In An Absent Dream (Wayward Children #4) by Seanan McGuire

 In An Absent Dream (Wayward Children #4) by Seanan McGuire-204 pages

This is the story of how Lundy came to be at Eleanor West's School for Wayward Children as a slowly de-aging woman. Lundy was born Katherine Lundy and was perfectly content to simply read and keep to herself until she turned 6 and happened upon a door in a tree that read "Be Sure." This door led to the Goblin Market which has 5 basic rules. The most important rules are to "provide fair value" and "don't forget the curfew." The curfew is 18 years old. Once you turn 18, you must either take the oath of citizenship or leave the Goblin Market forever. Lundy would visit the Goblin Market again at age 8, 10, and almost 13. She thought she was sure, but bargains made with her father and sister would keep her in the "real world" for longer than she anticipated. Finally, near her 18th birthday, she goes back to the Goblin Market with a seemingly genius idea. Her sister isn't ready for Lundy to leave the "real world" for good and stay in the Goblin Market. Lundy's idea is to ask the Goblin Market to stop her aging temporarily so that she can stave off the curfew and spend more time with her sister before staying in the Goblin Market for good. However, it doesn't turn out the way Lundy expects. Instead of staying at 17 for a while, she very slowly begins to de-age and is no longer welcome at the Goblin Market. Eleanor West finds her and asks her to help out at her School for Wayward Children. I liked this one just as I've liked all the others in the series so far. It made me critically think about the idea of fair value and about friendship. I enjoy Seanan McGuire's writing and stories. I would rate this 4 out of 5 stars.