Scan barcode
mamap's review
I really enjoy Toby and the family she has created for herself - it's hard to care of other people - open yourself up to pain, but it also makes life sweeter, especially when you can see the other side of the story.
Toby is surprised with a. trip to Canada to finally get the wedding she's wanted. Quentin has to hid himself form his family as he's going home, but things are not all as they seem. Toby has to unravel another mystery and attempted assassination before she can "finally" get married.
p. 1. "When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions." Shakespeare, Hamlet
p.2. "Weird is what we do around here. Weird is the only way we now how to live."
p. 10. "The easiest way to solve a mystery is to run straight toward it and knock it into as may pieces as possible."
p.15. "Always horrifying drama. In this house, horrifying drama is never a sometimes food."
p. 51. "Faerie's relationship to physics is often casual at best, and sometimes it consists of Faerie promising to call when physics knows it never will."
p.86. "Emotions can be contradictory is what I'm saying."
p.92. "Standing on ceremony means you're never on solid ground ...."
p. 109. "Why anyone would theme a hotel on 'smell faintly like pancakes at all times' as the Canadian dream, I didn't know, but hey, who am I to judge? My house is furnished in early thrift sore, with a side order of don't these people know that recycling is a thing, and you don't have to keep every single scrap of paper forever."
p. 116 "Grief is a weight that you can't put down, only transmute into other things, and once it lands on your shoulders you have to wait for time's erosion to lift it all. We're all Atlas, in a way. We carry the sins of our past, and al the things we think we've lost, and we might as well do it forever for as long as it can seem to last."
p. 137. "There are days when I think Dochas Sidhe aren't designed so much to manipulate the workings of the blood as we ar etc cause problems everywhere we go. It would make a lot of things make a lot more sense if that were the case."
p. 140. "Some moments are meant to be savored, to preserved."
p.303 "We live in stories, but we're not stories, and sometimes the best endings are the ones no one sees coming."
Toby is surprised with a. trip to Canada to finally get the wedding she's wanted. Quentin has to hid himself form his family as he's going home, but things are not all as they seem. Toby has to unravel another mystery and attempted assassination before she can "finally" get married.
p. 1. "When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions." Shakespeare, Hamlet
p.2. "Weird is what we do around here. Weird is the only way we now how to live."
p. 10. "The easiest way to solve a mystery is to run straight toward it and knock it into as may pieces as possible."
p.15. "Always horrifying drama. In this house, horrifying drama is never a sometimes food."
p. 51. "Faerie's relationship to physics is often casual at best, and sometimes it consists of Faerie promising to call when physics knows it never will."
p.86. "Emotions can be contradictory is what I'm saying."
p.92. "Standing on ceremony means you're never on solid ground ...."
p. 109. "Why anyone would theme a hotel on 'smell faintly like pancakes at all times' as the Canadian dream, I didn't know, but hey, who am I to judge? My house is furnished in early thrift sore, with a side order of don't these people know that recycling is a thing, and you don't have to keep every single scrap of paper forever."
p. 116 "Grief is a weight that you can't put down, only transmute into other things, and once it lands on your shoulders you have to wait for time's erosion to lift it all. We're all Atlas, in a way. We carry the sins of our past, and al the things we think we've lost, and we might as well do it forever for as long as it can seem to last."
p. 137. "There are days when I think Dochas Sidhe aren't designed so much to manipulate the workings of the blood as we ar etc cause problems everywhere we go. It would make a lot of things make a lot more sense if that were the case."
p. 140. "Some moments are meant to be savored, to preserved."
p.303 "We live in stories, but we're not stories, and sometimes the best endings are the ones no one sees coming."
bethtabler's review
4.0
Usually, when I read a Seanan McGuire book, such as her newest October Daye book, When Sorrows Come releasing soon, I fall face first into it and do not come up for air until the book is over and I am near dead. I am sad to say that did not happen. I wish it had.
A bit about where we are in the October Daye series and in When Sorrows Come specifically. This is the fifteenth book in the October Daye series, plus multiple short stories and novellas. It is a big world with a substantial backstory incorporating myths and legends of various cultures worldwide. The story's main character is the titular October Daye, daughter of Amadine the Liar, one of the firstborn children of the King of Fairie. Her love is The King of Cats, Tybalt. Their love has been a long time coming; it has been full of twists, turns, and drama. But at the end of the day, their love is two unlikely people finding that familiar spark between them igniting a bonfire of passion at first, but that eventually simmers down to a love and familiar that you spend lifetimes protecting.
A few books back, Tybalt asked October to marry him. Marriage in itself is fraught with all sorts of issues as October is a half-born or changeling child and a hero of the realm. The changelings are not a protected class in fairy, and being a hero requires heroic acts and stepping into uncomfortable situations. October has also had various difficulties that come about through the neglect that she faced at the hands of her mother that she has fought hard to overcome. This is very honestly told and addressed throughout the series and affects her love life. I believe McGuire has handled her difficulties with care. one thing that McGuire is as an author is one where representation is hugely important and is prevalent throughout her work. I respect that and love that about her work.
In this story, October is finally getting married to Tybalt. Things are never that simple though...
October and Tybalt have been requestatold to come to the high king's knowe in Ontario to have the ceremony. This is a great honor but also stacked with logistical issues. McGuire spends a lot of time on these at the beginning of the story. And as always, through passive resistance, Toby wants nothing to do with wedding planning and logistical issues. She wants to show up and marry. Futzing is not something she is good at. I get this as a part of her character. Frillyness is not part of October's personality.
However, I think this tiny bit of passive resistance irked me in this setting. Instead of it coming off as a part of October's personality makeup, it came off a little like a toddler stamping her foot. I felt like it was time for October to embrace her destiny, even in small things and even if it was for just a few moments. Her family and friends have done a lot for her, and while October, as you will see as the story progresses, whether this is by destiny or her insatiable need to help, she cannot stay out of things. An attempted coup happens right as the festivities begin. And the shenanigans begin.
I get that all of October's stories have a mystery element, which is an essential part of the makeup of the series. However, just this once, the mystery part felt shoe-horned into a much bigger narrative of them finally getting married. Tybalt seems careworn trying to get this woman to the alter. Honestly, McGuire could have written this as a novella. I enjoyed the story, especially the ending. It was still a fun time. But it did not have the charming effect I look forward to when diving into one of her books.
When Sorrows Came is still very much worth still reading. But only if you have read the other books in the series. You have to read this one because we are fifteen books in. There are still many unanswered questions, and two future books planned that I know of. And while this certainly seemed like the weakest of the entire series, I cannot wait to continue with Toby's story.
A bit about where we are in the October Daye series and in When Sorrows Come specifically. This is the fifteenth book in the October Daye series, plus multiple short stories and novellas. It is a big world with a substantial backstory incorporating myths and legends of various cultures worldwide. The story's main character is the titular October Daye, daughter of Amadine the Liar, one of the firstborn children of the King of Fairie. Her love is The King of Cats, Tybalt. Their love has been a long time coming; it has been full of twists, turns, and drama. But at the end of the day, their love is two unlikely people finding that familiar spark between them igniting a bonfire of passion at first, but that eventually simmers down to a love and familiar that you spend lifetimes protecting.
A few books back, Tybalt asked October to marry him. Marriage in itself is fraught with all sorts of issues as October is a half-born or changeling child and a hero of the realm. The changelings are not a protected class in fairy, and being a hero requires heroic acts and stepping into uncomfortable situations. October has also had various difficulties that come about through the neglect that she faced at the hands of her mother that she has fought hard to overcome. This is very honestly told and addressed throughout the series and affects her love life. I believe McGuire has handled her difficulties with care. one thing that McGuire is as an author is one where representation is hugely important and is prevalent throughout her work. I respect that and love that about her work.
In this story, October is finally getting married to Tybalt. Things are never that simple though...
October and Tybalt have been requestatold to come to the high king's knowe in Ontario to have the ceremony. This is a great honor but also stacked with logistical issues. McGuire spends a lot of time on these at the beginning of the story. And as always, through passive resistance, Toby wants nothing to do with wedding planning and logistical issues. She wants to show up and marry. Futzing is not something she is good at. I get this as a part of her character. Frillyness is not part of October's personality.
However, I think this tiny bit of passive resistance irked me in this setting. Instead of it coming off as a part of October's personality makeup, it came off a little like a toddler stamping her foot. I felt like it was time for October to embrace her destiny, even in small things and even if it was for just a few moments. Her family and friends have done a lot for her, and while October, as you will see as the story progresses, whether this is by destiny or her insatiable need to help, she cannot stay out of things. An attempted coup happens right as the festivities begin. And the shenanigans begin.
I get that all of October's stories have a mystery element, which is an essential part of the makeup of the series. However, just this once, the mystery part felt shoe-horned into a much bigger narrative of them finally getting married. Tybalt seems careworn trying to get this woman to the alter. Honestly, McGuire could have written this as a novella. I enjoyed the story, especially the ending. It was still a fun time. But it did not have the charming effect I look forward to when diving into one of her books.
When Sorrows Came is still very much worth still reading. But only if you have read the other books in the series. You have to read this one because we are fifteen books in. There are still many unanswered questions, and two future books planned that I know of. And while this certainly seemed like the weakest of the entire series, I cannot wait to continue with Toby's story.
kate_and_books's review
3.0
2.5 ☆
Finally Toby gets hitched. This could have easily been at least 60+ pages shorter because we get the 101 what has happened in the last fourteen books for October. I did not need the repeat to be honest if you have lasted for fourteen books you are a fan and know what has happened.
A novella would have been best for the wedding etc. The plot was more of a sideline than anything else.
Finally Toby gets hitched. This could have easily been at least 60+ pages shorter because we get the 101 what has happened in the last fourteen books for October. I did not need the repeat to be honest if you have lasted for fourteen books you are a fan and know what has happened.
A novella would have been best for the wedding etc. The plot was more of a sideline than anything else.
rusticreadingal's review against another edition
4.0
I was equal parts excited and nervous for this book. Finally, the wedding! But knowing Toby and the destruction that always seems to follow her, along with the ominous title of the book, I had serious doubts about if the wedding would actually take place. I don't want to say too much, but there were definitely some worrisome and stressful moments, some sweet and heartwarming moments, too.
Toby's attacked the day before her wedding in what looks to be a calculated attempt at destabilizing the regional monarchy. Toby's nickname as “the King-Breaker” has set her up to be the perfect scapegoat in the assassination attempt of the High King of the Westlands, who's hosting the wedding. Can they stop the plot to overthrow the King and make it to the wedding? Or is the kingdom, and wedding, doomed for failure?
I will say that it seemed to take this book a little while to really get going. There were a lot of recaps in the beginning, and while I appreciated the refresh (there's been a lot of time and other books in between), it kinda felt redundant after a while. But I'd say around 20% in, things really started to ramp up, the recaps lessened, and it became the action-packed and engaging story I've come to expect.
NOTE: This book does contain some strong language.
Toby's attacked the day before her wedding in what looks to be a calculated attempt at destabilizing the regional monarchy. Toby's nickname as “the King-Breaker” has set her up to be the perfect scapegoat in the assassination attempt of the High King of the Westlands, who's hosting the wedding. Can they stop the plot to overthrow the King and make it to the wedding? Or is the kingdom, and wedding, doomed for failure?
I will say that it seemed to take this book a little while to really get going. There were a lot of recaps in the beginning, and while I appreciated the refresh (there's been a lot of time and other books in between), it kinda felt redundant after a while. But I'd say around 20% in, things really started to ramp up, the recaps lessened, and it became the action-packed and engaging story I've come to expect.
NOTE: This book does contain some strong language.
kitty_whimsical's review
5.0
Pure, perfect joy. And blood, potential uprising, and political problems, but it’s Toby. That kind of thing has the tendency to just happen around her.
I loved this book so, so much. And the accompanying novella was perfect. It felt more like an epilogue than an anything else.
I loved this book so, so much. And the accompanying novella was perfect. It felt more like an epilogue than an anything else.
mystimayhem's review
5.0
I just love this series. I still stand by my opinion that Toby and Tybalt's relationship was underdeveloped in the series, however I still love them as a couple. They both changed to be better people for each other while completely accepting one another, faults included. Tybalt won't back down where Toby's eating disorder is concerned (constantly and lovingly reminding her to take care of herself, making sure there's always good she enjoys at hand, etc) but he accepts that she's going to purposely piss people off and fiercely fight for the people she loves. Her accepts that she'll put herself in harm's way over and over again, asking only that she recruit backup and try not to die. I really love that.
***Spoilers***
I also love that Quentin and Raj both called her mom! I love that Sylvester and Simon show up at the wedding! And Julie and Gilly. It was such a sweet book! It could've used Dianda though; I love how fucking of the wall bloodthirsty she is.
***Spoilers***
I also love that Quentin and Raj both called her mom! I love that Sylvester and Simon show up at the wedding! And Julie and Gilly. It was such a sweet book! It could've used Dianda though; I love how fucking of the wall bloodthirsty she is.
franklyfrank's review
2.0
Going to blame COVID for this entire tragedy. What. The. Entire. Fuck. What’s up with so many 5 stars ?
I have so many questions like did we really need a novella that was really an epilogue to continue to story ? Seriously. Hoping the next installment she gets her shit together LOL.
I have so many questions like did we really need a novella that was really an epilogue to continue to story ? Seriously. Hoping the next installment she gets her shit together LOL.