The Winter Long (October Daye Series Book 8)

Absolutely loves this book. Her October Daye series gets better with each book!! So sad I have to wait a year for the next installment. Seanan McGuire knows how to wrap up a book but keep you in suspense and wanting for the next book.

Another outstanding addition to the series. I really enjoyed the reach back to older story lines to add background and depth(and a few shocks) to this new one. There is a very satisfying conclusion but with enough unanswered questions to have me already anxious for the next installment. I see no reason why this book could not be read without having read the others in the series. It is such a well tied together plot I don't believe it would lose anyone unfamiliar with the other books. If you like great urban fantasy, this book is for you,

Run, don't walk. REALLY. It's smart, it's funny, it's poignant, and as always, extremely well written. The best thing about September is a new October Daye book. (Worst thing is finishing and knowing you have another year to wait until the next one.)

This book continues the story line of October Day, the half-human, half-Fae changeling knight. All your favorite characters are here, and some thoroughly rotten ones, too. Lots of action and suspense: The dead who are not dead, dead who are revived, mysteries solved and new mysteries exposed. If the previous books are the Fae version of a coming-of-age story, this book sets the stage for the 'Toby the hero' tales. Can't wait for the next book.

Fantastic addition to an already superb series.

More revelations about Toby's past are revealed, and a surprise guest from her past is drudged up. Toby's world has been shaken up since she awoke from her goldfish slumber, but we're really starting to see the undercurrents behind everything. More pieces fall into play, and October Daye proves yet again why it's one of the best urban fantasy series out there.

Well written and a good story teller but the material is a little tired with all the same characters. Simply making good characters bad and some bad characters good isn't a good premise to create an engrossing story. I had hoped for more as she is a talented author and outstanding story teller. You can visualize everything easily with the writing.

But the story was thin and seemed to be rapidly put together with a somewhat anticlimactic ending.

I always look forward to these books. It's like Christmas when I open the package from the store and hold it in my hand. I really liked this book. I'm not sure their were huge revelations. I mean I pretty much knew what they were going to say about Octobers lineage. The villain was a surprise to me. The writing was as superb as ever.

When a Seanan McGuire novel automagically appears in my Kindle, that's my priority for the day. Seriously. I have never regretted it, and I doubt I ever will.

Book 8 of the adventures of Sir Toby Daye will not disappoint. There are massive fae plots, there are villains galore, there are sandwiches and of course coffee--and best of all, there is Tybalt. If you're up on the series, you know what that means. If you aren't, start back at book 1, Rosemary and Rue, and GET up. It will only take about a week, and it will be a great week. For you, not so much for Toby. Toby doesn't really get great weeks.

Toby Daye #8 is an extremely satisfying read. Within the first 15 pages, she turns the entire series on it's head - villains become not so villainous, friends become not so friendly.

We learn a great deal more about Toby's backstory and family than we've known before and that's a good thing.

When a Seanan McGuire novel automagically appears in my Kindle, that's my priority for the day. Seriously. I have never regretted it, and I doubt I ever will.

Book 8 of the adventures of Sir Toby Daye will not disappoint. There are massive fae plots, there are villains galore, there are sandwiches and of course coffee--and best of all, there is Tybalt. If you're up on the series, you know what that means. If you aren't, start back at book 1, Rosemary and Rue, and GET up. It will only take about a week, and it will be a great week. For you, not so much for Toby. Toby doesn't really get great weeks.

Toby Daye #8 is an extremely satisfying read. Within the first 15 pages, she turns the entire series on it's head - villains become not so villainous, friends become not so friendly.

We learn a great deal more about Toby's backstory and family than we've known before and that's a good thing.

This volume links volume one in to the series bringing back characters and introducing more information about October, but not the complete story promised by the dust jacket. Good read. We will have to see what is left to say. At volume eight it becomes more difficult to sustain a series.

seanan McGuire once again reminds me why she is one of my favorite authors. If you are thinking about reading this book but have not read the others in the series then stop right now! Start at the beginning you won't be disappointed!!!

October's journey takes a new turn with this book. The game is escalating with new rules of engagement. There were a couple of times, earlier in the book, that I felt that nothing happened. But the book ends on a high note. I'm really curious where October's story goes from here.

This book has everything going for it, not to mention just about everyone we've met so far in the series. This is the original story McGuire wanted to write, and has spent seven books preparing us for. The pacing is tight, the characterizations are spot on, and there's nary a plot hole to be seen. This really is the best of an already excellent series.

An excellent addition to the October Daye books. Action, adventure, romance, and a resolution of sorts to one of the longer running plot lines. It has been nice to see continued development of Toby's character, however I would like to see more fleshing out of other characters such as Quentin and Tybalt. Overall a great read. Wish it would take longer than a day to complete an October book!

As the mythos expands we begin to see the relationships and powers amongst the "Fay". It still seems we are in the dark about several things- but that doesn't bother one during the reading, as the story has the usual almost helter-shelter pace of Ms. Maguire's October Daye series. I enjoy the style and humor as well as the plot twists, but I'm not sure I can keep up with all the threads of the different characters.

I absolutely love this series. I was not much impressed with Toby in the first book, but I wouldn't miss one of her adventures for the world now.. She is a terrific heroine/hero. My only disappointment is having to wait another year to see what happens next.

Essentially nothing happens and the entire lead up to what should have been a great event fell entirely flat. This is the first book of the series that I regret buying. I don't plan to continue reading.

There are generally as many sides to every story as there are people. In this book, Toby talks to someone new and discovers things she hasn't known before. Longtime fans get a payoff as we learn more of the story. Some friends turn out to have been friends only in Toby's mind.

It's also interesting to watch how Toby's family, as she defines it, continues to grow and change. Over the series we've found that Toby's blood family is much larger than we thought - and that it's very different from the family she's created by choice. Some friends turn out to be family. Some family members turn out to be enemies.

Oh, and check out that cover. That was a white top before Toby got to it. Oops.

This series is my favorite urban fantasy series (well favorite series ever) and this latest addition did not disappoint. This was a clever story that weaved together questions I'd asked over the past seven books as well as questions I didn't think of.

I'm never disappointed with this series and this book was no exception. The characters and plot are richly detailed. I especially enjoyed a bigger helping of Tybalt in this book. Thanks for another fantastic addition to one of my favourite series.

This series just continues to get stronger with each new book. the characters have always been captivating since book 1, and the plots have grown ever more intricate. Loved it, and now need to go back and reread the series from the start!

While some parts of the book were redundant, lots of chasing from one place to another, bleeding, recuperating, etc, a lot really happens in this book, and the new knowledge is intriguing. Loved the ending!

*The Winter Long* is the book Seanan McGuire has been teasing since *Rosemary and Rue* was released, and it promises to be so earthshattering in its revelations that even the blurb refuses to give any indication of the plot, which makes it hard to write a review without spoilers. "It's time to learn the truth," it says, and oh yes, Toby does learn quite a few truths. Many of these truths have been staring at her in the face for seven books. One of these truths drops pretty early, and it seems like a pretty big deal until an even bigger bombshell drops. Make no mistake, this book contains a giant huge honking plot twist that very few have seen coming and you don't want to be spoiled for, and McGuire helpfully points out the many clues that Toby (and the reader) could have used to piece it together. It's brilliantly conceived and constructed on several levels. *The Winter Long* does contain several CAPSLOCK MOMENTS, but it feels a little less action-packed and goal-oriented than some of my favorite installments. It's not entirely clear what the villain's goals and motivations are, for instance, so it's Stop the Villain from Doing....Something....Bad. The villain's bad news, that's for sure, but the plot didn't quite cohere for me. (Of course, I had also built this book up in my head for five years, so I may have had absurdly high expectations.) It's another terribly exciting day in Toby's life, and it's an important one, too, as revelations about her past and her loved ones force her to reexamine who she is and whom she can trust. *The Winter Long* blows Toby's life apart in many ways, but it also reinforces how important her found family is in comparison to her actual family.

Winter Long is so chock full of revelations, and more than a few answered questions, that revealing any of them, would pretty thoroughly spoil the book for you. So, I’ll keep it short and sweet, and deliberately, and probably annoyingly, vague. Sorry about that… I mean, seriously, when you see back cover copy like this:

Toby thought she understood her own past; she thought she knew the score.

She was wrong.

It’s time to learn the truth.

It’s kind of a giveaway that even a vague description of events in the book would be ruinous. I’m gonna give it a try. Toby and Tybalt are enjoying couple time. In fact, they’re enjoying it so much that any expectation of peace can’t possibly be realistic, right? We all know that Toby attracts trouble like white on rice so it’s no surprise when she’s visited by Simon Torquill. Remember him? He’s Sylvester’s twin brother and the charming fellow that turned Toby into a fish (among other things.) He’s desperately trying to tell Toby something, but he’s under a geas, so a big reveal isn’t in the cards. So, Toby and crew go to the best place she knows of to get answers: The Luidaeg. Things don’t quite go as Toby hopes, but she does manage to get a wee bit more info out of The Luidaeg before things go all to hell.

I almost feel like I’m under a geas writing this review, but anyway, another blast from Toby’s past rears, um, its ugly head, and of course, it’s time for Toby to save the day. Like I said, revelations carry the narrative in The Winter Long, and during this journey, Toby will learn some blinding truths about her past, that will have great repercussions on her future, if she lets them. I probably should have just written Betrayals! Revelations! Answers!, and left it at that, so needless to say, McGuire wraps up a ton of plot strings in this one, but as always, a pretty bow tying things up is nowhere to be seen. Seanan McGuire mentions in her acknowledgements that this is the book that all others led up to, that everything she’s done until now was for the sake of getting here. Indeed. What she manages to do is make it very clear how intricate Toby’s story is, and the richness of Toby’s world is a thing of genius. And don’t worry, while The Winter Long clears up a TON of stuff, it’s made clear that Toby’s story is far from over. This is a good thing. The Winter Long is a testament to McGuire’s ability to take so many threads and pull them together into a harrowing, and believable tapestry, and it’s all Toby’s own. While there’s plenty of action, this is one of the most introspective books in the bunch, and of course, another great book in the Toby-verse.

This series really does get better with every instalment and The Winter Long was a game changer in every sense of the word. So many revelations and answers to questions we've been asking since the very beginning but those answers raise a whole new set of questions and I can't wait to see what direction they take us in. This book is going to be a very hard one to review because there are so many things I want to talk about but can't because it would be a spoiler. I'm going to keep this deliberately short and vague because of that but trust me, if you enjoyed the first seven books you're going to love this one!

Toby has faced her fair share of battles already but this time she's going up against enemies that have already beaten her once before. Her allies are still out in full force but as she discovers that some people very close to her have been keeping major secrets she starts to wonder whether they are really the people she thought they were and whether they deserve the trust she has placed in them. I was a little heartbroken right alongside Toby when certain heroes fell from their pedestals but I'm so happy that most of the people she trusts have her back 100%.

Toby is incredible as always and she's learning more and more ways to use her magic which is fascinating to watch. The Luidaeg and Quentin are favourite side characters as always and we're starting to uncover more about all of their pasts which has been great. I'm still head over heels for Tybalt and think him and Toby are a perfect partnership, he's incredibly protective of her but at the same time he understands her better than anyone and he would never try to force her into anything. He knows that she needs to have the freedom to fight for both herself and the people she cares about and he'd never try to put her in a protective bubble no matter how much his instincts demand it. I love that they always have each other's backs and that they each bring different strengths to their relationship, Toby is an equal partner and isn't someone who sits around waiting to be rescued.

You can tell that Seanan McGuire has been building up to this book, so many threads are starting to come together now and I have a feeling that the shocks are just going to keep coming as the series continues. This really has become one of my favourite urban fantasy series and I can't recommend it highly enough.

A lot of things happen in this book. Here's the one thing that didn't happen: at no point was there any explanation of the motivations of the villain.

I can't unfortunately explain this without spoilers so... SPOILERS ahead!

The villain wanted Toby dead years ago. That's WHY Toby was changed into a fish. And then when she regained human form, the villian had no issue with Toby being alive. Then then the villian is thought dead and sets into motions that require Toby to do certain things. And now the villian is back doing villainous things... things that make no sense (more of that later) and we are never told WHY she is doing any of it. Which was unsatisfying.

As to the things the villian is doing that makes no sense. The villian has powers over their own descendants. There are A LOT of those descendants. So why do they go to Sylvester's holding. Well, because that's what needed to happen in order for Toby to further become alienated from Sylvester and Luna -- which is obviously the author's intent with this book. But it is never explained WHY this villain comes back from the dead. Tries to reclaim their holding, FAILS in doing so... then ends up in Shadowed Hills. Makes no sense. There are a ton of her descendants nearby... heck the High King is susceptible to her powers-- and Quentin is too. Shadowed Hills doesn't give her any advantage.

And that's why I am only rating this 3 stars. I understand that the author wanted to separate Toby further from Shadowed Hills. And also wants to open up the can of worms about her lineage and her sister... but the villian story line was never fully explained and wasn't believable ble. Which was unfortunate.

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Everything has been leading to this, what was started in Rosemary and Rue comes to a head in this book.

Opening Sentence: “The woods were dark, filled with strange shadows.”

The Review:

Toby is back and six months have passed since the events of Chimes at Midnight. Arden is the Queen in the Mists and Toby is happy to be alive and out of the limelight, mostly. Until her past literally rings her doorbell. When Toby opens the door she immediately invites Sylvester in only to realize moments later that it isn’t Sylvester, but Simon. Simon, the man who turned her into a fish and left her in the pond for fourteen years, tries to apologize to her. He’s bound by the geas and can’t reveal too much information about who employed him and for what gain. When Toby turns to the Sea Witch for help, and ends up having to run she knows things are bad.

Toby knows that Simon is trouble, but she doesn’t realize until it’s too late that his employer is pulling the strings and with her friends lives on the line will Toby be able to figure this out? Will Toby be able to put together all the clues given to her since the beginning and figure out who behind everything? Or will more people die?

When I first read this book, it was like the major ah-ha moment occurred. This was the book that all the others were leading too. It answered so many questions and led to so many more being asked. I can’t even say why without giving away huge spoilers in this book. Suffice to say that it ties back to Rosemary and Rue and in a huge way! Re-reading it was just, I am not sure I have the words. It reminded me of all the questions I had forgotten that were answered after reading this.

Toby has come so far and still has so far to go, but The Winter Long is the first time you begin to realize that there is a long game being played. It makes you reflect on the things that you learn in the past books. You come to a moment where even though long held questions have been answered there are still several mysteries going on in the October Daye world. For instance, in Chimes at Midnight, you learn that King Gilead and his parents were murdered. In One Salt Sea, you learn the tale of the Selkies and Roane, but you don’t learn the whole story. Not all of these are addressed in The Winter Long, I just wanted to give some examples of things that are in previous books that I feel are important in the long run in this series.

So if you haven’t started Rosemary and Rue or you haven’t kept up with the series, I don’t know why you are reading this. Go and read them now!

Notable Scene:

“You remember me.” I said quietly. “I never forced you to go against your nature, or tried to wrest you away from the owners you’d chosen. And when I couldn’t be the Countess you needed I found you someone who could play the part. I’ve tried to be a friend, when I could and I’ve tried to do no harm when friendship wasn’t possible. Now I’m here because I need a favor. I am begging you. If you have any power over the spells that hold your wards in place, let me in. I need to know what’s going on. I need to, know why the doors are locked. Please.”

FTC Advisory: DAW/Penguin provided me with a copy of The Winter Long. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

5 Stars... My mind is still reeling from all the revelations in this book... October comes face to face with an old enemy and an old friend, but which is which??... This story twists and turns unveiling more secrets to October’s past as well as her identity leaving the reader wondering what the next confrontation will bring... After all is said and done, I am still left with questions that I know are going to be tackled in future reads as this story continues to unfold and the complexity of the characters comes to light... This series continues to captivate me and has me eagerly anticipating each book to come:)

The Winter Long is book #8 in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire. In the acknowledgments, the author explains that this is the first book that she ever fully plotted, before the series ever even began. Every trial and tribulation Toby has endured has brought her to this book. So, with that being said of course, I expect a lot from this book. Unfortunately for me, it just didn’t live up the hype.

The series begins with Tybalt struggling to force Toby into attending a ball for the new queen, Arden Windermere. Although she doesn’t like to attend parties, this still strikes me as odd simply because she fought so hard to bring Arden to the throne in the first place. They’re sorta friends, right? After being on such bad terms with the previous queen, I would have thought being in the good graces of the new queen would be a breathe of fresh air.

This book finally, FINALLY brings Toby face to face with her arch nemesis. I have to say, he was definitely not what I expected. I also spent a good deal of the story trying to figure out exactly which side he was on.

Toby has to come to the rescue of someone we never would have thought needed rescuing.

Splinters form between Toby and her closest allies. I have been predicting this would happen for some time now though, so it wasn’t a huge surprise.

All in all, this book was one big EXPECTED confrontation/revelation after another. Therefore, it never really kept me on my toes. I almost feel like it should have been a short story.

Holy cow. This book rocked my socks off. It takes the series full circle in a way I never expected, but satisfies completely. Obviously, the journey itself is supposed to be a mystery. The blurb couldn’t be more cryptic. But the thing is: the book is better for it. I’ll talk about what I can without spoiling the big reveals.

Obviously, some tightly held secrets are being revealed. Seanan McGuire says in the forward that this book was the culmination of her plans from the beginning of the series, and though I really struggled with Rosemary and Rue, the events of that book are pivotal to the way everything plays out. It’s time for Toby to face her old ghosts and to finally better understand what started the chain of events that lead her to where she is now.

What’s so gratifying about it all is that her character growth has prepared her for this battle. She has cultivated allies that are critical to her survival. She has grabbed on to her magic with both hands, strengthening herself in ways no one expected. And she has stepped away from the blind faith of youth, allowing herself to see dangers she likely would never been able to face before.

One of the things I love about this book is that is forces us, as readers, to redefine how we see many of the characters. That makes sense with it being in first person and with Toby’s perspective changing so fundamentally. But in the context of how all this is revealed, it makes sense. I am so very impressed at how McGuire pulled so many threads together in ways I never considered to be connected. So many questions are answered… some I didn’t even realize I had. It’s big. But it leaves many doors open. We don’t know everything. Specifically, we don’t know many of the “why’s” behind everyone’s behavior. Not every mystery is solved, and the door is left wide open for what is clearly more story on the horizon.

Even though this is a big plot driven book, it’s still deep rooted in characters and relationships. The big winners here, beyond Toby herself, are Tybalt and the Luidaeg. They are amazing and Toby’s connections to them made this exciting journey even more wonderful to read.

I couldn’t be more excited to see where this series will go next.

Rating: A-/B+

Someone from Toby’s past is back and she really doesn’t want to see this person again. His return is the start of a series of events. Toby learns more and more about her own history and the real story of her ancestors. There are plenty of secrets that have been kept from her and now she knows them she has to try to fix things, which will be really dangerous, as usual.

The Winter Long is another fantastic October Daye book. I love this series. The world building is amazing and there are so many wonderful main characters. This is my absolute favorite fantasy series. It’s always so much fun to read about Toby’s adventures. She’s constantly in danger, but she’s tough, she’s bold and she manages to find a way out. Friendship is very important and in this book Toby also learns more about her family. I liked that a lot.

If you’re looking for a really good series, try this one. The books never disappoint, they keep getting better and better. Every one of them has a different angle. I like Seanan McGuire’s writing style. Her stories are fast-paced and they are a constant adrenaline rush.

The Winter Long
Seanan McGuire
Daw, Sep 2 2014, $7.99
ISBN: 9780756408084

In Muir Woods, King of Cats Tybalt coaxes Sir Toby Daye to attend the first kingdom-wide Yule Ball since Gilead’s murder. Adhering to protocol, Toby pays her respect to her liege Duke Sylvester Torquil.

After Toby and the gang return to San Francisco, Sylvester rings the door of her Victorian. Only after she allows her surprising visitor to enter does Toby realize her guest is not her liege as Sylvester smells like dogwood flower and daffodil while his lookalike’s odor is that of smoke and rotten oranges. Her personal bogeyman Simon has returned stunning her with his claim to have saved October’s life when he changed her into a fish. Astonished by this revelation and other Simon assertions, Toby relooks at what she believed were indisputable facts.

The latest October Daye urban fantasy is a stunner as Seanan McGuire shakes up her universe with a Big Bang that takes us fans and the heroine out of our comfort zones after seven previous entries (see Ashes of Honor and Chimes at Midnight). The shocked Daye obsessively soul searches needing to believe as John said: “…the truth will set you free” but hopes not by killing her or driving her insane. This is a fantastic spin to a fabulous saga.

Harriet Klausner

4.5 / 5

Toby Daye is about to get her world turned upside in this eighth installment in the October Daye series. Ms. McGuire is a master storyteller that will keep you coming back for more!

In ROSEMARY AND RUE October was changed into a fish by Simon Torquill. Now we come full circle in The Winter Long when he comes back for a reunion bringing presents. Toby has so many trials in The Winter Long. She is tricked, pushed, torn, loved, and broken on the journey to being rebuilt. Ms. McGuire is such a masterful when it comes to blending all these elements seamlessly together. Truths are revealed, sides are taken, and loves grows deeper. I just loved it! I cannot wait for more!!!

October Daye Series:

Rosemary and Rue

A Local Habitation

An Artificial Night

Late Eclipses

One Salt Sea

Ashes of Honor

Chimes at Midnight

The Winter Long

A Red Rose Chain (2015)

Once Broken Faith (2016)

The Brightest Fell (2017)

Night and Silence (2018)

Review by: Missyb0103

Disclosure: Review copy from the publisher for an honest review.

Eighth in the October Daye urban fantasy series and revolving around Toby, Knight, Hero, Changeling. Based in San Francisco.

My Take
Ooh, lots of important and shocking revelations in this one, and at least three conflicts for future stories. One is too sad, another will become a quest, while the third has been a mission for Toby for some time. New powers also reveal themselves. Whew, I'm tellin' ya…there is no end of action in this. Convoluted and just plain mean! There are also some tender moments. Especially that one at the end…ah, sighhh…

What appears to be the main storyline too quickly expands into the second shocking revelation and leaves Toby battered and bloody. A usual state for her. Only this set of conflicts beats directly at Toby's heart and her past.

The Winter Long starts on a light note, for us!, since Toby hates parties and having to be sociable, lol. It's Queen Arden's first Yule Ball. And you can't help but adore Tybalt as he coaxes the so-reluctant Toby into doing all the things she'd rather not…and it's not just the party she's so against.

This is where some of my pet peeves come in. She knows she needs to eat to keep up her strength — or regain it!, yet she whines, moans, and complains about having to spend the time it would take to eat. There were a couple scenes where she's whining on about it and…what I really don't understand in these…she has to sit and talk about their plans anyway. Why not eat and talk at the same time? I hate this when authors have their characters ignore basic truisms to add drama. Work on this. Find another way. I'm really tired of this trope.

Oh, boy. I am so confused about Simon in The Long Winter. McGuire's revelations, the words she uses, about he and Amy…they make me want to believe him. But then Simon's actions make me see him as a lying bastard. Especially when Simon talks about what he got out of his deal. They also make me wonder why Toby appears to believe him so easily. I would have thought she'd be more skeptical. I do want to believe in this "better" Simon, but McGuire needs to work on this. There needs to be more trauma for Simon. More of a sense of conflict. Instead, I'm left with the impression that Simon is a really good liar, deceiving Toby, before he springs his traps. 'Cause I sure can't buy that someone who is supposedly as skilled as he is, as practiced, could possibly be taken this unaware in that first encounter.

Crack me up! Toby explains the lack of any real security at the entrance to Sylvester's knowe and you will laugh too.
Well, this is grim…
"…the sad way most purebloods looked at changelings, like the fact that we'd die someday meant we were as good as dead already."

Toby is wondering if Quentin is half Snow Fairy, lol.

Hmm, I'm not that thrilled with the scene in Goldengreen when Raj comes racing in. It felt heavy-handed and contrived. I am curious as to why McGuire didn't provide any reactions from the Court of Cats. After events in Ashes of Honor , 6, combined with the "intrusions" Toby is making in The Winter Long and the "demands" she's making of Tybalt, I'd expected some hassle.

I understand — and don't understand — Toby's anger at Sylvester. Rather, I do understand the anger, but I don't believe in it. McGuire didn't make me feel it. I do want to read whatever the ninth story will be, but I do wish I could feel more emotional about it rather than simply wanting my intellectual curiosity satisfied.

The Story
An unexpected revelation by Queen Arden causes Toby to commit to more than she desired. And I suspect Toby would much prefer another night like that to the days and nights that follow.

For old enemies resurface with some awful truths, and Toby must do battle to save herself and her friends.

The Characters
Sir October "Toby" Daye is the Knight of Lost Words in service to the Duchy of Shadowed Hills and to His Majesty, Tybalt, King of Dreaming Cats. She'll also become Hero in the Mists for services rendered in Chimes at Midnight , 7. Her mother is Amandine ("Amy"), the Last Among the First. Seems Toby has a missing older sister, August and an unexpected, unwanted stepfather. Cagney and Lacey are Toby's two Siamese cats; Spike is the resident rose goblin, catlike but, um, thorny with a preference for fertilizer instead of tuna.

May Daye is Toby's Fetch, her legal sister, a former night-haunt, and housemate along with Jazz, a Raven-maid and May's girlfriend. Quentin Sollys is Toby's squire, a Daoine Sidhe illusionist descended from Titania, only…we learned the truth behind that in blind fosterage in Chimes at Midnight . Penthea is his little sister.

Tybalt, a Cait Sidhe formerly known as Rand, is the local King of the Court of Dreaming Cats, Toby's frustrated lover who uses the Shadow Roads, secret pathways to get around; Raj is his heir and adopted nephew, the Prince of Cats.

Duke Sylvester Torquill, a Daoine Sidhe who rules Shadowed Hills, a knowe in Pleasant Hill, is Toby's liege lord, and has long been as a father to her. Tybalt would gladly rake his claws across him. Luna is his angry duchess, a Blodynbryd, a rose dryad; Rayseline is their daughter, kidnapped so many years ago, damaged enough to kill anyone who crossed her path, and now in an elf-shot coma. Sir Etienne is a Tuatha de Dannan knight in Sylvester's service and still without his powers; he is head of Sylvester's security and about to marry his mortal lover, Bridget Ames, the mother of his child, Chelsea, who will be a powerful teleporter. And, he's, um, changed his mind about Toby. Grianne, a Candela, and her MerryDancers is still Sylvester’s second-in-command. Jin is an Ellyllon, a hedonisitic fae who heals, and Sylvester’s personal physician.

Simon Torquill is Sylvester's twin brother and evil to the core. He's been working for a nameless power and was supposed to kill Toby in Rosemary and Rue , 1. Oleander de Merelands was a fae assassin determined to destroy Toby but Toby got her instead (see Late Eclipses , 4).

The Luidaeg, a.k.a., Viviane, a.k.a., Antigone, is the oldest of the Firstborn, a child of Oberon and Maeve. She's also Toby's auntie, the sea hag, and one of Toby's allies, she thought.

Queen Arden, a former bookstore clerk, was the lost heir to King Gilad Windermere whom Toby persuaded in Chimes at Midnight to come out of hiding. She is now the Queen of the Kingdom of the Mists ( Chimes at Midnight ). Her knowe is in Muir Woods. Madden is a Cu Sidhe, a faerie dog, who worked the coffee shop next door, and is one of Arden's few friends. Lowri is the head of Arden's guard and recognized for bravery.

Li Quin Zhou, a Shyi Shuai, a luck bender, and the Countess January's widow, is the current regent of Dreamer's Glass — no one is expecting its former ruler, Duchess Riordan, to return from where Toby left her in Ashes of Honor , 6. April O'Leary is the current Countess of Tamed Lightning, January's adopted daughter, and a cyber Dryad.

Karen Brown is the very young daughter of Toby's changeling friends, Mitch and Stacy; she's also an oneiromancer: she sees the future in dreams and uses them to tell people what she thinks they need to know. Her oldest sister, Cassandra, is majoring in physics at UC-Berkeley. Magdaleana "Mags" Brooke, a Puca, is the Librarian at the Library of Stars where the one rule is no violence. Danny is a fae taxi driver, a troll who is one of Toby's friends.

Dean Lorden is the current Count of Goldengreen, a fiefdom of the Kingdom of the Mists. Marcia is the Seneschal of Goldengreen. Dean's mother is Dianda, The Duchess of Saltmist and a Merrow (think mermaid). Mary is a Roane woman with a gift of prophecy who is part of Dianda's court.

Evening Winterrose, the former Countess of Goldengreen, the one who died in Rosemary and Rue (and if this doesn't make ya want to go back and re-read that story…!), is threateningly back. She's the eldest daughter of Titania and Oberon — a Firstborn and "nigh-impossible to kill" — and should have no sway over a descendant of Maeve's.

Four major holidays for the Fae include Beltane, Samhain, Midsummer, and Yule. The " knowes are little pieces hewn out of the Summerlands, carved to fit fae needs and desires...reflect[ing] the personalities of their keepers". Tybalt keeps mentioning the Divided Courts, and I'm not sure what he means. The Rose Road can be accessed by a Blodynbryd and it runs between "the Summerlands and places where the walls of the world are thin". Libraries exist "in shallowings, space scooped out in the thin membrane between the Summerlands and the mortal world"; you can only get in if you're invited by the Librarian.

There are three schools of magic: flower which is illusions and wards inherited from Titania; water which is transformation and healing from Maeve; and, blood which is memory and theft from Oberon. Toby is blood; Simon is blood and flower.

Doaine Sidhe are descended from Titania and Oberon; Tuatha de Dannan are descended from Oberon alone; Dóchas Sidhe is two generations removed from Oberon and is a result of Amandine having a baby with a human.

The Cover
The cover is icy roses in Luna's winter garden as the snow falls and chills our Toby, her hair flying in a breeze, her shirt soaked in blood (per usual), jeans hanging low, and her beloved leather jacket protecting her from the thorns even as she carries a bleeding rose through the stone archway away from the Shadow Hills knowe.

The title is in truth The Winter Long as Toby, Quentin, and Tybalt go up against a chilling adversary.

Disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

I am amazed yet again with the October Daye series. As a series with currently 8 books out and more to come it hasn’t lost its spark or charm since the first book. In my opinion when a series is this far along it usually gets dull, redundant, or unimaginative…or even all three. However, that’s not the case with this series. Instead McGuire expands more on her multifaceted world and rich characters, creating beautiful imagery and evoking emotions to keep readers coming back for more and more.

The Winter Long has the shortest synopsis I’ve ever seen with only three sentences. I guess it was a good thing because going into this book I didn’t know what to expect. Well, no it does mention Toby’s past, and boy did we learn a lot about her past. In this latest installment someone is out to get Toby, wanting her dead since the first book. Two people from Toby’s past reemerge causing mayhem all over the Kingdom of Mist putting everyone she loves in the path of danger. Readers also delve deeper into Toby’s past, learning precisely why she was turned into a fish for 14 years (three years ago), her connection with the Torquills (that goes deeper than the job) and her mother’s past all while trying to stay alive and figure out who’s trying to kill her.

This book was revelations upon revelations. McGuire ties up all the subplots and threads from previous books in The Winter Long, creating another satisfying and emotional read. I loved that we got to see more of Toby’s blood magic, it seems like her abilities are just endless doing things no regular blood worker can do…not even her mom who’s a First Born. Let’s just say she saved two people this time around who were on the brink of death. And mentioning of First Born, readers also learn more about Oberon, Maeve and Tatiana’s lines/descendents. The world of Faeries is so complex; I wonder how McGuire keeps everything straight!

I can’t recommend this series enough. This is a series every fantasy reader should have on their keeper shelf! I highly recommend readers starting with the first book in the series, Rosemary and Rue because…it just makes more sense that way lol. Toby and all the characters in this book grow immensely over the course of the books, and one of the reasons that make this series so great is watching that character development. Trust me; you’d appreciate the series more that way. I love this series so freaking much, it is definitely up there tied with the Kate Daniels series.

The Winter Long can very well be considered the climax of October Day's story ARC that began in book #1. This is the book that everything has been leading up to. Some of the long running story lines were handled in the previous book, but this one seems to be truly the one where everything was leading to.

Of course, lots of plot elements tied-up, with a few loose strands to keep on going in upcoming arcs.

I really enjoyed reading this one, one of the most powerful enemies Toby has faced to date, and maybe the most dangerous to date. Some solid surprises, and reveals about origins and background information about Toby and her mom. I still feel we're being too slow with these reveals though, and sometimes they seem repetitive to things we've known prior. But whatever. Things were kept interesting enough and it was a very enjoyable read.

Just when I thought the October Daye series couldn’t get any better, along comes THE WINTER LONG. Gathering so many hints and threads and portents, this book is one delicious secret after another coming undone.

From the circumstances leading up to Toby’s fish years, to the true line between friend or for, so much becomes clear. Perhaps most emotional were the family moments. Most Changelings are used to be surrounded by lies, but now Toby herself gets a taste of this bitter pill. As new allies are gained, old friends are lost, creating a poignant balance of emotions. The characters that McGuire has lovingly crafted are wonderful sparking and playing off each other, dark and light.

So much from the series comes together in THE WINTER LONG, it’s difficult to write a review without spoilers. What I can say, however, is that new readers should start at the beginning and returning fans should prepare to be dazzled. And even with so much coming to light, this book by no means wraps everything up in a neat bow. Like the best of urban fantasy, with each reveal and mystery solved Toby’s world grows ever more enticing . As seductive as faerie itself, this is one series I could never give up.

Sexual Content: References to sex.

It really amazes me that Seanan McGuire can continually bring something new to the October Daye series without falling into linear predictability. Toby's story in The Winter Long is complex with the odd and dangerous alliances of Faerie. But when she brings the personal, relational aspect to the mix, all rules are off the table. Everything she has believed about authority figures gets turned on its head, and Toby is tasked with finding unique solutions to impossible problems, sans her usual allies. Every character is well developed and makes Toby's motivations all the more compelling as she tries to save the people she loves. Her unusual alliance with Tybalt, which could not have been predicted in the beginning of the series, suits her so well as Tybalt completely understands and accepts Toby the way she is. Maybe it's something about being a cat. Cait Sidhe rule!

Almost the whole book was unexpected. This definitely changed the direction the series is going. There were some things that I thought would happen, but almost everything went in a totally different direction than I thought it would. This is my second favorite book in the series after Ashes of Honor.

Simon Torquill returns to cause trouble in Toby's life. There is more to him than Toby ever thought there was. Finally clues that have been dropped since the first book have been explained although just as many new questions arise as old ones are answered. Toby learns to do some interesting things with her magic, which makes much more powerful than she was before. She finally knows who her true friends are. There were some people she considered friends or family whose true loyalty lies elsewhere.

The ending was such a pleasant surprise! There was some serious fangirling going on. I figured that would have happened at some point but not so soon. I can't wait to see where things go from here because it will be different in the future!

This is the 8th book in the series and unlike others I won't mention, I'm even more interested in what's happening with the character. McGuire uses this story to tie up some loose ends from the very first installment (why exactly Simon changed her into a fish, etc) and we along with Toby get some very hard truths explained to us through the shocking appearance of other characters.

The payoff of Toby's relationship with Tybalt continues and, while important, doesn't take center stage as it often does in other similar urban stories. They've evolved over the series and in this one you really do believe and hope for a happy ending for them (especially given all the things they're up against).

As soon as I finished the book, I immediately started all over again because I didn't want it to be over. Once again I had that faint wish I had never heard of this series until McGuire was completely done writing it because I don't want to wait for another two years or so to visit their world again!

I really enjoyed this book. If you are an October Daye fan you will enjoy this, many of the characters return. For the romantics, you will not be disappointed either.

I binged on Seanan Mcaguire's books. I think I read all 8 in a matter of 2 weeks, so they are all running together. It just so happens, I had to wait a couple of days for "the winter long" to be released.

Many of the questions that probably lingered in the back of your mind are addressed. However, there are others that I would like to know more detail about. Gradually we learn about Mave's children and Titania's children. The book also provides information about the complex relationships that exist within farie.

Definitely read this, however you must start at the beginning of the series, not only to appreciate the evolution of the characters and the storyline, but also the evolution of the writer's style. I was not crazy about this series when I first started reading it. The reviews kept me buying books on my kindle. I can honestly say, once I reached book 5- I was sold on Tobey, Tybalt, Quentin, Raj. The author did a great job with this book and I look forward to the next one. A home run!!

Which pretty much encapsulated The Winter Long. Make no mistake, I loved it, and with a blurb that vague, this was bound to be the book of revelations that the previous seven installments have been leading up to. But now that we have some answers, finally, I have even more questions.

The fact that this series is still going strong is a testament to seanan mcguire's plotting skills, story weaving and fabulous imagination. As another reviewer pointed out, she does tend to repeat herself at times, but this can be overlooked, and solved with some better editing.

I always find it difficult to review later books in a series - I never seem to have much to say, but this will have to suffice.

Toby has finally matured from her mode impulsive days - she doesn't just rush into situations without a plan, and she is much more aware of how her actions affect those around her, particularly those who care for her and worry over her. Character growth, yo.

Finally, can I just reiterate that Toby and tybalt are my OTP?! Hearts in eyes, cupids bows, the whole shebang. No unnecessary relationship drama for them here, they've suffered enough. Authors, this is how you write a respectful, snarky, loving relationship.

All I can say is bring on the next two books in the series!

The first 175 pages or so are October acting like a teen doing reaction shots. It gets a little tiresome as the plot sets up. Then the book starts to move.

I get it. Our heroine is immature and not stuffy. In controlled doses I like it. But the approach drags after a while.

Then it starts to pay off as the plot is more than reaction shots and reactions.

It has all the players -- all of them, including ones you would not expect.

It also has sleepers you would want to take silver and iron to so as to insure that they never awake.

Logic that comes through for the things that you might have written off as a beginning writer and her gaps.

Lots of payoff, a complete story and the promise of more.

Guess there is a reason I buy everything by this author.

One reason to love this author is that she drops little hints, has foreshadowing about topics that will happen in future books. I loved this book because she tied in events from the first one in the series.

There is one thing that is leaving me scratching my head in confusion: one of the boogy men of Faerie seems to get weaker. You see them neutered and wonder why anyone was afraid of them.

I'm a little saddened by some of Toby's changing relationships and happy about others, but we all have to grow up and part of that includes realizing the people in your life aren't always good for you or what who you thought they were.

2015-hugo-eligible, character-type-fae, genre-urban-fantasy
[edit]

In the acknowledgements Seanan McGuire talked about how she had this book outlined way back when at the beginning of all Toby's adventures. So, yeah, I was a little hyped up by that. Okay, a lot. And it paid off for me in a big, big way. I could see all the little threads tracing back and I absolutely loved the way they connected.

I don't know how to talk about this book without huge spoilers and I don't want to do that to anyone. So many of the characters we've come to love were just amazing in this book. And I'm so looking forward to the next few because you don't put a (spoiler) on the table and not use it.

Ok, yes it gets repetitive. This is one of the very few series that not only does not wear out, but continues to build, astonish and entertain. I tried the first book on a whim and have waited impatiently for each new addition to the series. And yes, Toby grows as a person and yes we learn more and more about her and yes, each revelation seems like an astonishing new journey into the dangerous and wonderful world that Sir Daye inhabits. Too bad I could not give Seanan 10 stars for her wonderfully entertaining work, or I would do it. This from an old coot retired navy puke. Submariner. DBF and all that. Which might explain it I suppose. (DBF = Diesel Boats Forever, the battle cry of the incurable romantic.)

The October Daye series remains firmly grounded in my top three. I pre-order without question, and the author gives us another stellar installment.

It sounds cliche, but I don't make this statement lightly: this series just keeps getting better!

In The Winter Long, things we thought we understood in previous books are turned on their heads. Through it all, we see Toby has made a genuine family who surrounds her and keeps her grounded when she's tested to question everyone.

There are so many different threads that are followed. I've seen other reviews mention that this novel is more introspective. It is, but don't let that fool you into believing there's less action. While there's a big reveal in terms of the antagonist, I was left even more shocked and bereft to see the real person under the mask of someone Toby has always highly respected.

I can't give any more detail than that. But I loved this book. If you are a fan of e series, I doubt you'll be disappointed

I always love getting a new October Daye book. I love everything about them, from the beautiful covers (Chris McGrath, yay!) to the lovely, Shakespearean titles to the richly plotted stories. The author has created a wonderful, fae populated world here complete with Kings, Queens, Knights, and Squires and every new book just continues to build upon the rich foundation that has been laid in previous books. This book certainly continued that fine tradition, so much so, in fact, that I wish I had been able to do a series re-read prior to reading this latest installment. This book really looks back to pick up subtle clues from the past and Toby learns that hindsight really is 20/20.

October is hit with a LOT in this book. She finds out more about her heritage but even as questions are answered, new ones are created. There are betrayals but also assistance from unlooked for places. The pacing was brisk and the characters we know and love continue to shine. And just speaking for myself, I was thoroughly surprised twice in this book. If I have one quibble, it's the same one as the last book. Namely, not nearly enough time with October and Tybalt and by that I mean ALONE time. Have no fear, Tybalt is all over this book as he would never willingly leave October's side (yay!) but I would have liked them to have more time when it was just the two of them, without any third parties. As for the ending? Well, I wasn't expecting that. At. All. One thing if for sure though, nothing will ever be the same again.

Title: The Winter Long

Series: October Daye Series Book #8

Author: Seanan McQuire

Genre: Fantasy

Thoughts: If ever there was a series that you just can't put down - well, this one is it. The October Daye series is one of my absolute favorites, and when it comes to imagination and creative storylines, it doesn't get any better than Seanan McQuire. I have loved every book in this series, but with this one McQuire really knocked it out of the park! Nothing much in this book would be labeled predictable by any means, and there are so many things that happen in this book. You might as well strap yourself in (and have a nice quiet place to sit uninterrupted for a few hours), because this roller coaster ride of adventure will have you flipping through those pages like your life depends on it!

With this book October and her comrades face an unknown foe who has been working against them for longer than they know - and things are much more complicated than they seem. Friends become foes, foes turn out to be friends, and people come back from the grave. October once again has to save and protect those she loves - and not without her usual bloodshed and near death experiences. Her world is turned topsy-turvy again, and when even the Sea Witch is scared? Well, bad s*#& is going down, and who better to save the world than the changeling heroine that we all know and love? (and if you don't already know her, you definitely want to!)

Rate: A+

Rosemary and Rue, A Local Habitation, An Artificial Night, Late Eclipses, One Salt Sea, Ashes of Honor, and Chimes at Midnight are the previous book sin this series, with the next in the series, A Red-Rose Chain, due out in 2015.

Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com

Short blurb. Let's just say she's back and she's crazy good as usual! With each book, October is able to find out more and more about herself and her family. THE WINTER LONG dives even further into not only Toby's past but also another firstborn is revealed and it throws just about everyone into a tailspin. There is a ton of action in book 8, a few twists and some near death experiences. Toby's fae powers continue to grow and her posse of loved ones are always on her side to help her through any situation she seems to find herself in.

It's been interesting watching the relationships October has with certain people grow and cease to exist with others.When the going gets tough you find out who your real friend are and Toby's life gets tough very often. I love how the relationship between Toby and Tybalt has grown and I absolutely LOVED the ending of THE WINTER LONG. I can't wait to see how their decisions play out.

I absolutely love that we don't get cliff hangers from this series(Too much love?). The author does a great job of wrapping up the storyline for each book while still getting us to want more. Just when you think you know the score she changes it up just a tad bit to get you all excited about what's to come. The October Daye series has a permanent spot on my bookshelf so as long as Seanan keeps writing, I will keep reading.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I had forgotten how compelling this series is since I read the last one. "The Winter Long" is wonderful, bringing some of the most charismatic characters into surprising new situations. The plot twists are surprising, but so cleverly worked into the overall story you feel that you should have seen them coming! I love the intensified relationship between October and Tybalt, and I really appreciate how they deal with the dangers that each of them faces.

I love this series. My favorite "me-time" activity is to curl up with a good book. I had a week off for the holidays and spent much of that time reading this book and the next in the series. This was the perfect book to chill-out (pun intended since it is "The Winter Long.") I'm only sad that the next book is the last in the published series. I don't want to wait to find out what happens next!

This book was absolutely fantastic! I was spoiled on some of the big twists beforehand, and surprised at how many more there were. The revelations came fast and furious, and yet so many more were left open or teased at. A lot of things are coming together, and this really opens the door for the next big chapter of Toby's adventures. I'm now impatiently waiting for Rose-Red Chain, and I just know that once I'm done with that I'm going to be antsy for the next one. Luckily all the game-changers in this book will make re-reading the series fun and interesting. I just went back and reread chapter one of Rosemary and Rue, and it puts things in a whole new light (and reveals that Toby's memory isn't foolproof, she's mixing up Simon's attitude and Oleander's in her memory). Seanan's books never disappoint, and if only the publishers would prepay for the rest of the series, maybe we could get more than one a year. Time to twiddle my thumbs until next Tuesday.

The first thing I have to say about Seanan McGuire is that her October Daye series gets better with each book. While I’ve liked each book, I’ve found that with each successive book in the series the overall series and each book got better, to the point that now when a new book in the series comes out I have to immediately go buy a copy and often finish it that day.

The Winter Long is no exception to this.

Not only is The Winter Long a riveting mystery filled with more action, magic, and drama than you could swing a Cait Sidhe at, but it also finally answers many of the questions that were posed in the first book in the series.

On top of it all McGuire has done something I’ve seen only a precious few other authors do successfully, turn their entire world upside down. That’s what The Winter Long is, it’s a complete reversal from everything readers and fans of the series have known from the first book in the series. This is the turning point and while McGuire has built upon changes created from previous books in the series, she executed a perfect shift for the others leaving readers utterly unable to control their collective jaws from dropping.

This summersault of the story is not jarring though, McGuire has done a fantastic job balancing the events so that it is possible, believable, and yet still shocking to readers. Thus tricking readers and leaving fans of the series shocked and surprised, a truly magnificent feat for an 8th book in a series.

Through all of this McGuire leaves her readers stymied and eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series, and if that isn’t the sign of a fantastic book than I don’t know what is. I highly recommend.

[...]

Blew me away! I've been reading the October Daye novels since the first, 'Rosemary and Rue'. But can truly admit I was surprised when I read this novel. It hinted that October would face off against her worst enemy, but I was shocked to learn who that was! As an earlier reviewer stated, this is the true sequel to 'Rosemary and Rue' with clues/hints interlaced through-out the six novels between the first book and this one.

People say that sometimes reading a book is like riding a roller coaster well The Long Winter was a roller coaster with 15 loops and a million free falls. Some how McGuire tied all 8 books together and came up with new ways of making you say OMG. I so loved this book I think it's my favorite in the series so far. And the ending, well I can't tell you about that but just wait until you read it. Now the wait begins for the next book. Bummer

This has been a very entertaining series. Of late, I've grown to prefer it to the Dresden Files novels.

McGuire has a knack for gradually increasing the stakes for her character in a way that far too many authors lack. This installment in the series is no exception.

Even though there were some threads left loose, The Winter Long had me with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. The adventures of Toby and Tybolt had me reading this book in less than a day as the next challenge was presented and Toby learned more about herself. While I would never give spoilers in a review, this will definitely be one I will read again.

Book number eight in a series of eight books. I am fairly sure that there will be more books in the series.

I really liked this "episode" in the life of October Daye. But, it did not go deep enough, specifically her mom. Maybe that is the subject of the next book.

She continues on with her great writing that is so captivating and fun. I read this book in the space of three days and it was worth it. Please keep up the good work I can't wait to see where the story is going.

I always love getting a new October Daye book. I love everything about them, from the beautiful covers (Chris McGrath, yay!) to the lovely, Shakespearean titles to the richly plotted stories. The author has created a wonderful, fae populated world here complete with Kings, Queens, Knights, and Squires and every new book just continues to build upon the rich foundation that has been laid in previous books. This book certainly continued that fine tradition, so much so, in fact, that I wish I had been able to do a series re-read prior to reading this latest installment. This book really looks back to pick up subtle clues from the past and Toby learns that hindsight really is 20/20.

October is hit with a LOT in this book. She finds out more about her heritage but even as questions are answered, new ones are created. There are betrayals but also assistance from unlooked for places. The pacing was brisk and the characters we know and love continue to shine. And just speaking for myself, I was thoroughly surprised twice in this book. If I have one quibble, it's the same one as the last book. Namely, not nearly enough time with October and Tybalt and by that I mean ALONE time. Have no fear, Tybalt is all over this book as he would never willingly leave October's side (yay!) but I would have liked them to have more time when it was just the two of them, without any third parties. As for the ending? Well, I wasn't expecting that. At. All. One thing if for sure though, nothing will ever be the same again.

This the eighth book and yet the series feels just as fresh and exciting as the first book. Action packed, satisfying romantic stuff (yay), and lots of surprises. Absolutely fantastic read. Eight books in and this is still one of my all-time favorite urban fantasy series. Other authors should read these and take note on how to keep a series fresh and interesting.

I had really been looking forward to this one, and frankly I liked it, but I felt like there was something missing. Not sure what or why, but it wasn't my favorite of the series so far. I did still very much like the writing style, the world and the characters.

I have not read the series but picked up this book. I liked it the detail really bought you into the story. There were a few things that were unanswered but am unsure if that is the writer style for the next book. I would recommend

It is really hard to figure out what to say about Winter Long. I suppose that before I try to decide what I can say about a book that had a two sentence back cover blurb without being spoilerish, I should probably mention that I liked it. There are tense moments that had me biting my nails and clinging to my disbelief, there are revelations, and when all is said and done not all of Toby's allies feel like they are on her side (some definitely aren't and that made me quite sad) and while things are revealed they also open up more questions. But throughout out it all Toby is the hero that she is formally named at the start of the story. Itend really enjoy her seeing her in action, doing what it takes no matter the cost potential cost to herself. Cant wait to see what happens next.

Seanan McGuire has outdone herself on this one. It is glorious and painful and joyous and sad and tense and fraught with foreshadowing of future works.

Why in the name of sweet Jesus on Melba toast are you reading this review when you could be reading the book. GO!

I wanted to purchase this book but decided against it after reading the "look inside the book" portion. What has happened to good editing? So many new books are in need of it. This may be an excellent story. It starts off with a very well written descriptive paragraph. However, this is immediately followed by dialogue that very sadly brings it down: "I don't want to do this. I told you I didn't want to do this. I told everyone I didn't want to do this. Can we just go do something else?" That is just silly. Most of the time, less is more. How about "I told you I didn't want to do this." The rest of the paragraph could have been much more powerful with skilled editing. The raw material seems to be there but needs to be chiseled out. My advice to the author is get a better editor and you might turn a good story into a great book!

I remember when I stumbled into reading this series; it had been out for a few years, so I was able to binge read them all in weeks. I almost wish I waited to find this world until more books were out - that is how fantastic this cast of characters!

I love these people, even the secondary characters. The author does a great job of making you care about her characters, even this many books into the series. Each book reveals a few more details of the people around October "Toby" Daye and her history, along with her family's past.

Fantastic book, I cannot wait until the next one!

Someone from Toby’s past is back and she really doesn’t want to see this person again. His return is the start of a series of events. Toby learns more and more about her own history and the real story of her ancestors. There are plenty of secrets that have been kept from her and now she knows them she has to try to fix things, which will be really dangerous, as usual.

The Winter Long is another fantastic October Daye book. I love this series. The world building is amazing and there are so many wonderful main characters. This is my absolute favorite fantasy series. It’s always so much fun to read about Toby’s adventures. She’s constantly in danger, but she’s tough, she’s bold and she manages to find a way out. Friendship is very important and in this book Toby also learns more about her family. I liked that a lot.

If you’re looking for a really good series, try this one. The books never disappoint, they keep getting better and better. Every one of them has a different angle. I like Seanan McGuire’s writing style. Her stories are fast-paced and they are a constant adrenaline rush.

Which pretty much encapsulated The Winter Long. Make no mistake, I loved it, and with a blurb that vague, this was bound to be the book of revelations that the previous seven installments have been leading up to. But now that we have some answers, finally, I have even more questions.

The fact that this series is still going strong is a testament to seanan mcguire's plotting skills, story weaving and fabulous imagination. As another reviewer pointed out, she does tend to repeat herself at times, but this can be overlooked, and solved with some better editing.

I always find it difficult to review later books in a series - I never seem to have much to say, but this will have to suffice.

Toby has finally matured from her mode impulsive days - she doesn't just rush into situations without a plan, and she is much more aware of how her actions affect those around her, particularly those who care for her and worry over her. Character growth, yo.

Finally, can I just reiterate that Toby and tybalt are my OTP?! Hearts in eyes, cupids bows, the whole shebang. No unnecessary relationship drama for them here, they've suffered enough. Authors, this is how you write a respectful, snarky, loving relationship.

All I can say is bring on the next two books in the series!

5 Stars... My mind is still reeling from all the revelations in this book... October comes face to face with an old enemy and an old friend, but which is which??... This story twists and turns unveiling more secrets to October’s past as well as her identity leaving the reader wondering what the next confrontation will bring... After all is said and done, I am still left with questions that I know are going to be tackled in future reads as this story continues to unfold and the complexity of the characters comes to light... This series continues to captivate me and has me eagerly anticipating each book to come:)