October "Toby" Daye is now the Countess of Goldengreen. To prevent war between land and sea, Toby must find the kidnapped sons of the regent of the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist within three days and prove that the Queen of the Mists was not responsible.
The October Daye series is fun, I don't actually like the protagonist that much, she makes absurd and self-destructive choices. I'm more interested in the constellation of friends and allies she has built around herself, they are much more interesting. And I like the remixed lore from fairy tales, how they are woven into the fabric of the modern Bay Area of California. This book was more of the same, but good enough.
I like this series. The writing improves with every book (as does the narration). I still have a problem with her use of unnecessary crutch-words: starting, beginning to, etc. because I expect the action to be broken when you do that. It's exhausting to read a book written like that, but she's improving. But I wish an editor would hit her on the head (virtually) with a writing guide. It's sloppy writing and it shouldn't be in a finished book.
But, that criticisim aside: I like the books. I like the series, despite October Daye, who is very annoying and frustrating. As main characters go, she isn't well-written. But she's is way better than any of the female YA UF protagonists that are popular at the moment, so I'm not complaining too much.
More known and unknown history of Faerie is revealed in this book. October loses a lot in this book. There were characters kind of holding up her forward movement, and they are shed. I was surprised a little bit to cry during a particular scene in this book. I'm excited to read the short stories alluded to in this one and continue to read Toby's journey.
The fae of the land and the sea are on the brink of war. When the sons of the rulers of the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist are kidnapped, all fingers are pointing to the Queen of the Mists. October must discover who’s responsible and bring the boys back safe and sound in just three days. Or the fate of her friends will rest on her shoulders.
The story starts with Toby having got together with Connor. Considering all the looks and unspoken communication between her and Tybalt in the past, this seems a bit sudden. His pyscho wife has left and that means they’re together with no build up at all. In previous books it was mentioned they were childhood sweethearts but they grew apart, especially when Toby fell in love with a human and had a child. Then she’s a fish for 14 years and comes back and thinks …
The fae of the land and the sea are on the brink of war. When the sons of the rulers of the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist are kidnapped, all fingers are pointing to the Queen of the Mists. October must discover who’s responsible and bring the boys back safe and sound in just three days. Or the fate of her friends will rest on her shoulders.
The story starts with Toby having got together with Connor. Considering all the looks and unspoken communication between her and Tybalt in the past, this seems a bit sudden. His pyscho wife has left and that means they’re together with no build up at all. In previous books it was mentioned they were childhood sweethearts but they grew apart, especially when Toby fell in love with a human and had a child. Then she’s a fish for 14 years and comes back and thinks he’s cute but there’s not really anything there. He’s a bit of a damp squib and a romantic lead, showing none of the sexual tension that exists between Toby and Tybalt. OK, am on team Tybalt and he does tend to disappear off for long periods of time, but he’s a cat. That’s what cats do. I would be more inclined to accept the relationship were there some sort of event which got them together. I have noticed there is a short story that falls between Late Eclipses and One Salt Sea so I will have to dig that out to see if it’s expanded upon.
It doesn’t take long for Connor to be called back to the sea and I couldn’t help feeling good riddance. I made the mistake of reading an Amazon review which contained the hugest spoiler ever, however there was enough other story to keep me interested. However Toby seems really detached from her emotions when it comes to her daughter. I thought this in the previous books but put it down to her stint as a fish, numbing her memories and emotional connotations. So when her daughter is in mortal danger, she goes through the actions of what is expected but the prose doesn’t really offer any emotional distress.
The thing with the Luidheag and her past with the sea and the selkies tugged at my heart strings. She is a fantastic character and I’m glad she and Toby have formed an awkward sort of friendship. I’ve come to notice that Tybalt keeps taking his jacket back sneakily and boosting his scent in the leather. It seems his way of subtly marking his territory but it also brings a sort of comfort to Toby. There’s a moment when it no longer smells like him and it really feels like it’s marking an end. His coat has become an important symbol which added to the sense of confusion with the whole Connor thing. Toby has acknowledged there’s something there on a few occasions and he is always looking out for her. In his growly ways, he is adorable.
Sometimes you can absolutely love a series even when some of the parts are lacking. I still ploughed through the pages and can’t wait to read more (I ordered the next book as soon as I finished). I am emotionally attached to certain characters and can forgive the flaws in each individual story.
