Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: Wayward Children #4.5
Publisher: Tor Books
Released: July 13^th, 2020
Received: Free Read (On Tor.com)

Juice Like Wounds is a short story set in the world of Wayward Children, written by Seanan McGuire. Though I suppose it would be more accurate to say that it is set in one of the worlds within Wayward Children.

Once again we’re diving back into the past. Specifically, we’re diving back into Lundy’s past. While her story will not go any further forward, it’s clear that there is still a lot to learn about the adventures that occurred on the other side of her door.

Once upon a time, Lundy and her friends were happy, and relatively healthy. They were confident, even. That confidence proved to be fatal for at least one of them, as the three decide to take on a daring mission.

“Time is never as full as it seems when clutching the vessel, when measuring the drinking of it with our eyes.”

Juice Like Wounds is an amazing, yet heartbreaking, short story. I’ve adored every bit of literature Seanan McGuire has written for Wayward Children, and this is no exception. Though this one might just have hurt my heart the most.

At least you know that this story succeeded in getting under my skin. Lundy’s story, and her world, have fascinated me right from the start. She was first introduced back in In an Absent Dream, though I feel like we didn’t get to know her that well back then.

Now, it almost feels like we know everything there is to learn about her. Almost. Her story…is full of painful moments. That in itself isn’t surprising, if I’m being honest. Just because these children found their doors, and those doors led them to worlds where they fit in better, doesn’t mean it is all sunshine and daisies.

This is the tale of three girls who went out into the woods together. They had one goal. It is not a goal that they succeeded in. And in the end, only two girls ever did walk out of those woods. Yet it is still very much a story that one cannot look away from. I’m going to give credit to McGuire’s writing style there, as it tends to be highly addictive. Trust me on this.

On that note, Juice Like Wounds has left me hoping (ever so desperately), that we’ll end up seeing more short stories from the characters that we’ve come to love and cherish. Or perhaps we’ll get to learn of a new character. Either way, I’ll happily take any and all there is to learn (and read) from this series.