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bookish_caprice's review against another edition
4.0
The series are quite good. The world is fascinating, and stories have unexpected twists and turns..
Only I hate constant repetition in every single book, every single time and about every single thing.. again and again.. sometimes few times in a book.. that's tiring to read every time.. especially explanation in the middle of the conversation.. I have to skip 2-3 pages every time i see it.
Only I hate constant repetition in every single book, every single time and about every single thing.. again and again.. sometimes few times in a book.. that's tiring to read every time.. especially explanation in the middle of the conversation.. I have to skip 2-3 pages every time i see it.
vorsoisson's review against another edition
4.0
A solid addition to the series. McGuire is finding ways to work around the classic problem of long-running series, that the protagonist gradually becomes too powerful and accumulates too many sidekicks. This installment manages to add enough nuance to the political problem at its heart to keep it from having an obviously simple solution, and a mystery that keeps the plot moving. I particularly enjoyed the Arden-centric novella included at the end of this edition; much as I like Toby, I'm ready to see more additions to this universe from other points of view.
amym84's review against another edition
5.0
4.5
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
The end of Red-Rose Chain found October Daye deposing another regent, this time in The Kingdom of Silences (and yes Toby is gaining quite the reputation). In the process, October and her band of merry accomplices also happened upon the cure to elf-shot. As you know, elf-shot is seen as a “safe” weapon of choice. It puts those shot to sleep for one hundred years, in lieu of outright killing them, and therefore gets the wielder of said weapon around the pesky illegality of killing another Fae. We’ll not even bother to mention the fact that elf-shot is deadly to changelings.
Now the High King and Queen of the Westlands are bringing together a conclave of those prominent Fae of the region to determine whether or not the distribution of the cure should happen. Toby has also found herself in required attendance, and of course where Toby leads, death will follow. When the King of Angels turns up dead, Toby find herself back in the role of investigator trying to figure out why the King of Angels was targeted and who might be next.
Right off the bat, I really appreciated the lovely map at the beginning of the book. Now I’m just waiting for the official Faerie family tree to be released! In all seriousness, though, the map comes in handy because Once Broken Faith introduces a lot of new regents and kingdoms and I liked being able to actually see where they are in relation to the Mists. So big thumbs up for that one!
On that note, I really liked getting to see more of this world. Yes, Toby’s investigations have caused her to leave The Mists before and travel to other Kingdoms, but so far, only to a select few. The best thing about Once Broken Faith was everything takes place within Queen Windermere’s knowe. So we kind of have this “locked-room” mystery happening, but it made handling the addition of so many new/different kingdoms really accessible.
I’d also go so far as to say that this has been one of the most straightforward cases for Toby to solve. Not a lot of outside influences because, again, everything takes place within one knowe. I think it’s the closest we’ll ever get to Toby having somewhat of a break and, trust me, when you read this one, you might think I’m crazy for that statement, but if you think back on the last few books in the series, you’ll see this one is a bit toned down, for me that was definitely not a bad thing. Plus, the Luidaeg keeping pretentious purebloods on their toes is never something to be missed.
One of the reasons for the milder mystery was the fact that the conclave’s determination on elf-shot is a really important moment for the Tobyverse. Just think of all the characters that have been elf-shot over the course of this series thus far. The decision made will greatly affect, good or bad, further storylines. I’m really happy that Seanan McGuire devoted time to the issue in this book.
Once Broken Faith will undoubtedly please readers of the series. Hands down this series is one of, if not the, best urban fantasy dealing with the Fae out there.
Originally posted at Vampire Book Club
The end of Red-Rose Chain found October Daye deposing another regent, this time in The Kingdom of Silences (and yes Toby is gaining quite the reputation). In the process, October and her band of merry accomplices also happened upon the cure to elf-shot. As you know, elf-shot is seen as a “safe” weapon of choice. It puts those shot to sleep for one hundred years, in lieu of outright killing them, and therefore gets the wielder of said weapon around the pesky illegality of killing another Fae. We’ll not even bother to mention the fact that elf-shot is deadly to changelings.
Now the High King and Queen of the Westlands are bringing together a conclave of those prominent Fae of the region to determine whether or not the distribution of the cure should happen. Toby has also found herself in required attendance, and of course where Toby leads, death will follow. When the King of Angels turns up dead, Toby find herself back in the role of investigator trying to figure out why the King of Angels was targeted and who might be next.
Right off the bat, I really appreciated the lovely map at the beginning of the book. Now I’m just waiting for the official Faerie family tree to be released! In all seriousness, though, the map comes in handy because Once Broken Faith introduces a lot of new regents and kingdoms and I liked being able to actually see where they are in relation to the Mists. So big thumbs up for that one!
On that note, I really liked getting to see more of this world. Yes, Toby’s investigations have caused her to leave The Mists before and travel to other Kingdoms, but so far, only to a select few. The best thing about Once Broken Faith was everything takes place within Queen Windermere’s knowe. So we kind of have this “locked-room” mystery happening, but it made handling the addition of so many new/different kingdoms really accessible.
I’d also go so far as to say that this has been one of the most straightforward cases for Toby to solve. Not a lot of outside influences because, again, everything takes place within one knowe. I think it’s the closest we’ll ever get to Toby having somewhat of a break and, trust me, when you read this one, you might think I’m crazy for that statement, but if you think back on the last few books in the series, you’ll see this one is a bit toned down, for me that was definitely not a bad thing. Plus, the Luidaeg keeping pretentious purebloods on their toes is never something to be missed.
One of the reasons for the milder mystery was the fact that the conclave’s determination on elf-shot is a really important moment for the Tobyverse. Just think of all the characters that have been elf-shot over the course of this series thus far. The decision made will greatly affect, good or bad, further storylines. I’m really happy that Seanan McGuire devoted time to the issue in this book.
Once Broken Faith will undoubtedly please readers of the series. Hands down this series is one of, if not the, best urban fantasy dealing with the Fae out there.
practisingmothman's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mamap's review against another edition
4.0
I stalled on reading this one to make it last as long as possible and I'm grateful for the novella at the end of the book - it improved the tone of the whole thing.
While I understand it's just one adventure in a series - I do like a little more depth and progression - not just scary near deaths of people I care for - what does the Luidaeg have planned for Toby? What is Nolan like? When will Tybalt and Toby get married? How is May? Why is Amandine the Liar? And now that Rayselline is up - what's that about? And when does Toby do in the Winterrose -cuz it's time!
Intersting discussion of the 2 sides of the loaded question - to cure elf-shot or not. It's all about Time.
And love that Arden has a friend in Cassandra.
While I understand it's just one adventure in a series - I do like a little more depth and progression - not just scary near deaths of people I care for - what does the Luidaeg have planned for Toby? What is Nolan like? When will Tybalt and Toby get married? How is May? Why is Amandine the Liar? And now that Rayselline is up - what's that about? And when does Toby do in the Winterrose -cuz it's time!
Intersting discussion of the 2 sides of the loaded question - to cure elf-shot or not. It's all about Time.
And love that Arden has a friend in Cassandra.
ehwilltolive's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
The fact that, 10 books into this series, Seanan McGuire manages to keep the stakes high yet different, and have me genuinely worrying for the survival of characters? Baffling and incredible. Always my favorite author, and every book of hers I read makes that title feel even more justified.
vishnork's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kate_and_books's review against another edition
5.0
We are back on track to a fantastic read.
Toby is the Hero of the realm and her life consists of being
“I was born and raised in San Francisco, which explains my willingness to stay in a city that's historically been full of people who insist on trying to kill me at the slightest provocation.”
My favourite quote of the book;
"Be that as it may," Aethlin was saying, "she has now been present for the deaths of two monarchs, responsible for the replacement of two others, and directly responsible for the death of one of the Firstborn. These are issues we must consider." "I don't see why," said Sylvester. "October is a hero of the realm. It's her job to become involved with awkward situations."
"She may be a nexus for chaos and disorder, but she's not a political genius. She can barely dress herself half the time."
Toby is the Hero of the realm and her life consists of being
“I was born and raised in San Francisco, which explains my willingness to stay in a city that's historically been full of people who insist on trying to kill me at the slightest provocation.”
My favourite quote of the book;
"Be that as it may," Aethlin was saying, "she has now been present for the deaths of two monarchs, responsible for the replacement of two others, and directly responsible for the death of one of the Firstborn. These are issues we must consider." "I don't see why," said Sylvester. "October is a hero of the realm. It's her job to become involved with awkward situations."
"She may be a nexus for chaos and disorder, but she's not a political genius. She can barely dress herself half the time."
rusticreadingal's review against another edition
5.0
I look forward every year to the new October Daye book. They are always my most anticipated release of the year. After ten books, a lot of series become stale and boring, but that is so not the case with Toby and the gang. It's become my favorite urban fantasy series and I haven't been disappointed yet.
Once Broken Faith was another stellar five star book! It deals with the fallout from the discovery of the elf-shot cure. High King Sollys decides to hold a conclave to figure out what to do with the cure. Now, if you're expecting a book of long, boring speeches... well, then, you don't know Toby, lol! There's murder, courtly intrigue, heart stopping oh my gosh - did that really happen moments and so much more; pretty much everything that makes a Toby book amazing.
Highly recommended and I can't wait for the next book!
Once Broken Faith was another stellar five star book! It deals with the fallout from the discovery of the elf-shot cure. High King Sollys decides to hold a conclave to figure out what to do with the cure. Now, if you're expecting a book of long, boring speeches... well, then, you don't know Toby, lol! There's murder, courtly intrigue, heart stopping oh my gosh - did that really happen moments and so much more; pretty much everything that makes a Toby book amazing.
Highly recommended and I can't wait for the next book!
mystimayhem's review against another edition
4.0
This was a nice change of pace, having the whole book take place in one setting. It was a really fun character development exercise. It was fun learning about other kingdoms too.