laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Late Eclipses
4 Stars
When Lily, Lady of the Tea Gardens, and Luna, the Duchess of Shadowed Hills, are both struck down by a mysterious illness, Changeling knight October Daye must race against time not only to find a cure but to capture the culprit before she, herself, pays the ultimate price…
The first three books in the series are solid UF reads, but this installment takes Toby, her friends and her foes to a whole new level. There is some gripping action and suspense as well as a little romantic development (although not as much as I would like in a certain area) and some compelling revelations about Toby and her enigmatic mother, Amandine.
McGuire’s interpretation of faerie lore is a highlight of the series and this book is no exception. The focus in this one is on the fae women who have it in for Toby for one reason or another: the despotic Queen of Mists, the psychotic Rayselline Torquel, and the sociopathic Oleander de Merelands … Of course, the question an everyone’s mind is which one is sick enough to target those closest to Toby.
There is also some excellent character development both in terms of Toby learning more about her fae heritage and in terms of her personal life as the love triangle continues with the amazing Tybalt and the superfluous Connor. When will Toby see what is right in front of her face?!
All in all, the strongest book thus far and there is a definite sense that McGuire is building toward something significant.
4 Stars
When Lily, Lady of the Tea Gardens, and Luna, the Duchess of Shadowed Hills, are both struck down by a mysterious illness, Changeling knight October Daye must race against time not only to find a cure but to capture the culprit before she, herself, pays the ultimate price…
The first three books in the series are solid UF reads, but this installment takes Toby, her friends and her foes to a whole new level. There is some gripping action and suspense as well as a little romantic development (although not as much as I would like in a certain area) and some compelling revelations about Toby and her enigmatic mother, Amandine.
McGuire’s interpretation of faerie lore is a highlight of the series and this book is no exception. The focus in this one is on the fae women who have it in for Toby for one reason or another: the despotic Queen of Mists, the psychotic Rayselline Torquel, and the sociopathic Oleander de Merelands … Of course, the question an everyone’s mind is which one is sick enough to target those closest to Toby.
There is also some excellent character development both in terms of Toby learning more about her fae heritage and in terms of her personal life as the love triangle continues with the amazing Tybalt and the superfluous Connor. When will Toby see what is right in front of her face?!
All in all, the strongest book thus far and there is a definite sense that McGuire is building toward something significant.
lynseyisreading's review against another edition
5.0
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.
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.
kadtide's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Torture, and Animal death
Minor: Gaslighting and Infidelity
vortacist's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
astrocat42's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
witchivor's review
4.0
I love this series, and this is the best book yet. We learn a lot more about Toby, her past, and her mother, but are left with a whole host of other questions. The mystery in this novel is a little obvious at times, but it works.
morchels's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In this book we get to see more of the fae world of San Francisco. We also learn a lot about Toby. I really could not put this book down. The author weaves such a nice bloody sad exciting story each time and more gets revealed each time. It's truly fascinating.
booksandbreadcrumbs's review
4.5
This series is getting SO good omg!!! I'm so glad I'm reading it and so excited to continue on.
kristie_beth's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
linguana's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0