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memurrell's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
arendaes's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I've been on a mission to re-read the October Daye series for a while now. I keep getting set back, but I'm hopeful that this time I'll finally manage to get caught up!
One thing that's happened because of re-reading this first book for the second time in a year is that I've come to have a new appreciation for it. Back when I first read it, I was 18, An Artificial Night had just come out and that was the book I actually wanted to read, so I don't think I gave this book a chance, nor do I think teenage me had an appreciation for some of the emotions Toby experienced. Now in my 30s, I understand her so much better, and I think my reading experience was much more enjoyable as a result.
Toby's a great main character - a resourceful smartass is and always will be my favorite kind. In addition to that, she's got a backstory and trauma that, despite being very fantasy-based, feels relatable and makes me want to root for her. The supporting cast is amazing as well - shout out to the Luidaeg, who's been my favorite character in this series for as long as I've been reading it and continues to be so. The scene between her and Toby in this book is just *chef's kiss* - I love me an eons-old immortal being of dubious morals who's hiding in plain sight.
I've always enjoyed Seanan's writing. I think she paces her books well, with just the right amount of lore dropping in a way that doesn't feel info-dumpy. The world really just seems to come together so easily in her books, and it's so easy to lose myself in the story.
My only real complaints about this book are 1. Devin (I just dislike him and am very glad this is the only book we had to deal with him in) and 2. I feel things got wrapped up very quickly in the end. I guess I can understand since it's the first in a very long series, but it still feels a bit too "wrapped up in a nice bow" to me.
Overall, this is a very solid first book, and re-reading it with knowledge of what happens later in the series only heightened my enjoyment.
One thing that's happened because of re-reading this first book for the second time in a year is that I've come to have a new appreciation for it. Back when I first read it, I was 18, An Artificial Night had just come out and that was the book I actually wanted to read, so I don't think I gave this book a chance, nor do I think teenage me had an appreciation for some of the emotions Toby experienced. Now in my 30s, I understand her so much better, and I think my reading experience was much more enjoyable as a result.
Toby's a great main character - a resourceful smartass is and always will be my favorite kind. In addition to that, she's got a backstory and trauma that, despite being very fantasy-based, feels relatable and makes me want to root for her. The supporting cast is amazing as well - shout out to the Luidaeg, who's been my favorite character in this series for as long as I've been reading it and continues to be so. The scene between her and Toby in this book is just *chef's kiss* - I love me an eons-old immortal being of dubious morals who's hiding in plain sight.
I've always enjoyed Seanan's writing. I think she paces her books well, with just the right amount of lore dropping in a way that doesn't feel info-dumpy. The world really just seems to come together so easily in her books, and it's so easy to lose myself in the story.
My only real complaints about this book are 1. Devin (I just dislike him and am very glad this is the only book we had to deal with him in) and 2. I feel things got wrapped up very quickly in the end. I guess I can understand since it's the first in a very long series, but it still feels a bit too "wrapped up in a nice bow" to me.
Overall, this is a very solid first book, and re-reading it with knowledge of what happens later in the series only heightened my enjoyment.
book_gremlin42's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Murder, Physical abuse, Blood, and Child abuse
nilu_reads's review against another edition
3.0
This was the first book I read where it was set in the Faerie world primarily. Usually we get glimpses of the Faerie world in other supernatural books and this was a change to finally find a book devoted to them,
I was skeptical about reading this book since it was about Faeries but it was an interesting read as I got to see another side of the supernatural world.
What I liked about the book is that they didn't make the heroine infallible. In fact, more off than not she was getting beaten up or was "reacting" to situations. But it made sense, because here is a PI who had been out of business for 14 years so yes, she is rusty, she is finding it harder to assimilate into her old role, she is slower and it has consequences.
We were introduced to a couple of love interests and a potential future love interest, which I feel might be a slow burn. I am a sucker for slow burns.
All in all it was a good read if you want to venture into the Faerie world but my one concern is that Seanan McGuire has a habit of repeating certain "rules" about the Faerie world over and over again.. Maybe once or twice is enough Senan?
I was skeptical about reading this book since it was about Faeries but it was an interesting read as I got to see another side of the supernatural world.
What I liked about the book is that they didn't make the heroine infallible. In fact, more off than not she was getting beaten up or was "reacting" to situations. But it made sense, because here is a PI who had been out of business for 14 years so yes, she is rusty, she is finding it harder to assimilate into her old role, she is slower and it has consequences.
We were introduced to a couple of love interests and a potential future love interest, which I feel might be a slow burn. I am a sucker for slow burns.
All in all it was a good read if you want to venture into the Faerie world but my one concern is that Seanan McGuire has a habit of repeating certain "rules" about the Faerie world over and over again.. Maybe once or twice is enough Senan?
emilyexmas's review against another edition
2.0
I don’t know... it felt like reading a fanfic in that there was little to no real character development, but in fanfic that doesn’t matter because the characters are already established. It tried to be twisty-turny and just didn’t manage it well. I think it was the author’s debut novel and I loved her most recent stand alone (which had boatloads of character development and succeeded magnificently with the twisty-turniness), which was why I tried this out. I may give some other later ones a try to see if her writing becomes more polished and the characters have more to them as the series continues.
cariboushu's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The story is interesting and entertaining but very predictable. The writing clearly needed to be edited more; there’s a lot of needless repetition, and some of the phrasing isn’t confusing so much as it takes you out of the story. I found I kept having to reread sentences and paragraphs to make sure I understood and it was hard to sink into the story. The world building was interesting but too heavy handed.
I’m very interested to see where this series goes; I’ve read other work my McGuire and expect sticking around will be well worth it.
I’m very interested to see where this series goes; I’ve read other work my McGuire and expect sticking around will be well worth it.
yellow_ylugbug's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mamap's review against another edition
3.0
still don't know what the title has to do with the book. very much a mercy thompson - dresden files - type book. there is tragedy and things are not easy - not for younger teens. i like this genre so i'll continue to read her - not 'cuz it's so great, but because i'm addicted.
laura_devouring_books_crumpets's review against another edition
4.0
The only reason this is a four star is it took a little while to get into it, once I was fully submerged it was a 5!
Toby has just returned to the lands of the dry after spending 14 years as a fish, in the beginning of the book she comes across as so defeated its heartbreaking, but after one of her friends is murdered she's on a race against the clock to find out who done it......
The story is fantastic as it weaves us around the different protocols in fae and the different world that lightly connects to ours, the Mystery is nail biting as finding a solution leaves more unanswered questions.
The audio was brilliant I think the Narrator captured Toby personality to a T with a neglected dry sarcasm......
Another series to fall in love with!
Toby has just returned to the lands of the dry after spending 14 years as a fish, in the beginning of the book she comes across as so defeated its heartbreaking, but after one of her friends is murdered she's on a race against the clock to find out who done it......
The story is fantastic as it weaves us around the different protocols in fae and the different world that lightly connects to ours, the Mystery is nail biting as finding a solution leaves more unanswered questions.
The audio was brilliant I think the Narrator captured Toby personality to a T with a neglected dry sarcasm......
Another series to fall in love with!