The Unkindest Tide

October Daye #13

by Seanan McGuire

Hundreds of years ago, the Selkies made a deal with the sea witch: they would have the sea for as long as she allowed it, and when the time came, she would call in all their debts at once. Many people assumed that day would never come. Those people were wrong.

When the Luidaeg—October "Toby" Daye's oldest and most dangerous ally—tells her the time has come for the Selkies to fulfill their side of the bargain, and that Toby must be a part of the process, Toby can't refuse. Literally. The Selkies aren't the only ones in debt to the Luidaeg, and Toby has to pay what she owes like anyone else. They will travel to the fabled Duchy of Ships and call a convocation of the Selkies, telling them to come and meet the Luidaeg's price...or face the consequences.

Of course, nothing is that simple. When Dianda Lorden's brother appears to arrest Dianda for treason against the Undersea, when a Selkie woman is stripped of her skin and then murdered, when everything is falling apart, that's when Toby will have to answer the real question of the hour.

Is she going to sink? Or is she going to swim?

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Fae, Fiction, Paranormal, Magic, Mystery

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2019

About the author

Hi! I'm Seanan McGuire, author of the Toby Daye series (Rosemary and Rue, A Local Habitation, An Artificial Night, Late Eclipses), as well as a lot of other things. I'm also Mira Grant (www.miragrant.com), author of Feed and Deadline.

Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).

I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(

Reviews

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that wonderful woman/monster, the Sea Witch? You know, the LUIDAEG? Pronounced loo-shack? *sigh* I love her so much. To some, she's a monster. But to me, she's just family. Family I've loved since the earliest part of the series. *sigh*

And now, we get SO MUCH OF HER. :) Lots of watery adventure with Toby with her squire, of course, but the main tale IS about Justice and Mercy. And tons of skin. TONS of skin. And before you guys get your minds in the gutter, I'm talking about FLENSING.

Boy, that got dark quick, no?

Well, this one is a dark one. Old tragedies and the fate of the Selkies. I got pretty emotional with this one. And I loved it.

Bonus novella about Raj, too! The Prince of Cats went through a bit of growing up. :)

[Sheyla ✎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is this series still standing? Because Seanan McGuire created an amazing world we don't want to part ways from. I'll probably cry when it does.

We are now on book 13 and I don't want this to end. I love Toby. She's a strong female character with a great heart and a knack for getting into trouble. Being "hero" of the realm comes with its drawbacks.

I'm glad at the beginning of the book, Toby is enjoying a nice night with her family before the Luidaeg's comes to visit. It was nice to see all of the kids, Jaz, and Tybalt all relaxed for a change.

The Luidaeg is coming for payment. Toby owes her a lot and it's time to settle her debts. As payment, Toby and friends will accompany the Luidwaeg to the sea and travel to the Duchy of Ships to have the Selkies pay their own debts. Of course, nothing is simple when Toby is around.

I love seeing Tybalt and Toby together. He's so Shakesperean and he always delivers perfect lines that make me laugh or swoon. Quentin has grown so much as a character. He's now a man, almost ready to leave his blind fosterage. Dean is also becoming his own person and ruler which Marsha is making sure he does. Marsha is an intriguing character. I wonder if she will have a more important role in the next few books. She certainly did in this one. Pete was a nice addition and a surprise. I hope to see her again but probably not. I love to see Deanda again. She's another favorite of mine. The addition of the Merrow's conflict made the plotline more interesting too.

What can I say about the Luidaeg? She's probably my favorite character after Toby and Tybalt. She can be funny. She has helped Toby so many times. She loves Quentin. She has been in terrible pain for so many years thanks to her own sister. I hope after this book, she achieves some type of peace.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley Publishing Group -DAW via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

3.5 hearts

I have been waiting for this forever, for the Luidaeg to call in all of Toby’s debts and it FINALLY happened.  The day of reckoning for the Selkies has come and their mother has called the time, place and price that will be demanded of them.

The time is neigh, the place is the Duchy of Ships (think pirates and you are half way there) and the price, well that is a little more complicated.  To say the Selkies are not excited about this is an understatement. It is a little understandable because their entire way of life is about to change. Cousin Annie has dropped all disguises; she is the Luidaeg, the Sea Witch, with transformations in her fingers and curses in her palms.

Most of The Unkindest Tide was good for me.  I definitely love all things Luigaeg and getting to see some of the sorrow she has held for so long was a little agonizing.  The story of the Roane and the Selkies is the saddest of tales. If I know nothing, I know this; there is at least one more Firstborn out there that deserves death.  

There is an entire entourage of people at the conclave.  Dianda, being of the Saltmists, comes along as witness along with many others.  I do love bloodthirsty Dianda and I even did okay with the side story stuff that included her.  Side note, do not get on her bad side.

I struggled with the murder mystery.  The Selkies have all come together at the conclave but when one of them ends up dead, Toby is Toby, and needs to find justice for the fallen.  I get it, but it was the least interesting part of the story since I did not know any of the characters involved personally and I just wanted to get to the stuff involving the Sea Witch getting her justice. 

Also, I struggle with Gillian.  I do love what the Luigaeg said to her (Ch 4. You can’t miss it), I’ll wait here while you go read it.  I really just wanted to smack Toby’s daughter this entire book. Janet too, for that matter, both of them drive me a little nuts. I’m hoping one day she’ll see everything Toby tried to do for her, but alas children rarely see that until they have children of their own.  

Best new character goes to Captain Pete, captain of the Duchy of Ships and Firstborn of Titania.  She is fantastic and I really liked getting to know another Firstborn that wasn’t an ass.

I did like how this ended overall.  I think there are some great set ups for things to come and it isn’t all bad that the future might be a little more fluid now because of the happenings in this book.  It will be interesting to see what comes of the events that unfolded here. I have a feeling that more people will end up on Toby’s doorstep with prophecies to foil in the future.  Let’s hope for her sake most of them don’t involve water.
 

“There’s no one in this world you can trust all the time. Not even the people you love, not even the people who love you.” 

 

I’d have your spine for jewelry if it wouldn’t make her angry. I’d make flutes from your bones and play them with my boys every time someone thought it would be a good idea to threaten us. She’s not condemning you. She’s sparing you, from me. You should thank her for her mercy, not look to me to save you from it.”

 

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was this worth the wait! Hell,yeah! This was the story that I always imagined would come at the end of the series. I’m really pleased it’s come sooner and that there’s still plenty of room for lots and lots more. And I’m pleased it turned out more happily than anticipated. I loved Tybalt and Toby in this one especially one of their conversations about the future. I have loved the character growth and development of Toby throughout the series and in this one we see it for the Luidaeg. It’s great that Toby, having understood it for herself, can now help the Sea-Witch understand that you can make your own family if the one born into doesn’t suit. Oh and Gillian is such a pain in the arse!

[h o l l i s · Rating 2 out of 5]

We're here. We did it. Thirteen books, plus a bunch of novellas, and it's over (for now).

I started this journey on April sixteenth. It's currently May fifth. This is probably one of my worst binges as far as ability to read a series quickly or consistently but I'm sure, based on my feelings of said books, no one is particularly surprised. Plus it's pandemic season so the reading it ebbs and flows.

Which is a great segue for this particular installment which is set amongst water and the merpeople of faerie. Except I'm not particularly inclined to talk about the plot (I rarely am) so it's a poor segue but a segue nonetheless.

I don't really have much to say about this one, to be honest. We had a lot of Sea Witch action, which is never a bad thing, and I loved that things were made to be a little happily ever after-ish in the sense that she could right a wrong without causing more harm (sadly, thanks to Toby, and not her own cleverness). Maybe for the first time since.. I forget, it's been a long ride, but the first time since forever, we got a newly introduced character who I actually loved. I'm not counting the ones we won't see ever again but Pete? Oh man. I loved her. Fabulous.

I'm disappointed, but not surprised, that Gillian has done a total wishy washy (haha the water jokes) aboutface in regards to her dealings, and feelings, about Toby but.. yeah, unsurprised. Probably going to drag that resolution out for a while, I imagine.

I have nothing more to say. Many will wonder why I read this far into a series I didn't like, many more still might wonder why I intend to read on past this point. I have no good answers for you. I wanted to love this because my friends did. And I think buried under all the hope I thought I lost along the way (I would say that I fully lost said hope around book five ish) I still did want to find some joy. And I did! Book eleven was really good. It seems a meager win in the scope of the series, I guess. But what else did I have to do? Put it aside to read things I might actually like? Hahaha.

Ahem. I'll try that next.

This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.

[Lisa Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent adventure with Toby and company! This series continues to be powerful, engaging, full of heart, and loaded with surprises. Here's hoping Seanan McGuire continues writing about Toby for years and years and years to come.

[Betül · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**



The Unkindest Tide is another wonderful addition to the October Daye series. This is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series, and I am so happy that after 13 books the author still delivers intriguing and amazing story-lines. In almost each book we get to visit a new place and be introduced to new characters. The characters keep on growing and learning new things. It is amazing to see what else is possible and hidden in this amazing world. I loved that this book was focusing on the Luidaeg, she is one of my favorite characters, and I was happy to see that she played a major role in this book. What I love the most is that there is never a dull moment in this series, there is always something exciting going on. The story is not repetitive and Seanan is continuously expanding the phenomenal world she built.

In this book the Luidaeg has summoned all the Selkies to call in their debts from the deal she made hundreds years ago. She, October and others will sail to the Duchy of Ships, where all the Selkies in the world will be gathering to have their skins permanently bound to their bodies, to bring back the Roane. This book was action-packed, funny, emotional, and uplifting. Like always October gets herself into trouble, but always finds a way to get out of them. She is strong and loyal, and will always help the ones in need. We also get a couple of heartfelt scenes between October and Tybalt, which was a great addition to the story. There were also a couple of heartbreaking scenes, which made me want to hug both October and the Luidaeg. I think fans of this series will be satisfied and enjoy this book. I already look forward to the next book.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had no idea the Suck Fairy could work her magic on a series that I've more or less enjoyed for the past twelve books, but reading The Unkindest Tide, I felt impatient, annoyed, and finally bored. Worse, I think I'd also be annoyed by the previous books if I tried rereading them. So this is a break-up review for the October Daye series: I'm out.

Book 13 is an important synthesis book of the series. It closes a loop that has long been left open: the time has come for the Luidaeg to make good on an ancient promise to bring back the Roane, her lineage of sea fae who were wiped out and their skins bound to a new race of Selkies. Toby, up to her eyeballs in debt to the Luidaeg, is roped into making this happen. Things don't go as planned, of course: there's an unexpected coup, a desperate royal rescue mission, dozens of unhappy Selkies, a dead body...and lots of magical red tape.

It's probably impossible to write a 13 book series and not have it turn into a soap opera, but The Unkindest Tide is a red giant star beginning to collapse under the weight of its own mythos. The cast is enormous in this one, and characters whom I should remember but don't keep showing up and having Dramatic and Meaningful Interactions with Big Stakes. They can't actually resolve anything because of either a) fae politics; or b) magical limitations / geas / oaths (viz, the magical red tape). Things can't move forward until Toby steps up to do something heroic and stupid and entirely devoid of self-preservation. Stop me if this sounds familiar.

And can I say that I hate how Tybalt has gone from being mysterious maybe-antagonist into Toby's well-trained lap cat? He's effectively cut out of the main action because Toby has powers he doesn't, so he's there to lend a shoulder when Toby cries about being rejected by her daughter (yep, again), spirit her away when she needs a quick exit, and tell her she can't endanger her life like this again for his sake, which lasts for all of about fifty pages. This is neither interesting nor relationship goals.

I can't tell how much of my impatience with this overly emotional ferris wheel stems from pandemic grouchiness and mental health malaise. Post-pandemic (if there is a post), it's likely I will bump up every book I rated in this time by a star just to be fair. But despite realizing that The Unkindest Tide is probably very similar to previous October Daye entries that I enjoyed, I was kind of hoping the Luidaeg would eat Toby toward the end. (Minor spoiler: she doesn't.)

[Beth Tabler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group - DAW for the opportunity to review this as an eARC in exchange for my open and honest opinion.

The character October Daye comes to you in this novel from a deeply personal place. Unlike other novels in the October Daye series that are typically full of high adventure and blood feuds, in some cases with literal blood, this one speaks to the heart and soul of what makes October, October. Who she is. That is her love of her family. One of the members of her family is the Luidaeg and the Luidaeg has come to finally collect her due.

This book speaks to the softer, more tender, and rawer part of October's personality. The part of her that defines what a family is. In October's world, and I think I can speak for the world in general, a family is not what is defined by birth or blood but what is defined as who becomes apart of our lives in ways that we can not let go. They become a part of who we are. They become a part of our bones, our blood, and our cells. Our very skin. Much like the selkies. October is the embodiment of that. In some ways, I think Mcguire's writing, in general, is much like that. You see examples of that theme in much of her writing. The importance of family and how a family is defined in more ways than just blood. I think it is an important theme to have at the forefront of writing right now with what is going on in the world. It is a positive message to spread.

Long ago The Luidaeg, The Sea Witch made a deal with The Selkies. Some day they had to make a choice, they had to choose whether to live in the sea or live on the land and not all of them would get that choice. October would play a part in the choice, and that is all the reader knew up until this book. We learned this early on in the series and had been dealt bits and pieces of information up until this point that has created a grand story which is this book.

All I can say is that Seanan McGuire nailed it.

The bond of family is held in high esteem. Family in its many forms. The book wraps up that many questions I had but still kept me guessing what is next. Unlike many seasoned series out there that may be getting stale in the narrative, but not this one.

The narrative is still going strong and in some instances better. Pick up the October Daye series. She is a strong female character, great uses of magic, great world-building, diverse characters, and a world that keeps getting better and better.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the part of the re-read where I have only the books one or two times so it was almost if not quite new again. This is one of my favorites not only because we meet a Firstborn who is totally likable from the start but because the ending just felt so good and right to me. The time has come for Toby to pay her debts to the sea witch and time for Roane to live again. While Toby is uncomfortable surrounded in so much water she knows this is her duty and that The Sea Witch deserves to have the Roane restored to Faerie. I think there was more foreshadowing for future books than I yet have been able to connect in this one and I can’t wait to catch up the re-read to the new book coming out soon.

[Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that's an ominous title . . . o.O

[Mizuki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad to see another Firstborns and their realm!

This time, the powerful sea witch is calling Toby, the changing knight, daughter of the Lair, up to help her settling an ancient blood debt, so the sea witch, Toby and her allies are sailing together to the oceanic realm to settle this blood debt with the seal-faes. Dramas ensured.

Meanwhile, power struggle among the Undersea Kingdom of Saltmist also forces Toby to take on a hostage-rescuing mission, what will happen?

I really do like how Toby built up a reputation of the 'king-breaker' over the years. Plus the backstories about the origin of the fae and Toby's reconciling with her estranged daughter is the good parts of the story.

In order to repay the Sea Witch, Toby must bring the Sea Witch's long dead children back to the world, but there's a catch, by bringing the long dead race of fae back to life, Toby might endanger her newly human-turned-fae daughter, Gillian's life.

It's still an engaging read, I am glad to see Toby and crew in action again, the newly appears realm of the Ships and the new First Born are interesting to read, and the Sea Witch's request and the murder mystery is solved in a reasonable way in the end.

Still, I am not very taken in by the coup in the Saltmist, I have no problem with this part of the story but it isn't as exciting as the series can usually get.

I will stay tune for the next book, which will be about Toby's wedding!

Review for book 1: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review for book 2: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review book 3: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review for book 4: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review for book 5: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. It gave me every single thing I love about this series all wrapped up in one fantastic story. For a long time, we’ve been talking about the Luidaeg and her complicated history with the Selkies. Well, here, the bill finally comes due. Now that Toby is strong enough in her power to change blood, the Sea Witch is calling in her debts and forcing Toby to turn the Selkies back into Roane.

It’s not a straightforward journey. Things happen in the politics of the Undersea and we meet another Firstborn. But at the heart of this book is what it means to be family. For Toby, with Tybalt and Quenton and the others who have joined her tribe— but perhaps more so for the Luidaeg. For so long, she has mourned her children, but she has family now too.

I don’t want to spoil too much because this book really is so much about the journey. But I will say I love who October has become. I hate Gilly. A lot. But I think we are, at least in some ways, supposed to. After all, so many people have grown to see October as a champion and a friend. Yet her own daughter can’t stand her... and isn’t that just a kick in the teeth?

This series it still going strong, even after 13 installments. Would definitely recommend for fans of urban fantasy. Great action and solid feels.

*ARC provided by publisher

[Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Buzz

I've enjoyed October Daye books before Seanan McGuire became a big name due to her Wayward Children series. She's a prolific writer even if I don't always enjoy her plots (which is her weakest story element.) So when I learned we're getting book 13 in the series, AND its about the Luidaeg's deal with the Selkies I knew I had to check in with her fae series.

I really love this cover and feel like it goes so well with the major setting of The Unkindest Tide... the Duchy of Ships! It also made a gorgeous Instagram photo and the title sent shivers down my back. It's such an ominous title and I was expecting some epic morally grey plot...


The Premise

The Selkies, humans that can shift and have an affinity to the water due to a magical pelt, have some dark history with the Luidaeg, THE sea witch who verges on a god. In previous volumes we've learned of that history and the atrocities that lead to them owing the sea witch big time. In The Unkindest Tide the Luidaeg calls in the debts owed her by Toby, to do what only she can do... Work with blood.

In reality this premise tells us very little.

Because basically all there is to happen is for Toby to travel to where the Selkies are gathered, the Selkies to decide who will be holding the pelts and for Toby to do the deed. It doesn't make for very compelling plot if something doesn't interfere...

(***Potentially Mild Spoilers ahead!!***)

And you know nothing much does happen.

-We get a ton (like 30% worth) of recap of history from previous books to start. Very little of the current plot is in there. We do get a really compelling new location in faeire... The Duchy of Ships which I adored.

But the few distractions are very uncreative.

-We get another rescue that smacks of the same plot in book 5 of the series... but really condensed. It doesn't really add anything that we didn't experience previously.

-And there is a murder thrown in (because that's what's in October Daye books) that Toby doesn't even investigate much but just "suddenly realizes" who and why the murder was committed.

-Toby's daughter (in a previous book) is saved by a Selkie pelt... so she comes to provide needless drama. And nothing is resolved. I wish she'd just get over herself.

We do experience two things that may make The Unkindest Tide worth reading to you...

-We get to meet one of the Luidaeg's siblings. Who is really neat and just as scary cool as the Luidaeg!! They neatly tie up the arrest in what could be considered a satisfying way.

-And Toby comes up with a neat idea so that both the Luidaeg and the Selkies will be satisfied with fulfilling their obligations (due to their past atrocities.)


My Experience

Having just read the first two books in the Murderbot Diaries series by Martha Wells I had an epiphany about the October Daye series... I think Toby's adventures would have made great novellas in a similar vein. In fact her Wayward Children series has the same shortened page numbers and tight story lines. It's no mistake that a book with less room for plot is the series that made Seanan McGuire so popular.

Alas this is all in hindsight as the October Daye series is one that's been around since 2009. You have to admire a series that has lingered for 10 years! And I do. It's a series rich in back history that is always changing its world to accommodate different villains and developing relationships! I just wish that The Unkindest Tide had done the same. For me this would have made a better novella. And I would have paid more to get rid of all the filler.

I can't say I enjoyed The Unkindest Tide. The strengths of the October Daye series have always been an incredible fae world and some really compelling characters. These strengths return in The Unkindest Tide... but the journey they go on is decidedly underwhelming... I could have skipped this and not have missed anything... as I'm sure the Selkies' fate will be recapped in the next book.


⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐ Writing Style
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⭐ Plot & Pacing
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ World Building
A+ Cover & Title grade

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.

______________________
Please like this review if you enjoyed it! *bow* *bow* It helps me out a ton!!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound by geas, the Luidaeg must tell no lies, and a short while ago she told the Selkies that their debt was about to come due. October Daye, Night of Lost Words, "Toby" is deep in debt with the Luidaeg and her friend besides. That friendship is put to the test when the sea witch calls in Toby's debt to use her particular magic on the Selkies.

This is another story that ties in well with the immediate last few books, particularly exploring the relationships between parents and children. Toby and Gillian, the Luidag and the Roan and Selkies, even Dianda Lorden and her family. I continue to be surprised that 13 books in we're still getting interesting and insightful urban fantasy. It's a rich universe that the author has created here.

There's also some great additions to the lore, including the Firstborn of the Merrow, the Duchy of Ships and we get lots more of the Cephali (probably my favorite fae race so far).

[Alisi ☆ wants to read too many books ☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was literal filler. There's no substance here. There's no character growth. There's no pushing forward the larger plot. It's just Toby going on adventures. You can literally not read this book and I think you'd be okay. It's not as annoyingly painful as some of her previous filler books (I didn't want to throw my ipod) and was readable, but ultimately, this is just trash.

There was so much McGuire could've done here. The Luidaeg was great but she's always great. She could've done a huge amount of character growth with Toby and Jillian, but they spent ZERO time together in this book.

That was what knocked this down to two stars, for me. Because it was just obtuse. We've spent 12 previous books listening to Toby bitch and moan over the loss of her daughter, and here her daughter is in mortal danger, and Toby doesn't think of her daughter ONCE. It was so bizarre to me.

Basically, the plot is this: Luidaeg says the selkie debt is up. They go to the Duchy of Ships. Luidaeg says they'll be turned into the Roane (sp?) in 2 days and whomever has a skin will be changed at that time (aka, she's sanctioning them stealing from each other.) Jillian, if you remember, needs the cloak to stay alive. Toby needs to be reminded of this after the Luidaeg's speak (she honestly does) and then she makes a scary "if you mess with mah daughter," blah blah blah, cries about it, then completely ignores and forgets her. She doesn't try to go to her. Doesn't try to tell her about what the Luidaeg said. Doesn't try to secure her. NOTHING. She goes back to her rooms where Saltmist is in danger and Toby goes off to rescue one of their sons (because children.) She tell Tybalt to protect the duke and dean. Nothing about her daughter. She doesn't give one thought to her. She comes back and loe! we see a dead selkie! Does she thinking "omg! Jillian"? Nope. She just decides she has to solve the murder. Okei-dokei. She needs to be reminded of Jillian from one of the other Selkies, whereupon she glowers and growls and demands to know she's safe. LOL. Then she forgets her again. Wow. What do you know? Jillian gets conveniently captured and used as a hostage. Who'd'a thought that would happen? And now we get more rote 'oh, mah poor poor daughter' BS. The whole reason for Saltmist and the murder was stupid. The ending was okay but nothing life changing.

She could've totally had Jillian and Toby forced together, working together, and had a little movement of resolution in that relationship. They were both trapped on the same fucking ship, after all. Jillian is a Selkie. Maybe they could've worked on the issues with the Selkie clans together. I don't expect Jillian to ever think of Toby as mother but to see how she works and what she goes through and come to an understanding, maybe a little thawing of her heart, would've been a huge step forward. But why have actual character growth when we can have 10 more books of Toby bitching and moaning about losing Jillian?

Overall, it was just Toby going on random adventures and almost nothing on the actual selkie thing.

The more McGuire books I read, the more I'm convinced she just phones it in at this point.

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy spending time in October Daye’s world--the land of Faerie right adjacent to our own world. Where Hobs, Pixies, and Brownies (among many others) inhabit the land and Mermaids, Selkies, and octopus-headed Cephali live undersea in the Kingdom of Saltmist. I keep meaning to find some books on fairy folklore to brush up on my fae identification skills.

This book features the Luidaeg (the Sea Witch) prominently. As one of the First Born of Faerie, she has awesome powers and anyone with any sense is scared witless of her. Except for our dear Toby, who has seen through the Luidaeg’s thorny disguise to the caring person on the inside. Controlled by a geas laid on her by one of her sisters, the Luidaeg is compelled to only tell the truth and to help those who request assistance, although she is allowed to charge high prices for that help.

This is the point where shit gets real if you are a Selkie--the Sea Witch is calling in their chips and calling on Toby to seal the deal. Toby has a soft spot for the Selkies--her first fiance was Connor, a Selkie. Selkies also straddle the line between humanity and the Fae, just as Changelings do, so Toby can relate to that too. The trick is to find a way to both let the Luidaeg keep her word and to let her be merciful.

Seanan McGuire’s inventiveness never fails to please me. I am so glad that the next book is set up in the plot of this one. Forget Finding Nemo, we’re going to be Finding Simon.

If I have any frustration with this series, its the constant irritation of October’s estranged daughter, Gillian. October has been rejected by her, her father & step-mother (who, curiously is also October’s grandmother) for reasons that seem spurious to me. Toby has saved her repeatedly and gets zero credit for it. I’m not sure where McGuire is headed with this particular plot line, but I’m sure it’s not random. OMG, I’m like a soap-opera fan, I must tune in to the next installment to see what happens.

Please keep writing, Ms. McGuire! I will keep reading.

[Lana *Best left alone with books and snacks* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt for everyone, and I mean everyone, except Gillian. The girl is so annoying I don't know how anyone can stand her at this point.
Ludaig, man... Selkies were being brats about the whole situation and if I were in her place I wouldn't be nearly as tolerant to their bullshit. Monster my ass, that woman is my role model through and through. It was nice seeing her family dynamics with like her less bitchier sibling.
Marcia... Oh, my Spidey sense is tingling up the wazoo with her. She's somehow connected to the Three. I can just feel it.
I'm so obsessed with the series, it's not even funny. I don't ever want it to end.

Over and out

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its always a good day when reading a book by Seanan McGuire. The Unkindest Tide was simply fantastic!

Toby bargain with the Ludwig has come due and its going to effect her even more personally than she imagined. Her a few select friends tag along to the ocean realm where another 1st born comes into play. If dealing with the Selkies wasn't enough, there is conflict in the Merrow world, pulling Toby right into their turmoil as well.

To top it all off, Toby's daughter is now caught in the middle of the all the trouble bubbling to the the boiling point and she must pull out all the stops to save what she holds most dear.

I, absolutely, loved it. I had to put out the do not disturb signs out around myself. This was a read into the wee-hours of the morning book for me... So, be warned, you may not be able to put this book down once you start!

If that wasn't icing on the cake then lets top if off with a marvelous novella, Hope is Swift set in the October Day world. It takes place at exactly the same time as The Unkindest Tide but focuses on Raj and Cait Sidhe that were left back on shore. Another fantastic adventure to devour.

The book and novella was a win, win for me.

I received this ARC copy of The Unkindest Tide from Berkley Publishing Group - DAW. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Unkindest Tide is set for publication September 3, 2019.

My Rating: 5 stars
Written by: Seanan McGuire
Series: October Daye (Book 13)
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: DAW (September 3, 2019)
ISBN-10: 0756415071
ISBN-13: 978-0756415075
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Unkindest-Tide...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Itunes: https://books.apple.com/bo/book/the-u...

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the lucky thirteenth volume of October Daye's adventures. This one feels just as fresh and vibrant as all of the previous ones. Somehow McGuire manages to convey the feeling that she really cares about what happens to her characters and how they act, and she expects the readers to, also. There's such a rich backstory and detailed world built up that it's becoming difficult to keep track of it all; she's going to have to start issuing scorecards soon. This one, though, is set in a new corner between the land and the sea, and is filled with all of the heartbreak and adventure and pirate-y derring-do that one might wish. The volume also includes a novella about Tybalt's heir that I somehow didn't enjoy as much as the bonus pieces in previous volumes.

[Kelsea Yu · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I’ve enjoyed every October Daye novel (and that’s saying quite a lot, as the series is now 13 books long), but while I always find them fun, they don’t always make me emotional.

The Unkindest Tide, true to its name, left me with watery eyes. This story felt personal to me, as I read it while watching my eight-month-old daughter play happily, and so much of this story is about motherhood. The joys, the pain, and the grief of the worst imaginable thing happening to your children.

The Luidaeg has become one of my favorite characters in October Daye’s world. She’s strong and terrifying, irreverent and impatient, but also incredibly compassionate. She has the emotions of someone who cares deeply, paired with the wisdom and wariness of someone who has lived too long and seen too much. I absolutely love her! It was a serious treat getting a story centered around her.

Additionally, The Unkindest Tide is full of Undersea politics, which were fascinating. It has everything I look for in a Toby novel — more tidbits about the magic, more world-building, setup for future possibly storylines, Toby’s heroism, Tybalt’s flowery declarations, and a lot of sass. I loved learning more about the Undersea, Roane, and Selkies, almost as much as I loved being in Toby’s head again.

At its heart, The Unkindest Tide is a story of healing. It’s an incredibly therapeutic read, with plenty of adventure and unexpected elements — and it’s a reminder to us all that Seanan McGuire is REALLY fucking smart.

If you haven’t picked up the October Daye series, go out and get Rosemary and Rue RIGHT NOW! Or wait just a bit until this October (heh), when Rosemary and Rue is getting a hardcover re-release!! You have so many amazing adventures ahead of you, and I envy you. If you’re partway through the series, read on! It gets SO good!

Now shhhh, I’ll be off reading the extra novella (!!!!) included in the ARC that I assume is also in the hardcover. I would normally read the entire ARC cover to cover before writing my review, but I just couldn’t wait!! If I have anything to add after reading it, I’ll edit my review.

Thank you Daw Books for sending me an advanced copy of The Unkindest Tide in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

LUIDAEG! LUIDAEG! LUIDAEG! Everyone shout it with me!!!

(Now, ask yourself... were you pronouncing it correctly as "loo-shack"... or incorrectly as "loo-ee-day-g"... or struggling to pronounce it at all?)

Yeah, Antigone of Albany, the sea witch, Cousin Annie, the Luidaeg is my favorite character in the October Daye series, and this one has SO MUCH LOOSHACK that I can't function! We get to see deep into her soul!!!

Okay, enough fanboying. I absolutely loved this installment in the Toby series. Multiple firstborns, good old fashioned murder (yikes, poor victim), political posturing involving arrests and undersea rescues), and most importantly LOTS OF FAMILY. Lots and lots and lots. And mostly, that's Toby's adopted family - the family of choice, the family of people who come together and create a bond of family that isn't there because of blood or birth, but because of as conscious choice to love. The best kind of family.

Also, did I mention, this one is set out on the seas? Like a pirate adventure? YASSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Apparently, I love Toby and the Luidaeg so much that I have to ramble and fanboy and squee.

There's also a short story/novella at the end from Raj's POV, totally worth reading. 4 stars for that.

5 stars! READ TOBY!

Merged review:

Great story about Raj and his acceptance of his life as a future King of Cats

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Luidaeg finally calls in Toby's debt and needs her to help resolve her selkie problem. Toby, the Luidaeg, and a few others go the Duchy of Ships. I had been waiting for this book for a long time. There weren't any surprises as to what the Luidaeg wanted Toby to do. It was easy to guess considering Toby's special abilities.

The Duchy of Ships was interesting. I always like it when Toby goes to other places and explores more of the world. The leader of the Duchy of ships was awesome, and I really hope she will be in the series again at some point. While there a murder occurs, and Toby takes it upon herself to investigate. This was the least interesting part of the story. Most of it involved newly introduced characters that I had no attachment to.

I really enjoyed this book. It was not the most exciting or revelatory in the series, but it will have significant consequences later on. As to what those consequences are, who knows? But I can't wait to find out.

I received this from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Danielle (Danniegurl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dunno, I just feel like this was a filler book. A book just for the sake of a book? Idk. Anything with Luidaeg (however you spell it) I expect to be epic and this...wasn’t.

Things came seemingly easy to Toby in this book. There seemed to be a lot of writing and noticing on surroundings. Details of decor, clothing etc I didn’t care too much about. The story was slow, surprisingly slow and had too many moving issues to deal with. Idk. I just really feel like there was a spark here missing.

Toby is supposed to go help “Annie” bring back the Roane but what does that mean, exactly? Then shit hits the deck and she goes in 200 directions.


At the end of the book is a short about Raj, I normally would love to read about it but I don’t know what to expect. I dunno what the book is to show us and I’m a bit too bored right now to read it.

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5+

This was a great entry in the series! I thought for much of it that McGuire had Toby spinning her wheels as filler, but I should have known better. It all comes together, surprisingly, touchingly, horrifyingly...it comes together.

I still don't like Gillian. I'm finding her a bit too petulant and not enough the bewildered new comer that she should be. I'm invested enough in the characters to feel defensive for Toby where Gillian is concerned, so there's that.

I really can't start swooning about Tybalt because I will make a fool of myself. Seriously, it's that bad for me right now.

I also enjoyed the Raj novella. It was wonderful to get a peek into his head.

This is such an incredible universe to spend time in.

[Ina]

I have been waiting to find out what is Toby's role in Luidaeg's bargain with Selkies forever. Please give me this book ASAP.

[Ronda]

I can't put stars to this at the moment because it's currently a DNF. I don't know what's happened with this addition to the series or if it is just me but I can't 'get into this'. I am not giving up though, this is a great series and I hop to finish it at some point. Just not today.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

The Unkindest Tide, by author Seanan McGuire, is the Thirteenth installment in the October Daye series. Toby Day, Knight Errant, Private Investigator, Hero to the Realm, receives an unwelcome guest, Luidaeg. Luidaeg, the Eldest of Maeve's offspring, Sea Witch, and Toby's friend and adversary, calls on Toby to answer a call of duty for which she owes Luidaeg. In a matter of weeks, Luidaeg must deal with the Selkies who she made an ultimatum to hundreds of years ago after the Roane all but disappeared from the world.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Marzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How long, how long? How long have we waited, readers, for Antigone of Albany, aka The Luidaeg, to find justice for what was taken from her? At last we are at the close of Act 2 and she has the means by which to restore her beloved children (that would be Toby) only how many goddamn conspiracies and coups and murders may try to prevent things for a while longer. No matter, Toby and her friends are going to fix everything up right as rain. Sure Tobes might bleed a bit in the process, okay, a lot in the process, but almost everyone will be fine.

The politics of the fae world that Toby has tried to straddle while living in the mortal one have always been complex and requiring of deftness and foresight. Luckily for Toby and her friends and allies, her abilities as a detective have taught her some trenchant perceptions about the ghastly way some of the purebloods and Firstborns do business. Speaking of which, who among you thought that all of Titania's children were awful? This book will prove you wrong in spades. And who of you thought you knew about Evening Winterrose's relationship with someone named Dawn? Wrong again! (Has anyone other than Tybalt and May ever told Toby the straight truth, I wonder?) And who thought that Gillian's choices, as she now wears a selkie skin, would be postponed or simple or lead to her being some sort of thin-blooded Dóchas Sidhe after that damn elf-shot wears off? Wrong, wrong, wrong.

This book ends a long arc that we've known about since "One Salt Sea" - the cruelty that has broken the Luidaeg's heart and why Toby's loyalty, fondness for, and willing to regularly indebt herself at the drop of a hat (trust me on that, says Quentin, rolling his eyes) to the Luidaeg changed the arc of her hopes and the future of the selkies. The Luidaeg, clearly the best aunt you could possibly have (as long as you don't piss her off) finally puts something back in place in her world. Now all that's left of the justice seeking for the slaughter of her children is... Killing Frost. Silver and Iron? Let's hope so.

A great installment in the series but not an appropriate entry point into the world of October Daye.

The US print and e-book editions have a novella, titled "Hope is Swift'" about a certain teenage Cat Prince who been giving Ginevra, Regent of Tybalt's Court of Dreaming Cats, a rather difficult time of things. Occasionally, he is just too much of a cat.

Buy it or borrow it, love it, tell me you can't wait for Killing Frost?

I received a Digital Review Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharon L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another steady installment in the October Daye series, with lots of feel, quite a bit but never nearly enough Luidaeg, some Dianda (too little), Annoying Gillian is being annoying, Toby kept bleeding over herself and Tybalt was a Shakespearian romance as always.

Furthermore we learn a little more about the Merrow and the Undersea, we meet the coolest pirate ever, we see history being made and a wrong being righted.

Also, who is Marcia, when all is said and done in this series will Toby and Tybalt still be alive? Will they get their hea (with lots of really awesome kids)?
And what about Quentin?


So many glimpses, so many things to come and questions left unanswered. I need this series to continue, but I also need it to remain awesome and wonderful as it is, and end in a hea for Toby.

*******
Pre review:
I can't stress enough how much I NEED this book.

A craving, a ravenous longing, a thirst, and a terrible fear. All mixed together.