turbulentpumpkin43's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
setauuta's review
4.0
This was a solid book, but the ending seems a little too abrupt for me. Also, I'm not sure what happened to one of the characters at the end - I'm going to have to go spelunking in the reviews to see if anyone else figured it out. Still, lots of good plot hooks for continuing the series, and giving Toby plenty to worry about in the future.
laurenjodi's review
4.0
Red-Rose Chain
3.5 Stars
Changeling Knight of the Mists, October Daye, is not known for her diplomatic skills, but when the court of Queen Arden Windermere is threatened by the neighboring Kingdom of Silences, Toby is dispatched to negotiate a peaceful settlement. However, after witnessing the atrocities committed in the realm, Toby must decide whether to act in defiance of faerie or do nothing and allow others to suffer.
While Red-Rose Chain is slower and rehashes several plot points from previous books, there is some good character development including intriguing details on Walther and glimpses into Tybalt's enigmatic past. The insights into the nature of Toby's blood and her related powers are also compelling.
The villains are profoundly evil and the last few chapters are particularly intense with one or two touch and go moments for Toby.
One annoying element that actually pertains to the series as a whole is the fact that the fae rarely receive their just desserts. Consequently, the ending failed to appease my growing blood lust. Ah well, one cannot have everything…
In sum, Toby and her friends are very appealing characters and it is always fun and exciting to read about her adventures. Looking forward to the next one.
3.5 Stars
Changeling Knight of the Mists, October Daye, is not known for her diplomatic skills, but when the court of Queen Arden Windermere is threatened by the neighboring Kingdom of Silences, Toby is dispatched to negotiate a peaceful settlement. However, after witnessing the atrocities committed in the realm, Toby must decide whether to act in defiance of faerie or do nothing and allow others to suffer.
While Red-Rose Chain is slower and rehashes several plot points from previous books, there is some good character development including intriguing details on Walther and glimpses into Tybalt's enigmatic past. The insights into the nature of Toby's blood and her related powers are also compelling.
The villains are profoundly evil and the last few chapters are particularly intense with one or two touch and go moments for Toby.
One annoying element that actually pertains to the series as a whole is the fact that the fae rarely receive their just desserts. Consequently, the ending failed to appease my growing blood lust. Ah well, one cannot have everything…
In sum, Toby and her friends are very appealing characters and it is always fun and exciting to read about her adventures. Looking forward to the next one.
stacksofpaperbacks's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
vortacist's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
saoki's review
4.0
A very interesting story, with a problem completely different from Toby's usual fare. Which is quite fun, because it's hard to keep a character growing if she's always dealing with the same dangers. Strangely, I can't help but feel it is just the set up for something bigger. Felt a bit like a novella, in that way, so maybe I just though it was short and am, now, complaining because I'll have to wait another year for the next book in the series. Possibly that.
Still, very enjoyable. There are images in an Seanan McGuire's books that keep me awed for days. This one has a certain rose garden that will probably show up in my dreams.
Still, very enjoyable. There are images in an Seanan McGuire's books that keep me awed for days. This one has a certain rose garden that will probably show up in my dreams.
abipepper's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
booksandbreadcrumbs's review
4.25
ahhhhh. There were so many times while reading this book that I was just seething with rage. It was great though!
paula7's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0