laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
An Artificial Night
3.5 Stars
Knight Errant for the Duke of Shadowed Hills, Toby Daye is taking a well-earned break after her last case when she learns that several fae as well as mortal children have been taken right from under their parents’ noses. Upon learning that the culprit is none other than Blind Michael, leader of the Wild Hunt, Toby makes it her mission in life to rescue the children and teach the malicious fiend a lesson he won’t soon forget. That is unless she first falls prey to inexorable power …
This book has left me feeling somewhat ambivalent. On the one hand, there are numerous appealing elements such as the compelling world building, the intriguing hints at something developing between Toby and the enigmatic Tybalt and the insights into the various secondary characters.
Unfortunately, these are undermined by the problematic aspects of the story, i.e., Toby’s innate martyr complex, her pathetic investigative skills, and her annoying connection to Connor.
McGuire’s world building goes from strength to strength. As in the previous installments, there is a great deal of focus on the pure-blood/changeling distinction as well as the divisions between Oberon, Maeve and Titania’s children. It can get a little confusing at times, but it is entertaining nonetheless. Moreover, the Blind Michael storyline is intense and suspenseful as he is definitely one of the more evil villains in this genre and his powers and abilities are enough to make anyone’s skin crawl.
Toby is a likable heroine and it is interesting to learn more about her relationships with Luna, Sylvester, Quentin and the Luidaeg. That said, her tendency toward self-destructive behavior and the fact that she never seems to actually use her brain even though the clues are right in front of her gets tiresome after a while.
Furthermore, her love life leaves a lot to be desired. Tybalt is the obvious choice, but this doesn’t seem to be going anywhere yet, and Connor is a poor substitute if one can even call him that. While one cannot help sympathizing with his marital predicament, it is one of his own making and it is selfish of him to expect Toby to feel responsible for his happiness. Moreover, he is far too beta for my tastes and definitely not hero material.
Despite its problems, this is an entertaining series and I’ve heard that it improves with each installment so I'm willing to continue to tough it out if only to find out more about Tybalt and some of the other unanswered questions.
3.5 Stars
Knight Errant for the Duke of Shadowed Hills, Toby Daye is taking a well-earned break after her last case when she learns that several fae as well as mortal children have been taken right from under their parents’ noses. Upon learning that the culprit is none other than Blind Michael, leader of the Wild Hunt, Toby makes it her mission in life to rescue the children and teach the malicious fiend a lesson he won’t soon forget. That is unless she first falls prey to inexorable power …
This book has left me feeling somewhat ambivalent. On the one hand, there are numerous appealing elements such as the compelling world building, the intriguing hints at something developing between Toby and the enigmatic Tybalt and the insights into the various secondary characters.
Unfortunately, these are undermined by the problematic aspects of the story, i.e., Toby’s innate martyr complex, her pathetic investigative skills, and her annoying connection to Connor.
McGuire’s world building goes from strength to strength. As in the previous installments, there is a great deal of focus on the pure-blood/changeling distinction as well as the divisions between Oberon, Maeve and Titania’s children. It can get a little confusing at times, but it is entertaining nonetheless. Moreover, the Blind Michael storyline is intense and suspenseful as he is definitely one of the more evil villains in this genre and his powers and abilities are enough to make anyone’s skin crawl.
Toby is a likable heroine and it is interesting to learn more about her relationships with Luna, Sylvester, Quentin and the Luidaeg. That said, her tendency toward self-destructive behavior and the fact that she never seems to actually use her brain even though the clues are right in front of her gets tiresome after a while.
Furthermore, her love life leaves a lot to be desired. Tybalt is the obvious choice, but this doesn’t seem to be going anywhere yet, and Connor is a poor substitute if one can even call him that. While one cannot help sympathizing with his marital predicament, it is one of his own making and it is selfish of him to expect Toby to feel responsible for his happiness. Moreover, he is far too beta for my tastes and definitely not hero material.
Despite its problems, this is an entertaining series and I’ve heard that it improves with each installment so I'm willing to continue to tough it out if only to find out more about Tybalt and some of the other unanswered questions.
lynseyisreading's review against another edition
5.0
This is my favourite of the series plot-wise so far. Who doesn't love a good magical quest?
I really felt like this one stepped it up a notch on all levels. It was set predominantly in the realm of the Fae, and the storyline was much more fantastical than the last two books. Toby was also tested like she's never been before AND we got lots of answers about her own back story. Well, okay, not answers, exactly. But definitely more information and quite possibly even more questions, lol.
Blind Michael is stealing children to be his riders for his yearly hunt on All Hallows Eve. When he makes off with someone Toby cares about, she sets about trying to get them back, no matter the cost. Her morals will let her do no less.
If I was being picky I might say the plot got slightly repetitive as certain events happened more than once. But I really don't think I even care because of what else we were treated to in terms of character developments!
And Tybalt....*big dreamy sigh* Tybalt, Tybalt. I swear, if October doesn't want him, I'll take him! I absolutely adore him! And I just love it when we know more about how characters feel about each other than they do. Seanan McGuire is very good as this. It must be hard to drop the clues in there for us yet leave Toby completely guileless. And for it to be believable, too.
I don't know if anything will ever come of these "feelings" that I'm sensing. With Tybalt being Cait Sidhe, and a King no less, and October only being a smart-mouthed changeling, I'm just not sure how it will all work out. But they at least have to try, don't they?
I'll just keep reading until it happens. That will show Seanan McGuire who's boss. Ha!
5 stars! ★★★★★
I really felt like this one stepped it up a notch on all levels. It was set predominantly in the realm of the Fae, and the storyline was much more fantastical than the last two books. Toby was also tested like she's never been before AND we got lots of answers about her own back story. Well, okay, not answers, exactly. But definitely more information and quite possibly even more questions, lol.
Blind Michael is stealing children to be his riders for his yearly hunt on All Hallows Eve. When he makes off with someone Toby cares about, she sets about trying to get them back, no matter the cost. Her morals will let her do no less.
If I was being picky I might say the plot got slightly repetitive as certain events happened more than once. But I really don't think I even care because of what else we were treated to in terms of character developments!
And Tybalt....*big dreamy sigh* Tybalt, Tybalt. I swear, if October doesn't want him, I'll take him! I absolutely adore him! And I just love it when we know more about how characters feel about each other than they do. Seanan McGuire is very good as this. It must be hard to drop the clues in there for us yet leave Toby completely guileless. And for it to be believable, too.
I don't know if anything will ever come of these "feelings" that I'm sensing. With Tybalt being Cait Sidhe, and a King no less, and October only being a smart-mouthed changeling, I'm just not sure how it will all work out. But they at least have to try, don't they?
I'll just keep reading until it happens. That will show Seanan McGuire who's boss. Ha!
5 stars! ★★★★★
mwhite9023's review against another edition
4.0
I'm so glad I stuck this series out to this book. I couldn't write anything better, so I'm not judging too much, but the first two in the series were rough reads, but I liked the characters and the world being built enough to stick around and this book paid off. I'm excited to continue the series now!
jehart's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
vortacist's review against another edition
dark
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
kaytemi's review against another edition
4.0
My favourite so far! I can't wait to see where this series leads.
unicorn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ramakn22's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Confinement, and Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, and Child abuse
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
4.0
morchels's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another thrilling and slightly terrifying October Daye story. The tense sadness and gory fury are still pervasive, making it a hallmark of the series. October makes you want to shout as she continues to fling herself into danger and hope she comes out of it in one piece. Loved this book.