Late Eclipses (October Daye #4)

Jun 01, 2013 Carol rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, female-lead

October Daye reminds me of that friend whom I liked a great deal, but who was a disaster waiting to happen. Make a shopping date, and she'd show up 45 minutes late and then discover she lost her credit card at the first store. We'd have some commotion looking for it, involve two or three innocent bystanders, run back and search the car, call home and convince someone to search her house until they found it, and then after much quibbling, she'd agree to borrow some money so we could go ahead and...more October Daye reminds me of that friend whom I liked a great deal, but who was a disaster waiting to happen. Make a shopping date, and she'd show up 45 minutes late and then discover she lost her credit card at the first store. We'd have some commotion looking for it, involve two or three innocent bystanders, run back and search the car, call home and convince someone to search her house until they found it, and then after much quibbling, she'd agree to borrow some money so we could go ahead and complete our mission. The good news is that October has improved quite a bit in this book and will not only actually allow friends to help, but she'll probably cut the twenty minutes of pointless arguing down to five.

What I found enjoyable in Late Eclipses is some interesting plotting, some long-awaited character development in October, and as always, various fae legends come to life. While she has seemed to believe that self-sacrifice is the most important part of problem solving, this time she's actively involving others in seeking solutions. There's also an twist involving October's heritage that is quite a surprise for her--although perhaps less so for the rest of the fae and for the series reader--and provides a number of avenues for further story development.

Still, McGuire's writing remains troubled by inconsistencies and repetition. Inconsistencies like Toby telling Tybalt "you might want to let go of me before I'm compelled to break your fingers" about ten minutes after she's mused on how good he looks in suede and leather, followed by a gentle but politically motivated kiss. Inconsistencies like stating Oleander is the biggest nightmare known to Lord Sylvester's court, but that she's probably just a legend to most fae. Character inconsistencies like Etienne believing October saw Oleander after the ball, but then tried to attack her because she fled "the Queen's justice," which was understood to be a death sentence. Then there's the repetition: if I've read don't say "thank you" to the fae, I've read it twenty times, and in this book, we add in "don't talk about fae deaths to the purebloods."

October is still a bit of a dope and could certainly use a cell phone instead of charging back and forth across San Francisco and Faerie. Physical movement often takes the place of actual plot points, but at least in this book, her willingness to involve the group means we have greater opportunity to interact with Danny the taxi-driving troll and May the doppelganger as we go. I could pass on the developing love-triangle (Team Tybalt! Team Connor!) but at the moment it isn't overpowering the story.

Overall, a number of improvements in character that keep the series readable. The fae world is as always, creative and fascinating, so I'm sure I'll be looking for the next book.

Three and a half stars.

Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/0...
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Mar 03, 2011 All Things Urban Fantasy added it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-by-julia

From the first book, ROSEMARY AND RUE, it has felt like I jumped into the October Daye series “in media res.” Quickly swept away by action and character development, I had for the most part forgotten Toby’s mysterious past. LATE ECLIPSES not only brings it all back, but also explodes Toby’s own preconceived ideas about herself and her heritage. While not a cliff hanger, this book ends poised at the top of an arc, and I can’t wait to read where all of this forward momentum is going to take the se...more From the first book, ROSEMARY AND RUE, it has felt like I jumped into the October Daye series “in media res.” Quickly swept away by action and character development, I had for the most part forgotten Toby’s mysterious past. LATE ECLIPSES not only brings it all back, but also explodes Toby’s own preconceived ideas about herself and her heritage. While not a cliff hanger, this book ends poised at the top of an arc, and I can’t wait to read where all of this forward momentum is going to take the series.

If book #3, AN ARTIFICIAL NIGHT, took us out of Toby’s daily life and deep into the mythos of fairy, LATE ECLIPSES stays very much on her home turf. Unfortunately for Toby, that doesn’t mean there isn’t danger and intrigue, it just means her friends and family are in the line of fire. Flitting about Toby’s consciousness, amidst mysterious sicknesses and political attacks, hints of Oleander de Merelands are appearing. One of the people responsible for Toby’s fourteen year stint as a gold fish, the loss of her husband and child, and the twisted madness of her beloved liege lord's daughter, Oleander is one of the boogeymen of fairy, an evil individual and twisted assassin. No one wants to believe that Oleander is back, and even Toby is unsure of her own sanity at the suggestion, adding a psychological twist to a story that I already found compelling.

While the action is certainly non-stop, it was the characters that held my undivided attention. The book starts with glimpses of the home life Toby and May have built for themselves, and in the deadly cascade of events that follows, the possibility that they could lose that relationship was the one thought that really tugged at my heartstrings. In addition to May, Tybalt and Connor both share significant page time. I felt like I learned more about Tybalt and Toby’s past relationship, as well as saw hints of it’s future. However, McGuire isn’t committing Toby to any one romantic path. Connor has always been the one that got away, and despite being married, the sexual tension (and his criminally insane wife) keep things interesting. Tybalt and Connor are two very different men, it may prove to be a Peeta and Gale moment when this tension is resolved.

Overall, Seanan McGuire has done a stellar job of developing her characters while interweaving action and suspense. As much as I enjoyed the romantic tension in LATE ECLIPSES, it was the details about Toby’s family, both blood relation and adopted, that truly touched me. The story as a whole has me on the edge of my seat for ONE SALT SEA in September, I am eager to find out how all this will play out.

Sexual Content: Kissing, mention of prostitution and sexual relationships.

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Jun 14, 2011 Steph rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Deceit and Drama

The fourth instalment of the October Daye series opens innocently enough with a late night trip to the shops. Toby’s peace does not last long though and within the first chapter she is called to the court of the insane Queen of Mists. The fae Queen has plans for Toby and she is not the only one because a mysterious sickness rises and targets Toby friends with a suddenness that suggests poison most foul. Now Toby must race against time to save those she loves because if she fails...more Deceit and Drama

The fourth instalment of the October Daye series opens innocently enough with a late night trip to the shops. Toby’s peace does not last long though and within the first chapter she is called to the court of the insane Queen of Mists. The fae Queen has plans for Toby and she is not the only one because a mysterious sickness rises and targets Toby friends with a suddenness that suggests poison most foul. Now Toby must race against time to save those she loves because if she fails not only will her friends die but she will be framed for murder and be forced to forfeit her own life.

This book is the beast one yet. A Local Habitation was almost entirely set in Fremont and An Artificial Night was mostly spent lost in a nightmare landscape but Late Eclipses returns us to San Francisco and the friends that we love and the old enemies that we love to hate.

The pacing is good and improves on the previous entries to the series. I don’t want to spoil any of the events for anyone else because I had such fun reading this myself. Relationships progress and secrets are revealed. There is tragedy and victory and humour and betrayal.

There was one particular moment toward the latter half of the book that changed Toby’s life significantly that I thought was particularly well done. It was a brave move by the author but the way it was written and hinted at in previous instalments was brilliant. It inspired rereading of the previous instalments to fully appreciate the authors skill and foreshadowing.

There is also the traditional love triangle between Connor/Toby/Tybalt which personally I feel is unnecessary. I like sexual tension as much as the next red blooded individual but I can’t help but feel that it soon needs to come to an end and that Toby needs to make a choice. The right one (Tybalt).
Connor is too weak and only hold Toby back but Tybalt would be a partner in a true sense. When the right decision is so obvious it goes from being sexy to being frustration.

Cat people and Tybalt fans will be pleased to find that there is significantly more of the King of Cats and we get a look at the deeper Cat Courts that is both heartbreaking and fascinating. And Tybalt does something that even Toby can’t ignore.

Late Eclipses is a brilliant addition to a good urban fantasy series and I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did.
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Mar 23, 2011 The Flooze rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal, owned, vanquished_2011

**3.75?**

I had declared, after reading An Artificial Night, that Toby Daye and I simply would not do. Though there was much about her I adored, though her friends were lovely, entertaining people, Toby and I just didn’t see eye-to-eye. And so I bid her a fond farewell, wishing her all the best with those who might appreciate her better.

Insistent friends pleaded with me to give her another chance. “No, no,” said I. “You can never go back on that sort of decision. It just leads to more disappoint...more **3.75?**

I had declared, after reading An Artificial Night, that Toby Daye and I simply would not do. Though there was much about her I adored, though her friends were lovely, entertaining people, Toby and I just didn’t see eye-to-eye. And so I bid her a fond farewell, wishing her all the best with those who might appreciate her better.

Insistent friends pleaded with me to give her another chance. “No, no,” said I. “You can never go back on that sort of decision. It just leads to more disappointment.”

But perhaps, every now and again, you can go back and the result will be surprising and fresh - all of the good things you remembered with very little of the bad to drag it all down. And so it went with Toby and I.

Late Eclipses focuses more on Toby and her past than any of the previous books, and perhaps therein lies the difference. Yes, there are mysterious illnesses to cure, foes to battle, and political nastiness to defend against. But at the center of it all is the question of who Toby is and who she wants to be. This time around, plot devices demand that she become aware of her limitations, that she think before she acts (sometimes) and the result is a more balanced hero. She spends a fair amount of time dashing back and forth as per her usual, but her investigation follows a logical path - a relief, because logic and Toby haven‘t always been bosom buds. She also accepts that running around alone often does more harm than good. With friends and allies by her side, Toby comes closer to performing an efficient investigation than she ever has before.

Match this newfound sensible nature with Toby’s helpful and caring personality and her likability spikes dramatically. Add in the humorous touches that McGuire is already adept at and the result is an enjoyable installment. Imagine - I only wanted to shake Toby once, maybe twice, throughout the whole of the book! I no longer paused every chapter to shake my head and think, “Oh, Toby, dear. Get a brain already!” Instead, I was wrapped up in the story and curious how everything was going to pan out. I’ll admit there were some obvious details, but there were so many other tidbits flying around that I found myself forgiving a few clue-by-fours.

Alongside Toby’s improvements, we have frequent stolen moments with the ever-desirable Tybalt (he of the tight leather pants). Note to Curran fans: know that this enigmatic cait sidhe is taking a page straight from the Beast Lord’s handbook. Why, oh, why do we find this practically feral sort of possessiveness attractive? Damned if I know - I just want more of it. Though the revelation of Tybalt and Toby’s mutual attraction is taking its time to unfurl, the glimpses McGuire provides are delicious and tantalizing enough to carry us through to the next volume.

With this novel, I’m coming to a greater appreciation of the author’s humor. Sometimes slapstick, often wry and always with a hint of self-deprecation, McGuire creates scenes and drops one-liners that command a snort or chuckle. It’s these moments that endear the characters to me and make me want to revisit them. Pacing and plot hindered my enjoyment before, but Late Eclipses has given me newfound hope that maybe, just maybe, Toby and I can work out after all.(less)

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Dec 23, 2011 Sally rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Late Eclipses was a magnificent read. Exactly as I've come to expect of Seanan McGuire.

Aside from the excellent world building, blending of traditional lore with the modern world, characterisations and storylines (both for Late Eclipses alone and across the series); it's sheer joy to read such good word craft written in an active voice.

Late Eclipses was a tantalisingly dark read but with enough interest in and care for the characters developed that it really mattered to me what becames of them...more

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Mar 29, 2011 Marzie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dear Seanan McGuire (Part the Second, since Ali's is Part the First) Please never stop writing. I adore everything you write and can't wait until May for Deadline and October for One Salt Sea and do not know what I will then do when I have to wait an entire year for another Toby Daye book but will try not to whine and pout. Hey, I know! I will read InCryptid! Anyway, in the meantime, I wish you candy corn, cupcakes, large cats and pleasant, well-behaved, well-informed fans, all in appropriately...more

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Jul 08, 2011 Sherri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-series, part-of-a-series, read_2011, update-2011-challenge, fae

Rating: ★★★★½

Another suspenseful and action packed novel by Seanan McGuire.

October (Toby) Daye is back as the changeling knight who always seems to find more trouble than normal. In this novel, an old foe returns and preys upon Toby’s friends. The plot was a wild ride until the end. Toby’s “relationship” with the cat king Tybalt deepens and the tension between these two is intense. You can feel it rolling off the pages. We learn more about Toby’s mysterious childhood and her mother, but questio...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Lynsey (The Demon Librarian) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-boyfriend, favourites, squee-worthy, rotflmao, beyond-awesome, fae-alicious, magic-tastic, shifter-ific, kick-ass-chicks

I love the quip in the summary (taken from the author's website) about making Toby wear dresses. It's so true! Toby's getting unwillingly dragged into Royal and Courtly politics. Can you think of anything that is less Toby's cup of tea than pomp and politics? Neh, me either. And why? Why are people trying to get her entangled in that world? What is to be gained from it? Well, if your name is October Daye, nothing good, that's what.

Our Tobes has a hard time in this one. It was suspense-filled, dr...more I love the quip in the summary (taken from the author's website) about making Toby wear dresses. It's so true! Toby's getting unwillingly dragged into Royal and Courtly politics. Can you think of anything that is less Toby's cup of tea than pomp and politics? Neh, me either. And why? Why are people trying to get her entangled in that world? What is to be gained from it? Well, if your name is October Daye, nothing good, that's what.

Our Tobes has a hard time in this one. It was suspense-filled, dramatic, romantic, heartbreaking and definitely one of the better books of the series so far. There are great developments for Toby in her personal relationships. At a test, you'll see just who comes through for her, no matter the cost.

As usual there is an ongoing mystery to be solved, which is hard to do when Toby is not feeling herself. There's an overlying theme of treachery and betrayal throughout this novel. And we find out a great deal more info on several character's back-stories as well.

“I wouldn’t take aid from you if you offered it. Never from you, daughter of Amandine, last and latest child of the great betrayal. You’ll see the end of us all, and you won’t be content until you know the gates are locked and sealed; your own death will refuse you. You’ll destroy your beginnings and forsake your heart’s desire, and there will be nothing for you but what’s already been turned aside . . .”

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read. I inhaled this book at break-neck speed and I just can't seem to get enough of this wonderful series. Seanan McGuire, I salute you.

And can I just say, I'm very proud of myself for not making this entire review about Tybalt this time. I don't think I get the credit I deserve for my incredible restraint, personally. But I will just say one thing. Do you see that leather jacket on the cover? That's Tybalt's! Squeeeeeee!

Ah, that feels better.

Originally reviewed for Urban Fantasy Book Reviews
http://urbanfantasybookreviews.blogsp...(less)

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Mar 31, 2011 Lesley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4.5 Stars

Another amazing installment in the Toby Daye series! With Late Eclipses, McGuire continues the topnotch world-building that makes this series stand out from other urban fantasies. The realm of Faerie, with its multitude of races, courtly etiquette, and strange magic, has never been more interesting. I love getting to explore Toby's world. In this book, we even get a peek behind the shadows into the mysterious court of the Cait Sidhe.

The tone of the story is just as dark and depressing a...more 4.5 Stars

Another amazing installment in the Toby Daye series! With Late Eclipses, McGuire continues the topnotch world-building that makes this series stand out from other urban fantasies. The realm of Faerie, with its multitude of races, courtly etiquette, and strange magic, has never been more interesting. I love getting to explore Toby's world. In this book, we even get a peek behind the shadows into the mysterious court of the Cait Sidhe.

The tone of the story is just as dark and depressing as the previous novels, as people fight, die, get betrayed, lose loved ones, and question their sanity. However, the story does end on a hopeful note, and I greatly enjoyed getting there. There are some huge revelations about Amandine and Toby’s identity that both answer questions and raise a million more. Plus, we get some clues to other mysteries such as why the Queen hates Toby and what happened to Luna and Raysel when they were kidnapped. The ongoing mystery of Simon’s motivations and whereabouts is something I look forward to uncovering in subsequent books.

The plot is action packed. Toby almost never gets a chance to slow down as she rushes from the scene of one crisis to another. Like in A Local Habitation, I figured out a couple of the mysteries long before Toby, but that didn’t make the story any less entertaining. There’s also some great romantic moments - nothing particularly steamy, but very heartfelt and cute. I’m a big Tybalt fan and this book only increased my fondness for the King of Cats. Connor is still in the picture as a potential love interest, and it’s annoying to see Toby even considering getting together with him. He’s such a wuss compared to Tybalt and it’s so obvious (at least to me) which guy is the real catch.

One thing I didn’t understand, though, was why everyone who had a problem came running to Toby, expecting her to fix it. I know she’s a hero and all - she wants to help people and she’ll throw herself headfirst into danger to do it - but the problems people put on her shoulders seem so insurmountable that I found myself asking, “What do they honestly expect Toby to do about it?” As for Toby, she gamely promises everyone she’ll save the day even when she has no idea how to go about doing it. I guess I have to give her credit for that, even though it felt like she was pretty much winging it the whole time.

All in all, I really enjoyed this installment. There’s room for improvement, but, in general, the characters, the action, the romance, and especially the world-building is awesome, as always. This is one of my favorite urban fantasy series and I can’t wait to read the next book, One Salt Sea, coming out September 2011.(less)

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Mar 12, 2011 Rawles rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, time-contemporary

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. TOBY AND TYBALT FINALLY MADE OUT. Okay, sure. It was a ~ploy~, but at this point it is legitimately being written as her DELIBERATELY refusing to deal with the fact that he's in love with her rather than her being genuinely baffled by his ~inexplicable~ actions. UPGRADE.

Of course, now there we will have to sit through the Connor/Toby/Tybalt love triangle.

DID OTHER STUFF HAPPEN IN THIS BOOK? YEAH MAYBE. PERHAPS MUCH OF IT WAS EVEN COMPELLING AND INTERESTING. But let's be honest, I continued this...more TOBY AND TYBALT FINALLY MADE OUT. Okay, sure. It was a ~ploy~, but at this point it is legitimately being written as her DELIBERATELY refusing to deal with the fact that he's in love with her rather than her being genuinely baffled by his ~inexplicable~ actions. UPGRADE.

Of course, now there we will have to sit through the Connor/Toby/Tybalt love triangle.

DID OTHER STUFF HAPPEN IN THIS BOOK? YEAH MAYBE. PERHAPS MUCH OF IT WAS EVEN COMPELLING AND INTERESTING. But let's be honest, I continued this series from book two on 95% out of sheer INDIGNATION at Toby's obliviousness so by god that is what I am going to report on.

Okay, fine. This was actually the best of the series, thusfar. Toby wasn't being a lolariously bad detective, the plot was compelling, the suspense was often legitimately suspenseful, and the entire deal with Amandine and Toby's heritage was a very nice reveal (while still posing more questions) of something that has been super vague up until this point.

For once, the actual PLOT makes me want to continue to the next book rather than my obsessive fixation on how long Toby can go on pretending that Tybalt doesn't care for her when he's been blatantly obviously in love with her literally since the first scene of the first chapter of the first book. Often I would be put off by the promise of a love triangle as currently exists, but #1 I don't actually care that much who Toby ends up with, and #2 lololololol I would be massively shocked if it wasn't Tybalt since the author pretty obviously cares approx. a million times more about him and his relationship with Toby than she does about anything regarding Connor ever. So that sort of takes away what usually annoys me about love triangles -- i.e. my investment in a specific outcome and wishy-washiness on the part of the narrative -- since not that pressed about it AND the books don't really try very hard to convince me that there's much chance of Toby not ultimately choosing Tybalt.

I do really hope, however, that poor, bland Connor gets some kind of characterization or something interesting in the next book. He's mostly a cipher, currently, and I say this as someone who is usually DEEPLY INCLINED towards the Good Boy.(less)

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Nov 10, 2011 Twiggy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, magical, urban-fantasy, spoilers, fae

Things have moved on for Toby and she is adjusting to sharing her apartment with her Fetch, May Daye, although everyone else regards this as pretty much a death wish. She is summonsed by the Queen of Mists and named Countess of Goldengreen , which pretty much screams 'trap!'. Toby then learns that Lily is Ill and goes to her aid. It becomes clear that Oleander was involved and that this also has something to do with Toby's mother, Amandine, bringing us back to the mystery of Toby's birth and her...more

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Feb 13, 2011 Tori [Book Faery] rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, arc, reviewed

See this review in it's entirety at:
http://www.book-faery.blogspot.com

LATE ECLIPSES, book four in the October Daye series, delivers a tightly woven plot which manages to skewer our perception of what Toby is in the process. If one is interested in learning more about Toby's world, this novel is the novel to read. If, however, the reader is searching for more of a romance, he or she will be severely disappointed with this installment.

I always felt the world-building was Seanan's strong point when...more

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Apr 20, 2011 Angela James rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, urban-fantasy, my-faves

I liked this book a lot, and continue to love this series. I think fans of the series will enjoy this installment and anticipate the next. My only quibble with the book is that Toby seems to have a bit of an almost callous disregard for Tybalt. Or maybe takes him for granted? I must admit, I'm biased, though, as I don't like Connor at all, and wish Toby would quit mooning over him. Blech ;)

Also, despite the fact that the author had Toby admitting "how stupid am I" when going into dangerous situ...more

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Apr 01, 2011 Suz rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This book had me on the edge of my seat all the way through it. I enjoyed the first in the series quite a bit, the second not as much; but this...what a wonderful tale. It had everything (except some smutty adult times). My heart pounded, I felt outrage for injustices, heartbreak at losses, confusion and enlightenment. I laughed out loud and I growled at the enemy. Things happened that I didn't see coming and I ended the book, without a cliff hanger in sight, aching for the next installment.

Brav...more

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Jun 16, 2013 Mary Catelli rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-contemporary

Sequel to An Artificial Night.

Toby is grocery shopping. How sane and normal. To be sure, she's doing it with a towering troll, and her own Fetch, whose presence is inexplicably long -- her showing up is supposed to mean that Toby dies, and so does May, the Fetch -- and May is noticing the pixies in the produce department, but that's sane and normal for Toby.

Then a messenger shows up demanding that she attend the queen, and the question is whether they can put the perishables away in the frig bef...more

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May 18, 2013 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked this book. That said, goodness, but the body count was high. Actually, the body count is high in the entire series. With this particular series, rather than making me feel that the world is a dangerous place, I just feel less invested in the characters.

This book, like the second in the series, is more of a mystery. Toby tries to find who has been poisoning fey, while running from her life (this isn't much of a spoiler; Toby is always running for her life), and being accused of (view spoi ...more

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May 16, 2013 Nerija rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, fantasy, folklore-fairytales

And so, I am finally caught up with the October Daye series! Kermit flail yaaaay!

In terms of this one, the story itself was pretty solid; good pace, no glaring plot holes (as far as I can remember). Of course, there was still Toby's mind-boggling obliviousness to the fact that OMG TYBALT IS MADLY IN LOVE WITH YOU!!!1! And I'm pretty sure you're in love with him, too, sweetie. Exhibit A: the leather jacket. "I love that jacket. It used to belong to Tybalt, the local King of Cats. I wear it almost...more

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Apr 11, 2013 Shoshana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, crime, faerie, fantasy, female-friendship, urban-fantasy

[4.5]

More psychological drama than the others (which is saying a lot), but not in too scary/suspenseful of a way. Not that these books don’t have suspense, but they don’t have the kind of uncomfortable suspense that thrillers have, that I hate and can’t really handle. They have instead the kind of pleasant suspense that makes you want to keep reading but doesn’t stress you out too much. They’re intense, but they’re not scary (or I wouldn’t be reading them).

The point is, the whole Oleander plot i...more [4.5]

More psychological drama than the others (which is saying a lot), but not in too scary/suspenseful of a way. Not that these books don’t have suspense, but they don’t have the kind of uncomfortable suspense that thrillers have, that I hate and can’t really handle. They have instead the kind of pleasant suspense that makes you want to keep reading but doesn’t stress you out too much. They’re intense, but they’re not scary (or I wouldn’t be reading them).

The point is, the whole Oleander plot is freaky. Minor semi-spoiler: (view spoiler) Toby’s relationship with Sylvester and her new relationship with Luna are complicated and fascinating, as are, obvs, her relationships with fascinating hottie Tybalt and wonderful hottie Connor (yet McGuire somehow never makes this a proper dramatic love triangle, thank goodness).
How many times do I have to say it? Read these!

That said, here’s my postscript with the one recurring problem I see in these books: The characterization of virtually all villains as “crazy” or “mad.” Spoilery list of villains so described: (view spoiler) McGuire is non-specific about what this mental instability is that leads fae and changelings to be criminally “crazy” – she just uses it as a prerequisite for a committing murders – which makes it unjustified and gratuitous, with serious implications in the way it ties into our culture of fear and oppression against people with mental illnesses and other disabilities (who are actually significantly more likely to be the victims of crime, rather than the perpetrators). I understand that McGuire is actually trying to use it to show compassion and nuance for the villains in this series, which I appreciate, but since she’s fairly solid on giving them motives, the “crazy” is unnecessary and bigoted. That said, this isn’t something I even had any awareness of until a couple years ago, and it is not something that affects me directly, so I’m better off pointing you to disability awareness resources like these – http://disabledfeminists.com/about/fu... – and these – http://disabledfeminists.com/blogroll/
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Apr 01, 2013 Kathleen rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, read-in-2013

This book is less of a mystery than the others in the series, and more of an adventure. The poisonous attacks specifically engineered to frame Toby for murder--and make her doubt herself--were wonderfully well orchestrated. I nearly fell to pieces when Tybalt promised to kill her and die with her if she was really insane. Of course, he owes her that much for all of the saving of his people and it has nothing to do with any making out whatsoever. Anyway, the making out doesn't count because they...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Jeffrey rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, read-in-2012

I'd like to say that Seanan McGuire had figured out her formula by the end of the last volume, An Artificial Night, and this one does start off well. Toby's good friend Lily is poisoned and her likely suspect is a threat from her past. But proving it will be no easy task as she quickly falls under suspicion for a related, spoilery, crime.

The problem is that, once again, McGuire doesn't really seem to know what to do with the middle of her book. Characters run this way and that without much moti...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Ellada rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I cant even finish this book, that's how bad is this book.
When I read the first book in this series I was captivated by Toby - so brave and honest and most important she was a surviver. I like survives, they make interesting characters. I also liked the world of faeries that S.M. creates. in fact this was the one of the best faerie world, so true to their origins and full of magic. I like Tibalt and other characters and it seemed this series would become one of my favorites. So hear we are I'm...more

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Jul 01, 2012 Sheyla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fourth Book in the October Daye Series.

Toby is living with her Fetch May. Spike and the Cats are happy. Of course this can't continue.

Toby is called to Court- the Queen of Mists is giving her Evening's Goldengreen property. This is a trap of some sort. Tybalt tries to alert her. (He also kisses her to cause a distraction, Yay!!!)

Soon some of her closer friends are getting poisoned. First, it is Lily. She is dying and her knowe is in danger. Someone has stolen her pearl. Then, Luna falls ill as w...more

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May 13, 2012 Mercurybard rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Apr 13, 2012 bananananas rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

There were so many places Seanan McGuire could have taken this book. If Toby stopped running from place to place, driving like a maniac through traffic, maybe the author could have taken her there. And really Toby, it's time to invest in a cell phone. You've been back in the real world for a couple years now, there aren't any more excuses left. Really, some of your problems could be solved if you had a phone on you at all times.

The antagonist's motivations remain unclear. Seeing as it's the bad...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Eleniel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: u-f-a-r

It was worth suffering through the second and the third book of the series. It was fun, it was thrillling, it kept me on edge. Sadly, Toby still isn't the brightest thing, and neither are people around her, but they were way better than before(which says a lot about previous books). What I really couldn't stomach were one paragraph solutions for the big misunderstandings with Juliet and Manuel. The 'big misunderstanding's were ridiculous enough, but to have single speech dissolve murder-driving...more

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Oct 24, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, urban

Fourth in the October Daye urban-fantasy series revolving around a half-fae, half-human private detective based in San Francisco.

The Story
The Queen summons Toby to her Court and thus into a trap with unforeseen consequences even as it provides a refuge. But in the middle of Court, Marcia appears desperate for Toby's help. Lily is ill and those of her Court need Toby's help. Lily cannot die for she is the only fae who has ever welcomed changelings to her knowe with no expectations beyond loyalty...more

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May 31, 2011 Colleen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In Late Eclipses, we went back to the bad guys of the first book, and read as October Daye dealt directly with the insane Rayseline and the never-seen Oleander. This time, Toby was framed for [attempted] murder of two people she valued. As we know from the beginning of the series, Seanan McGuire does not mind killing off beloved characters, and the deaths that are built into this story are both traumatic and deliberately puzzling to Toby. In a typical plot trope, Toby is both framed for murder a...more

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May 18, 2011 Steph rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

October "Toby" Daye is half-human, half-fae-the only changeling who's earned knighthood. But when someone begins targeting her nearest and dearest, it becomes clear that Toby is being set up to take the fall for everything that's happening.

One of the best books of this series, and quite possibly one of the top UF reads for the year. Just like the previous books, this one is a non-stop action ride, following the fae changeling & knight, Toby Daye. And while every one of the books in this ser...more

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Apr 28, 2011 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, modern-fantasy, urban-fantasy

More awesomeness from Seanan McGuire. After initially bouncing off the first one a year and a bit ago (due to where my own brain was, not the book!) I've inhaled the first four books in the series fast, and love them to pieces.

What I particularly love about them, as someone with a fairly good folklore background, is that she manages to combine the folklore with surprising twists and turns that I wouldn't have expected, leading to great stories, and engaging characters. At the same time, because...more

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Apr 23, 2011 Paradoxical rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reading-list, books-otherwise

Wow, an October Daye novel I actually really liked reading. After the first three novels I had thought I'd just trudge through this one like the others, but I found myself racing along the pages and genuinely loving what I was reading. It was kind of amazing how I didn't want to throttle Toby anymore. Admittedly, some of that is coupled with a sense of 'about damned time', but you know what? I'll take what I can get.

Late Eclipses is full of action, suspense, and, well, drama. Toby is plunged in...more Wow, an October Daye novel I actually really liked reading. After the first three novels I had thought I'd just trudge through this one like the others, but I found myself racing along the pages and genuinely loving what I was reading. It was kind of amazing how I didn't want to throttle Toby anymore. Admittedly, some of that is coupled with a sense of 'about damned time', but you know what? I'll take what I can get.

Late Eclipses is full of action, suspense, and, well, drama. Toby is plunged in a middle of a giant plot when her friends start getting sick and all signs (to Toby's eyes) point to Oleander, the one who was with Simon when Toby first got turned into a fish. Not everyone believes her and, in fact, some accuse Toby of being the one who is hurting her friends, and it becomes a giant race of trying to save the lives of those nearest and dearest to her, as well as trying to stop Oleander. And, of course, to keep on living as forces converge upon Toby.

Toby is actually likable. It's almost like I can't stress this enough. She's caring, she's doing her absolute best in the worst of circumstances, and she holds herself together pretty well. She actually uses her brain (thank goodness) and learns how much her friends mean to her. Part of the reason is probably because Toby knows who is behind the crimes and, well, she's at her worst when trying to find out who-dun-it (at least in the previous novels). Certain revelations are made about Toby and her past and it's all very suspenseful--for each nugget of information we gain, we take away even more questions as well.

The plot was fast paced, with high tension. Toby's friends are wonderful, and it's great to see how much help they are, how much they actually matter in the scheme of things. I found myself racing along the pages and found myself commiserating along with Toby, glad with her, and each revelation made me want more.

And, oh, Tybalt. I adore Tybalt and it definitely helped that he has a large role in this book. The interaction between Toby and him is wonderful--I find myself wanting more scenes, and, well, it just makes me happy to read. There is something hugely likable about the King of Cats. He's not perfect, he's not a jerk, he genuinely cares about Toby and it shows in his actions, even if it doesn't seem like it through his words. Seriously, just make Tybalt stick around and the book bumps up even more in the 'liking it!' meter.

Of course there's also a few downsides to the book as well, though they aren't nearly as glaring as in the other books in the series. There's the entire Connor/Toby thing, which has me scratch my head. I don't really feel any chemistry between the two (and no, it's not just because I like Tybalt a hundred times better). I like Connor well enough, but all I really get from him is that he's a Nice Guy and that he and Toby used to have a thing together, but not anymore.

I also grew a bit puzzled over Oleander herself. It's not say that she's a bad villain, but she's a bit... well. She has motive and opportunity to kill Toby about a dozen times over and she doesn't. It would be easy for her to do so, but for some reason she doesn't. Some of that is because she wants Toby to suffer as she kills Toby's friends, but I kind of expected a bit more from her, I suppose.

Then there's Manuel (and Julie, to a lesser extent). Manuel hates Toby because he believes that she killed his sister, never mind how idiotic that thought may be. Sure, all right, fine, more drama for us, but then there was a scene in the book where (view spoiler)

Still, overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The faults are easily overlooked anyway. Definitely the best book in the entire series, and I hope that the author continues along like this. 4/5 stars.(less)

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10186194-late-eclipses?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1356092010l/10186194.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10186194-late-eclipses?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Late Eclipses by Seanan McGuire[/url]

Late Eclipses (October Daye #4)

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