BooktubeSFF Awards discussion

Hello all!

I'm Sam from Thoughtsontomes, and I'll be hosting this month's read along for Every Heart a Doorway. The readalong will be happening all month long, and will be read at your own pace. Feel free to pop in here anytime in March to discuss, just tag your spoilers using the spoilers tag so you don't ruin it for anyone else!

Happy Reading!

I've already read this one, and had some mixed feelings. I'll be watching to see what everyone else thinks!

Same here. I'm thinking about maybe rereading it, but not sure yet. I felt it was OK, but nothing amazing. That's why I'm tempted to reread, to make sure it wasn't just that I read it at a weird time. So many people had this on their best of 2016 list, maybe I missed something.

I read this as part of my book club and I think this is one of those books where unless you have an emotional connection to one of the characters the pacing throws it off. I really enjoy it, but I tend to enjoy Seanan McGuire's work and it had some ace rep. A lot of our book club members who weren't looking for rep and didn't usually read her work had mixed feelings because the pacing is odd.
From what I've seen it's a love it or 'ehhhh' it book, haha.

Yes, at first I thought the love was for the ace rep, but then everybody started loving it and that's when I thought maybe I missed something. It's a short one, so a reread wouldn't be too much work.

Most of the hype I've heard is around the rep too, which isn't something I necessarily seek out when reading, so I'll be interested to see if there are other elements that also contribute to why people seem to find this story so special

Having read a lot of her other works, if I try to look past the rep, it definitely has a few flaws - it's not her best work, still very good though. It has some of the hallmarks I really enjoy in her work like the twisted urban fantasy world and character types. I think it would have been stronger had it been longer. It is hard to look past the rep though since it is so important to a lot of the characters there.
All that being said I'll still say I did really, really like it. I just try and look at it critically too.

I wanted to start out by reading her 'October Daye' series, and actually got the first audio, but I'm going to join in on this read as well.
I think it's important with diversity in books, but I don't understand if everyone enjoyed it just because of that. So I'm interested to see if it also has something else to offer.

I just picked this one up from the library and I'm starting it today. I'd never even heard of Seanan McGuire, so I'd say I'm going in pretty neutral.

I'm actually surprised that I've managed to stay pretty blind to this book, considering I've been following the hype. But I feel like it's more interesting for me to dive right in with minimal knowledge of the plot. The short synopsis gives it a really ethereal feel though, so that makes me excited. :3

Well, that was a quick read. I liked the concept and the cast of characters, but I didn't think it was all that well written. 3/5 stars for me.

Elizabeth wrote: "I'm intrigued by this one. Based on McGuire's other work that I've read (Parasite) I am really not sure what to expect because obviously it sounds totally different and doesn'y use ..."

I think it's similar in style, the biggest difference is simply the type of story she tells. A good easy comparison is her Rolling the Deep and Every Heart for me. She gets a lot more science based and little dryer as Mira. Though to be fair, it's been a long time since I have read one of her longer Mira stories, I need to finish the Parasite books.

Hello Everyone!

I have just read through page 88 and I must say that the concept for this book is very cool and something that I thought I would love. However this book right now is not something I can understand or fully enjoy. I am finding that the characters of Jack & Jill are confusing me, since I believe they are one person with a split personality or something like this... Tell me if I am wrong.

I will update when I read more. How are you all finding it?

I'm on page 44 and so far the story's really grabbed my attention, I'm loving the concept! It's extremely character driven so far, but I've yet to meet to characters of Jack and Jill

Jack and Jill were personally my favorite characters!

I think I'm going to cheat a bit on this one and link my August wrap-up here, where I talked about Every Heart a Doorway (at about the halfway mark... sorry it's one of my more ramble-y videos).

https://youtu.be/BVFlD6EnFe0

Is that a breach of some sort of readalong discussion etiquette? It feels like the most shameless channel plug ever, but I'm really just feeling lazy...

Just finished this - I gave it 4*. There is a somewhat vague review of it on my profile, as I haven't collected my thoughts fully yet, and feel as though I would want to reread this before writing a spoiler-y review. The more I think about this story, the more I love the characters and concept. will definitely be rereading this, and would love to vote for it as the best short work this year. However, I'm not reading any of the other short works because I'm not caught up on Sanderson's world yet and don't want to jump ahead. That said, is it fair to vote for this without having read any of the other nominees in the category? (Although I'm falling for it more by the second!!!)

I read this book last year. The premise sounded extremely interesting and the concept was new. I have not read any book about kids returning from the magical worlds. The way these kids try to cope up with the normal world was well done I felt. I initially gave this book 3 stars when I read. But later bumped it to 4 as I kept thinking about this book even after few months. Agree with Ellie's comment. The more I think about this story, the more I love it. Definitely worth reading.

Ash wrote: "I read this book last year. The premise sounded extremely interesting and the concept was new. I have not read any book about kids returning from the magical worlds. The way these kids try to cope ..."

Same here - never read any books about the kids after the magical worlds - does anyone know of anymore books with this premise?

I read this one a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. As a few others have pointed out, the idea of what happens when someone returns from a magical world is compelling. The Magicians trilogy has some of that as well.

My biggest complaint with the story is that I wanted more. I felt there was a lot in the world, and with the specific characters, that could have been expanded upon. I know that there are sequels in the works, but when I was finished I couldn't help thinking that I wished it was a full novel.

Tim wrote: "I read this one a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it. As a few others have pointed out, the idea of what happens when someone returns from a magical world is compelling. The Magicians trilogy has ..."

I have the first book of The Magicians trilogy on my shelf, so that's awesome - thanks!

I also agree with you feeling that it could have been a full novel - there wouldn't even have to be that many more events in the plot, the characters and existing plot could just have been extended/developed more - especially could have had more detailed flashbacks to the worlds the characters had been rather than random sentences providing backstory here and there, like maybe every couple of chapters had a shorter flashback one?

I reread this. My overall feelings didn't really change, but at least I can now point to what I did and didn't like. I keep going back and forth between three and four stars, so I guess that means my rating is 3.5.

(view spoiler)[I really enjoyed the start of the book, but after the mystery starts, it goes downhill. I would’ve liked to see more of the school and the kids before concentrating on the killings. Well I would've been happy if the murders and the horrorish parts were completely left out. It didn't make me squemish, but it's just not something I enjoy.

The story goes from magical portals to murder mystery to weird horror, and in the end it's like the whole thing was pointless. Even though there's so much emphasis on how it’s very unusual to find your door again, Nancy does find hers in the end, and the whole story becomes a sort of weirdish interlude in her life. Not that there's anything wrong with stories like that, but I'm pretty sure this was among the less interesting parts of her life. I'm not saying that Nancy should've had to stay and suffer, just that it would've been more interesting to see how someone copes with being back in more detail.

Maybe it's because I found it very hard to identify with Nancy, I don’t think I have anything in common with her. Some of the other characters felt way more interesting and I’m looking forward to reading their stories. I understand that the Jack and Jill story will most likely have more of the horrorish elements that aren't really my taste, but I like Jack as a character and I'm happy to learn more about her. I would also like to read Cade's story.

All in all, the premise is still interesting and I'd happily read more stories about the school and how they all deal. I'd like to get even more into the psychology of it all. I'd even like to read stories about/from the sister school, from the point of view of the kids who didn't like their travels. (hide spoiler)]

Anna wrote: "I reread this. My overall feelings didn't really change, but at least I can now point to what I did and didn't like. I keep going back and forth between three and four stars, so I guess that means ..."

There's a sequel being released in June, and it sounds like it follows Jack and Jill's story, which should be super interesting!

Ellie wrote: "There's a sequel being released in June, and it sounds like it follows Jack and Jill's story, which should be super interesting! "

Yes I know, and I'm not sure if I'm excited about it, or if I should keep my expectations low, because it's probably going to be more horrorish than this one. I think a third one was also announced, but I can't remember if I know what/who it's about.

edit: Based on the name (Beneath the Sugar Sky) the third one is Sumi's story?

When I read Every Heart A Doorway late last year, I really enjoyed it. I loved the whimsy and fairytale elements. I found the writing just really sucked me in, and I wanted to know more about the characters. I believe I gave this 4 to 4.5 stars. I am quite excited for Down Among the Sticks and Bones.

I had heard a lot about this coming in from Rachel (Kalanadi) on Booktube. I loved the start and the setting and concept are fascinating to me. The introduction of the mystery element was a shock in the "punch to the gut" sense... I was not prepared for the story taking that turn!! Like Tim and Ellie have said, I think I would have liked it more as a full novel. The change of pace between the two halves was quite jarring.

Definitely keen to read more in the setting, and I love that so many of the characters were "different". I guess the idea that these children were picked because they didn't fit in resonated with me. I'll be picking up the sequels but I hope that there is a return to the school in the future as well as exploring the prequel elements of each character.

Hey everyone!

I finished this novella this weekend. I must say that the range of people that were represented in this book made the book great for me, however I did have my issues. I felt that the overall plot was rather mediocre. I liked the mystery aspect but in the first half I was confused and bored. I thought the writing was beautiful, however it was just "okay" for me.

I like the characters and world but it didn't gel with me

Jill wrote: "I had heard a lot about this coming in from Rachel (Kalanadi) on Booktube. I loved the start and the setting and concept are fascinating to me. The introduction of the mystery element was a shock i..."

I just finished it and I agree with everything you said here. I loved the start and the introduction to the school and all of the worlds. The concept of the world "types" was so cool to me. I also didn't expect there to be a mystery element to it, so that was intriguing. But it did feel jarring and like the book was separated into two parts. The pacing felt a bit off throughout.

I also agree with what many of you are saying regarding wishing it was longer. I definitely think there was room here for a full novel. I would have liked to get glimpses into all of these worlds and see more of the kids at the school.

I loved both the representation and the magical, eerie, eclectic feel to this story. I'm looking forward to the sequels. I gave it 4*s.

Sorry to run up so late with this, but I have finally arranged the GIVEAWAY for this title with Tor.com Publishing, and it's a doozy. Three winners (US only) can win a copy each of Every Heart plus its sequel (which imho is superior), Down Among the Sticks and Bones, not due for general release until June!

So make hay while the sun shines, go here and enter!
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/dis...

Anna wrote: "I reread this. My overall feelings didn't really change, but at least I can now point to what I did and didn't like. I keep going back and forth between three and four stars, so I guess that means ..."
I agree with your thoughts. More focus on the school and how the kids are coping would have been better. Also a full length novel would have made this book a 5 star read. It was short and the second half felt as if it rushed through.

just finished this this morning and I loved it! I would have liked it to be a longer piece but the characters were so interesting. A great combination of Miss Peregrine's home for Peculiar Children with Alice in wonderland and a touch of nightmare before Christmas. I just visualise the characters so clearly!

Very impressed overall. I heard a few negative reveiws and wasn't sure what to expect. For such a short story it packs a punch. I enjoyed the writing and never once felt bored, finished it in one sitting actually. It was also much darker than I expected and provoked much more thought than I would have thought. Excited to see where this goes, can't a wait for the next in the series.

I don't read short works, but I'm so glad I picked this up. That's what's great about SFF Booktube - it exposes me to things I normally wouldn't think to pick up. Like many people here, I wish this was longer. I would have loved to delve into the other worlds more fully, especially since there was a dark edge to them that made them more than just the typical, candy sweet fairy tale. I found this to be intriguing and, strangely, something that reminded me of my teenage years. It's been a long time since I've been a teenager who felt pain about not fitting in. While I no longer care about those types of things, and indeed take joy from my weirdness, it was not an easy road to get there. So while I read this and remembered the sweetness of my childhood, I also felt the sadness that I forgot came with it.

(view spoiler)[ This was special because of what I mentioned before, but one of the reasons I gave it four stars instead of five was because of the ending. It's ok to realize you were never meant to fit in to this world, but I think it's a sad lesson to turn your back on it because it doesn't understand you. Life is hard and painful and stressful, but it's that way for everyone. I would have preferred Nancy to stay and find a way to assert herself, and make our world a better place because her uniqueness was in it.

But even so, this was a good read. (hide spoiler)]

I finally finished this book, but had a real hard time getting into it.

The premise was very cool, I enjoyed the world building, but for some reason the characters didn't manage to grab me. I feel like I missed some thematic point, but they didn't seem to act or talk like real people and I don't mean that in the way that they'd become a bit odd because of travelling to other worlds.

I just...I don't know. I wanted to enjoy it so bad.

And just curious, am I in the minority when I say I figured out the mystery long before the end?

I started this book yesterday evening, and I'm now about 100 pages into it. I like the writing style, and so far I find the characters interesting.

I'll probably finish this later today and come back with my final overall opinion.

Reija wrote: "I finally finished this book, but had a real hard time getting into it.

The premise was very cool, I enjoyed the world building, but for some reason the characters didn't manage to grab me. I feel..."

I wouldn't say I figured it out ages before the end, but I was starting to suspect and wasn't at all surprised by the result of the mystery

I have to say I also suspected the one who did it, but I think the overall story was great and it had a lot of great quotes. I ended up giving it a 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed it from start to finish.

Reija wrote: "I finally finished this book, but had a real hard time getting into it.

The premise was very cool, I enjoyed the world building, but for some reason the characters didn't manage to grab me. I feel..."

I figured out whodunnit well before the end, but not the motive.

The motive didn't become clear to me either until it was explained, but it did make sense after reviewing the interactions the person had with others.
Then it became a "Oh, I totally should've known that"-moment.

Yeah... I really did not care for the thriller/mystery part of the book. It felt forced.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway, and I am happy to announce our winners. Congrats to

Alexis Holpin
Cheyenne Buck
Matt Carl

who will be receiving copies of this book plus an ARC of the sequel, courtesy of Tor.com Publishing.

We now return you to our regularly scheduled thread.

Thanks for hosting, Thomas!

Congrats to you who won the giveaway! :D

I've got to hand it to both Thomas and Tor. I already received the Every Heart a Doorway sequel, "Down Among the Sticks and Bones" along with some nice promotional artwork I guess goes with the story. I didn't have much time to look at it, but thanks for the giveaway. It's much appreciated.

I love fantasy and I thought the premise to this book sounded really cool. Exploring what happens to kids when they get back from their adventure world is an idea that has a lot of potential. But I was rather disappointed. The gore/gruesome parts came out of nowhere for me. I was completely not expecting that at all and found it quite unsettling. Plus everything including plot, setting, characters, themes, etc just seemed completely half done to me. The redeeming quality of this little novel for me was the friendship that popped up between Nancy, Kade, Jack, and Christopher.

It was Ok, but I don't understand why Nancy is the protagonist (view spoiler)[Jack or Kade were way more interesting, Nancy was just "I'm asexual!!!" and literally standing there, just watching the action (hide spoiler)]

I'm finishing this one a little late, but liked it well enough. I'm in the same camp as most here where it didn't blow me away and none of the characters were particularly compelling, but I did find it all very interesting and enjoyable. It was a fun combination of familiar things that felt fresh in the ways that count for me.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as i expected as everyone said it was the best short fiction but for me it fell short mainly due to mystery (it was unnecessary and badly written) and the conclusion was wanting. Plus I found the writing rather boring.