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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
Another day, another urban fantasy series featuring a funny, stressed, strangely relatable main character.
It is not the best I have ever read, but October Daye is solidly entertaining and a cozy, easy read.
It is not the best I have ever read, but October Daye is solidly entertaining and a cozy, easy read.
This was solid. Being a strong urban fantasy - strong on the urban, strong on the fantasy, steeped in the realm of Faerie - it gave me immediate flashbacks to my first time reading the Dresden Files. This has fewer stumbling blocks than Harry's first two times out of the gate, however, and sticks its characters, descriptions, and landing. We follow October (Toby) Daye, cashier by night, and detective by day (when on assignment). She's half fae, she's broke, and she gets compelled into trying to solve a murder a couple chapters in. The compulsion is so strong, the binding so powerful, she might very well die if she does not find out whodunit in a timely manner. I love Toby and her cats, and I enjoyed looking at the Fae through her eyes and McGuire's personal worldview of the Fae, which is familiar to me after many trips to the fantasy well but a little different with each author's interpretation - which is, I think, how the Faerie want it. McGuire has solid plotting, solid dialogue, and the twists and reveals are well paced and well executed. There are a few fumbles in the middle but Toby and I recovered and saw it through. I will be checking out more in the series when I get to it, this was fun. (Not as much fun as InCryptid or Wayward Children, but maybe I just have a soft spot for talking mice and yeti.)
Strongly recommended to anyone needing some urban fantasy until the new Dresden Files hits this summer, and fans of mystery novels.
Strongly recommended to anyone needing some urban fantasy until the new Dresden Files hits this summer, and fans of mystery novels.
At times the story seemed to be going in circles, but I thought it had a pretty satisfying ending, with obvious openings for future books.
I really wanted to like this book. The world was interesting and well written, with a unique view of magic and Fae. I was just so frustrated by the blind choices the main character kept making. Instead of using smarts or talent, she did lots of handwaving when people tried to talk her out of her bad ideas. It was lucky turn, after lucky turn and halfway I felt no danger for her. I won't be picking up the next book in this series.
As always, a wonderful beginning to a series I love. While the wording can sometimes be "off," Seanan comes into her own as a urban fantasy author throughout this series.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
I recommend that fans of Jim Butcher check out this series and McGuire's InCryptid series of books. The October Daye novels bring elements of Celtic folklore seamlessly into an urban fantasy setting.
I have been aware of this book for almost a decade. I have never read this book, despite taking it out of the library multiple times, for 18 weeks at a time (don't judge me, that's what my library allows). So, I was underwhelmed by my self induced hype. I wanted more from this? Maybe I'll read a couple more of the series to see where it goes and if Toby progresses as a character.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Torn between a 3.5 and a 4. This was my first foray into urban fantasy, and I really enjoyed it.