Today is week one of our readalong for One Salt Sea (October Daye #5).  Organised by Lisa at Over the Effing Rainbow.  Everyone welcome to join.  If you want to jump on board then leave a comment, visit Lisa or check out the Goodreads page.  Come join in the fun.  The schedule is below.  Now, moving on to this week’s Q&A with the customary warning about spoilers – they will undoubtedly be lurking – so beware!

1. First things first, the status quo in Toby’s life has been dramatically altered since the events of the previous book. Toby’s finally taking her knighthood seriously! What are your first impressions of this shift in the story?

I like it – Toby has a lot of responsibility now and it feels like she’s taking it seriously, but in a way that isn’t changing her character so much that she’s unrecognisable.  Also, as we know, Toby has her fair share of enemies so taking part in lessons such as sword fighting and the like can surely only be a good thing.  I really enjoyed the start of this one and the changes – it has a kind of ‘Toby is growing up’ feel to it somehow.  Not really phrased very well!

2. In keeping with the dramatic differences, it’s the Luidaeg’s turn to come to Toby for a favour – and it’s no small thing. Do you think this is a personal matter for the Luidaeg, or is she merely acting in everyone’s best interests?

I don’t know what the Luidaeg’s motives are but clearly there are very strong feelings between her and the seelie world!  The interaction and reactions between her and Connor were certainly very interesting to witness.  And the way that she asked – or demanded – Toby’s help – it was very forceful.  I think she really needs Toby and she almost feels desperate somehow – which is weird for the Luidaeg!  I have to give her the benefit of the doubt – I know everyone is very scared of her but I think she’s been a great character so far in this series, she always seems to be working away in the background, in a way that feels like she’s undertaking much bigger and more terrifying things than anyone will ever be aware of, just to hold things together and keep the peace.

3. Connor vs. Tybalt: the question of romance in the Tobyverse has come up many a time before, but now it seems to be taking more of the spotlight in the story. Both men clearly have a place in Toby’s life, though both relationships are perhaps not without their problematic aspects… How do you think Toby ought to handle this particular situation?

I don’t think she’s handling the situation badly – but I think she’s reverting to a safety blanket in getting back with Connor.  My feelings on the situation are that really, deep down, Toby wants to be with Tybalt and that Tybalt feels the same – but there’s something a bit more cautious, almost dangerous about the two of them getting together, something that they both seem to recognise, almost like in starting something they will have unleashed a force of nature – a bit dramatic but there it is.  In a way this makes me feel a little sad for Connor – he has a puppy dog type of feel to him somehow whereas Tybalt just radiates danger and sexuality!  I wonder what will happen in this strange triangle – and for once, I admit, this isn’t a love triangle that I find annoying which is a great relief and also something of a puzzle.  I wonder how it will all end – particularly for Connor, I’m struggling to find a scenario in my head in which he doesn’t get hurt somehow – I think probably my biggest fear for him is that he will be hurt physically.

4. Rayseline is apparently back and still up to no good. Assuming that it’s not a mistaken assumption, what do you think her apparent involvement in the kidnapping means for everyone else at this point?

Well, I don’t think it is a mistaken assumption – Rayseline is, you have to admit, a great baddie – one that you can really get behind disliking!  I have no idea what she’s up to to be honest but I feel for those two boys if she’s kidnapped them!  I can’t help at the back of my mind thinking that her and the Queen are up to something but I just can’t guess what.

That’s it for week 1 – off to a very strong start 😀

Week 1: Saturday 3rd September, Chapters 1-9, hosted at Over The Effing Rainbow
Week 2: Saturday 10th September, Chapters 10-18, hosted by Over The Effing Rainbow
Week 3: Saturday 17th September, Chapters 19-29, hosted at Lynn’s Book Blog
Week 4: Saturday 24th September, Chapters 30-End, hosted at On Starships and Dragonwings