, it is fairly large, but it is still weird to focus on this one piece of the story. Plus, we spend a good deal of time recapping the first story and a bit of meandering before we get to the central conflict of this one. We learned more about the world, but our characters left it effectively unchanged. And while the final conflict did evoke an emotional response (i.e. keep me invested), it still felt somewhat anticlimactic and abrupt.
Honestly, I'm talking myself into a lower rating because it really wasn't as good as the first. I don't get the sense that McGuire is as invested in this as her Wayward Children series despite it's many similarities. Hopefully the final two will take us further.
before reading
I'm excited for book two but sad to learn there will be only 4 in the series.
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