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Available
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Publication
Corsair (2015), 369 pages
Description
Things are starting to look up for October "Toby" Daye. She's training her squire, doing her job, and has finally allowed herself to grow closer to the local King of Cats. It seems like her life may finally be settling down...at least until dead changelings start appearing in the alleys of San Francisco, killed by an overdose of goblin fruit.Toby's efforts to take the problem to the Queen of the Mists are met with harsh reprisals, leaving her under sentence of exile from her home and everyone she loves. Now Toby must find a way to reverse the Queens decree, get the goblin fruit off the streets--and, oh, yes, save her own life, since more than a few of her problems have once again followed her home. And then there's the question of the Queen herself, who seems increasingly unlikely to have a valid claim to the throne...To find the answers, October and her friends will have to travel from the legendary Library of Stars into the hidden depths of the Kingdom of the Mists--and they'll have to do it fast, because time is running out. In faerie, some fates are worse than death.October Daye is about to find out what they are.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member readinggeek451
The Queen of the Mists has just banished October. Bad move.
LibraryThing member SpaceandSorcery
Even more compelling than the previous ones: McGuire certainly knows how to raise the stakes for October, how to undermine her new-found stability with new threats. And not only that: the new, tantalizing glimpses in Toby's past add more details to its mystery while still leaving her readers in the
If I wanted to find something to complain about this book, it would be that it seemed to end a bit too fast - and I'm still wondering if that depends on my desire to read more...
Once again I wish for half-stars here on G.R. because this is worth more than just four.
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dark.If I wanted to find something to complain about this book, it would be that it seemed to end a bit too fast - and I'm still wondering if that depends on my desire to read more...
Once again I wish for half-stars here on G.R. because this is worth more than just four.
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LibraryThing member krau0098
This is the seventh book in the October Daye series and I swear this series just keeps getting better and better. I am a big fan of McGuire and have read and enjoyed her InCryptid series too. I also read and loved her Newsflesh series which she wrote under the pen name Mira Grant. This book was
October has a new mission and that is to track down the source of highly addictive and deadly Goblin Fruit that is plaguing the streets. Dozens have died because of this evil fruit that addicts with the very first taste. When October does find the source of the Goblin Fruit things get more complicated and she has to deal not only with her own banishment but with serious questions about the Queen of the Mist and her history.
This was a spectacular read. I absolutely love the world created in this series and I love how it gets more complex and more interesting with each book. You never know what you will find in these books and I love that.
October has grown a lot as a character since the beginning of this series. She has learned to accept the help and support of those around her. She continues to come up with crazily creative solutions to impossible problems. October does still try to run herself into the ground at times, but her family of friends buoys her up and helps her to slow down and take care of herself when she needs to.
Tybalt is in the story a lot. Him and October have settled into a relatively comfortable relationship throughout the book. It’s a relationship that is steamy, respectful, and fun to read about. The relationship takes a backseat to the story (which works well). Tybalt plays a support role in this book, helping Toby out when she needs it. He is funny and just as full of cutting wit as he has been in previous books.
We get to go to new worlds with Toby, meet some wonderful new characters, and watch as she unravels a number of mysteries. All of it is fascinating, very well done and absolutely engaging. Things are mostly wrapped up well, but new questions are opened up for future storylines too.
Overall a spectacular addition to this series, I really really enjoyed it. Toby has grown a lot as a character and has learned to depend on those she loves. The world of faerie is expanded on a bit more and we learn more interesting history behind that world as well. There is a wonderful mystery that starts out with the mysterious goblin fruit and then grows into a storyline that’s much more complicated and complex. I love the characters in this series, love the great world building, and was absolutely engaged in the story. This series is highly recommended to fans of urban fantasy.
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absolutely fantastic and one of the best in this series. October has a new mission and that is to track down the source of highly addictive and deadly Goblin Fruit that is plaguing the streets. Dozens have died because of this evil fruit that addicts with the very first taste. When October does find the source of the Goblin Fruit things get more complicated and she has to deal not only with her own banishment but with serious questions about the Queen of the Mist and her history.
This was a spectacular read. I absolutely love the world created in this series and I love how it gets more complex and more interesting with each book. You never know what you will find in these books and I love that.
October has grown a lot as a character since the beginning of this series. She has learned to accept the help and support of those around her. She continues to come up with crazily creative solutions to impossible problems. October does still try to run herself into the ground at times, but her family of friends buoys her up and helps her to slow down and take care of herself when she needs to.
Tybalt is in the story a lot. Him and October have settled into a relatively comfortable relationship throughout the book. It’s a relationship that is steamy, respectful, and fun to read about. The relationship takes a backseat to the story (which works well). Tybalt plays a support role in this book, helping Toby out when she needs it. He is funny and just as full of cutting wit as he has been in previous books.
We get to go to new worlds with Toby, meet some wonderful new characters, and watch as she unravels a number of mysteries. All of it is fascinating, very well done and absolutely engaging. Things are mostly wrapped up well, but new questions are opened up for future storylines too.
Overall a spectacular addition to this series, I really really enjoyed it. Toby has grown a lot as a character and has learned to depend on those she loves. The world of faerie is expanded on a bit more and we learn more interesting history behind that world as well. There is a wonderful mystery that starts out with the mysterious goblin fruit and then grows into a storyline that’s much more complicated and complex. I love the characters in this series, love the great world building, and was absolutely engaged in the story. This series is highly recommended to fans of urban fantasy.
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LibraryThing member DVKov
I love this series; each book is better than the last. Chimes at Midnight is the latest in the October (Toby) Daye series, and Toby is once again called upon to resolve a problem that no one else will tackle. Goblin fruit is a naturally occurring drug in Faerie used by purebloods to give them a
I love a smart author, and love it even more when something that seems inconsequential in one book ends up being critical in a later installment. In this case two words previously uttered by the Luidaeg set Toby on the path to find the rightful heir to the throne. As expected in a Toby Daye novel, there is a LOT of action as Toby and her faithful friends embark on a seemingly impossible journey. An added bonus is lots of interaction between Toby and her new boyfriend Tybalt, the King of Cats. McGuire is a master at interspersing incredibly touching scenes and dialog between the crazy action. A second bonus is an unexpected short story at the end of the novel that gives context to a memory that Toby sees in the Luidaeg's blood. I highly recommend this book, though suggest you start at the beginning of the series if you haven't read any of them.
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harmless high. Unfortunately changelings (or mixed bloods) and humans find it so highly addictive that it ultimately results in death. San Francisco is seeing a rise in goblin fruit use, and Toby aims to stop it. Unfortunately when she goes to the Queen of Mists for help she finds out the Queen is the one supplying the fruit. When Toby protests the Queen banishes Toby from her kingdom. What is a heroine to do? Overthrow the Queen, of course. I love a smart author, and love it even more when something that seems inconsequential in one book ends up being critical in a later installment. In this case two words previously uttered by the Luidaeg set Toby on the path to find the rightful heir to the throne. As expected in a Toby Daye novel, there is a LOT of action as Toby and her faithful friends embark on a seemingly impossible journey. An added bonus is lots of interaction between Toby and her new boyfriend Tybalt, the King of Cats. McGuire is a master at interspersing incredibly touching scenes and dialog between the crazy action. A second bonus is an unexpected short story at the end of the novel that gives context to a memory that Toby sees in the Luidaeg's blood. I highly recommend this book, though suggest you start at the beginning of the series if you haven't read any of them.
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LibraryThing member SunnySD
Goblin fruit - it's a treat for the fae, but it's a deadly addictive poison for the part-blood Changelings. Toby's determined to find and stop whoever's dealing on the streets of San Francisco. but with the Queen of the Mists dead set (Toby's death, that is) on ignoring the problem, she's facing an
Worth the wait. This series just keeps getting better - and the Library of Stars? Too cool!
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uphill battle. Good thing she has staunch allies, a newly acknowledged romance with the King of Cats, and a willingness to die for what she believes in, because she's going to need every resource at her disposal to just to survive.Worth the wait. This series just keeps getting better - and the Library of Stars? Too cool!
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LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Wow. As usual - one reason it took me so long to read this (to start reading it) was that I knew I wouldn't be able to stop, and today is the first time I've had time to read a whole book. So, a new adventure for Toby - the trigger is relatively minor (well, not minor, nothing that involves deaths
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is minor, but it didn't sound like a major crisis when it started). Changelings are dying of goblin fruit addiction, and for once Toby does the proper thing and informs her putative ruler of the problem before she takes other steps. And the Queen of the Mists promptly banishes her, with a three-day deadline. Was that a mistake. Toby exercises her usual lateral thinking and discovers that a) the Queen of the Mists is an imposter and usurper, b) the true Princess is alive and (within reason) available, c) the Queen is even more nuts than anybody had thought as she snags Toby with goblin fruit and puts a much harder deadline on things. And in the process, Toby learns even more about her own magic and what it can - and can't - do. The Queen thinks twisty, like a corkscrew or an assassin's blade. Toby thinks laterally - her next step is never the obvious one, though it seems obvious to her. It's easy to follow her, but pretty much impossible to anticipate - which makes for a great story. Her relationship with Tybalt also develops here, and with Quentin, for that matter - lots of revelations. And another powerful, if limited, ally - inasmuch as Mags is an ally. But I suspect she'd help if Toby asked again. One loose end I noticed - what was going on with Marcia? Is she related to the nursemaid, perhaps? Seanan says (in the acknowledgements) that this is the first step in the second part of Toby's story - I can't wait to see the rest. The short story at the end (existing, apparently, only in the print edition) gives some _very_ interesting insights - now I need to read her first meeting with the Luidaeg again. Show Less
LibraryThing member les121
I love the plot of Chimes at Midnight. Big things are happening in Toby’s world, and it’s awesome. There’s not only major character development, but also interesting, new characters that I’m excited to get to know. As always, the worldbuilding is a major highlight. This time, we get to
Usually, I’m somewhat depressed (or at least emotionally drained) by the end of one of Toby’s adventures, but that didn’t happen this time around. There are certainly several gut-wrenching, nail-biting moments, but overall the story’s tone is hopeful and optimistic. I’m enjoying it while it lasts because some clues are dropped about the big bad (someone named Eira?), and it’s inevitable that Toby is going to run up against this villain in epically bloody fashion. In any case, I’m really looking forward to finding out what happens.
My only criticism about Chimes is that I’m tired of hearing about certain Toby traits - her love of coffee, her propensity for getting into trouble, doing crazy/dangerous things, hurting herself, etc. I think by now that these things are firmly established as part of her character and don’t need to be reiterated again and again. There’s also a lot of traveling from place to place and logistics I could do without, but thankfully it doesn’t slow down the plot.
Overall, Chimes at Midnight is a satisfying installment in the series that expands the Toby-verse in fascinating, new directions. I’m already looking forward to book eight!
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explore the Library with magic fireflies and learn about blood magic, faerie dogs, royalty, and more.Usually, I’m somewhat depressed (or at least emotionally drained) by the end of one of Toby’s adventures, but that didn’t happen this time around. There are certainly several gut-wrenching, nail-biting moments, but overall the story’s tone is hopeful and optimistic. I’m enjoying it while it lasts because some clues are dropped about the big bad (someone named Eira?), and it’s inevitable that Toby is going to run up against this villain in epically bloody fashion. In any case, I’m really looking forward to finding out what happens.
My only criticism about Chimes is that I’m tired of hearing about certain Toby traits - her love of coffee, her propensity for getting into trouble, doing crazy/dangerous things, hurting herself, etc. I think by now that these things are firmly established as part of her character and don’t need to be reiterated again and again. There’s also a lot of traveling from place to place and logistics I could do without, but thankfully it doesn’t slow down the plot.
Overall, Chimes at Midnight is a satisfying installment in the series that expands the Toby-verse in fascinating, new directions. I’m already looking forward to book eight!
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LibraryThing member teckelvik
October Daye is still going, but she's growing up, and her long term story arc is excellent. In this book, as in the last several, threads and asides from previous books are pulled together in a surprising way. (As those of you who follow my reviews know by now, I really, really, really like a
My biggest complaint about this book is that the central characters came out of nowhere, literally. This makes sense, since they've been hiding, but it would have been nice if (for example) the dream walker (sorry, can't remember the name of her skill right now) had seen something of them in a previous book. I'm also not sure about the Tybalt subplot. I'm hoping the next volume shows some of the repercussions of his choices here.
I did feel that this book marks a turning point - Toby is motivated by personal issues (her life is on the line), but the entire kingdom is affected by her actions. She's never been this central to her society before, even when her actions had consequences that everyone felt. This could go in the direction of continuing to help Toby grow up, or it could be the first step in the dreaded "Big Bad" syndrome. Only the next volumes will tell.
Also, anyone who didn't see the "big reveal" about Quentin coming hasn't been paying attention, at all.
Also also, I do have readers who follow my reviews. Just not a lot of them.
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series that's planned.)My biggest complaint about this book is that the central characters came out of nowhere, literally. This makes sense, since they've been hiding, but it would have been nice if (for example) the dream walker (sorry, can't remember the name of her skill right now) had seen something of them in a previous book. I'm also not sure about the Tybalt subplot. I'm hoping the next volume shows some of the repercussions of his choices here.
I did feel that this book marks a turning point - Toby is motivated by personal issues (her life is on the line), but the entire kingdom is affected by her actions. She's never been this central to her society before, even when her actions had consequences that everyone felt. This could go in the direction of continuing to help Toby grow up, or it could be the first step in the dreaded "Big Bad" syndrome. Only the next volumes will tell.
Also, anyone who didn't see the "big reveal" about Quentin coming hasn't been paying attention, at all.
Also also, I do have readers who follow my reviews. Just not a lot of them.
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LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc
The seventh book of the series and I still love everything about them. Each one builds on the relationships that Toby has made in the previous books but with all of the books they seem to be able to let you read them without having read the previous ones. The back story is mentioned but not shoved
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down the reader's throat as the current story unfolds. Things come to a head with Toby and the Queen over the goblin fruit jam that is killing changelings and Toby finds herself with 3 days to leave the kingdom. Or she can somehow replace the Queen. Knowing Toby she chooses the harder of the two options since it turns out that the current Queen may not be the correct heir to the throne. A great story and this ones has lots of people that Toby has helped in the past come to her aid this time. Bonus you finally find out who Quentin's parents are and for the paper readers there is a short story at the end of the book that is hinted at during the story when Toby tastes the Luidaeg. All in all a great book and I can't wait for the next one. Show Less
LibraryThing member terriko
In this book, Toby gets her whole network of friends an allies working to save the world, and you can finally see where she really shines. I found it very satisfying to watch all those threads come together and see the major and minor reveals for so many characters. It does feel a lot like this is
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the book that the series has been heading towards, whether you knew it or not. In some series, this would be in the end, but for October Daye, this seems to be a new beginning. Show Less
LibraryThing member sraedi
this was a fun one
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
Chimes at Midnight
4 Stars
In her quest to rid the streets of San Francisco of the addictive and deadly Goblin Fruit, Changeling PI Toby Daye finds herself at loggerheads with the Queen of the Mists, who finally has the reason she needs to exile the troublesome hero. This forces Toby to take extreme
After initially reading the blurb, the idea of Toby's exile had me concerned about the direction of the series. Thankfully, my worries were for naught as this turned out to be an exceedingly satisfying story with some exciting revelations and interesting new questions to ponder.
More details on the nature and extent of Toby's magic are revealed, and it is becoming abundantly clear that with her ability toread people's memories through their blood and even "borrow" their powers , she is one dangerous enemy to have.
Tybalt and Toby's romance is going from strength to strength. His unconditional love and acceptance have gained him pride of place in my Hottie Harem and she has finally realized just how much he means to her.
The insurrection plot is intriguing as readers learn more about the political history of the North American fae and we are introduced to the Library of Stars (very cool!). The climax and resolution are action packed as some open issues are resolved, such as who Quentin's parents are (although that one was a bit obvious), and new secrets emerge (Who is Amandine's other husband? Who want to kill the Queen, and what destiny is the Luidaeg preparing Toby for?) .
In sum, an exciting installment with one or two truly scary moments, but all's well that end's well.
4 Stars
In her quest to rid the streets of San Francisco of the addictive and deadly Goblin Fruit, Changeling PI Toby Daye finds herself at loggerheads with the Queen of the Mists, who finally has the reason she needs to exile the troublesome hero. This forces Toby to take extreme
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measures as the Queen's claim to the throne is less than valid. Can Toby locate the rightful heir before she falls victim to the Queen's machinations?After initially reading the blurb, the idea of Toby's exile had me concerned about the direction of the series. Thankfully, my worries were for naught as this turned out to be an exceedingly satisfying story with some exciting revelations and interesting new questions to ponder.
More details on the nature and extent of Toby's magic are revealed, and it is becoming abundantly clear that with her ability to
Tybalt and Toby's romance is going from strength to strength. His unconditional love and acceptance have gained him pride of place in my Hottie Harem and she has finally realized just how much he means to her.
The insurrection plot is intriguing as readers learn more about the political history of the North American fae and we are introduced to the Library of Stars (very cool!). The climax and resolution are action packed as some open issues are resolved, such as who Quentin's parents are (although that one was a bit obvious), and new secrets emerge (
In sum, an exciting installment with one or two truly scary moments, but all's well that end's well.
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LibraryThing member bluesalamanders
Toby is investigating a threat to the changeling population when things take a turn for the even more wacked-out and dangerous. Because that's so unusual for her, right?
Fantastic addition to the October Daye series. I love these books.
Fantastic addition to the October Daye series. I love these books.
LibraryThing member chavala
This series is so good.
LibraryThing member Spurts
As usual for the series, I enjoyed this one.
This far into the series, hard to review without repeating things I've already said about previous books. A very grim situation -- villain addicting changelings to a drug -- for Toby to deal with in this entry. Yet, somehow a calmer, less dark book than
Series is still going strong for me; looking forward to reading book #8.
This far into the series, hard to review without repeating things I've already said about previous books. A very grim situation -- villain addicting changelings to a drug -- for Toby to deal with in this entry. Yet, somehow a calmer, less dark book than
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previous. Maybe because she was calmer, secure in her relationship with the King of Cats, mentoring a squire, etc. Moved a lot faster on figuring out things like who was behind the drug and how to handle the Queen of the Mists--there was a lot more floundering and TSTL moments in previous books. Some prickly relationships seemed easier as well.Series is still going strong for me; looking forward to reading book #8.
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LibraryThing member karidrgn
I'm really liking how the character of October has developed and the other characters that have been buildt.
LibraryThing member tldegray
I'm going to find a way to fix it. Because I'm a hero. And that's what heroes do.
I've always liked Toby. But in this book, with those words, I loved her. It's vaulted Toby up toward the top of the list of my favorite heroes.
I enjoyed Chimes at Midnight so much. Toby battling with her lost powers
This is me writing her name on my Trapper Keeper and drawing hearts and swords all around it.
Was it just me who was totally unsurprised about Quentin's parents? I swear we knew that. As she was dropping anvils I kept thinking, did Toby forget? Because I was absolutely positive Quentin's parentage was established already. That being said, how great was he, speaking from the position of one who knows what it is like to be trained to rule and have that responsibility? He's growing up.
Arden Windermere is great. I felt like I could understand her. Her fear, her hesitation, and finally how determined she was to do what was right. To do her duty.
The short story at the end scared the hell out of me for Toby. I cannot wait to see what's next in this world.
I've always liked Toby. But in this book, with those words, I loved her. It's vaulted Toby up toward the top of the list of my favorite heroes.
I enjoyed Chimes at Midnight so much. Toby battling with her lost powers
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and acknowledging that they don't matter because she's a hero with or without them was an amazing thing for me to read. Her powers are helpful, sure, but if she weren't Toby--if she weren't a hero--they wouldn't matter. And she knows that. This is me writing her name on my Trapper Keeper and drawing hearts and swords all around it.
Arden Windermere is great. I felt like I could understand her. Her fear, her hesitation, and finally how determined she was to do what was right. To do her duty.
The short story at the end scared the hell out of me for Toby. I cannot wait to see what's next in this world.
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LibraryThing member m_mozeleski
Toby continues to solve the whodunnits with a maximum of danger to herself, but hey, maybe she is learning a little bit.
LibraryThing member whatsmacksaid
I love the Luidaeg and enjoyed this story, but am limiting myself to three stars rather than my knee-jerk inclination toward four because it wasn't really a story. It was a couple of scenes from another character's point of view from a time prior to the point that Toby makes a suitable narrator.
So overall, I enjoyed "Never Shines the Sun" and would *love* to see more, but it's more like two deleted scenes than a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
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She's a child, and what's more, she's hardly present--she can't give us the information. So overall, I enjoyed "Never Shines the Sun" and would *love* to see more, but it's more like two deleted scenes than a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
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LibraryThing member Anniik
These books are easy to read and so much fun. They’re the kind of books that you just really don’t want to put down. Toby is a great character, and this is one of the hardest books on her, as she goes through most of it in horrible pain and addicted to Goblin Fruit. It's just a great book and
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another good addition to the saga. Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Toby finds that someone is selling Goblin Fruit to Changelings and ordinary humans and has to find a way to stop it and it's deadly results when the Full Fae queen dismisses it as a trivial problem beneath her notice. After all Goblin Fruit is a enjoyable drug for full fae and not addictive.
So Toby
So Toby
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does what she always does, finds a way through the problem using blood and brute force and cunning. She is what faerie have made her and they have to live with the consequences! Show Less
LibraryThing member caedocyon
Really more like 3.5 stars. I was really into the main plot, which was all politics and intrigue, but I found everything about the Goblin Fruit addiction thing annoying. Yes, yes, I know, need some way to add pressure and tension.... I think I prefer the interpersonal tension of the previous book,
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though. Show Less
LibraryThing member jazzbird61
This remains one of the best fantasy series out there--without any qualification on whattype of fantasy. The integration of faery into our world is done flawlessly.
I am on my knees in gratitude to Seanan McGuire for not including cliffhangers (she seems to trust her writing enough to know we'll be
I look forward to more of anything this woman writes. You should as well.
I am on my knees in gratitude to Seanan McGuire for not including cliffhangers (she seems to trust her writing enough to know we'll be
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back for more) and no stupid love-triangle. Thank you!I look forward to more of anything this woman writes. You should as well.
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Language
Original publication date
2013-09
ISBN
9781472116314
Local notes
Toby is trying to deal with the goblin fruit problem in San Francisco—a problem that turns quickly personal when changelings start showing up dead. What's more, the Queen of the Mists seems bent on making things harder than they have to be, and her interference may be enough to get Toby killed.