Synopses & Reviews
A New York Times bestseller! It’s been almost a year since October “Toby” Daye averted a war, gave up a county, and suffered personal losses that have left her wishing for a good day’s sleep. She’s tried to focus on her responsibilities—training Quentin, upholding her position as Sylvester’s knight, and paying the bills—but she can’t help feeling like her world is crumbling around her, and her increasingly reckless behavior is beginning to worry even her staunchest supporters.
To make matters worse, Toby’s just been asked to find another missing child…only this time it’s the changeling daughter of her fellow knight, Etienne, who didn’t even know he was a father until the girl went missing. Her name is Chelsea. She’s a teleporter, like her father. She’s also the kind of changeling the old stories warn about, the ones with all the strength and none of the control. She’s opening doors that were never meant to be opened, releasing dangers that were sealed away centuries before—and there’s a good chance she could destroy Faerie if she isn’t stopped.
Now Toby must find Chelsea before time runs out, racing against an unknown deadline and through unknown worlds as she and her allies try to avert disaster. But danger is also stirring in the Court of Cats, and Tybalt may need Toby’s help with the biggest challenge he’s ever faced.
Toby thought the last year was bad. She has no idea.
Review
“October Daye is as gritty and damaged a heroine as Kinsey Millhone or Kay Scarpetta.... Toby’s nocturnal existence is full of the kind of shadows that keep the pages turning. Changelings, like all faerie folk, live long; may McGuire and these novels do the same.”
Review
“The brisk pacing, the effective mix of human and magical characters, and the PI ambience all make this an excellent choice for fans of Butcher’s Harry Dresden series…. Toby’s unusual heritage and her uneasy relationships with her mother’s family will remind readers of Brigg’s Mercy Thompson series, and Thompson fans will appreciate Toby’s tough and self-reliant character.”
Review
“The only thing more fun than an October Daye book is an InCryptid book. Swift narrative, charm, great world-building . . . all the McGuire trademarks.”
Review
"Seanan McGuire's DISCOUNT ARMAGEDDON is an urban fantasy triple threat - smart and sexy and funny. The Aeslin mice alone are worth the price of the book, so consider a cast of truly ORIGINAL characters, a plot where weird never overwhelms logic, and some serious kickass world-building as a bonus."
Review
"McGuire kicks off a new series with a smart-mouthed, engaging heroine and a city full of fantastical creatures. This may seem like familiar ground to McGuire fans, but she makes New York her own, twisting the city and its residents into curious shapes that will leave you wanting more. Verity’s voice is strong and sure as McGuire hints at a deeper history, one that future volumes will hopefully explore.”
Review
"Verity is a winning protagonist, and her snarky but loving observations on her world of bogeyman strip club owners, Japanese demon badger bartenders, and dragon princess waitresses make for a delightful read."
Review
"Discount Armageddon is an exceptionally well-written tale with a unique premise, fantastic character work, and a plot that just pulls you along until you finish. This is one for the urban fantasy enthusiasts out there—as well as for anyone who wants something different from most anything else on shelves today. Easily one of my favorite books of 2012."
Review
"Smart, whimsical and bitingly funny, Verity Price is a kick-ass heroine that readers will love. Just when I thought she couldn't surprise me again, she would pull some new trick out of her hat - or, in the case of her throwing knives, out of her corset. I would send Verity and my Jane Jameson on a girl's night out, but I'm afraid of the damage bill they would rack up!"
Review
"Original, pacy, and hugely entertaining-Seanan McGuire knows how to tell a good story!"
Review
"Mixing mythology and monster lore (plus a good helping of snark), Discount Armageddon is fast-paced, funny and boasts a salty-sweet heroine who can cha-cha, foxtrot, and kick ass––or any combination thereof––while she sprints her way across the rooftops of Manhattan, policing and protecting the denizens of New York City's supernatural community."
Review
"This installment bumped this series up to the top of my urban-paranormal series list! … Highly recommend it, can't wait for the next! Of all the "Faerie" urban fantasy series out there, I enjoy this one the most. If you like the Dark Fever series or Kate Daniels series, you'll def like this one."
Review
"McGuire applies a hard-boiled mentality and a keen appreciation for mythology to a blend of politics, magic, and romance to make this the most entertaining series installment to date."
Review
"Fast-paced, without ever being frantic, with excellent characterization.... McGuire is a dab hand at dialogue, and the bantering between Toby and everyone--especially Tybalt--is one of the highlights of the book."
Review
"The October Daye series is one of those delicious worlds that becomes more and more beloved with each visit, and Ashes of Honor is my favorite of this series to date."
Review
“Lots of portal hopping, visits to some of Tobys old friends, and some deadly encounters keep things lively as the tension builds to a dramatic conclusion.”
Review
"[McGuire] tells her story with energy and charm.... Its all so much fun."
Review
"Strong and evocative.... It has everything you could want: strong characters, detailed settings, and an engrossing plot."
Review
"I love that Toby is a strong, independent--yet still vulnerable--heroine. I love that this is a world where people die, where consequences matter. I love the complex world-building and mythology. I love the almost film noir tone of the series. I love that each book leaves me wanting more. If you dig urban fantasy, this is one of the best out there."
Review
"With Ashes of Honor, McGuire has crafted a deeply personal and intense story that will keep you on the edge, hoping to be pushed over. In my opinion, it is, hands down, the best Toby to date."
Review
"McGuire's second
October Daye novel is
a gripping, well-paced read. Toby continues to be an enjoyable, if complex and strong-willed protagonist who recognizes no authority but her own...McGuire has more than a few surprises up her sleeve for the reader." —Romantic Times Book Review
"...for those of you who have read Rosemary and Rue, I have to say: A Local Habitation is even better. All the things that made Rosemary and Rue such a strong debut are still there: the wonderfully damaged heroine, the melancholy story, the gritty details, the perfect rendering of San Francisco, [and] unique and varied fantastic creatures..." —Book Love Affair
"At last, urban fantasy done right!...Seanan McGuire's October Daye series gives us that perfect melding of "real world" and magic, with just a dash of romantic subplot, enhancing the main story rather than derailing it." —Collectortimes.com (for October Daye series)
Review
"The urgency of the ticking clock works well with the political intrigue, Tobys newfound vulnerability (following a truly diabolical ambush), and the settings ever-expanding mythology. Certain plot payoffs and emotional beats further reward longtime readers, making this
a truly satisfying entry." — Publishers Weekly (for
Chimes at Midnight)
"There is a sense that Tobys journey has started a new path with this book, with the launching of several new story arcs and the continuing evolution of her relationships, but the best elements of this series—the phenomenal worldbuilding, complex plots and fascinating characters—are still present in full force. Readers will no doubt clamor for more, and fortunately, the future is promising for this engrossing series." — RT Reviews (for Chimes at Midnight)
"Because this book is an epitome of everything that makes the Toby Daye novels one of the best urban fantasy series on the market, right up there with Jim Butchers The Dresden Files: tight and believable characters, a gorgeously realized universe, and so many unexpected twists its almost like theyre going out of style. Chimes at Midnight is definitely my most favorite Toby book to date." — The Ranting Dragon (for Chimes at Midnight)
"The narrative emphasis is always on the characters choices, their weight and their consequences, and I love that. It isnt only magic that has consequences; choices do, too.... I want you to read the first six volumes in the October Daye series, every single book [is] worth your time." — Fantasy Book Cafe (for Chimes at Midnight)
"McGuire also effortlessly weaves in objects, events and characters from past books to add depth to her scenarios. All of her many talents combined makes it very easy for me to say this is one of my favorite urban fantasy series ever! ... Fans of Faith Hunter, Benedict Jacka, Jim Butcher and Kim Harrison will delight in Toby and her sidekicks. I, on the other hand, am left pining again for book eight." — SF Site (for Chimes at Midnight)
Review
"This newest installment in McGuire’s October Daye series is fast-paced, without ever being frantic, with excellent characterization.... McGuire is a dab hand at dialogue, and the bantering between Toby and everyone -- especially Tybalt -- is one of the highlights of the book."
Review
"The October Daye series has become on of my favorites, and it just keeps getting better and better."
Review
"Swearing! Running! Sexy times! Leather jackets and folklore and secret offspring and tales of lost love. It’s all so much fun."
Review
"Why are you wasting time reading my rhapsodic review? Just go get the book, and see for yourself, if you’ve been following the series right along. If not, go get all six books.... If you love well written urban fantasy, with unique and interesting characters, you won’t be disappointed."
Review
“October Daye is as gritty and damaged a heroine as Kinsey Millhone or Kay Scarpetta.... Tobys nocturnal existence is full of the kind of shadows that keep the pages turning.
Changelings, like all faerie folk, live long; may McGuire and these novels do the same.” —The Onion A.V. Club
"This newest installment in McGuires October Daye series is fast-paced, without ever being frantic, with excellent characterization.... McGuire is a dab hand at dialogue, and the bantering between Toby and everyone -- especially Tybalt -- is one of the highlights of the book." —RT Book Reviews
"McGuire applies a hard-boiled mentality and a keen appreciation for mythology to a blend of politics, magic, and romance to make this the most entertaining series installment to date." —Publishers Weekly
"The October Daye series is one of those delicious worlds that becomes more and more beloved with each visit, and Ashes of Honor is my favorite of this series to date." —All Things Urban Fantasy
"With Ashes of Honor, McGuire has crafted a deeply personal and intense story that will keep you on the edge, hoping to be pushed over. In my opinion, it is, hands down, the best Toby to date." —The Ranting Dragon
"The October Daye series has become on of my favorites, and it just keeps getting better and better." —Fantasy Book Cafe
"Swearing! Running! Sexy times! Leather jackets and folklore and secret offspring and tales of lost love. Its all so much fun." —SF Signal
"Why are you wasting time reading my rhapsodic review? Just go get the book, and see for yourself, if youve been following the series right along. If not, go get all six books.... If you love well written urban fantasy, with unique and interesting characters, you wont be disappointed." —Tome Tender
Review
"
Smart, whimsical and bitingly funny, Verity Price is a kick-ass heroine that readers will love. Just when I thought she couldn't surprise me again, she would pull some new trick out of her hat - or, in the case of her throwing knives, out of her corset. I would send Verity and my Jane Jameson on a girl's night out, but I'm afraid of the damage bill they would rack up!" —Molly Harper, author of
Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs "Seanan McGuire's Discount Armageddon is an urban fantasy triple threat - smart and sexy and funny. The Aeslin mice alone are worth the price of the book, so consider a cast of truly ORIGINAL characters, a plot where weird never overwhelms logic, and some serious kickass world-building as a bonus." —Tanya Huff, author of The Wild Ways
"Original, pacy, and hugely entertaining-Seanan McGuire knows how to tell a good story!" —Alma Alexander, author of Worldweavers: Cybermage
"Mixing mythology and monster lore (plus a good helping of snark), Discount Armageddon is fast-paced, funny and boasts a salty-sweet heroine who can cha-cha, foxtrot, and kick ass--or any combination thereof--while she sprints her way across the rooftops of Manhattan, policing and protecting the denizens of New York City's supernatural community." —Amber Benson, author of How To Be Death
Synopsis
Now comes the second in the series-from a dynamic new fantasy talent! Toby Daye-a half-human, half-fae changeling-has been an outsider from birth. After getting burned by both sides of her heritage, Toby has denied the fae world, retreating to a "normal" life. Unfortunately for her, the Faerie world had other ideas...
Now her liege, the Duke of the Shadowed Hills, has asked Toby to go to the County of Tamed Lightning to make sure all is well with his niece, Countess January O'Leary. It seems like a simple enough assignment-until Toby discovers that someone has begun murdering people close to January, and that if the killer isn't stopped, January may be the next victim.
Synopsis
New York Times-bestselling October Daye series - Hugo Award-winning author Seanan McGuire - "Top of my urban-paranormal series list " --Felicia Day
October "Toby" Daye is a changeling, the daughter of Amandine of the fae and a mortal man. Like her mother, she is gifted in blood magic, able to read what has happened to a person through a mere taste of blood. Toby is the only changeling who has earned knighthood, and she re-earns that position every day, undertaking assignments for her liege, Sylvester, the Duke of the Shadowed Hills.
Now Sylvester has asked her to go to the County of Tamed Lightning--otherwise known as Fremont, CA--to make sure that all is well with his niece, Countess January O'Leary, whom he has not been able to contact. It seems like a simple enough assignment--but when dealing with the realm of Faerie nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
Toby soon discovers that someone has begun murdering people close to January, whose domain is a buffer between Sylvester's realm and a scheming rival duchy. If Toby can't find the killer soon, she may well become the next victim.
Synopsis
Toby Daye--a half-human, half-fae changeling--has been an outsider from birth. After getting burned by both sides of her heritage, Toby has denied the fae world, retreating to a "normal" life. Unfortunately for her, the fae world has other ideas. Original.
Synopsis
A New York Times bestseller!
Its been almost a year since October Toby” Daye averted a war, gave up a county, and suffered personal losses that have left her wishing for a good days sleep. Shes tried to focus on her responsibilities, but she cant help feeling like her world is crumbling around her, and her increasingly reckless behavior is beginning to worry even her staunchest supporters.
To make matters worse, Tobys just been asked to find another missing child
only this time its the changeling daughter of her fellow knight, Etienne. Chelsea, a teleporter like her father, is the kind of changeling the old stories warn about: the ones with all the strength and none of the control. Shes opening doors that were never meant to be opened, releasing dangers that were sealed away centuries beforeand theres a good chance she could destroy Faerie if she isnt stopped. Now Toby must find Chelsea before time runs out, racing against an unknown deadline and through unknown worlds as she and her allies try to avert disaster. Toby thought the last year was bad. She has no idea.
Ashes of Honor is the sixth installment of the highly praised Toby Daye series.
Synopsis
Cryptid, noun: 1. Any creature whose existence has been suggested but not proven scientifically. Term officially coined by cryptozoologist John E. Wall in 1983.
2. That thing that's getting ready to eat your head.
3. See also: "monster."
The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanity--and humanity from them. Enter Verity Price. Despite being trained from birth as a cryptozoologist, she'd rather dance a tango than tangle with a demon, and when her work with the cryptid community took her to Manhattan, she thought she would finally be free to pursue competition-level dance in earnest. It didn't quite work out that way...
But now, with the snake cult that was killing virgins all over Manhattan finally taken care of, Verity is ready to settle down for some serious ballroom dancinguntil her on-again, off-again, semi-boyfriend Dominic De Luca, a member of the monster-hunting Covenant of St. George, informs her that the Covenant is on their way to assess the city's readiness for a cryptid purge. With everything and everyone she loves on the line, there's no way Verity can take that lying down.
Alliances will be tested, allies will be questioned, lives will be lost, and the talking mice in Verity's apartment will immortalize everything as holy writ--assuming there's anyone left standing when all is said and done. It's a midnight blue-light special, and the sale of the day is on betrayal, deceit...and carnage.
Synopsis
Cryptid, noun: 1. Any creature whose existence has been suggested but not proven scientifically. Term officially coined by cryptozoologist John E. Wall in 1983.
2. That thing that's getting ready to eat your head.
3. See also: "monster."
The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanity--and humanity from them. Enter Verity Price. Despite being trained from birth as a cryptozoologist, she'd rather dance a tango than tangle with a demon, and when her work with the cryptid community took her to Manhattan, she thought she would finally be free to pursue competition-level dance in earnest. It didn't quite work out that way...
But now, with the snake cult that was killing virgins all over Manhattan finally taken care of, Verity is ready to settle down for some serious ballroom dancinguntil her on-again, off-again, semi-boyfriend Dominic De Luca, a member of the monster-hunting Covenant of St. George, informs her that the Covenant is on their way to assess the city's readiness for a cryptid purge. With everything and everyone she loves on the line, there's no way Verity can take that lying down.
Alliances will be tested, allies will be questioned, lives will be lost, and the talking mice in Verity's apartment will immortalize everything as holy writ--assuming there's anyone left standing when all is said and done. It's a midnight blue-light special, and the sale of the day is on betrayal, deceit...and carnage.
Synopsis
"This installment bumped this series up to the top of my urban-paranormal series list!" Felicia Day 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. 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.
Chimes at Midnight is the seventh installment of the highly praised Toby Daye series.
Synopsis
"The only thing more fun than an October Daye book is an InCryptid book." Charlaine Harris Ghoulies. Ghosties. Long-legged beasties. Things that go bump in the night... The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanityand humanity from them. Enter Verity Price. Despite being trained from birth as a cryptozoologist, she'd rather dance a tango than tangle with a demon, and is spending a year in Manhattan while she pursues her career in professional ballroom dance. Sounds pretty simple, right? It would be, if it weren't for the talking mice, the telepathic mathematicians, the asbestos supermodels, and the trained monster-hunter sent by the Price family's old enemies, the Covenant of St. George. When a Price girl meets a Covenant boy, high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed. To complicate matters further, local cryptids are disappearing, strange lizard-men are appearing in the sewers, and someone's spreading rumors about a dragon sleeping underneath the city...
Discount Armageddon is the first installment of the highly praised InCryptid series.
Synopsis
A New York Times bestseller! It’s been almost a year since October “Toby” Daye averted a war, gave up a county, and suffered personal losses that have left her wishing for a good day’s sleep. She’s tried to focus on her responsibilities—training Quentin, upholding her position as Sylvester’s knight, and paying the bills—but she can’t help feeling like her world is crumbling around her, and her increasingly reckless behavior is beginning to worry even her staunchest supporters.
To make matters worse, Toby’s just been asked to find another missing child…only this time it’s the changeling daughter of her fellow knight, Etienne, who didn’t even know he was a father until the girl went missing. Her name is Chelsea. She’s a teleporter, like her father. She’s also the kind of changeling the old stories warn about, the ones with all the strength and none of the control. She’s opening doors that were never meant to be opened, releasing dangers that were sealed away centuries before—and there’s a good chance she could destroy Faerie if she isn’t stopped.
Now Toby must find Chelsea before time runs out, racing against an unknown deadline and through unknown worlds as she and her allies try to avert disaster. But danger is also stirring in the Court of Cats, and Tybalt may need Toby’s help with the biggest challenge he’s ever faced.
Toby thought the last year was bad. She has no idea.
Synopsis
"Well researched, sharply told, highly atmospheric and as brutal as any pulp detective tale..."
Publishers Weekly
October "Toby" Daye is a changeling, the daughter of Amandine of the fae and a mortal man. Like her mother, she is gifted in blood magic, able to read what has happened to a person through a mere taste of blood. Toby is the only changeling who has earned knighthood, and she re-earns that position every day, undertaking assignments for her liege, Sylvester, the Duke of the Shadowed Hills.
Now Sylvester has asked her to go to the County of Tamed Lightningotherwise known as Fremont, CAto make sure that all is well with his niece, Countess January O'Leary, whom he has not been able to contact. It seems like a simple enough assignmentbut when dealing with the realm of Faerie nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Toby soon discovers that someone has begun murdering people close to January, whose domain is a buffer between Sylvester's realm and a scheming rival duchy. If Toby can't find the killer soon, she may well become the next victim.
Local Habitation is the second installment of the highly praised Toby Daye series.
Synopsis
Toby thought she understood her own past; she thought she knew the score.
She was wrong.
It's time to learn the truth.
Synopsis
"The monstrous fun continues."
Locus
The Price family has spent generations studying the monsters of the world, working to protect them from humanityand to protect humanity from them. Verity Price is just trying to do her job, keeping the native cryptid population of Manhattan from getting into trouble, and doing a little ballroom dancing on the side. Enter Dominic De Luca, an operative for the Covenant of St. George, and Verity's on-again, off-again boyfriend. When he tells her that the Covenant is sending a full team to assess how ready the city is for a purge, Verity finds herself between a rock and a hard place. Stay, and risk her almost-certain death, or flee, and leave the cryptids of New York with nothing between them and the Covenant.
With allies and enemies on every side, and no safe way to turn, it's going to take some quickstepping for Verity to waltz out of this one. There's just one question on everyone's mind: Is this the last dance for Verity Price? Midnight Blue-Light Special is the second installment of the highly praised InCryptid series.
Synopsis
A Red Rose Chain is the ninth installment in Seanan McGuire's urban fantasy October 'Toby' Daye series.
About the Author
Seanan McGuire is a California-based author with a strong penchant for travel and can regularly be found just about anyplace capable of supporting human life (as well as a few places that probably arent). Early exposure to a vast number of books left her with a lifelong affection for the written word, and led, perhaps inevitably, to her writing books of her own, starting somewhere around the age of eleven. The October Daye novels are her first urban fantasy series, and the InCryptid novels are her second series, both published by DAW and bother of which have put her in the New York Times bestseller list. Seanan was the winner of the 2010 John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer; Rosemary and Rue, the first novel in the October Daye series, was named one of the Top 20 Paranormal Fantasy Novels of the Past Decade; and her novel Feed, written under the name Mira Grant, was named as one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2010. She also won a Hugo for her podcast, and is the first person to be nominated for five Hugo Awards in a single year. You can visit her at www.seananmcguire.com.