Ahoy there me mateys!  I say this every time I finish one of these novellas but I seriously could read dozens of books set in the various worlds.  This is the 10th book in the series and is the backstory of Nadya from book 3.  This can be read as a standalone though I suggest reading the series in order to get the full impact.

Nadya is born in Russia to a mother who doesn't want her and is raised in an orphanage.  She is missing an arm due to a birth defect but doesn't feel a loss for something she never had.  She is adopted by an American couple who want her to fit in and be a testament to their good parenting skills.  Nadya is not happy with being forced to wear a prosthetic.  Then a day comes where she falls into the pond and goes through a Door to Belyrreka.

This story is bittersweet.  Reading about her life in America was painful and made my heart ache..  However, I loved watching Nadya thrive in Belyrreka.  The world itself is a fascinating land of water.  There are giant talking turtles, massive frogs that eat anything that can fit into their mouths, and giant fishing vessels that sail on and under the water.  I did want more about life on top of the rivers and in the sky but it was mostly a story about Nadya living her best life in Belyrreka.  I was immersed (Arrr!) in watching her grow up in a place perfectly suited to her.  Even though the ending was anticipated, it still stung and made me immensely unhappy for Nadya.

I think this is one of the stronger entries in the series and recommend it wholeheartedly.  Arrrr!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.