Part of Wayward Children
First published 2021
Regan's friendships at school have grown complicated lately, but she still feels loved at home. Everything changes when she encounters a mysterious doorway that warns her to "Be Sure" before pulling her through to another world. She emerges in the Hooflands, a realm populated by centaurs, kelpies, and other magical horse creatures. The inhabitants welcome her with mixed feelings, explaining that human arrivals signal approaching danger. The centaurs and their kin expect Regan to fulfill the traditional role of human hero, but living among the herd teaches her new perspectives about courage and belonging. As Regan adapts to this equine society, she learns that heroism takes many forms and that quests rarely unfold as expected. She must navigate the expectations placed on her while discovering what kind of hero she truly wants to become.
Genres: adventure, coming-of-age, fantasy, young-adult, middle-grade
Vibes: empowering, introspective, magical, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: chosen-one, fish-out-of-water, found-family, portal-fantasy
Setting: Hooflands
174 pages · Hardcover · Tordotcom