I've been tearing through this series. I'm not posting a lot of reviews as I go, but have to say that this one was riveting. I woke up in the middle of the night and thought I'd read myself back to sleep (usually works; not a commentary on books being boring or anything (I'm TIRED)) and ended up reading for almost 2 hours (until I finished). I appreciate the novella that was included (Of Things Unknown).

This whole book is a good read, but the last part had all the feels. It is so unfair, but yet completely fitting in this world. I just need to know how all this ends.

A fantastic romp through the world of Sir October, Toby, Daye.

Her friends have thrown her the best Bachelorette party at a kareoke bar. The drinks, even though they don't effect her much, are flowing, and she is even loosening up a little bit.

That's all well and good until everyone says goodnight and she heads home with May, Jazz, and Quentin in toe. Only to be greeted by the person she never wanted to darken her doorstep, her mother. And mommy dearest comes with demands that start with taking Jazz and Toby's fiance Tybalt hostage.

I look forward to a new Tony Daye book every year and The Brightest Fell does not disappoint!

Many small plot points come back and we have many loose ends tied up.

I am always blown away with how Seanan McGuire has maintain this series. While Toby does gain more power throughout the books, there isn't always a Big Bad that has to be worse than the previous Big Bad. It's allowed this series to remain engaging without having an all powerful protagonist and increasing unbelievable villains.

I also very much enjoyed the commentary on good verse evil. I think it is an important aspect of fantasy, especially long running fantasy: At what point does the best intention lead you towards the path of being a villain? Good intentions and pure hearts aren't good enough if you are forced/willing to make hard choices.

3.5 stars again.

Hmmm! This was more unique in terms of plot. I enjoyed Amandine's reappearance and finally getting some movement on the August storyline that has been lingering for a short while. However, I'm really disappointed with how this all wrapped up. I miss the days where there were plots that extended though multiple books, and conflicts that weren't just monster-of-the-week in book format.

Here, there is just no reason that October can do something in 150 pages that apparently characters have been trying to do for 100s of years. It just doesn't make sense. It's been clear for a while that October was going to have to search for her sister, but really? She looks in like... three places. Two of which are in San Fran?? Come on.

Not bad, just a bit of an eye-roller. I still enjoy these as quick, fluffy pieces that help me escape from my responsibilities (like studying for law finals). But I'm getting to the point where the series as a whole is getting pushed into that section of my brain reserved for forgettable collections that don't justify the total book count.

This book had a lot going on, both good and bad. There was a lot to like in character development, but also a lot to not like in how certain characters just *were* throughout this book. I would also say that, perhaps more than any other book by this author, I felt like this book set up several plot threads for upcoming stories. In this story, Amandine shows up at Toby's house, demanding that she use her detective skills to find her 'real' daughter, August. And as a Firstborn, Amandine doesn't feel the need to be nice about it either. Shenanigans ensue...

Toby is a secondary character in this one, and it works - April is a fascinating character in her own right

Merged review:

Toby makes me happy.

This was such a great book. The ending had me sad and relived at the same time. Also, I hate Amandine, she sucks

Excellent as always