Narrated by Whitney Johnson, Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire is the seventh novella in the Wayward Children series. Where do children go when Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children can’t save them? Why they go to Whitethorn Institute. Travel with Cora as she attends Whitehorn.
by Seanan McGuire
Series: Wayward Children #7
Narrator: Whitney Johnson
Length: 4 hours and 31 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
Welcome to the Whitethorn Institute. The first step is always admitting you need help, and you've already taken that step by requesting a transfer into our company.
There is another school for children who fall through doors and fall back out again.
It isn't as friendly as Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children.
And it isn't as safe.When Eleanor West decided to open her school, her sanctuary, her Home for Wayward Children, she knew from the beginning that there would be children she couldn't save; when Cora decides she needs a different direction, a different fate, a different prophecy, Miss West reluctantly agrees to transfer her to the other school, where things are run very differently by Whitethorn, the Headmaster.
She will soon discover that not all doors are welcoming...
It’s easy to see why Where the Drowned Girls Go was the 2022 Hugo Award Winner for Best Series. Once again, Seanan McGuire delights us with another atmospheric tale about children and doors.
Cora Miller, whom we met in Beneath a Sugar Sky and whose story continues in Come Tumbling Down, is struggling. Despite protests, she is transferred to the Whitehorn Institute. It isn’t as welcoming as Eleanor’s school, in fact, it is the opposite in every way. Cora wants nothing to do with doors, she wants to forget and believes the Institute will help.
Many will relate to Cora. Indeed, if you didn’t quite fit in as a child or fell outside the norm, you will sympathize with her. This wasn’t an easy listen as we explore diversity, fear, acceptance and the struggles to find our place. Cora is bullied and teased. Here, the girls are suppressed and forced to lie to themselves.
We witness Cora once again pick up the mantle of hero. She also learns she cannot do it alone. While not my favorite of the story, I will admit I couldn’t stop listening. It tied to the series, reinforcing the messages of finding one’s self and of working together.
Once again, I am left impressed by McGuire’s storytelling ability and the worlds she creates.
Whitney Johnson does an excellent job of bringing voice to Cora and setting the tone for the story. I’ve enjoyed listening to the series and recommend them in audio format.
Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire takes us to the other institute for children #WaywardChildren #Audiobook #Fantasy Share on XAbout Seanan McGuire
Seanan McGuire is a native Californian, which has resulted in her being exceedingly laid-back about venomous wildlife, and terrified of weather. When not writing urban fantasy (as herself) and science fiction thrillers (as Mira Grant), she likes to watch way too many horror movies, wander around in swamps, record albums of original music, and harass her cats. Seanan is the author of the October Daye, InCryptid, and Indexing series of urban fantasies; the Newsflesh trilogy; the Parasitology duology; and the "Velveteen vs." superhero shorts. Her cats, Lilly, Alice, and Thomas, are plotting world domination even as we speak, but are easily distracted by feathers on sticks, so mankind is probably safe. For now.
About Whitney Johnson
Whitney Johnson is a voice actor who works with creators to bring stories to life. From audiobooks to characters for video games and audio dramas to e-learning, she brings a clear, energetic, and engaging voice that connects with listeners.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and need to get back to it. Maybe I will try to get the audio.
Kimberly
I hope you do. They are really different.
Wendy
I think. I could certainly relate to Cora. Nice review, Kimberly
Kimberly
Thank you Wendy. This series is so good.
Sophia Rose
I haven’t started this series yet, but I’m struck by the unique world of the story. Glad to see it was engaging even if not a favorite.
Kimberly
I hope you try them Sophia.
Debbie Haupt
Fantastic review Kim I know how much you love this author I too have books I prefer in audio.
Kimberly
Thank you, Debbie.
Felicity Grace Terry
Ooh! Definitely one worth keeping in mind, I do like the sound of it.
Kimberly
These are delightful Felicity.
Nadene
The world does sound intriguing. Great review, Kim
Kimberly
Thanks Nadene! 😊