McGuire has an uncanny knack for taking the worst things that lurk in the shadows and weaving them into an absolute delight.--Becky Chambers
Roger and Dodger are the heart of this story. They're its pulse and purpose -- these two supernaturally gifted kids who come off like kids. And this is the greatest trick McGuire pulls here ... It's the kind of book where you want to reach into the page just to help them out, to warn them of what's coming. It blossoms.--NPR
This is a fascinating novel by an author of consummate skill.--Publishers Weekly, starred review
Satisfying on all levels of the reading experience: thrilling, emotionally resonant, and cerebral."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
McGuire sets a high bar for alchemy-based stories in this new stand-alone, twisting themes of time and space as seen through the eyes of children. . . . This singular work keeps readers thinking long after the final page.--Library Journal, starred review
An excellent recommendation for those who enjoyed Lev Grossman's The Magicians and Lauren Oliver's Replica.--School Library Journal, starred review
"[A]n ambitious piece of world building from a master of the craft . . . thoroughly engaging."--Booklist
Readers should come for the tightly constructed world and stay for the pleasure of watching the twins choose each other, come what may.--Shelf Awareness
This is a tricky book to pull off, no doubt about it. But that trickery is pulled off with the kind of aplomb that has become one of McGuire's great skills. What a story to read (and re-read). If you've got a love for fantasy, you should read Middlegame.--Entertainment Weekly's Cultures
Imaginatively conceived, carefully constructed, fantastically written ... another delightful and captivating outing from Seanan McGuire.--bookreporter
An excellent recommendation for those who enjoyed Lev Grossman's The Magicians and Lauren Oliver's Replica.--School Library Journal
Readers should come for the tightly constructed world and stay for the pleasure of watching the twins choose each other, come what may.--Shelf Awareness