One Salt Sea (October Daye #5)

Mar 06, 2013 Heidi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-favorites

One Salt Sea is, without surprise, the strongest installment of the October Daye series to date. Toby is drawn into a desperate effort to stop an impending war from taking place between land and sea when the children of the Duchess of Saltmist go missing and the Mists appear to be of blame. Her debts to the Luidaeg have been called in, and it doesn’t take long to realize that if the battle occurs, the land will be at the greatest loss. As a new Countess, Toby must work to protect her own subject...more One Salt Sea is, without surprise, the strongest installment of the October Daye series to date. Toby is drawn into a desperate effort to stop an impending war from taking place between land and sea when the children of the Duchess of Saltmist go missing and the Mists appear to be of blame. Her debts to the Luidaeg have been called in, and it doesn’t take long to realize that if the battle occurs, the land will be at the greatest loss. As a new Countess, Toby must work to protect her own subjects along with those of her liege, while tracking down a kidnapper with the desperate hope that the children are alive. As war looms, Toby’s mission becomes increasingly personal, lending One Salt Sea the highest stakes yet.

“I’m just a changeling,” I cautioned. “I’m not in her league.”

“I’ve heard the stories–Connor alone tells enough to give your skills away, and you invoke the Luidaeg when you give your references. Even my wife likes you, as much as she likes anyone.” He smiles slightly. “You’re a lot of things, but ‘just a changeling’ isn’t one of them.”

What McGuire has managed to do in the fifth installment of her October Daye series can only be described as awesome. We are given a protagonist who is struggling to find her footing after immense bodily changes, a conflict that is deeply personal in addition to encompassing every character we have come to know and love, along with new rich and fascinating settings and species to observe.

Remember when I read Late Eclipses and got a tad bit annoyed with all the crazies? Turns out there’s a reason for that. Within the first chapters of One Salt Sea it is revealed that changelings aren’t the only fae subject to changeling madness–it is a situation that can also occur through mixings of different pure blood lineages, with particularly potent mixtures causing particularly vulnerable minds. Certainly explains a bit about Rayseline, no?

My other complaint to this regard is that the fae in this series don’t seem quite like the classic fae we are used to, which is why I have to say the Luidaeg has become my absolute favorite character. She of any character we see regularly is most what fae are supposed to be. She is by choice a being of comfort or of nightmares, she makes bargains but requires much in return, she is very rarely what she appears to be, but also plays by a strict set of rules. I would love to read a story from the Luidaeg’s perspective. I like that she isn’t our protagonist, she’s too powerful, but at the same time I’d love to see what she does when Toby’s not around (I’m totally going to rock out In Sea Salt Tears when I’m depressed that the next new Toby is too far off).

I have very much enjoyed watching Toby’s attempts to become accustomed to her new limits of power and body since Late Eclipses. She’s gained so much confidence since Rosemary and Rue, yet now we have to see her uncertain about her own abilities with no one around to teach her. She tests herself throughout One Salt Sea, and hints at what we will see in the future from a Dóchas Sidhe, which is equal parts frightening and fascinating.

This installment also brings more on the romance front than we have seen thus far. Both Tybalt and Connor play incredibly important roles in Toby’s lives, but also provide very different methods of support. Connor is so sweet, attentive, and loving, but it is also clear that he is unable to stand beside Toby in the same ways that Tybalt is. I really appreciate that even though there is a love triangle dynamic here, there is an obvious respect between Tybalt and Connor. They respect each other’s feelings for Toby, and do not fight over her, but let her decide who she will have in her romantic life–neither of them will leave her regardless (but let’s face it, she’s totally in love with Tybalt whether she’s ready to admit it or not).

Underneath all of this character development lies a driving plot and a captivating new world. For the first time we are able to glimpse the sea fae and learn about the extremely different world of Salt Mist. A world that is as new to Toby as it is to us brings about new species, magics, and arrangements that are counter intuitive to what we know of the land. One Salt Sea is by far the most political installment of the series, which also ensures a complex and fast paced plot. There are by necessity layers of complications, delicate balances that need to be upheld or torn through as we encounter them. It is by far the most complex and involved story yet; personal to Toby and readers, but with massive implications, One Salt Sea marks a crescendo that will be hard to outdo in future books.

Original review posted at Bunbury in the Stacks.(less)

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Sep 05, 2012 Lynsey (The Demon Librarian) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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

The fifth book in October Daye series, One Salt Sea, picks up one month after the events of book four, Late Eclipses. Someone has kidnapped the children of the Duchess of the undersea courts of Saltmist. Toby only has three days to find the kids, and in doing so, clear her Queen’s name and stave off a war between the land and sea Fae.

One of the things I love about this series is the incredibly detailed worldbuilding. I've read many series involving the Fae but this one seems particularly vivid a...more The fifth book in October Daye series, One Salt Sea, picks up one month after the events of book four, Late Eclipses. Someone has kidnapped the children of the Duchess of the undersea courts of Saltmist. Toby only has three days to find the kids, and in doing so, clear her Queen’s name and stave off a war between the land and sea Fae.

One of the things I love about this series is the incredibly detailed worldbuilding. I've read many series involving the Fae but this one seems particularly vivid and vibrant to me. Perhaps because in this one they are the only focus- we are not distracted by having to learn of other races- vamps, werewolves, etc. And incredibly, the worldbuilding in One Salt Sea is even more expansive than in most of the previous novels, largely due to the introduction of a new realm: the Saltmist, home of the undersea Fae.

I'll be honest, I was slightly dubious about this upon reading the summary. I've seen many books featuring mer-people and other sea-dwelling folk and always thought "hmm, how does that work then?", and never bothered with them. Since this is the continuation of one of my now favourite series, not reading this particular undersea adventure wasn't even a possibility. And how wrong I had been to dismiss books based on my own preconceptions. McGuire made me feel like I, too, was diving into the big deep blue for the first time. It was fascinating. Although I'm glad it wasn't this setting for the majority of the book, as I would have severely missed my landlubbers had I been denied access to them for too long.

Speaking of which, the full gang was out in force in this one, with equal time dedicated to all of my favourite characters. Obviously, if it were up to me I would have Tybalt on every page, but being slightly more realistic for a second, I can concede that he was probably in it just the right amount, considering what's going on in Toby's personal life currently.

This is the first book in this series to reduce me to tears. McGuire is some sort of evil genius, to be sure. Just when I was starting to appreciate certain characters and find a level of grudging acceptance where they were concerned, she goes and rips the rug out from under me. Before this book, this turn of events might have made me happy, but now?...now I'm just a blubbering mess, that's what.

And do you know what else makes me sad? That I now have to wait twelve stinking, agonising months until the next book, Ashes of Honor, comes out in September 2012. *big dramatic sigh* On the plus side though, after such a long time I'd simply have to do a re-read prior to it coming out, wouldn't I? *evil grin*

Well, as you'll no doubt have guessed by this point, I am in love with this series. It's right up there with my other UF favourites: Kate Daniels, Horngate witches, Cassie Palmer, Mercy Thompson, etc., and I recommend it to ALL. Do yourself a favour and read them in order: Rosemary and Rue, A local Habitation, An artificial Night, Late Eclipses.

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

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Sep 14, 2011 Suz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Wow. Just...wow. I can't discuss this without giving too much away. But I really like the way Seanan McGuire has introduced new elements that will be pertinent to the long arc, and will keep us engaged in the story from one book to the next, without needing to resort to some low-rent, wanna-be cliff-hanger tactic. Seriously, this is the way to keep someone musing about what's to come.

And yeah, I have to say it - I adore Tybalt. Does anyone not adore Tybalt?

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Dec 18, 2012 Nerija rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, folklore-fairytales, favorites, oceangirl-esque, books-reviewed-at-postcards

Just finished this one a few minutes ago. I'm stunned and a bit shell-shocked, so the following reflections might not be entirely coherent. I honestly did not expect (view spoiler)...more

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Nov 09, 2011 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vaginal-urban-fantasy, urban-paranormal

So I reviewed the first in this series and enjoyed it pretty much, even though there were some uneven parts. For some reason I didn't feel compelled to pick up the second in the series immediately and just forgot about it, but people kept recommending it to me so I went and ordered the second on kindle, or so I thought. I actually accidentally purchased this one, #5, and I have to say I regret not keeping up with the series, it was QUITE enjoyable! It's done well and the Faerie world is very int...more

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Aug 26, 2011 Glennis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Got an ARC of this and man was it good.

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Oct 04, 2011 Tracey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: xx-2011-reads, fiction-urban-fantasy, fiction-mystery, fiction-magic, ❤-❤-favorites-❤❤, fiction-fantasy, xx-newly-published-in-2011, fiction-shifters

A lot of changes occurred in this book and many will have a long term impact on "Countess" October Daye.

I loved how much Tybalt was involved throughout this story, just being there for Toby when she really needed his support. You can see her eyes gradually opening to what he is about. Connor I've never been to fussed on but he does have his moments in this story also. Reysel plays her part as the broken daughter of Sylvester and the Ludeiag is quite involved once again.

Actually this book felt...more

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Sep 11, 2011 Marzie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Everything changes... And this was a transitional book in the Toby series. A book about love and loss, honor and infamy, motherhood (from at least four different perspectives), letting go when you have to and saving what you can. (Note to Author: I see what you did there, making me love The Luidaeg and Tybalt and Toby and May even more. It makes me patient enough to wait a whole year for the next Toby book while trembling slightly at the thought of just what '*Ashes* of Honor' might entail.)

Sean...more

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Aug 17, 2012 Jaime rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Seanan McGuire has nearly put herself onto my short list of authors who can do no wrong. ('Nearly' not because she's done anything wrong yet, but because I like to give series more than 5 books to really declare them as an all-time favorite. I suspect the next Toby book will push this one into all-time fave.)

I love Toby as a character so much - I also love that McGuire is able to put her in constant peril without sacrificing characterization or making the whole book seem like an out-of-control...more

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Sep 10, 2011 Ainslie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

For three quarters of this book, I had it marked down at three stars, because I had a bit of trouble connecting with it. Toby seemed initially to be just sliding across the top of things, rather than being fully involved, and the sequesnce of events seemed to me to be a bit pedestrian.

I've put some of that down to Toby being relatively "happy" compared to how we have seen her to date, and consequently, the book lacked a certain amount of conflict, which for me, keeps things lively, and which we...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Angela James rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, urban-fantasy

So far my least favorite of the series. I think this is due, in part, to the larger role of Connor, a character I have never cared for. I think he's a weak character, and I've always felt that October's infatuation with him makes her seem like a weaker character. It doesn't feel like adult feelings, so much as lingering feelings from another lifetime, when she was a different person, while he, meanwhile, has been always weak.

After the events of this book, I do look forward to the next installme...more

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Aug 30, 2012 Jenevieve rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The 5th book in the October Daye series. The sons of the Duchess of Saltmist have been kidnapped and Toby must find them in order to prevent a war between Land and Sea. Whoever has taken them tho, is very determined to have this war happen and will stop at nothing, not even Oberon's Law, to make it happen. Even if Toby can find the boys, it may not stop the war.

Another absolutely amazing and brilliant addition to this series. I had to stop at a few points near the end because the intensity was j...more

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

Shelves: fantasy-contemporary

The fifth October Daye book. Sequel to Late Eclipses.

It opens with Sylvester taking advantage of her new, more fae abilities -- with some backfill on why (for short, Late Eclipses) -- to teach her more swordplay. And to ask Toby to formally take on Quentin as her squire. Even her objection that she's gotten Quentin shot can't keep him from persuading her to do it.

It's when she gets home with Quentin that things get interesting. Because the Luidaeg is there. To collect. Toby had said that she did...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Shoshana rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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

[4.5]

I didn't think McGuire could possibly up the stakes any more than she did in the last two books, but I guess WAR is pretty stake-upping! These books just escalate and escalate and they are SO GOOD!

(view spoiler)...more

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Mar 15, 2013 Diane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The October Daye series keeps getting better with each successive novel. I was introduced to the series via a short story that took place well into the series, and went back to the beginning with the first book. Boy, am I glad I did. Those familiar with the story know October, or Toby as her friends call her, is part fae. She attempted to have a life with her human fiancé and daughter, who don't know about her fae heritage, but that life was interrupted when an enemy turned her into a coy fish f...more

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Feb 16, 2013 John Constable rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The penultimate one so far! Having to resist immediately moving on to 'Ashes of Honour' immediately..

Lot of respect for McGuire as an author for this one; I'm not sure, chronologically, if it was written between the Newsflesh books (her best works, IMHO), but I suspect so. The writing has jumped another notch here, both in terms of plot and characterisation. As I've mentioned in previous book reviews, I do get the sense that a lot of the backstory and plot has been worked out beforehand, and is...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Thenia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, paranormal, series, shifters

Intense and heart-breaking!

Toby is trying to find two missing fae children to prevent a war that puts her in opposite sides with one of her best friends. Things get worse when her own daughter is abducted and Toby realized that an old enemy is behind it.

By the time this adventure is over, Toby's life has changed more than she could have expected. (view spoiler)...more

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Sep 08, 2012 Paradoxical rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reading-list, books-otherwise

At first I wasn't sure how I felt about One Salt Sea. The October Daye books can be a bit hit or miss for me, though the last one had been a marked improvement from the first three. Right up to the middle of the book I was still unsure, because while I wouldn't say that it was slow, the plot limped along a bit. However, it really ramped up towards the end, and the ending was as good as I wanted it to be.

I feel as the author's strengths lie in the world that she has laid out for the reader--the n...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Sheyla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Book 5 October Daye Series

Toby is trying to get used to being the Countess of Goldengreen. She has all of Lily's people living there. Her romantic life has changed too. She is with Connor (why, why why!!!). Her friends Danny, May, Raj are all there. Quentin is becoming her squire. She is surrounded by good friends who are becoming family.

But war is brewing between the land and the sea.

Someone has kidnapped the sons of the Undersea Duchess, Dianda.

The Queen of Mists doesn't care, she believes she...more

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May 27, 2012 Jay rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The October Daye series remains one of my favorite urban fantasies, yet this addition seemed to fall a little short of it's usual quality. Most of the book was just Toby going from point A to point B, then back to point A for a vague reason that didn't really seem to present itself until last second. Most of it had me scratching my head wondering as to exactly why she was yet again driving along updating every character in the story's universe on the most trivial of details, only to turn around...more

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May 14, 2012 Mercurybard rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Well, she resolved the triangle before it ever truly became an issue by killing Connor. But I'm okay with that--he was her childhood sweetheart (before Cliff, the human even) and given her new status as...well, whatever Amandine turned her into, it is time for Toby to put childish things behind. This was actually the kindest way McGuire could do it.

The book also tied up the loose end of Rayseline (elf-shot and suffering from a slow poison) while also introducing a whole new section of Faerie--th...more Well, she resolved the triangle before it ever truly became an issue by killing Connor. But I'm okay with that--he was her childhood sweetheart (before Cliff, the human even) and given her new status as...well, whatever Amandine turned her into, it is time for Toby to put childish things behind. This was actually the kindest way McGuire could do it.

The book also tied up the loose end of Rayseline (elf-shot and suffering from a slow poison) while also introducing a whole new section of Faerie--the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist. It was actually very hard to keep The Little Mermaid's "Under the Sea" song out of my head as I read about Toby's adventures in the underwater portion of the Summerlands. The inhabitants are just as diverse and weird as the ones on land (and Cloud Kingdoms are mentioned). Toby actually gets along better with the duke and duchess of Saltmist than she does with her own queen (who is being cray-cray as usual). The peaceful resolution Toby finds at the end--giving her county to the land-prone son of Dianda and Patrick of Saltmist frees her from the responsibilities of being a countess, puts her squarely back under Sylvester's fealty instead of the queen's, and still lets her keep in contact with her 'subjects' (formerly Lily's).

Quentin officially becomes her squire and Raj unofficially, and Toby doesn't seem to mind teenage boys spending a lot of time following her around--I think a teenage girl would hurt too much given Gillian and Dare--but she enjoys mentoring the boys more than she'll admit. And they are good kids too. I'm starting to suspect Quentin is the son of the high king and queen (which might explain the ease with which Sylvester got the pardon for her murder of Blind Michael...huh).

Amandine is frequently called a 'liar' and other members of her line are hinted at, which will hopefully be explained in other books to come (is it September 4th yet?) We also finally find out what's up with the Luidaeg, the Roane, and the Selkies. And we discover that May *is* Dare, or at least the night haunt that ate and absorbed Dare's memories.

Gillian finally makes her Changelings' Choice and chooses human, breaking Toby's heart. Mary (the Roane prophetess) says something that bothers me: "Gillian with the eyes half-open but so soon to close, she who'll stand by the burning tree with a brand bare in her hand and a song upon her lips". 'Eyes half-open but so soon to close' clearly refers to the Changelings' Choice. It's the second part that has me worried. Were they careful enough? Are they going to be careful enough? Because it sounds like Gillian will bring about or at least participate in a second Burning Times, when humans slaughter fae. (less)

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Apr 20, 2012 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

October Daye, the new Countess of Goldengreen has a new mission and never has so much rested on her.

The children of the Duchess of Saltmist, an Undersea realm bordering the Kingdom of Mists, have been kidnapped. Worse, the suggestion is that the Kingdom of Mists is involved – war is very much in the air. But it’s a war the Kingdom of Mists will not be able to win – and even if they did, the cost in immortal fae lives would be far too high.

The only chance to stop a war is to find the children – u...more October Daye, the new Countess of Goldengreen has a new mission and never has so much rested on her.

The children of the Duchess of Saltmist, an Undersea realm bordering the Kingdom of Mists, have been kidnapped. Worse, the suggestion is that the Kingdom of Mists is involved – war is very much in the air. But it’s a war the Kingdom of Mists will not be able to win – and even if they did, the cost in immortal fae lives would be far too high.

The only chance to stop a war is to find the children – unharmed – and find out who has taken them and why. But on a more personal stake, October’s own daughter has also gone missing – and the same perpetrator is indicated. Saving the children now includes saving her own, mainly human, daughter as well.

There are few distractions from this main plot in this book – despite the running of Goldengreen and her knew squire – October has a kingdom (and children) to save in a mystery that takes her to the bottom of the ocean, confronts old enemies, follows a long path of clues and calls upon all her friends and allies to help.

The world building of this series continues to be amazing – and draws me in each book with as thirst to know more, especially now the whole concept of Undersea has opened up. Even almost-throwaway things like the origins of the Selkies are beautiful rich additions to an extremely varied and well planned world. I get a really huge sense of vast numbers of notes, maps, biographies and histories on Seanan McGuire’s desk that goes into making this amazing world.

The story itself is extremely well balanced and paced. There’s a maintained urgency without rushing and the story blurring. We take the time to be fully exposed to the emotional impact and consequences of what is happening without maundering around or getting bored by it or reduced to yelling “just rescue them already!” at the book. It’s well put together between emotional depth and exciting action with revelations coming often enough to keep things interesting without them being cheap or overwhelming.

And all of it was well written – the emotional scenes were strong and painful, the sense of tension and threat and the looming horror of war was fully presented and conveyed, the pain of the parents, the sheer amount at stake was all powerfully presented without being excessive or melodramatic

The story itself has sufficient clues and twists to keep it interesting as a mystery without so many that it becomes lost and convoluted – there are no loose ends, no excess distraction and the investigation is actually sensible and reasonable rather than relying on coincidences or random leaps of logic – again, a really well balanced story with the mystery and the logic working well together even in a world of fae and magic.

If I had one quibble about the story it would be that fairly early in the books the Duchess of Saltmist realises and seems to believe that her children have not been kidnapped by the Queen of Mists or her agents – so I’m not entirely sure why she is pursuing the war and imposing such a tight deadline on it as well.

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Apr 14, 2012 bananananas rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was surprisingly impressed with this novel of the series. As usual, some questions get answered and more get asked, but I feel like Seanan McGuire is getting better with every book.

At first, I thought that it was kind of ridiculous that Toby was basically charged with stopping a war before it happens. Yes, she had help, but the fate of two kingdoms being placed on her shoulders was a little far-fetched. But it made sense that she would try and find the two missing children of the Undersea king...more I was surprisingly impressed with this novel of the series. As usual, some questions get answered and more get asked, but I feel like Seanan McGuire is getting better with every book.

At first, I thought that it was kind of ridiculous that Toby was basically charged with stopping a war before it happens. Yes, she had help, but the fate of two kingdoms being placed on her shoulders was a little far-fetched. But it made sense that she would try and find the two missing children of the Undersea kingdom, since she's a fae PI after all.

Toby is still running around from knowe to apartment to another knowe and back with a side-trip to the Luidaeg's, but now almost all the trips seem necessary. And it seems like her detective skills are improving (or at least the author is writing her character as more competent than before).

Mostly I was impressed with the ending. I wasn't a fan of Connor's, I thought he was boring and didn't have much of a backbone, nor did he and Toby have much chemistry. But I was glad that Toby had someone and was somewhat happy in life. So I wasn't expecting the author to kill off his character. And I certainly wasn't expecting to get choked up about it, but then that might also have to do with the choice her daughter made.

Because yes, we finally got to meet Toby's ex-fiance Cliff and her daughter Gillian, who manages to get dragged into the mess by the insane Raysel Torquill. I assumed that Seanan McGuire was setting it up to bring Toby's daughter into her world, so I was slightly disappointed that she chose to stay human, but I was impressed that the author took it into that direction and sort of wrapped up that plot thread. I'm still disappointed with the way Toby dealt with her daughter when she came back from being a fish, but I can accept that it's over and she's moving on.

Now I'm really looking forward to the next installment, even though I'm sure that the only motivation of the bad guys will continue to be that they are going mad (which is a cop out, but oh well).(less)

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Mar 19, 2012 Eleniel rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: u-f-a-r

Until the very end I was resolved to give it one star - which is quite generous, considering how annoyed I was with this book. The one is for Tybalt and Luidaeg. The additional one is soley for the last chapter. It's got a fascinating bit of history in it - one of reasons I still keep reading the series - and enough melancholy to accompany it.

Oh, and mostly because October is mostly silent. She is verbose in a flippant way, and that's a terrible combination, along with her attitude issue. She's...more Until the very end I was resolved to give it one star - which is quite generous, considering how annoyed I was with this book. The one is for Tybalt and Luidaeg. The additional one is soley for the last chapter. It's got a fascinating bit of history in it - one of reasons I still keep reading the series - and enough melancholy to accompany it.

Oh, and mostly because October is mostly silent. She is verbose in a flippant way, and that's a terrible combination, along with her attitude issue. She's downright rude, always making up excuses about how she's so tired/got no time/has no patience etc. to bother. If she were a typical UF heroine with angst issue, I might have put up with her as one would with an angst-ridden adolecenst girl. But she isn't, she's being rude just because she's feeling like it, and that made me give up on her. And the chronic disease of hers named incompetence still is her trademark. Thankfully, Toby has improved a little, but not so much that she still needs May to pay half of rent. I'm surprised she can manage to pay half of the rent when she clearly sucks as a P.I. No wonder Rayselline and Dugan are resentful toward her - I would be, when someone so dumb and rude just sweeps in and takes everything. Ah, the perk of being a heroine. And there's also Connor. This way, October gets to sample both Connor and Tybalt without having to choose. I dare call it a cheap trick. The fact that she was sort of two timing and being deliberately dense doesn't help.

I really wish the author would try another genre. The last chapter, and occassional bits of beautiful lines she throws show that she can actually write good stuffs. The thing is, she sucks at writing anything resembling detective novel. Too many holes, too many loose ends. Characters so unbelievable, unappealing, inconsistent and irrational. Messy writing(readers are not stupid, we do not need to be reminded everytime October can't say thank you). I closed the book more than ten times, and that rarely happens when I'm reading a fiction. Well, at least the cover's nice.(less)

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Dec 25, 2011 drey rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads, urban-fantasy, favorites

drey’s thoughts:
Toby’s life is so not boring… But at least One Salt Sea waits (almost) a few chapters before throwing her into chaos. Again.

She’s trying to re-learn her body, thanks to her mother’s actions in Late Eclipses (not that she’s complaining–at least she’s alive!). And figuring out what it can do by sword-training with Sylvester. If that’s not enough, she’s worrying about Tybalt. Spending time with Connor. Hanging with May. Settling Lily’s people in at Goldengreen… And it all comes to...more drey’s thoughts:
Toby’s life is so not boring… But at least One Salt Sea waits (almost) a few chapters before throwing her into chaos. Again.

She’s trying to re-learn her body, thanks to her mother’s actions in Late Eclipses (not that she’s complaining–at least she’s alive!). And figuring out what it can do by sword-training with Sylvester. If that’s not enough, she’s worrying about Tybalt. Spending time with Connor. Hanging with May. Settling Lily’s people in at Goldengreen… And it all comes to a screeching halt when the Luidaeg stops by. Because the Luidaeg does not just “stop by”…

We meet the Undersea fae in this installment, and what colorful characters they are. Not happy though, but who would be if your sons were missing and you suspect the Queen of the Mists of the dastardly deed? (heh, I’ve always wanted to use those two words together)

Now, the Queen isn’t one of Toby’s favorite people in the world, but even she knows that while mostly mad, the Queen is not the one responsible. So to avert outright war between the sea and land fae, Toby does what she’s best at–unraveling the mystery, finding the perpetrators, and saving the world. Hopefully while staying alive.

I am in awe of Toby. She’s been through a lot, and Seanan McGuire has never (and I suspect, will never) coddle her. If you’ve read Rosemary and Rue, you’ll know how much Toby loves water. Well guess where she gets to go in One Salt Sea? I’m amazed she managed to stay as composed as she does. But then again, that’s Toby–it doesn’t matter to her how uncomfortable the situations she gets in are, she’ll do it anyway. Because she’ll do what’s right, to save those she loves most. And those she loves most are definitely on the line in this fifth installment.

You’re in for adventure galore, a new world that amazes, and pulse-pounding anxiety, all wrapped up in Toby’s trademark open-mouth-insert-foot snarkiness. Pack some tissues though–you’ll most likely cry with her before you run out of pages to read. *sigh*

drey’s rating: Outstanding!! Now I have to figure out what to do for Toby-withdrawal until Ashes of Honor comes out next September. Yes, that’s twelve whole months. *cry*(less)

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Nov 29, 2011 Soo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

Of the current five books in this series, I like this one the most. The first few books were interesting but there were awkward bits that kept them from being really good. I'm not wrapped up in the mysteries that take place in each book. They're fairly simple & easy to figure out. However, I love the character growth entwined in the books and how little details flower into a larger picture. To me, Seanan McGuire's writing gains more depth and flow with each book. Toby Daye's world and the ch...more

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Nov 25, 2011 Lia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Sigh. I keep waiting for these books to get better and they really don't. The whole series has so much potential but it just never develops. In theory, a changeling knight with a hero complex who spent 14 years as a fish would be an awesome main character. Instead, it takes us ages to learn what's so awesome about Toby (the first changeling knight ever! You'd think the whole thing was part of her identity or something) and how she changed from delinquent changeling to knight in shining armor. Oh...more Sigh. I keep waiting for these books to get better and they really don't. The whole series has so much potential but it just never develops. In theory, a changeling knight with a hero complex who spent 14 years as a fish would be an awesome main character. Instead, it takes us ages to learn what's so awesome about Toby (the first changeling knight ever! You'd think the whole thing was part of her identity or something) and how she changed from delinquent changeling to knight in shining armor. Oh, wait. We never really learn about the second part. It's like Ms. McGuire drops these hints to keep things interesting but they're not actually part of Toby's identity.

In theory, a knight sent off to prevent a war between a crazy queen and a mermaid with missing children would be rife with challenge and adventure. And it is. The mystery is actually pretty good this time, like the last book. Unlike books 1 and 2.

In theory, the knight's love interest... would actually be interesting. Which, I'm sorry to say, Connor is not. Also, can I repeat again how much I hate love triangles? Can't the woman just pick one and be done with it? But nope, it's got something to do with how interesting they're supposed to be. On the other hand, crazy cat king who's got cat spies working everywhere and can travel through the Shadows? Hello interesting. In fact, I'd say Tybalt is the only character done properly in this whole series, and a lot of that might have to do with the fact that we don't see him often.

I love the idea of the fae world and all it's hidden crazyness. After 5 books, I've even got most of the various races straight (yea right, up until they add a bunch of new merfolk ones in this book).

The biggest problem I have with this series is the lack of feeling. Case and point: Gilly. Toby is supposed to love her daughter, I assume, but she doesn't do any of the things I'd assume a mother who's been barred from her daughter's life to do. She doesn't drive by her daughter's house or school every now and then, trying to catch a glimpse of her. She doesn't keep tabs on her emails/text messages like a PI mother would (ok, maybe Tobes is too technically challenged for this, but you get the idea). But we're supposed to believe she cares? Where's the demonstration of feeling? (less)

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Nov 03, 2011 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

There aren’t enough positive words to express how much I adore Seanan McGuire and her Toby Daye series. It’s one of the best modern urban fantasy series out there and I encourage you all to jump on board if you aren’t already a fan.

Seanan is a brilliant writer and One Salt Sea is the best installment in the series to date. The. Best. It blew my mind on so many different levels. I wasn’t sure where Seanan could go after the dramatic events and revelations of Late Eclipses, which culminated in Tob...more There aren’t enough positive words to express how much I adore Seanan McGuire and her Toby Daye series. It’s one of the best modern urban fantasy series out there and I encourage you all to jump on board if you aren’t already a fan.

Seanan is a brilliant writer and One Salt Sea is the best installment in the series to date. The. Best. It blew my mind on so many different levels. I wasn’t sure where Seanan could go after the dramatic events and revelations of Late Eclipses, which culminated in Toby being named the Countess of Goldengreen and learning about her relationship to the Firsts (the children of Oberon and Titania), but One Salt Sea has all of the drama and action and humour of previous books in the series, plus an introduction to a whole new part of Faerie: the Undersea. I absolutely adore the world Seanan has created: the books are set in the San Francisco area, with the Kingdom of the Mists roughly corresponding to Northern California. The fae are similar to what you’d see in Celtic mythology (though I’m no expert so I could be wrong), and all of the characters are fleshed out and delicious (even the bad guys). With the addition of the Undersea, this version of Faerie just got a lot bigger and I love it. The Undersea is different from the Kingdom of the Mists in many ways, and is inhabited by all sorts of new species, and you get a really strong sense of the region from One Salt Sea. It’s a fantastic bit of world building that really captures the imagination and I hope we get to spend more time there in future books.

The driving plot of the story revolves around the kidnapping of the sons of Duchess Dianda Lorden of Saltmist, ruler of the Undersea. Dianda blames the land fae, specifically the Queen of the Mists, and Toby has three days to find the missing boys and prove her Queen wasn’t behind it, to prevent an all-out war between the two groups and to repay her debts to the Luidaeg, the sea witch. It’s a brilliant idea, not just because we get to learn about the Undersea and its denizens, but because it forces Toby to use both the skills she honed as one of Sylvester’s knights and her new position as Countess of Goldengreen. Plus, she’s also come to rely on her growing circle of friends over the past four novels and some of my favourites, like Tybalt and Raj, get plenty of page time. There are also some fantastic scenes with the Luidaeg, who I always enjoy because she’s just so unpredictable, and the opening chapter with Sylvester teaching (trying to teach?) Toby to use a sword was a delight.

Another character who gets a nice bit of attention is Connor, Toby’s one-time ex and now current flame. Toby hasn’t had a lot of reason to be happy in the past and it was refreshing to see her and Connor together, having a nice, functional relationship. Of course, that’s quickly put in jeopardy since Connor belongs to the Duchy of Seamist but it wouldn’t be a Toby Daye novel if our heroine wasn’t suffering.

Of course, I can’t talk about characters without mentioning how awesome Toby is. She’s a fantastic protagonist because she’s not perfect. She’s damaged, gritty, sarcastic, loyal, practical, and so much more, but she’s definitely not up on a pedestal and I love that. Characters are so much more fun when they have to scramble and get grumpy and have quirks. I love Toby for all of her realness and for the fact that she’s the only character I’ve ever seen who’s taken in and housed their own harbinger of death.

One of the greatest parts about Seanan’s writing is the wit injected throughout her stories. One Salt Sea has some great lines in it, the best, IMHO, being the following:

“See, Quentin, that’s why you should wear a cup before trying to assassinate someone.”

I won’t contextualize it for fear of spoiling things for you but this line made me laugh out loud. Not a full-on guffaw but pretty close. There are so many dry characters whose dialogue makes me smile, plus the narrative tone of the book is an absolute joy because Toby’s personality shines through with every word.

I would encourage you all to run to the nearest bookstore and get yourself a copy of the first book in the series, Rosemary and Rue, because Toby’s story starts off with a bang and only gets better and better. (And events from previous books are mentioned in One Salt Sea--and other books in the series--though Seanan does an admirable job of bringing readers up to speed with just a quick phrase or two.) I have no idea what Toby’s going to go through next but I can’t wait. September is just so far away!

P. S. The books come with a helpful pronunciation guide at the front, which I love as a linguist. =) (less)

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Oct 31, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, urban

Fifth in the October Daye urban fantasy series based in San Francisco and revolving around Toby Daye, a private detective for humans and the fae.

The Story
Life is good. Well, as good as it's gonna get when Sylvester insists on teaching Toby how to use a sword and saddling Toby with a squire. Even worse, Quentin wants to be her squire! Still, life is good. All the changelings who used to live in Lily's Court in Golden Gate Park have all moved to Toby's knowe, Goldengreen. May has settled in as her...more

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Oct 14, 2011 Karissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the fifth book in the October Daye series. I pretty much adore this series and this book just sealed the deal for me. The world-building, the plot, the characters...all of it was just spot on. If you are a fan of this series you will absolutely love this book.

Toby (October) is taking a little break and trying to get her life together. She is the Countess of Goldengreen now and has subjects to manage there, Quentin is officially her squire, and her and Connor have started dating...not to...more This is the fifth book in the October Daye series. I pretty much adore this series and this book just sealed the deal for me. The world-building, the plot, the characters...all of it was just spot on. If you are a fan of this series you will absolutely love this book.

Toby (October) is taking a little break and trying to get her life together. She is the Countess of Goldengreen now and has subjects to manage there, Quentin is officially her squire, and her and Connor have started dating...not to mention the fact that having her blood tipped more to the fairy side has changed how things work for her. Then Toby is called in on a case, a case that has the two realms of fairy (land and sea) on the brink of war. Someone has stolen the two sons of the Saltmist Queen and King. If they aren't found Seamist will declare war on the Land. Toby has three days to solve the case, but someone is determined to stop her from making any progress.

While previous books have been almost too fast-paced this book is perfectly paced. I had trouble putting it down, but never felt rushed through the story. All of the gaps that I felt were missing in Late Eclipses were filled here. We learn about how Toby is managing Goldengreen. We also get to see a ton more of both Connor and Tybalt and there is a lot of resolution about Toby's relationships with those two.

The characters are fantastic. Even side characters are incredibly interesting. Tybalt is amazing and continues to be one of my favorites; as the King of Cats he does such a good job helping Toby while balancing all of his other responsibilities...and he is incredibly fun. Toby has grown so much, when you think back to the downtroden changeling she was in Rosemary and Rue it is hard to believe that she has grown into such a beuatiful, wonderful, and powerful lead.

The best part was getting introduced to a whole new fairy world with the introduction of Saltmist. Toby gets to travel and meet fairy creatures that she has never seen and is introduced to a beautiful and haunting world. It was fascinating and really expanded the world built in this series. The sea witch is present a lot in this book as well and we get to learn more both about her and the history of fairy through her involvement.

Once again I love how mythology, fairy tale, and nursery rhymes are mixed together to create a rich and wonderful world. I should mention the Night Haunts are back in this book too, I love the mystery behind those Night Haunts!

Overall the best book in the series. This is a series where each book keeps getting better and better. I love this series. There is mystery, intrigue, romance, action, wonder, excellent characters, a fast-paced plot and all of it is perfectly balanced. McGuire (who also writes the Newsflesh Trilogy as Mira Grant) is an excellent writer and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. The sixth book will be titled, Ashes of Honor, and is planned for a Septemer 2012 release. If you love urban fantasy and faerie check this series out. If you love a good mystery with some magic thrown in check this series out. Heck just read this series, the first book is a bit rough, but the rest of the series has been awesome!
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One Salt Sea (October Daye #5)

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