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Corsair (2015), 384 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Mystery. HTML:New York Times-bestselling October Daye series �?� Hugo Award-winning author Seanan McGuire �?� "Top of my urban-paranormal series list!" �??Felicia Day Changeling knight in the court of the Duke of Shadowed Hills, October "Toby" Daye has survived numerous challenges that would destroy fae and mortal alike. Now Toby must take on a nightmarish new assignment. Someone is stealing both fae and mortal children�??and all signs point to Blind Michael. When the young son of Toby's closest friends is snatched from their Northern California home, Toby has no choice but to track the villains down, even when there are only three magical roads by which to reach Blind Michael's realm�??home of the legendary Wild Hunt�??and no road may be taken more than once. If she cannot escape with all the children before the candle that guides and protects her burns away, Toby herself will fall prey to Blind Michael's inescapable power. And it doesn't bode well for the success of her mission that her own personal Fetch, May Daye�??the harbinger of Toby's own death�??has suddenly turned up on her doorstep... From the… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member les121
This third book in the October Daye series is darker, bleaker, and even better than the first two installments. Once I started it, I could barely put it down; the action never let up. It was extremely emotional, making me tear up at times. While the first two books were both dark and somewhat
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depressing, this book was even more so. But what makes the story enjoyable is the fact that Toby becomes a real hero in this book. Though not everything turns out all right in the end, she’s no longer defined by her failures. This book also added depth to the supporting characters, especially Luna and the Luidaeg. I didn’t think I was going to like the new character, May, but she grew on me, and a couple times made me laugh out loud. I’m still in love with Toby’s world of Faerie. It’s interesting, unique, and fun to explore. The one thing I didn’t like was the dialogue at certain points. It sometimes struck me as unrealistic or there was so much text between statements that it was difficult to follow the entire conversation. Besides that, I loved this book. I can’t wait to find out what happens next - the teaser for the next book, Late Eclipses, is awesome! And I’m definitely hoping for Toby and Tybalt to get together. Overall, An Artificial Night is a definite improvement on an already great urban fantasy series. Show Less
LibraryThing member ladycato
The second book bothered me on several levels. Honestly, if I didn't already own the third book, I might not have continued the series. In this case, I'm glad I did. An Artificial Night is taut, dark, and brilliant in execution. The suspense is there right from the start, and it had a Dresden
The supporting case is very strong as well. In particular, I love the way her relationship with the Luidaeg has developed from book to book. I'm less thrilled with the other male leads, as sometimes the series feels like "every adult male must be in love with Toby," and I've seen too many other urban fantasies do that same thing. That said, Tybalt is awesome.
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Files-like feel where Toby's situation felt downright impossible more than once yet she somewhere managed to scrape through. She sure does bleed a lot, though.The supporting case is very strong as well. In particular, I love the way her relationship with the Luidaeg has developed from book to book. I'm less thrilled with the other male leads, as sometimes the series feels like "every adult male must be in love with Toby," and I've seen too many other urban fantasies do that same thing. That said, Tybalt is awesome.
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LibraryThing member Aerrin99
Alright, that's it - I'm thoroughly hooked on McGuire's Toby Daye, and I'll be pre-ordering her next book pretty much now.
There's a shift here from the in-and-out world of fae and humans that has filled the previous two books to a story that takes place almost entirely in the faerie Summerlands,
Once again, McGuire shows up as the author who is absolutely the best at making the world of faerie the richest, most complex, most /dangerous/. I've read a number of other series that dabble in this world, but nothing comes close to McGuire's vision. It's a literary joy with references to mythology and Shakespeare and everything else sprinkled in, but it's also dark and full of mystery and, consequently, packed chock-full of tension and good story.
The characters get better with every book. Toby in particular shines here - I loved exploring her heroic side and touching on the dark places from which that aspect of her is born. I also adored the Luidaeg here, as well as the usual cast - Simon, Luna, Quentin, Lily, Tybalt. McGuire is amazingly deft at growing characters with a light touch, a detail here and there, until they are rich and wonderful.
There are growing hints about the importance of Toby's mother, Amadine, and I can't wait to see how they pan out. One of my favorite things about McGuire is her ability to plant seeds and wait for them to grow properly, as well as to call back to earlier events. Her continuity is lovely - we see that strongly in this book in a scene where those who care about Toby, for one reason or another, all end up in the same place, and it's a bit overwhelming to see the lives she's touched in just two previous volumes.
If you like urban fantasy, faeries, or just kick-ass heroines, I can't recommend these books enough.
There's a shift here from the in-and-out world of fae and humans that has filled the previous two books to a story that takes place almost entirely in the faerie Summerlands,
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and because of that, the creepy is seriously cranked up several notches. Blind Michael is an excellent villain, the Luidaeg's magic is fantastically wonderful and strange, and the haunting refrains of children's songs made parts of this book feel like a tale right out of your childhood nightmares. Once again, McGuire shows up as the author who is absolutely the best at making the world of faerie the richest, most complex, most /dangerous/. I've read a number of other series that dabble in this world, but nothing comes close to McGuire's vision. It's a literary joy with references to mythology and Shakespeare and everything else sprinkled in, but it's also dark and full of mystery and, consequently, packed chock-full of tension and good story.
The characters get better with every book. Toby in particular shines here - I loved exploring her heroic side and touching on the dark places from which that aspect of her is born. I also adored the Luidaeg here, as well as the usual cast - Simon, Luna, Quentin, Lily, Tybalt. McGuire is amazingly deft at growing characters with a light touch, a detail here and there, until they are rich and wonderful.
There are growing hints about the importance of Toby's mother, Amadine, and I can't wait to see how they pan out. One of my favorite things about McGuire is her ability to plant seeds and wait for them to grow properly, as well as to call back to earlier events. Her continuity is lovely - we see that strongly in this book in a scene where those who care about Toby, for one reason or another, all end up in the same place, and it's a bit overwhelming to see the lives she's touched in just two previous volumes.
If you like urban fantasy, faeries, or just kick-ass heroines, I can't recommend these books enough.
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LibraryThing member EJAYS17
An Artificial Night is Seanan McGuire's 3rd October Daye novel, featuring the changeling detective October 'Toby' Daye.
Although Toby is a licensed PI, the cases the readers see her tackle in the books all involve her mother's people; the fae, to a large extent. This time a number of fae and mortal
As I've already read and reviewed the first 2 Toby books I decided to do something a little different with this one. I'm going to list my Good and my Not So Good points. Note: there won't be a lot of Not So Good, Seanan really brought her A game with this one.
Good:
The return of Toby's friend the bridge troll cum cabbie Danny.
We got more Quentin. Yay! I'm a fan of the young Daoine Sidhe fosterling and it was not made clear in the previous book; A Local Habitation whether or not he would play a large role in upcoming volumes.
Toby's rose goblin pet (think of a cat made out of rose thorns) Spike plays a big role in this.
Most of the action took place in a truly wondrous and well realised faery kingdom.
Readers got some more of the history behind Luna, the wife of Toby's liege lord Sylvester Torquill, the Duke of Shadowed Hills.
May Daye; Toby's Fetch, very cool character. She looks like Toby and acts like her a lot of the time, but she's really a part of Toby's personality, not the whole of it.
The Luidaeg, the more we find out about her, the more interesting she gets.
Getting to see Toby interacting with her own kind in the human world and having fun with it. I have to admit that I prefer the 'fun Toby' to the cynical, world weary Toby.
Not So Good:
When Toby needs saving from some bad members of the Hunt who should step in, but Tybalt King of Cats? Tybalt does this a lot and it's becoming a little tired. I would have preferred to see Danny show up unexpectedly with his pack of barghests.
Toby spent a lot of this book looking like a nine year old version of herself. Despite this nearly everyone seemed to know who she was. Sometimes it was explained how and other times it wasn't, I felt it was a minor inconsistency.
Initially Toby met resistance when trying to take charge, as the kids she was rescuing saw her as no older than they were. It was a cat princeling Raj who called her on it, but after that it wasn't mentioned again.
There was an entire chapter where Toby was enslaved by Blind Michael and while her thoughts and how she saw her 'master' during this period was very well written, it made me feel distinctly uncomfortable.
Seanan's got me on the hook well and truly and I'm locked in for Late Eclipses, Toby's 4th adventure, due out in March 2011.
Although Toby is a licensed PI, the cases the readers see her tackle in the books all involve her mother's people; the fae, to a large extent. This time a number of fae and mortal
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children, including Toby's 'niece' and 'nephew', have gone missing. The children have been taken by the powerful firstborn (a faery child born to Oberon and Titania or Maeve) Blind Michael to be part of his Wild Hunt. No one kidnaps those close to Toby and gets away with it. It's not easy getting the best of a creature as old and powerful as Blind Michael and there will a price for Toby and her motley band of friends to regain what is theirs from the master of the Wild Hunt.As I've already read and reviewed the first 2 Toby books I decided to do something a little different with this one. I'm going to list my Good and my Not So Good points. Note: there won't be a lot of Not So Good, Seanan really brought her A game with this one.
Good:
The return of Toby's friend the bridge troll cum cabbie Danny.
We got more Quentin. Yay! I'm a fan of the young Daoine Sidhe fosterling and it was not made clear in the previous book; A Local Habitation whether or not he would play a large role in upcoming volumes.
Toby's rose goblin pet (think of a cat made out of rose thorns) Spike plays a big role in this.
Most of the action took place in a truly wondrous and well realised faery kingdom.
Readers got some more of the history behind Luna, the wife of Toby's liege lord Sylvester Torquill, the Duke of Shadowed Hills.
May Daye; Toby's Fetch, very cool character. She looks like Toby and acts like her a lot of the time, but she's really a part of Toby's personality, not the whole of it.
The Luidaeg, the more we find out about her, the more interesting she gets.
Getting to see Toby interacting with her own kind in the human world and having fun with it. I have to admit that I prefer the 'fun Toby' to the cynical, world weary Toby.
Not So Good:
When Toby needs saving from some bad members of the Hunt who should step in, but Tybalt King of Cats? Tybalt does this a lot and it's becoming a little tired. I would have preferred to see Danny show up unexpectedly with his pack of barghests.
Toby spent a lot of this book looking like a nine year old version of herself. Despite this nearly everyone seemed to know who she was. Sometimes it was explained how and other times it wasn't, I felt it was a minor inconsistency.
Initially Toby met resistance when trying to take charge, as the kids she was rescuing saw her as no older than they were. It was a cat princeling Raj who called her on it, but after that it wasn't mentioned again.
There was an entire chapter where Toby was enslaved by Blind Michael and while her thoughts and how she saw her 'master' during this period was very well written, it made me feel distinctly uncomfortable.
Seanan's got me on the hook well and truly and I'm locked in for Late Eclipses, Toby's 4th adventure, due out in March 2011.
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LibraryThing member katekf
The third book in the October Daye series is the strongest yet as it goes deep into the world of Faery, where Toby must face her own mortality. McGuire has created a world that is familiar in terms of the emotions and characters, while still being new as she revisits classic tales and ballads. To
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any reader of urban fiction especially fans of Charles De Lint and Simon R. Green, this series will be a joy. Show Less
LibraryThing member krau0098
This is the third book in the October Daye series by Seanan Mcguire. The 4th book, Late Eclipses, will be out in March of 2011. Right now there are seven books contracted for this series. This was a great installment in this series. The book was different from the previous books in that most of it
October is contacted when a variety of children go missing. It's not just fairy children either. Tybalt wants her to find some of his missing cats, her friend's half-fairy children have disappeared, and Quentin's teenage human girlfriend is also gone. October ends up having to venture deep into the heart of the world of Blind Michael, one of the First Born Fairies. The hard part isn't going to be saving the children, it's going to be saving herself.
This book was a bit different from the previous books in that it has October going through more of a quest through the fairy lands. She spends a lot of time dealing with heavy hitters, mainly First Born fairies. We get to learn a lot more about where Luna, her kind of foster mother, came from and Luna's history. It was fun to have some of that mystery dispelled. This book also gives you a lot more insight into how the fairylands work and the history behind them.
October, Toby, takes a lot of damage in this book...physically, mentally, and emotionally. The nice part about that is you see how much the people in Toby's life care about her. Tybalt and Connor are both vying for her attention somewhat. Tybalt is in the story some and teases the reader with some interesting comments and problems; again I hope that a future book really features on him. It seems like there is a lot to learn about Tybalt. All our favorites are in this story as well Connor, Quentin, Spike (the rose goblin) etc. The newest characters that join the cast are May, Toby's Fetch, and Luna's mother (whose name I won't say in order to avoid spoilers).
All in all, despite the wonderful cast of characters this book is about Toby. It is about Toby deciding how she wants to live her life and whether she will be a Hero or not. The story is dark, the pace is breakneck and the book is hard to put down. I also think McGuire's writing style has vastly improved from the first book. The dialogue sounds natural and the book is very easy to read. I love how McGuire mingles urban fantasy, mystery, folklore, fairy tales, and nursery rhymes in a cohesive way.
There are a couple things I didn't like about the book, and these prevented me from giving it a 5 star rating. I thought Toby was too passive. She gets pushed around a lot of the book and spends a lot of time passed out. This was true for the end of the second book also. Maybe Toby just needs to be tougher. Hopefully we will see her do more to drive her own destiny in future books. Also I thought Toby returning to Blind Michael's lands multiple times started to get a little repetitive. By the final time Toby returns to his lands, I was thinking "Really, we have to go back there AGAIN!?"
Overall this was a great installment in this series. You learn a lot more about the characters and about the Summerlands in general. I wish Toby had been a bit more assertive and spent less time unconscious; but aside from that I have been really impressed with this series. It is quickly becoming one of my favorites! I eagerly await Late Eclipses.
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takes place in the Summerlands and it is more of a questing/adventure type of story. I loved it.October is contacted when a variety of children go missing. It's not just fairy children either. Tybalt wants her to find some of his missing cats, her friend's half-fairy children have disappeared, and Quentin's teenage human girlfriend is also gone. October ends up having to venture deep into the heart of the world of Blind Michael, one of the First Born Fairies. The hard part isn't going to be saving the children, it's going to be saving herself.
This book was a bit different from the previous books in that it has October going through more of a quest through the fairy lands. She spends a lot of time dealing with heavy hitters, mainly First Born fairies. We get to learn a lot more about where Luna, her kind of foster mother, came from and Luna's history. It was fun to have some of that mystery dispelled. This book also gives you a lot more insight into how the fairylands work and the history behind them.
October, Toby, takes a lot of damage in this book...physically, mentally, and emotionally. The nice part about that is you see how much the people in Toby's life care about her. Tybalt and Connor are both vying for her attention somewhat. Tybalt is in the story some and teases the reader with some interesting comments and problems; again I hope that a future book really features on him. It seems like there is a lot to learn about Tybalt. All our favorites are in this story as well Connor, Quentin, Spike (the rose goblin) etc. The newest characters that join the cast are May, Toby's Fetch, and Luna's mother (whose name I won't say in order to avoid spoilers).
All in all, despite the wonderful cast of characters this book is about Toby. It is about Toby deciding how she wants to live her life and whether she will be a Hero or not. The story is dark, the pace is breakneck and the book is hard to put down. I also think McGuire's writing style has vastly improved from the first book. The dialogue sounds natural and the book is very easy to read. I love how McGuire mingles urban fantasy, mystery, folklore, fairy tales, and nursery rhymes in a cohesive way.
There are a couple things I didn't like about the book, and these prevented me from giving it a 5 star rating. I thought Toby was too passive. She gets pushed around a lot of the book and spends a lot of time passed out. This was true for the end of the second book also. Maybe Toby just needs to be tougher. Hopefully we will see her do more to drive her own destiny in future books. Also I thought Toby returning to Blind Michael's lands multiple times started to get a little repetitive. By the final time Toby returns to his lands, I was thinking "Really, we have to go back there AGAIN!?"
Overall this was a great installment in this series. You learn a lot more about the characters and about the Summerlands in general. I wish Toby had been a bit more assertive and spent less time unconscious; but aside from that I have been really impressed with this series. It is quickly becoming one of my favorites! I eagerly await Late Eclipses.
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LibraryThing member readinggeek451
Children have gone missing--changeling, fae, and human--and Toby sets out to find and return them, putting herself in deadly peril.
McGuire's faeryland is not a safe place, and there is always a price to be paid. The question is whether it will be too high.
McGuire's faeryland is not a safe place, and there is always a price to be paid. The question is whether it will be too high.
LibraryThing member pacey1927
I was lukewarm with "Rosemary and Rue". I thought the world was over-complicated and confusing. I never warmed up to the characters. Then I really enjoyed the second book, which reminded me of an Agatha Christie whodunit. "An Artificial Night" is the best of the trio.
There is everything to like
Things aren't easy for Toby and she suffers a lot along the way. Her friends are one of my favorite things about this book. They rally together and help her over and again. She needs them and part of her recognizes she can't do it alone, although she does try. The reader truly is made to feel for Toby and the others, including Quinton, who have to deal with the horrors of the happenings of this story. Everything that happens has a consequence and not everyone always gets a happily ever after. Thats part of what makes this 'fantasy' novel so realistic.
A couple of pet peeves, that still couldn't manage to detract from my enjoyment of this novel. Toby has a quirk that I can't stand. She has a hero complex. If I read the word hero once in this book, I read it 500 times. It was all "When did I become a Hero?", "I don't want to be a Hero", and then "Oh gosh darn, I AM a HERO". It was annoying and distracting. Toby needs to learn to like herself. I am hoping she has already started to. The other thing is the introduction of a new character who seems to have no purpose. Maybe she will somewhere down the road, but I can't decide if I am supposed to like her or not. If she doesn't serve some purpose in the next book I will be completely confused.
Still if you haven't visited this series, do so now. It is truly one of the most unique and enjoyable out there.
There is everything to like
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about this book. The characters have finally been fleshed out. Toby is likeable (except one quirk which I will get to in a second), Tybalt, the king of the cats, is amazing and I am half in love with Spike the rosebush gnome. Quinton is here again, and I have to say he is one of my favorite tagalongs in literature. The world is still vast and intricate and it takes some dedication to work your way through these books. The bad guy in this book is a truly horrifying bad guy. He prey upon young children turning them into other...things. Things aren't easy for Toby and she suffers a lot along the way. Her friends are one of my favorite things about this book. They rally together and help her over and again. She needs them and part of her recognizes she can't do it alone, although she does try. The reader truly is made to feel for Toby and the others, including Quinton, who have to deal with the horrors of the happenings of this story. Everything that happens has a consequence and not everyone always gets a happily ever after. Thats part of what makes this 'fantasy' novel so realistic.
A couple of pet peeves, that still couldn't manage to detract from my enjoyment of this novel. Toby has a quirk that I can't stand. She has a hero complex. If I read the word hero once in this book, I read it 500 times. It was all "When did I become a Hero?", "I don't want to be a Hero", and then "Oh gosh darn, I AM a HERO". It was annoying and distracting. Toby needs to learn to like herself. I am hoping she has already started to. The other thing is the introduction of a new character who seems to have no purpose. Maybe she will somewhere down the road, but I can't decide if I am supposed to like her or not. If she doesn't serve some purpose in the next book I will be completely confused.
Still if you haven't visited this series, do so now. It is truly one of the most unique and enjoyable out there.
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LibraryThing member MargK
This is the third installment in the October Daye series and, in my opinion, the best. In fact, it has now propelled this series to almost the very top of my Absolute Must Read list, coming in second to the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. From book one, I was a fan, but now I'm also an
I think what really made this book rise above the previous two installments is its plot. The stories Seanan McGuire crafts are always exciting and fascinating. This time, the action was virtually nonstop and there were unexpected twists & developments starting in chapter two and continuing through to the very end. I never knew what was going to happen next; I was on the edge of my seat the whole entire time. Toby was taken to hell and back with multiple return trips. Despite the tense roller coaster ride, the plot never seemed convoluted. On the contrary, it was tightly & deftly woven without obstructive loose threads or questionable plot devices. The story made sense and was brimming with suspense, danger, and full-bodied emotions.
Another aspect that I can't help rave about is the rich assortment of characters and their development. Toby is of course the standout. She is funny, smart, brave, and completely devoted to the people she cares about. No matter how great the trouble, she will not stand idly on the sidelines while innocent people (human or faerie) are threatened. She has values and principles that she holds steadfast to no matter what. And despite being totally kick-ass, she has a vulnerable side. Toby isn't too proud to admit to being scared and tired of constantly having to fight. She knows that others look at her as a hero, and she acknowledges and partially resents the weight of that responsibility. There were several moments in the book that made my heart break a little for Toby and made her that much more real to me. One such moment was when she asked where her hero was. I seriously wanted to jump into the book and tell her, "You're not alone; I've totally got your back, girl."
The other characters are also well fleshed out with very distinct and entertaining personalities. What's really great (and something you don't always see in other books) is how, in addition to the protagonist, some of the supporting characters grow and change throughout the series. Take for example the Luidaeg. She was introduced in the previous installment as a scary sea witch that didn't care about anything or anyone besides herself. She was mean, kinda crazy, and didn't seem to have much of a conscience. Now, she has developed an unlikely friendship with Toby that has notably chipped away at the ice that has surrounded her heart for countless years. She's still foulmouthed and intimidating, but she is starting to care and actually take action to help Toby in her endeavors to protect others. This also brings up the point of the wonderfully complex relationships that are further explored in this book. Despite trying to keep everyone at arm's length for fear of getting them hurt, Toby is surrounded by people that care about her. The relationships she has with each one of these people are unique and deep. The one relationship that I'm particularly fascinated by is the hate-love dynamic between Toby and Tybalt, the sexy king of cats. It's both entertaining and frustrating how dense she is about the obvious fact that she holds a very special place in his heart. I have a feeling that when Seanan McGuire decides to finally give this relationship more story time, some serious sparks are gonna fly.
Finally, I have to mention the writing. It is beautiful and witty. Seanan McGuire truly knows how to bring Toby's world to life. The environments are vividly described—some breathtaking and others gritty. There is lots of rich mythology that plays an intricate and profound role in the story development. And Toby's voice is wonderfully expressive and emotive.
Bottom Line:
This is a must read. If you want an action-packed, suspenseful story that is simultaneously beautiful and gritty and an entertaining, unique cast of characters with a strong, realistic heroine, look no further and get this book (and get the previous two installments if you haven't already).
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addict, itching to get my next fix.I think what really made this book rise above the previous two installments is its plot. The stories Seanan McGuire crafts are always exciting and fascinating. This time, the action was virtually nonstop and there were unexpected twists & developments starting in chapter two and continuing through to the very end. I never knew what was going to happen next; I was on the edge of my seat the whole entire time. Toby was taken to hell and back with multiple return trips. Despite the tense roller coaster ride, the plot never seemed convoluted. On the contrary, it was tightly & deftly woven without obstructive loose threads or questionable plot devices. The story made sense and was brimming with suspense, danger, and full-bodied emotions.
Another aspect that I can't help rave about is the rich assortment of characters and their development. Toby is of course the standout. She is funny, smart, brave, and completely devoted to the people she cares about. No matter how great the trouble, she will not stand idly on the sidelines while innocent people (human or faerie) are threatened. She has values and principles that she holds steadfast to no matter what. And despite being totally kick-ass, she has a vulnerable side. Toby isn't too proud to admit to being scared and tired of constantly having to fight. She knows that others look at her as a hero, and she acknowledges and partially resents the weight of that responsibility. There were several moments in the book that made my heart break a little for Toby and made her that much more real to me. One such moment was when she asked where her hero was. I seriously wanted to jump into the book and tell her, "You're not alone; I've totally got your back, girl."
The other characters are also well fleshed out with very distinct and entertaining personalities. What's really great (and something you don't always see in other books) is how, in addition to the protagonist, some of the supporting characters grow and change throughout the series. Take for example the Luidaeg. She was introduced in the previous installment as a scary sea witch that didn't care about anything or anyone besides herself. She was mean, kinda crazy, and didn't seem to have much of a conscience. Now, she has developed an unlikely friendship with Toby that has notably chipped away at the ice that has surrounded her heart for countless years. She's still foulmouthed and intimidating, but she is starting to care and actually take action to help Toby in her endeavors to protect others. This also brings up the point of the wonderfully complex relationships that are further explored in this book. Despite trying to keep everyone at arm's length for fear of getting them hurt, Toby is surrounded by people that care about her. The relationships she has with each one of these people are unique and deep. The one relationship that I'm particularly fascinated by is the hate-love dynamic between Toby and Tybalt, the sexy king of cats. It's both entertaining and frustrating how dense she is about the obvious fact that she holds a very special place in his heart. I have a feeling that when Seanan McGuire decides to finally give this relationship more story time, some serious sparks are gonna fly.
Finally, I have to mention the writing. It is beautiful and witty. Seanan McGuire truly knows how to bring Toby's world to life. The environments are vividly described—some breathtaking and others gritty. There is lots of rich mythology that plays an intricate and profound role in the story development. And Toby's voice is wonderfully expressive and emotive.
Bottom Line:
This is a must read. If you want an action-packed, suspenseful story that is simultaneously beautiful and gritty and an entertaining, unique cast of characters with a strong, realistic heroine, look no further and get this book (and get the previous two installments if you haven't already).
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LibraryThing member MyBookishWays
Better than the first two, and I thought they were amazing! Can't wait for the next!!
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Very rich. It gave me some odd echoes, because I already have stories in my head with Babylon and Tam Lin, but this one has a good deal of power to it. Toby's dealing with serious power here - and she finally admits both that she's a hero and that she has real friends. And that she has a death
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wish... The immediate story is impressive enough, the hints for the future are fascinating. And Toby's dealing with a lot of Firstborn and more-powerful-than-she-knew people. Secrets and lies, truth and mysteries. Very very rich. I need the next (last?) book now, please. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mav.Weirdo
Yesterday I bought “An Artificial Night” by Campbell Award Winning Author Seanan McGuire. Today I finished the book. It was more than just read-it-in-a-day good; I think it was the best Toby story yet.
It opens with some humor and heart, but (of course) the situation quickly worsens. A threat
Toby is not the only one who faces challenges, tough decisions, and conflicting loyalties. We get to see more (and learn more) of Danny the Bridge Troll, Spike the Rose Goblin, Connor, Lily the Undine, Quentin, Luidaeg, and Luna Torquill Duchess of Shadowed Hills.
A certain King of the Cats may make an appearance as well.
It opens with some humor and heart, but (of course) the situation quickly worsens. A threat
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arises that affects not only The Fae and Changelings, but also Mortals. In order to handle the crisis Toby must act as a knight, as well as being a detective, and even that may not be enough. To accomplish her mission and save those she cares about, she’ll need to learn to accept help from others when it is offered. Toby is not the only one who faces challenges, tough decisions, and conflicting loyalties. We get to see more (and learn more) of Danny the Bridge Troll, Spike the Rose Goblin, Connor, Lily the Undine, Quentin, Luidaeg, and Luna Torquill Duchess of Shadowed Hills.
A certain King of the Cats may make an appearance as well.
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LibraryThing member GirlMisanthrope
An excellent addition to the series. Fae children are being taken in the night. October appoints herself their savior and begins a tireless mission to find them. Even when her Fetch, a portent of her imminent death shows up at her door, she perseveres. Blind Michael, one of the First Born and
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therefore very powerful, is stealing children and mutating them into monsters. The action is nonstop. There are some sparks between Toby and Connor and between Toby and Tibalt, something the author is (smartly) spooling out slowly throughout the series. I enjoyed it, only curious about why Toby carries the mantle of saving everyone around her with or without help. Show Less
LibraryThing member andreablythe
In the third book of the October Daye series, both faery and human children are going missing. Set to find and save the children, Toby finds herself on several dark and dangerous roads that lead to Blind Michael and his wild hunt.
Toby also unfolds and grows along her journey, and we learn some
Seanan McGuire's writing is getting better with each book, and she has a knack for keeping the action and tension high, making An Artificial Night supremely readable, the very definition of a page turner.
Toby also unfolds and grows along her journey, and we learn some
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surprising things about why she flings herself so savagely into danger. Her relationships with all the various infuriating, strange, humorous, and lovable characters surrounding her also grow. Seanan McGuire's writing is getting better with each book, and she has a knack for keeping the action and tension high, making An Artificial Night supremely readable, the very definition of a page turner.
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LibraryThing member teckelvik
This is the third book in the October Daye series. I felt that it wasn't as strong as the first two books, but it did have a lot going for it, and I will continue to read this series.
The strongest part of this book, as of the previous ones, is the world building. McGuire has created a very
There are some major revelations in this book, and they have a sense of being planned before hand. There isn't a feeling of "well, I have to do something, why not?"
On the other hand, the ending didn't do it for me. Toby goes after a Firstborn who is stealing children, and has to be rescued by her friends. It wasn't clear that this was set up in advance. I would have liked it if she had sat down and plotted Plan B, even if it wasn't revealed until the end. I would also have preferred the rescuers to be the barghests she helped to rescue, for symetry. (I see someone else mentioned that as well.)
I also thought that should have been the ending. The next section felt tacked on and pointless. "Ooh, Toby is tired, overworked, underfed, stressed, and going toe-to-toe with a Big Bad." It wasn't needed. (Having started the next book, I see why the Big Bad had to die, but that could have been during the scuffle with her friends/rescuers.)
The strongest part of this book, as of the previous ones, is the world building. McGuire has created a very
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well-realized fairy world in San Francisco. The parts hang together, and make sense.There are some major revelations in this book, and they have a sense of being planned before hand. There isn't a feeling of "well, I have to do something, why not?"
On the other hand, the ending didn't do it for me. Toby goes after a Firstborn who is stealing children, and has to be rescued by her friends. It wasn't clear that this was set up in advance. I would have liked it if she had sat down and plotted Plan B, even if it wasn't revealed until the end. I would also have preferred the rescuers to be the barghests she helped to rescue, for symetry. (I see someone else mentioned that as well.)
I also thought that should have been the ending. The next section felt tacked on and pointless. "Ooh, Toby is tired, overworked, underfed, stressed, and going toe-to-toe with a Big Bad." It wasn't needed. (Having started the next book, I see why the Big Bad had to die, but that could have been during the scuffle with her friends/rescuers.)
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LibraryThing member mightyscoo
Sympathetic characters, interesting world, meandering plot and ultimately a heroine whose main characteristic is her tendency to continuously throw herself into hopeless situations where death is certain unless she gets lucky. Which she does.
LibraryThing member callmecayce
I am fully in love with the October Daye series. They're dark, but also funny and that makes them extra awesome. This book deals with someone who's stealing children. The twist here is darker, in many ways, than the others -- especially when children Toby cares about end up getting involved, but
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Toby handles it well -- as well as Toby can. I love these books and the characters and the feelings I have for them grow from book to book. Show Less
LibraryThing member SunnySD
Toby's finally beginning to adjust to life as not-a-fish when the unthinkable happens: her best friends' children go missing. Toby has no desire to be a hero, but getting the kids back won't happen if someone doesn't step up to the plate.
Grim, bloody, and painful - for Toby that is. The pages just
Grim, bloody, and painful - for Toby that is. The pages just
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kept turning. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookAddictDiary
In this third installment in the October Daye series, author Seanan McGuire delivers another exciting fast-paced urban fantasy set in a lush vivid, yet dark world that draws readers in and won't let them leave. With characters that are just as fascinating as the plot and the world, An Artificial
Wise-talking, multi-faceted half-fae detective Toby Day is back, but isn't too happy to encounter May Day, a creature known as her "Fetch" -an ominous omen that pointed to the end for Toby. Soon after, Toby gets word that Blind Michael, the lord of the Wild Hunt, is kidnapping fae and human children to replenish his riders. Toby goes after Michael to bring the children back while discovering some fascinating inner strengths and truths about herself.
Spinning another spellbinding tale, An Artificial Night is a great addition to any paranormal fan's library that will satsify fans of the previous novels while still converting new fans. Be warned though, if you haven't read the two other books in the series, Rosemary and Rue and A Local Habitation, you'll be pretty lost, so I'd suggest starting with Rosemary and Rue. But let me warn you now -once you start, you'll get addicted.
Can't wait for Late Eclipses to drop in March 2011.
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Night is so mesmerizing that you'll desperately be looking for the next installment as soon as you finish the last page -I know I was.Wise-talking, multi-faceted half-fae detective Toby Day is back, but isn't too happy to encounter May Day, a creature known as her "Fetch" -an ominous omen that pointed to the end for Toby. Soon after, Toby gets word that Blind Michael, the lord of the Wild Hunt, is kidnapping fae and human children to replenish his riders. Toby goes after Michael to bring the children back while discovering some fascinating inner strengths and truths about herself.
Spinning another spellbinding tale, An Artificial Night is a great addition to any paranormal fan's library that will satsify fans of the previous novels while still converting new fans. Be warned though, if you haven't read the two other books in the series, Rosemary and Rue and A Local Habitation, you'll be pretty lost, so I'd suggest starting with Rosemary and Rue. But let me warn you now -once you start, you'll get addicted.
Can't wait for Late Eclipses to drop in March 2011.
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LibraryThing member MlleEhreen
Sigh. I shouldn’t have bought this book. After A LOCAL HABITATION disappointed me, I stopped reading the October Daye books. But the more recent installments have been getting rave reviews, and I wondered if I’d made a mistake. So I bought AN ARTIFICAL NIGHT and it irritated me every bit as
The theme for AN ARTIFICIAL NIGHT appears to be heroism – October is a hero and does that make her foolish or admirable? Does she take risks for good reasons or because she has a death wish? This would be a great theme if October weren’t so passive. I mean, yes, she’s willing to go out and save the day but only after she gets really, really specific instructions about how to do it.
In AN ARTIFICIAL NIGHT, some kids are kidnapped by Blind Michael, leader of the Hunt. October agrees to try to get the kids back. She then pays visits to almost all the characters who have played important roles in past books, collecting a set of instructions: here’s how to find Blind Michael, here’s how to stay safe, here’s the appropriate strategy to use against him. Then she sets about following the instructions. The end.
The whole thing was infuriating. I wanted to see October have just one real thought of her own, fabricate some kind of plan…but she doesn’t. The few times she stops to plan she doesn’t really think much past, “choose the most obvious, straightforward route towards my goal,” and while she gets credit for “tricking” Blind Michael on one occasion, I really didn’t see it.
I still admire Seanan McGuire’s imagination and settings. I still like her strange creatures and magical San Francisco. And I’m more convinced than ever that this series is not for me.
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much as A LOCAL HABITATION. The theme for AN ARTIFICIAL NIGHT appears to be heroism – October is a hero and does that make her foolish or admirable? Does she take risks for good reasons or because she has a death wish? This would be a great theme if October weren’t so passive. I mean, yes, she’s willing to go out and save the day but only after she gets really, really specific instructions about how to do it.
In AN ARTIFICIAL NIGHT, some kids are kidnapped by Blind Michael, leader of the Hunt. October agrees to try to get the kids back. She then pays visits to almost all the characters who have played important roles in past books, collecting a set of instructions: here’s how to find Blind Michael, here’s how to stay safe, here’s the appropriate strategy to use against him. Then she sets about following the instructions. The end.
The whole thing was infuriating. I wanted to see October have just one real thought of her own, fabricate some kind of plan…but she doesn’t. The few times she stops to plan she doesn’t really think much past, “choose the most obvious, straightforward route towards my goal,” and while she gets credit for “tricking” Blind Michael on one occasion, I really didn’t see it.
I still admire Seanan McGuire’s imagination and settings. I still like her strange creatures and magical San Francisco. And I’m more convinced than ever that this series is not for me.
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LibraryThing member maybedog
Exceedingly better than the previous one, like bitter and sweet. Toby is actually a real hero in this one. At the end of the last book, Sykvester wasn't happy and Toby had really let him down but there's no mention of that here. I wish that the author had carried that over to this book so Toby
Small things:
~ her obsession with house cats is getting annoying but at least now there're are some dog like monsters that may make cameos. I like the rose goblin but he is really too cutesy for being features in the whole story.
~ her track record hasnt been so great recently so why does everyone trust her so easily?
~why would parents let her take one of their kids who's sick when they already have two missing? One of the parents would at least try to insist on going with her and they certainly would watch as she left
~ what the hell is going in with Tybalt? Is he bipolar or something? He's been so unexplainably hot and cold the last few books. Oh, and yes, I know that unexplainably isn't really a word but the author used it on page 14 so I figure I can use it in a review.
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could redeem herself but it all worked out. I was worried that all the action would take place in the fae lands which isn't as interesting to me (it's almost cheating when you don't have to worry about the laws of physics) but there was plenty of modern world as well. Small things:
~ her obsession with house cats is getting annoying but at least now there're are some dog like monsters that may make cameos. I like the rose goblin but he is really too cutesy for being features in the whole story.
~ her track record hasnt been so great recently so why does everyone trust her so easily?
~
~ what the hell is going in with Tybalt? Is he bipolar or something? He's been so unexplainably hot and cold the last few books. Oh, and yes, I know that unexplainably isn't really a word but the author used it on page 14 so I figure I can use it in a review.
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LibraryThing member lavaturtle
I really liked this book. It's great to see the growing network of people around October and how they relate. And the villain is suitably creepy.
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
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
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member raselyem7
This novel is an absolutely pristine example of everything I love about Urban Fantasy. Character development, rebellion against patriarchal institutions, herosim (from the heroine, of course), love, family, the balance of nurture and career in the heroine, agency, teamwork, and the heroine
Interestingly, this novel deals with the theme of growing up, maturing, accepting responsibility, and learning to live in one's own skin with the adult choices one is forced by circumstance to make.
Beautiful. THIS is what urban fantasy is about. Since I'm clear to write my thesis on the stuff, this series just worked its way to the top few that I would like to include.
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overcoming all odds to face down her fears and save herself (penetrative death act!!) Interestingly, this novel deals with the theme of growing up, maturing, accepting responsibility, and learning to live in one's own skin with the adult choices one is forced by circumstance to make.
Beautiful. THIS is what urban fantasy is about. Since I'm clear to write my thesis on the stuff, this series just worked its way to the top few that I would like to include.
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LibraryThing member librarycatnip
This novel is an absolutely pristine example of everything I love about Urban Fantasy. Character development, rebellion against patriarchal institutions, herosim (from the heroine, of course), love, family, the balance of nurture and career in the heroine, agency, teamwork, and the heroine
Interestingly, this novel deals with the theme of growing up, maturing, accepting responsibility, and learning to live in one's own skin with the adult choices one is forced by circumstance to make.
Beautiful. THIS is what urban fantasy is about. Since I'm clear to write my thesis on the stuff, this series just worked its way to the top few that I would like to include.
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overcoming all odds to face down her fears and save herself (penetrative death act!!) Interestingly, this novel deals with the theme of growing up, maturing, accepting responsibility, and learning to live in one's own skin with the adult choices one is forced by circumstance to make.
Beautiful. THIS is what urban fantasy is about. Since I'm clear to write my thesis on the stuff, this series just worked its way to the top few that I would like to include.
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Language
Original publication date
2010-09-12
ISBN
9781472116291
Local notes
Blind Michael, Firstborn son of Oberon and Maeve, begins claiming the children of the Mists as his own...including several that Toby considers to be essentially family. Time is short and the rules are stranger than any she's ever played by, dictated by a mad Firstborn and his private army, but failure isn't an option.