I love that this whole series can be read as stand alones. I’m a huge fan of the series as a whole and loved reading this installment.

This instalment of Seanan McGuire’s Wayward Children novellas is a step back from the rest, which are developing a sort of formula (former student of the school needs help in some way, the others all team up to solve their problems). In fact, I don’t think any of the other kids we’ve seen in the other books are even mentioned: Regan kind of stands alone, and I don’t think we’ve heard any reference to the Hooflands elsewhere before.

As such, it’s a point where someone unused to these books might be able to start — but I don’t know that I’d recommend it as a starting point, to be honest. It’s rather skippable, actually, except for the fact that it showcases an intersex protagonist.

Overall, it didn’t stand out a lot to me: it felt like it was a lot of leadup for very little payoff, and I wasn’t surprised by the conclusion at all. (Which one doesn’t necessarily need to be, especially in a series as metafictional as this one is, but it still didn’t feel fresh to me, which is perhaps a better descriptor of what I was hoping for.)

Not unenjoyable, but not a favourite, and one I may not return to in future rereads.

Across the Green Grass Fields was actually quite boring for me. Unlike with the characters in the earlier books, I never felt any strong emotional ties to anyone, and I found the fantasy story here-- centaurs, unicorns etc. -- dry and uninteresting. I did not personally have a horse phase so I think some of the equestrian love was lost on me.

While the beginning of the book is tortuous because of the poor situation Reagan finds herself in, the majority of the rest of the book is a breath of fresh air from some of the others. She finds her home and a family and there aren't any weird or strict rules that she has to follow or prices she has to pay. The writing as always is phenomenal as are the plot and characters. The twist at the end was wonderful!!

Seanan McGuire's writing skills show far more talent that so many other authors, I'm surprised she does not receive death threats from them. Pick any one of her series and you will find yourself transported to a different world filled with characters and communities that are full of adventures. You will become emotionally involved with your favorite characters and dread those times when the last page is read.
Across the Green Grass Fields is a stand alone story that takes place after book #5 in the Wayward Children series. We follow the main character as she ages from 7 to 11 to 15. The lessons she learns are hard ones, lessons we all wish we could protect our children from. She also learns that family is important, the one you are born with and the ones you build along the way.
As long as Seanan McGuire continues to write, I will continue to read her stories. I recommend to all.

I really enjoyed this entry into Seanan's Wayward children series. Having spent some time in childhood hearing about what activities/interests boys and girls should and shouldn't have, I spent a great deal of time concerning myself with my activities and whether or not they fit into the norms that I had been taught.

Regan discovers, quite abruptly, that not fitting in can have serious social consequences. However, a door appears and she is swept away to the Hooflands, where she learns some important lessons about destiny, about being true to yourself, and how you can make a family all your own.

This is the 6th book in this series but works as a perfect entry point for new readers.
I found the main character to be very likeable and I enjoyed following along on her journey.
It was very easy to understand and doesn't have as many tie-ins with the rest of the series does which is why it will work as well for new readers just starting out in the series.
If you are a horse girly, you will definitely relate to this character.
For me, I'd say this fits in the middle of my rankings for this series. It was a bit more basic but I really appreciated the ending. This author always finds ways to add in unique, often darker turns to her books.
3.5 stars

This is a standalone story in a shared universe; readers do not need to have read the first books in the series to hop into this one. I have found the Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire to be hit and miss -- yet I keep coming back for more. The premises & characters always intrigue me, but the plot tends to fizzle out. Across the Green Grass Fields is typical in this respect. It felt like a solid first half of a book - but then it ended right when it was starting to get interesting. I would love to know how Regan's choices affected her family at home as well as her found family. Maybe in a future title?

As a standalone Wayward Children’s book, Across the Green Grass Fields is an absolute gem. Once again choosing to feature inclusive characters, Regan identifies as a girl and loves horses, when her parents inform her that she is intersex, Regan finds herself a door that leads to the Hooflands - a land filled with hoofed mythical creatures such as centaurs and unicorns.

Although the action is more limited in this addition to the critically acclaimed series, the heart remains the same and like all of McGuire’s characters, Regan comes of age and begins to learn who she really is and where she truly belongs.

Eh, I think I'm about done with this series. This one was not as strong as the previous entry which wasn't as strong as the one before that. I feel like the characters are getting stale and the story as a whole doesn't move nearly enough in these little novellas.

Interview with Seanan McGuire up now
https://newbooksnetwork.com/across-th...
Seanan McGuire's Across the Green Grass Fields (Tor.com, 2021), a stand-alone novel in the Wayward Children series, a portal transports a horse-loving ten-year old, Regan, to Hooflands. Soon she becomes part of a centaur herd, learning how to herd unicorns, finding her place as an apprentice healer, and making a new best friend her own age, a centaur girl named Chicory. She finds herself at ease in her new role and other than missing her parents, would be content to continue in her life. But the population of Hooflands has expectations for her, expectations that even running away can’t evade. Humans have always saved Hooflands from bad things. And too soon, it will be Regan’s turn

I love this series, but I do feel this was the weakest so far out of the series. I feel as though the storyline was a bit unresolved. I love how McGuire challenges gender norms in this series.

A great installment to the Wayward Children series, Mcguire combines the best of whimsy and solid character development with heart wrenching storylines that speak to any of us who have ever felt out of place.

Horse girls, unite!! This is a stellar entry into the WAYWARD CHILDREN series, and I'm only sorry it took me so long to get around to finishing it due to a weird digital formatting issue. Finally managed to get a physical copy from the library, and WOW, how incredible is this series? The introduction of this centaur-focused land is sure to appeal to new, horse-loving fans - Tina Belcher would be in heaven!! Absolutely loved the magic in this, and Seanan McGuire's words are always so eloquent and beautiful in her stories. Can't wait for the next book!!

Another beautiful entry in the Wayward Children series. I loved the main character, and the threads woven through about self-acceptance, appreciating difference, what constitutes 'personhood', and the risks of depending on heroes.

if you haven't read the Wayward Children series I HIGHLY recommend it. Every single book has been a 5 star read for for me. Doors open. Children go through to fairy worlds, become heroes, and come back changed. These are the stories of how they adapt, or don't, to coming back to live in the "real" world. Some have dark themes so look at the trigger warnings carefully before diving in or recommending to patrons.

Another excellent book in the Wayward Children series. This one follows Regan, a young girl obsessed with horses and experiencing the betrayal of her best friend, when she is transported to the Hooflands. There she meets unicorns and centaurs and kirins and maybe learns a little bit more about her humanity along the way. A quick but satisfying read.

A solid new installment in the series. While the open ending was ultimately unsatisfying, I'm still interested in what's to come.

Another great installment in the Wayward Children series! I have loved each and every world from the logical to the nonsense, virtuous or wicked. I can't recommend these stories enough and can't wait to read more!

Another wonderful story from Seanan McGuire, with strong, interesting characters in wonderful, enchanting worlds. I believe I will read, and love, and promote everything this woman writes. Very modern themes and morals in timeless fairytales.