A Short Review of Once Broken Faith, by Seanan McGuire

Once Broken Faith by Seanan McGuire

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


All right, it's official. I am a Seanan McGuire fan, especially of her October Daye series. I like this tough, kick-ass detective for the Fae, a changeling who can work her own magic. Not that always helps her, as there are some powerful fairies out there in the Kingdoms of the West Lands, the fairy dominion superimposed over (sort of) North America. She is one good heroine.

Following close on the story of ARed-Rose Chain, in which October, aka Toby, returns to the Kingdom of the Mists from a struggle in the Kingdom of Silences where she has helped prevent a war. But she comes home with a cure for elf-shot which puts a person to sleep for 100 years. A conclave of fairy rulers has been called: should this cure be disseminated, or not? "This conclave is hosted by Arden, Queen of Mists, "and overseen by the High King and Queen themselves. Naturally, things have barely gotten underway when the first dead body shows up" (backcover).

Political intrigue, fairy politics, and more murder. As RT Reviews puts it, "Plenty of well-plotted action, danger and some genuinely perilous moments ensure the plot moves at a blisteringly fast pace ... " (backcover).

Lots of good stuff here, McGuire is a first-rate storyteller. I am impressed with her world-building. Yes, she is using Celtic fairy lore, but in a fresh and innovative way. Her people are real. I was particularly struck in this book and the last one in the series, by the casual easiness of her presentation and inclusion of gay characters. There are plenty of queer folks, but they just are. No coming out, no homophobic bigotry--the bigoted ones are us.

Good work.
Recommended.

And as the second book finished in 2018, this feels right.



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