A review by yousei
The Innocent Sleep by Seanan McGuire

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense 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? No

5.0

The Innocent Sleep, companion to Sleep No More, was so enjoyable. I have read as many of the short stories as I could, many of which are from various supporting character’s POVs. But none of them have ever been as enjoyable as Tybalt’s — and now the kitty-cat has his own main novel written in his POV.

With such an event like what happened in both books, having the second perspective really added gravitas to such a Canon Event™️. It was also refreshing to see someone else who is not October, who is 100% and undoubtedly the Hero of the Realm, be a hero in this story. An equal, if you will.

It has been an incredible journey to get Toby and Tybalt to where they are, with many bumps along the way. To witness these two characters do what they do best together and separately illustrates how strong their bonds are.

There’s still the same people who are on the shit list in the story and -*oh boy!*- I can’t wait to see them get their comeuppance. But there is deliberate care taken with every choice Seanan makes.

The only thing I regret now is being fully caught up on the series. But I am eagerly anticipating the announcement of book 19… whenever that may be 👀✨ (Please let it be soon! 😩🙏🏼)

Watch my review on TikTok! https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeo1rVrd/