Review – The Winter Long (October Daye, Book 8) by Seanan McGuire (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 368 pages
Publisher: DAW
Release Date: September 2, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0756408084
Stand Alone or Series: 8th book in the October Daye series
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

This is the eighth book in the October Daye series. There are thirteen books planned for this series. The 9th book in the series, A Red Rose Chain, is scheduled to release in September 2015. This was an excellent continuation of this series. Much of the series has been building towards this book. This is one of my favorite urban fantasy series, I just love it so much! I definitely recommend you start at the beginning of the series though.

Okay here is the paragraph where I usually write a synopsis…but that’s really hard to do for this book without spoiling things…I will try my best. Toby has been honored as a Hero of the Realm and her and Tybalt King of Cats are finally getting to enjoy some couple time. Of course it can’t last because Simon Torquill (You know the one who turned Toby into a fish…the guy way back from book one?) is back. Simon is desperately trying to tell Toby about something but is under a geas not to. Toby goes to the The Luidaeg for more answers…then things get a bit crazy when someone Toby truly thought was dead enters the picture.

There are some awesome revelations in this book. There are really a lot of random plot threads from earlier books that come together in unexpected ways in this book. A ton of loose ends are tied up in this book and I felt like this book was really the end of one plot and the beginning of something new.

I have to comment on how masterful McGuire is as a writer. I am stunned that she had a lot of the events in this book planned out from Book 1. Seriously that is awesome. The way all these intricate plot points are woven into a final resolution is amazing.

Toby continues to be an awesome heroine to read about. She is much more comfortable with herself than she was in earlier books, but that doesn’t mean she’s allowed to sidestep all discomfort. Toby is thrown off balance yet again by some huge revelations she uncovers.

Tybalt is in the story a lot as well. I absolutely adore him. He is supportive and respectful, yet still edgy and independant. He and Toby are doing a great job of balancing their responsibilities, even though there are times when they aren’t thrilled with having to deal with larger issues that sacrifice them being able to be together.

Another favorite of my is The Luidaeg. She is in the story a lot as well and we learn more about her in this book than in any previous book.

As I mentioned above a lot is tied up in this book, but there is still more story to be told. The writing is excellent and flows nicely, the book was fast-paced and interesting. I love the characters here, the unique magic, and all of the interesting fae creatures.

Overall one of my favorite book in this series (of course I love them all). Masterfully written with characters I love and a wonderfully creative fae world. This whole series is highly recommended to urban fantasy fans and is one of my favorite urban fantasy series.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge