In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire

February 12th, 2019 Kimberly Review 24 Comments

12th Feb
In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire
In an Absent Dream
by Seanan McGuire
Series: Wayward Children #4
Narrator: Cynthia Hopkins
Length: 4 hours 57 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 5 cups

This is the story of a very serious young girl who would rather study and dream than become a respectable housewife and live up to the expectations of the world around her. As well she should.

When she finds a doorway to a world founded on logic and reason, riddles and lies, she thinks she's found her paradise. Alas, everything costs at the goblin market, and when her time there is drawing to a close, she makes the kind of bargain that never plays out well.

For anyone . . .

fantasy Novella Young Adult Audiobook

My favorite of the Wayward Children to date, In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire sprang to life creating a door that held me captive from its rules to the people who called it home. If you haven’t tried this fantasy novella series, I encourage you to do so. Perfect for listeners from 12 to 101.

I loved the Goblin Market, the rules and consequences. McGuire’s vivid imagination never ceases to amaze me. These are present day Grimm fairy tales. Katherine is a sensible girl who loves reading and prefers rules that are black and white. She loves escaping being left to her own devices and hates being asked to help look after her younger siblings.

With her face stuck in a book she accidently takes a wrong turn on the way home from school and ends up in front of a tree with a door. Within the tree is a passage and posted on the path are rules. Rules that make little sense and so she continues. She soon finds herself in the Goblin Market and meets a young girl with strange attire and eyes.

McGuire pulled me into this whimsical world with its strict, yet simplistic rules that have serious consequences. A place where real names have power. Here Katherine goes by the name Lundy. The world of the Goblin Market is built on bartering and fair value.  Katherine soon find she likes these logical rules but must decide if she will stay. She can come and go but must decide before she reaches her 18th birthday when the door will close completely.

Rule One – Ask for nothing
Rule Two – Names have power
Rule Three – Always give fair value
Be Sure.

The twist that occurs sent shivers up my spine and had me yelling at Katherine even as I knew she could not possibly hear me.

Cynthia Hopkins narrates, and she brought the characters and world to life. She captured all of Katherine/Lundy’s emotions. I loved her voice for the old wise woman and her home filled with books.

I devoured In an Absent Dream and think these novellas are perfect for listening. It highlights the whimsical nature, beautiful writing and magical worlds. Each of the books will work as a standalone, but I recommend listening to them all.

In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire sprang to life creating a door that held me captive from its rules to the people who called it home. #iloveaudiobooks #YA #fantasy Click To Tweet
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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

24 Responses to “In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire”

  1. Karen

    Can’t wait to start on this series. I’ve heard so many great things about it.

  2. Olivia-Savannah Roach

    I think it ate up my comment so I’ll comment it again – sorry if you get it duplicate. I said that I love when a series only gets better and better and am glad that this one was your favourite ^.^ I also really like the sound of the goblin market. It sounds like the setting for me because I am intrigued by goblin folklore!

    Olivia-Savannah Roach recently posted: The Familiars [Book Review]
  3. Olivia-Savannah Roach

    Ooh, it sounds like this was the best one so far and that is so great! I love when series only get better and better. The goblin market setting would be perfect for me as well. I love exploring goblin folklore and it sounds like McGuire sets it all up quite well ^.^

    Olivia-Savannah Roach recently posted: The Familiars [Book Review]
  4. Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms

    McGuire is an author I’ve been intending to read FOREVER. Why I haven’t yet, I can’t say. Time? LOL In an Absent Dream sounds wonderful though. I’ll see if my library has it, and the series, in audio. Great review, Kimberly!