October Daye, Book 4
Synopsis: Two years ago, October “Toby” Daye believed she could leave the world of Faerie behind. She was wrong. Now she finds herself in the service of Duke Sylvester Torquill, sharing an apartment with her Fetch, and maintaining an odd truce with Tybalt, the local King of Cats. It’s a delicate balance—one that’s shattered when she learns that an old friend is in dire trouble. Lily, Lady of the Tea Gardens, has been struck down by a mysterious, seemingly impossible illness, leaving her fiefdom undefended.
Struggling to find a way to save Lily and her subjects, Toby must confront her own past as an enemy she thought was gone forever raises her head once more: Oleander de Merelands, one of the two people responsible for her fourteen-year exile. But if Oleander’s back, what’s her game? Where is she hiding? And what part does Toby’s mother, Amandine, have to play?Time is growing short and the stakes are getting higher. For the Queen of the Mists has her own agenda, and there are more players in this game than Toby can guess. With everything on the line, she will have to take the ultimate risk to save herself and the people she loves most—because if she can’t find the missing pieces of the puzzle in time, Toby will be forced to make the one choice she thought she’d never have to face again…
In each volume, October has to go through many dangers and when you think it can not be worse, we start another story and understand how we were wrong. I’m always really surprised by the ideas of the author. The third volume was already impressive, but this one overwhelmed it. I feel that the more I advance in the series the more I like it and each new book becomes my favorite. You can imagine that I am now very curious to read the next one. I was really surprised by the events. We discover a lot of things that we could not have predicted, nor even think. If I could describe the story in a few words I think I would say it was sad, disturbing and dark. At the same time we learn so much. Wow, I didn’t expect such revelations, I was completely impressed. We had heard so much of Oleander and it is true that I was eager to meet her. Or at least learn more about her (as well as Simon elsewhere). So it was a pleasure to learn more about the past of our heroine and share her feelings. It’s not possible for Toby to rest between Lily whi is ill and all those around her who ask for help. But that’s not counting all her enemies who are just waiting for her to make a mistake. I’m not giving too much away because it is true that the events follow one another without downtime, so it is difficult to stop once you start. This volume reveals many secrets that were hidden since the beginning of the series. We thus manage to better understand October, everything becomes a little more clear and logical. It was also the first time I saw Raysel confiding something that allows us to understand a little of her antipathy towards our young knight. I confess I understand her reasons, but she is too crazy to really be objective. Well, I think you’ll understand I was completely swept away by the story and now that certain truths have been revealed I only want one thing, to know what will happen now and learn more (yes, because I’m sure it is possible). It was a magnificent heartbreaking volume. Always a nice surprise.
Giselle
I really want to read some books by Seanan Maguire! I love her Feed series (her pen name) so I know she’s a fantastic author. This series sounds exciting and I love that she writes twists that you’d never see coming that’s so rare for me! Great review!
Melliane
It’s the only series I haven’t tried yet but I’m so curious. I hope you’ll try and enjoy them too!
Blodeuedd
I loved this one 😀 YAY Toby!!!!!!
Melliane
Yay!!! Love love this series!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I have the first 2? I think… I’ll have to organize them. I’ve been getting them when I can from a book swap so I need to start ordering them. I know I don’t have this one and it looks like I really need to make sure I get it!!
Melliane
Ah you need to start them, they’re all wonderful!
Mel
Yep. I have to read this series. I have the first couple of books but just not opened them yet. But I will! Some day… 🙂
Melliane
yes you have! I hope this day will come soon, it’s a great series.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
I just want to duck and hide. I soooo neeeeed to get to the first book, and it’s right here beside me. Oooh, if I could get through some review books and clear them out, I totally could. I’ve got to work hard to get to these. 🙂
Melliane
YOu need to! Mainly when I’m the one who bought you book 1!
Aurian
Blodeuedd already has me convinced to read this series, and I did buy some of her books last month. So someday, I will make the time to read them! Great review Melliane, glad you love them so much as well.
Melliane
YOu’ll love them I’m sure of it!
Wendy Darling
UGH, I still need to start Toby Daye! I love her Mira Grant books and I need to read these. (I say this every time you post a new TD review, I know.)
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
Melliane
I know… One day I’ll succeed in making you read the books!
kara-karina@Nocturnal Book Reviews
Fantastic review, D.! It’s true each book is better than the previous one. Seanon seriously rocks! 🙂