One Salt Sea (October Daye #5) by Seanan McGuire
20 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: October Daye #5, One Salt Sea, Seanan McGuire
The Toby Daye series has fast turned into a must read series for me and one where I’ve become very attached to the characters and One Salt Sea is another instalment that just ladles on the love. Yet again McGuire builds on the world, telling us more of the rules that bind the land of Faerie and introducing us to yet more characters whilst strengthening the relationships of those that we already know. One Salt Sea manages to be a winning combination of fast paced plot and great characters. Firstly, please beware of potential spoilers for previous books in the series.
So, One Salt Sea, unsurprisingly, takes us to yet another land of the fae. The Undersea. Not to get ahead of myself, at the start of the story Toby is called before The Queen of the Mists – never a pleasant experience for her to be honest – and she discovers that two young boys have been kidnapped. Sons of the Duchess of Lorden, who rules the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist. Now, knowing Toby as we do, she’s going to go rushing into the fray and try to find the boys – which is all good but, she needs to find the boys fast, prove that the Queen of the Mists was not involved in their abduction and, by doing so, prevent a war between the land and the sea fae. Wars between the fae never go well!
Now, I can’t really go too much into the plot, similar to my other reviews for the Daye books – Toby has an investigation to undertake, she has a timeframe and she has someone trying to stop her – someone who isn’t abiding by Oberon’s Laws.
For me the absolute best part of this series is the way that McGuire adds layer by layer with each new book. Every time you pick one of these up you know that something else will be revealed. At the start of this series Toby is at rock bottom. She’s estranged from her family, she has no friends, no real prospects, she’s in a seriously dark place. Over the course of the past five books though what a transformation McGuire has wrought. Toby is now surrounded by people who care about her and want to help and some of these people are pretty high up on the ‘don’t mess with me’ ladder. The Luidaeg. I love this character. The Sea Witch that every one is scared of and yet here she is in Toby’s corner. We have a fetch that is no longer a fetch! May, who not only isn’t a harbinger of Toby’s death but has been actively involved in keeping her alive. Then of course we have Tybalt and the slow burning romance that exists between Toby and the King of Cats – even though they’re both in denial about it. On top of this – we get to visit the Undersea, we uncover some rather massive secrets and things get very dark indeed culminating in a shocking and emotional conclusion.
Another great instalment. If you’re looking for a new urban fantasy then give this a try.
Ashes of Honor (October Daye #6) by Seanan McGuire readalong week #2
15 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Ashes of Honor, October Daye, Readalong week 2, Seanan McGuire
Today is week two of our readalong of Ashes of Honour (October Daye #6) by Seanan McGuire The schedule is over on Goodreads and this week I am hosting the questions. With the customary warning about potential spoilers lets get straight to the A&A.
The court of cats is once again visited following yet more disaster. What did you make of the visit this time and the way Toby was received?
It was very strange wasn’t it. Like some of the cats are starting to find out that trouble seems to follow Toby – or at least that’s the way they perceive it. It’s also a little odd because it’s not that long since Toby was helping to retrieve lost children on behalf of so many of the fae, including the cats, and seemed to have won their favour as a result. Memories are short I suppose. I think that we’re seeing a bit of prejudice leaking out now – maybe it’s okay for Toby to be befriended by the Court of Cats but not for their own ruler to be so openly admiring of her?
What do you think of Toby’s chances of being able to stop Chelsea – or to use the potion that Walther has concocted?
This is an odd one – Chelsea seems to be a bit of a whirling dervish so just how easy it’s going to be to apply this potion remains to be seen. I also have a bad feeling about it and hope it doesn’t go horribly wrong – like maybe Toby ends up with her powers absent for a year and a day!!
I’m very curious about why the policeman is tailing Toby? Any ideas about why?
This puzzles me. Either he’s very curious after having seen Toby at the centre of a couple of missing children scenarios or he’s starting to suspect that something is a bit ‘off’ about her – I suppose theres also the possibility that he could be something different himself or, finally, maybe it’s all going to tie in with the whole ‘humans becoming more aware of the fae’ theme.
We once again find ourselves at Tamed Lightning and meet up with Li Qin. What were your feelings on revisiting, did anything stand out and what did you make of Li Qin. Also we learnt more about the world of Faerie. Discuss.
I really enjoyed revisiting Tamed Lightning and would like to think that this whole revisiting places we’ve already been is going to be a regular occurrence. Li Qin seems very interesting. I like the way she immediately stepped in to help Toby out. I feel very sad for her to be honest because she’s obviously, and rightly, so sad and lonely. I was really interested in the whole world building of faerie. I’m not going to pretend that I fully understand who Faerie works just yet but I was particularly interested in the four realms – Land, Undersea, Oversky and Fire – which is like the four elements, earth, water, air and fire and I was curious if added to this will be the fifth element added – spirit or aether?
Duchess Riordan seems to be involved somehow with Chelsea’s disappearance or at least to know something. Any guesses as to her motives or who she was talking to?
I’m drawing a blank although she seemed to be talking to a male on the phone. I’m not sure why Riordan would become involved – in fact I’m not sure why any of the fae would take part in this if it could potentially undermine the fabric of Faerie. I can only assume that Riordan has political motivation and ambitions of more rule.
What were your impressions of Dreamer’s Glass and do you think there was a reason why we got to pay particular attention to it’s coat of arms?
It’s a crazy place isn’t it. Tacky much!! OMG Riordan is so pleased with herself as well openly looking for compliments about her decorating. The coat of arms was curious to me – I wondered why it was being paid attention to – I always can’t help thinking there must be a reason and obviously it brings to mind Sleeping Beauty – both in terms of the Lady of Shallot and the Spindle!
Finally, we should talk about Toby and Tybalt. There was that kiss after all. What are your feelings/predictions in respect to the two of them?
Well, it feels like the two of them are finally taking small steps to acknowledge that there is something between them. That being said, this isn’t going to be easy is it! Ohh, but that kiss!!!!
Ashes of Honor (October Daye #6) by Seanan McGuire readalong week #1
8 October 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Ashes of Honor, October Day #6, readalong week 1, Seanan McGuire
1. The opening scenes in this book are interesting enough to touch on: This is the first time we’ve been given a plot that brings mortal belief in or knowledge of the Fae into the equation. That can’t end well… Can it? What are your thoughts on this so far?
This seems like something very refreshing to the series. So far it feels like the series has focused mainly on the supernatural and we have had very little involvement with everyday people and that’s not really surprising because the fae go to such lengths to hide their existence so this feels like a really new development. At the moment, given the horror that everyone has so far demonstrated over this potential broach in secrecy, then clearly this is not a good thing. However, I’m tempted to say that with only one person being aware of the fae, I’m not sure how much damage this would really cause? I suppose it depends on how much ‘other’ damage takes place with this latest missing child.
2. Etienne and Bridget: Didn’t see that one coming! What do you make of the usually uptight Etienne’s rule-breaking past? Any predictions for what might become of him if/when the dust settles?
I’m flabbergasted to be honest. Etienne is such a stickler that this just feels jaw dropping doesn’t it – I like it though. Who knew that Etienne could be so ‘real’. Breaking the rules! I really can’t guess at how he will be punished but I’m hoping that Sylvester will go easy on him – that being said I suppose it depends on the fallout.
3. For that matter, let’s discuss Bridget a little more. This is the first time anyone mortal has been more than peripherally involved in any part of this story, and she is determined to stay on the defensive. Do you think this is a smart choice, or trouble waiting to happen?
I think Bridget is tipping the scales of hysteria at the moment but that’s understandable with her daughter missing. I think she needs to trust Toby a little more but given her own knowledge she seems determined to go down the route of mistrust – at the moment she feels like she could explode in a very troublesome way. I’m surprised that she didn’t get in touch with Etienne before – she really should have tried to understand a little bit more about what was going on but I think she was clearly to scared to do so. It feels like she’s always anticipated her daughter being taken away and so has tried desperately to hide her – but this could now be backfiring terribly.
4. So the tables were turned on Tybalt a little after the events at the end of One Salt Sea: It’s been a year, Toby’s been avoiding him for a change, and it seems our kitty-cat was pining… But now things seem to be turning around, in a nod to the plot thread of Toby building healthier relationships… Might this finally be the start of something more for them?
I feel like a change is in the offing somehow – it’s taken a few books to reach this point but I definitely get the impression that things are going to change and there seems like an almost restless impatience to Tybalt – like he’s made up his mind about something! Time will tell.
One Salt Sea by Seanan McGuire readalong week No3
17 September 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: October Daye, One Salt Sea, Seanan McGuire
Today is week three of our radalong for One Salt Sea.
The schedule is below with relevant links.
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
Now to the questions with the customary warning regarding spoilers
Firstly, I’m curious as to why Rayseline would want a war – any thoughts on this at all – is there something else at stake?
i don’t really understand Rayseline to be honest and I don’t understand what she would want to provoke a war for. I don’t see what she stands to gain really. I almost wonder if she’s being used by somebody else although that doesn’t seem to be immediately apparent.
We got another visit from the night haunts – they seemed almost incredibly helpful and didn’t seem to require anything from Toby – do you think they’d be that helpful to just everyone or is Toby getting special treatment?
I think this aspect of the story is really fascinating to be honest. I’m just really intrigued. I don’t particularly feel any fear for Toby during these visits and I can’t help wondering if Toby’s own genetic make up and her affinity with blood has something to do with that?
All sorts of strange prophecies from the Roane – any light to cast on what they all mean?
Unfortunately as I’m away from home I can’t include my quotes! But the Roxane did quite a bit of prophesising and none of it gave me a good feeling, I can’t help but worry about Toby’s daughter in all of this.
Raj is playing more of a role – are we going to have two squires as oppose to one do you think?
I think there’s a possibility or maybe I’m just hoping so. I like the way Quinten and Raj interact and I think it would be really cool for him to spend more time with Toby.
The Luidaeg – always seems to know more than she lets on and only helps when circumstances are dire – any thoughts about why that is?
I really don’t understand it. It feels like her hands are tied. Like there’s some external force or other being that won’t allow her to interfere with Toby’s comings and goings unless things become really dire. She is a great character and one of my favourites to be honest. Just very mysterious!
Apologies for the brevity and lack of images but I’m away at the moment so a bit constrained. Can’t wait to read the outcome of this now.
One Salt Sea (October Daye #5) by Seanan McGuire readalong week No.2
10 September 2016
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: October Daye, One Salt Sea, Readalong week 2, Seanan McGuire
Today is week two 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. We get to meet Dianda Lorden, the Duchess of Saltmist, and Toby takes her first (somewhat unconventional) trip to the Undersea. What are your first impressions of Dianda and her realm?
I love it to be honest. There’s a wealth of imagination here and this fae Undersea makes for great reading. Plus it feels pretty unique as we don’t often seem to read about underwater fae knowes. The Duchess of Saltmist doesn’t feel like someone to mess with does she! I wouldn’t want to get on her wrong side.
2. Rocks and hard places: we find out that Rayseline is the one who took the boys, but that she must have had help… Any ideas about who could be working with her?
I can’t help thinking the Queen of the Mists had something to do with it although I have no reason to think that other than she seems to act weirdly most of the time – and I can’t figure out why she would want to start a war – other than she seems a little bit insane!
3. Toby’s daughter is kidnapped, and thus the plot thickens – right along with the romantic drama! Any theories about where the story might go from here?
OMG – what a final chapter to end on. I never even thought about Toby’s daughter being in danger but in actual fact it makes sense now – why wouldn’t Rayseline try and hit Toby where it hurts most! Plus this changes things doesn’t it because surely Toby will be conflicted now – she has to find the boys and prevent war – but she also has to find her own daughter – and so it feels like this is definitely going to throw a spanner in the works! It almost makes me think as well that Toby will maybe be faced with a choice of who to save – but I don’t know how I reached that conclusion!
I loved this week’s chapters. Lots going on and I loved visiting the Underseas. Such a spot to end the week on though. Goblins, Tybalt, kissing! Oh my.
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
Books and travelling with Lynn 
To make matters worse, Toby’s just been asked to find another missing child…only this time it’s the changeling daughter of her fellow knight, Etienne, who didn’t even know he was a father until the girl went missing. Her name is Chelsea. She’s a teleporter, like her father. She’s also the kind of changeling the old stories warn about, the ones with all the strength and none of the control. She’s opening doors that were never meant to be opened, releasing dangers that were sealed away centuries before—and there’s a good chance she could destroy Faerie if she isn’t stopped.
Now Toby must find Chelsea before time runs out, racing against an unknown deadline and through unknown worlds as she and her allies try to avert disaster. But danger is also stirring in the Court of Cats, and Tybalt may need Toby’s help with the biggest challenge he’s ever faced.
Toby thought the last year was bad. She has no idea.