LOST IN THE MOMENT AND FOUND - Seanan McGuire

 Of all of author Seanan McGuire's different series, I think I am enjoying this one the most. The underlying tone that traverses the books is really intoxicating.

This book, like most in this series, can be read as an individual book (there's a beginning, middle, and an end ... no cliffhangers to goad you into buying more books [no, the writing will do that]). Those familiar with the series will have some additional background that will prove helpful.

This book is particularly dark and a lot of reviewers are using the word 'triggering'. McGuire does give us an author's note at the start, warning readers about what's ahead and that to bear with the story as it will work out.  In other words, fully aware of the potential triggering effect. When you have a story about children which includes grooming, abuse, and exploitation, even though it's not a book for children, some readers are bound to have strong, visceral reactions.

Antoinette ("Antsy") witnesses her father's death and then becomes prey for adults looking to take advantage of her.  She manages to run away before anything too terrible actually happens, but the threats and plans for what was to happen to her seem explicit and troubling. 

Antsy escapes through a Door (readers of the series will understand the difference between a door and a Door) and finds herself in a shop for Lost Things.  Appropriate, of course, being a lost thing herself. 

Lost and confused, she stays there, interacting with customers in the shop and learning more about the Doors before making a decision for herself - taking control in a way that child normally wouldn't have the strength or determination to do.

Along the way, we also learn a little more about the Doors and Antsy will make her decision to leave the shop - not an easy decision to make - knowing that this will be for good.

Looking for a good book? If you like fantasy or dark fantasy, you really should read Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire. If you haven't read the series, do yourself a favor and go go back and start at the beginning.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

4-1/2 stars

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Lost in the Moment and Found

author: Seanan McGuire

series: Wayward Children #8

publisher: Tordotcom

ISBN: 9781250213631

hardcover, 146 pages