One Salt Sea (October Daye Series Book 5)

References to previous storylines....

After being saved by her mother in Late Eclipses, Toby is now working on finding balance again: with her stronger Fae abilities, with her new title as Countess of Goldengreen, and with her reblooming relationship with Connor. When the news comes that the sons of the Saltmist Duchy have been taken, Toby is tasked with discovering where they are before war begins between land and sea. When the task becomes personal, Toby will stop at nothing to save the children - no matter the cost.

I thought that it would be difficult to top Late Eclipses, but I should have known better. This book builds upon everything that Toby has been through the past stories and keeps leading her down the path of change. This is definitely a pivotal book, as relationships with many characters begin, end, and transform. McGuire's ability to make Toby strong and vulnerable shines in One Salt Sea, and her continued relationship with children, her own and others, show the parallels to Toby's own views on her relationships with her mother, her foster families, and the one she is creating around her.

It isn't only Toby that amazed me in this book. The triangle of Toby, Connor and Tybalt comes into play and demonstrates how she can feel so "differently the same" about two men. The Luidaeg, Quentin, Sylvester, May and others all are woven into a strong story of how one person can be tasked to stop a war between races, but can continue to find others to fight. The hints at the end of what we will see in the next stories leave me anxiously anticipating Ashes of Honor next fall.

The fifth book in New York Times bestselling author Seanan McGuire's October Daye series, One Salt Sea picks up one month after the events of book four, Late Eclipses. A changeling (part fae, part human) knight turned Countess, October "Toby" Daye's life is finally beginning to take on some semblance of "normal"--she's becoming more comfortable with her role as nobility, actually dating again, and her life is starting to look up. That is, until war is threatened when someone kidnaps the children of the Duchess of the undersea courts of Saltmist. Toby only has three days to find the kids, clear her Queen's name, and stave off a war, a feat made even more difficult by the fact that someone is determined stop her--someone who isn't afraid to break the rules. And the stakes are much higher than usual--as the back cover blurb states, "When Faerie goes to war, not everyone will walk away."

In previous novels, the storyline has seemed rushed, like McGuire simply couldn't take the time needed to fully express the story. However, in book four, McGuire seemed to find a good pacing for the narrative, and I'm happy to say that she settles into that pacing in One Salt Sea. The suspense of working on a deadline is there, but the plot and story do not seem rushed. It's a relatively steady pace which works phenomenally well for Toby's story, and I am very pleased with the results, as One Salt Sea quickly became my favorite of Toby's (mis)adventures.

The worldbuilding in One Salt Sea is more expansive than in most of the previous novels, largely due to the new realm Toby encounters--the Saltmist, home of the undersea Fae. McGuire's research shines through again, and she brings a feeling of correctness to this world that is so different from anything we've seen in Toby's story thus far.

One of the things that struck me the most about One Salt Sea, as opposed to the rest of the novels, was the degree to which I connected with the secondary characters. While the secondary characters have been developed in previous books, I hadn't felt as much of a connection with them as I did in One Salt Sea. This is partly due to becoming more and more familiar with the characters, but can also be attributed to the writing style and content of the novel. As such, there was one character in particular whom I began to warm up to I hadn't really cared for before.

Apart from the secondary character developments, we get a number of more introspective moments from the protagonist herself. These moments serve to develop some absolutely delicious internal conflicts as well as external character tensions. I am personally looking forward to where they will go, and how they will affect Toby in the future.

All in all, I believe this is the best Toby novel to date.

[...]

An unknown adversary kidnapped the three sons of the Duchess of Saltmist Diandra. The ruler of the undersea duchy believes the Queen of the Mists abducted her children. Toby saves the life of the Diandra's spouse Patrick from an assassin. Still the Duchess gives the Countess of Goldengreen October "Toby" Daye and the latter's boyfriend Connor O'Dell three days to safely bring home her children and prove that the Queen did not take the lads by finding out who did or war at land and at sea will follow.

Toby, her newest squire Quentin, Connor, the Luidaeg and Tybalt investigate the abduction on the streets of San Francisco. However, the clues lead to the Pacific. Someone insanely ignores Oberon's Laws and ergo wants to prevent Toby and her team from succeeding in rescuing the abducted sons; that adversary uses any deadly means necessary.

The latest Toby Daye urban fantasy (see Late Eclipses) is an excellent entry that focuses on the convoluted untrustworthy agreements between the paranormal leaders. With a stunning late twist, the story line is a fast-paced exciting thriller. Fans of the series will relish Toby's latest escapades as the clues lead increasingly to a paranormal psychopath.

Harriet Klausner

Toby again has to save the day. The Duchy of Saltmist's sons are kidnapped and Toby is on the case to get them back and stop what could be a bloody war.

ONE SALT SEA ends up being a huge turning point in Toby's life, I cant even begin to imagine how much will change in books to come. Oh the frustration that is Toby and Tybalt. I want them to get together in the worst way. I LOVED The Luidaeg in ONE SALT SEA. We finally get to learn a little more about her and see a side of her that I would have never imagined existed. I cant wait to find out what will be revealed about her in the next book. October loses a lot in book 5. I cried a lot so if your an emotional reader be prepared. I don't think I could dislike the Queen of Mists more then I already do. I can not wait until she gets what she deserves (please Seanan kill her off lol) Any Toby Daye fan will love ONE SALT SEA it is a fantastic addition to the series.

My standard disclaimer: by the time I give feedback on a novel, most everything that there is to be said about a novel, has already been said. So I'd rather just say that: (1) I only give 4 or 5-star reviews, and only when I really, really, really like a novel; (2) I'm a voracious reader of urban fantasy, and take my reading list very seriously, and would never recommend anything that would be a waste of your time, and (3) I can't think of a three yet. I just wrote this disclaimer. Give me time to come up with one.

Anyway, this novel will appeal to fans of faerie lit and urban fantasy. Check out her Newsflesh novels under the name MIRA GRANT (not just extraordinary novels, but the best zombie lit novels I've read yet; phenomenal stuff).

I easily consider the October Daye series to be newcomer, A-list urban fantasy, right up there with Ilona Andrews, and rapidly gaining ground on Hamilton, Briggs, Harris and Harrison!

ONE SALT SEA remains one of my favorite October Daye books. There is trouble brewing when the children of of of the sea fae nobility are kidnapped, and October is put on the trail of the kidnapper--for if a land fay is found guilty of this, there could be war...and no one benefits from bloody, deadly Fae wars.
I love the sheer chutzpah that October uses to help the parents, and the realm of the Sea is wonderful--makes me wish I could go there, even with the painful solution given to Toby so she can breathe underwater...
This story shows the growing competence Toby shows under impossible and highly demanding circumstances. I've come to love Sir Toby, her heroism, and her courage.

Seanan McGuire's books don't just reside on my comfort shelf; I made sure that I have a Kindle copy too. I have essentially ensured that I can reach Toby Daye anywhere I may go...she's a very handy changeling to have on speed dial. If you're familiar with the California Bay Area, you'll enjoy Ms. McGuire's descriptions of the Fae communities hidden throughout California (and you may find that these books explain a few of the things you've seen roaming the streets of San Francisco). Toby, her friends, and even her enemies are dynamic characters and though they remain true to the personalities introduced in the first book, they are affected and altered by the tragedies and triumphs they experience. For those who have not already indulged in the October Daye books, I would encourage you to start at the beginning with Rosemary and Rue (October Daye, Book 1), then work your way up to One Salt Sea. Though each book to date has been self-contained, you will appreciate the later books more if you have read the series in order -- and though Ms. McGuire gives readers helpful reminders and quick references to previous plotlines, she does not bore her loyal following with a lot of exposition. And if you find that you love the October Daye books, you may also want to look around for Ms. McGuire's albums - her CDs can be hard to find, but they are well worth the effort.

Two things that you can be sure of in a Toby Daye adventure --- a very entertaining and exciting story and there WILL BE surprises. "One Salt Sea" is no different. No spoilers, but Toby as a mermaid is 'interesting'!

I have really complicated feelings about Toby. On the one hand, I spend a good bit of my reading time wanting to scream at her for the choices and decisions she makes. On the other hand, these books must be really well written because I am done with the series to date and anxious to buy the next one. The side characters are well rounded, I enjoy spending time with them. It is one of those where I feel worried the whole time I am reading, and so enjoy the second time through a lot more.

I am in awe of Ms McGuire, I don't know how she manages to make this series better with each new book. One Salt Sea has Toby looking for 2 lost sons of an Undersea Duchy. Sounds simple enough, but as always the plot winds and twists with unexpected revelations and simply unpredictable developments for both Toby and the supporting cast. This instalment, along with book 1 and 4 of this series, is just superb.

I rarely make it to book 5 in any series as usually by book 4 the author is usually done and is just rehashing the same story, with a group of established characters that are basically un-killable, taking all suspense away. Not so in the Toby Daye series. You can't be sure of anyone's safety or cookie-cutter ending. This book is intelligent and unputdownable.

This series should be read in order IMO.

One Salt Sea was another solid installation in the October Daye series. This series isn't on the 5-star level as books that garner 5 stars tend to make me think about them a lot more after the reading and/or possibly change my view on something. I would give it 4.5 stars, but I rounded up. The book leaves you wanting more, but doesn't end on a cliffhanger (yay!). This series has a lot of character development and tends to flow really well.

One Salt Sea was a quick, enjoyable read.

This installment is, by far, my favorite. It had me laughing out loud at the interactions between Toby and Tybalt and sobbing along with Toby and the Ludaeg.

I love a story that invokes full immersion into a writer's world and One Salt Sea does just that. The characters are well rounded and things within the world are explained without taking away from what is happening in the story.

This series has become one of my all time favorites, right up there with Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden Files.

One Salt Sea (book 5) is another will written novel with the usual interesting well developed characters. The story line contains lots more information about Toby Daye's world. Toby continues to find ways to make things right in the end. I would recommend this series too anyone who enjoys will written novels. Enjoy reading

Usually by the 5th book of a series, things are starting to go downhill. This is not the case with the October Daye books. Not at all.

I started this book Friday morning and finished Saturday night at 130 am. My simple rule of thumb is, if you keep me all night, you are a 5 star book.

Note: the author and I are not related to my knowledge. However, one of my great uncles headed to California back in the 40s ? 50s ? 60s ? and I have no idea if he had any progeny. Also note that McGuire is Irish for Smith - that means there is a LOT of us.

When I read my first Toby Daye novel just a few months ago, I never imagined I'd be taken on such a journey. I love the complex characters, and the magical-but-real setting of this series. It has been a long time since I read a book or series of books in which I felt so emotionally invested in the characters. If you are looking for a book that will take you from your mundane day-to-day to a completely different world, then look no further. Someday, I really want to have a cup of coffee with Toby. Congratulations to the author on another wonderful, imaginative success!

As usual, a visit with Toby Daye is an interesting and engrossing experience, and as usual, I am left with a lot of questions.

In this book, Fae knight and part-time detective October Daye must find a pair of missing children to head off a ruinous war between the land and sea fae, and a third child to head off a tragedy of her own. Naturally the most powerful people in her world are either aligned against her, or powerless to help. The fact that the war may tear her from the man she loves is simply icing on the cake.

The book moves along at a good clip, and Toby's voice remains an entertaining one. Add to that the fact that we get a bunch of revelations about the Ludiaeg and a picture of life amongst the sea fae.

Why then can't I go five stars? I think for the following reasons and questions...

WHICH ENTAIL SPOILERS

I think the biggest thing that gave me a bit of nagging frustration with this book was Toby's lack of gumption in her personal life. We know from the first book that she makes poor choices about who to love (or sleep with), and we were teased time and again in this book with Connor's wishy-washiness. Toby is told several times that he has a suspicious ammount of "but it wasn't my fault" in his past, and she reacts time and again to the "I'm king, and I accept my responsibilities and consequences" Tybolt, but the plot structure saves her from having to come to a realization that she has chosen badly by arranging for Connor to die a hero. Likewise, she avoids taking the hard path of staying in her daughter's life even if it is a human life. I can kind of see how being turned into a horse terminally freaked Quentin's girlfriend out, but nothing worse than what human kindappers would have done has happened to Toby's daughter (I'm not saying that isn't bad -- it certainly was!). To just accept that being around Fae would drive her crazy in itself seems odd for the woman who is supposed to be re-writing the rules of faery. Finally, the resolution to the war that Toby comes up with entails her dropping her noble title and giving up her homestead. This just feels like backsliding. We know Toby doesn't enjoy being a countess, but the brief glimpses we get of her domain show that she is trying something new and special, and to just give it up (and to give up on proving the Queen wrong about giving her a posioned chalice) feels totally wrong. If nothing else, she has just sold Marcia down the river, and spit on the alliance with the Cait Sidhe.

Also, Toby's detective skills continue to be fairly minimal, consisting in this book of calling someone up on the phone and asking if he knows who did it. As it happens, he does..

I'm also still trying to figure out why the villian thought his plan would work out to his advantage, and why he thought a psychotic girl would be a good confederate (and how he got access to her..)

And why an outnumbered army in a society which doesn't hesitate to use tech for transportation or communication wouldn't invest in some guns..

I have to agree with everyone who says this is the best one yet. I've enjoyed the series from the start. The characters and world have always been interesting, but here it is fully developed. The action unfolds at a good pace without the feeling of frantic rushing from place to place that characterizes some of the others. We learn much more about the characters, but the focus stays on Toby. The only thing I'm upset about is how long it will be till the next in the series. The ending left open so many interesting possibilities.

No rest for the weary, Toby is pushed by the sea witch into finding the kidnapped children of the rulers of a kingdom under the sea. Despite her fear of water, she agrees. After all, she can relate having a child of her own. McGuire did a great job keeping the plot going in this one and reintroducing a lot of favorite characters. I didn't care for Toby's quick and intense involvment in an old love, but despite that, it was a very enjoyable continuation of what is becoming a popular read for me.

This series got off to a bit of an awkward start for me. The first book had problems but also promise. I'm so glad I stuck with it though. So much happens in this book, wow. A bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I'm not one for long reviews but I loved LOVED getting to know Luidwaeg better and loved seeing Toby's character grow and mature more. Finally we get some closure on her relationship with her daughter Gillian and there's definitely some romance. Over all, great book and a wonderful read.

Can't wait for the next one... and it's a year away!

I'm very fond of this series. From the excellent research into the mythology it's based on, to the great quality of writing.
If not for one annoying factor in this book, I probably would have given it 5 stars, and it's very likely a personal pet peeve. I'm not a Connor fan, at all. I haven't liked him since I met him in the first book. This book was far too Connor centric for me - that's my only reason for 4 stars. So if you like Connor, you'll adore this book as much as the rest.

The action was fantastically paced, yet again, and the more I get to know about Toby, the more I love her character and resilience to anything she doesn't want to do.

Can't wait for the next book. If you haven't read this - go read it now.

~KT

With this book I came to the conclusion that October Daye would be someone I would enjoy knowing in the real world. There is a complexity to her and to her relationships that make her interesting company. In the world of cotton-candy fiction it was a real treat to share a stolen afternoon with someone who had a story to tell and life experience to share.

I love this series. This particular novel spins Toby's world on its axis, I will have to place a spoiler alert if I dare say any more! If you're a fan of the previous books, buy this. Now. You will not be disappointed. A totally new fae world to learn about, well-crafted and endlessly entertaining. Keep up the great writing, Seanan!

This is the fifth book in the October Daye series, following "Late Eclipses". Toby Daye has been asked to find the missing children of the Duchess of Saltmist. The Duchess believes they were kidnapped by the Queen of the Mists and is ready to go to war if they are not returned. The stakes are raised when Toby's estranged daughter, Gillian, is kidnapped as well. I enjoy seeing Toby continuing to develop and evolve as a person. Definitely a keeper!

This was my favorite Toby Book so far. I love the way the world builds on itself as you progress through the books. The Sea Fae were amazing. Seanan has learned to take tragedy to new heights.
I loved this book, and I can't wait to be reading the next one!

NO SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW!

I didn't think anything could beat "An Artificial Night" but I sit corrected. Ms McGuire, thank you for another wonderful story about Toby and her friends. And for those who are about to read it, a word of warning, don't start it unless you have the time or you'll lose a lot of sleep finishing it.

One of the best series I've read in a long time! The world building is nearly flawless! The characters are wonderfully flawed and instantly relatable! And the best part? Each book is better than the last! So worth the cramp in my hand from holding my kindle until the wee hours of morning!

I love this series. This installment was an emotional rollercoaster. I'm wondering if Toby will be sane in the next book! Beautifully written, great characters, heartbreak and joy. Well done Seannan McGuire!!

I must say that this novel was every bit as amazing as all the others. This is definitely one of my favorite authors. If you loved the previous books then you must read this one. A fresh new take on the fae world.

All that set up, all that drama. All that silly love triangle nonsense. Seriously. It was worth it for this book. I have no idea how I feel about having yet another arc to set up but Holy crap if this wasn't worth reading four novels of set up for. Seriously. Stick it thru at least to get to mermaids and Selkies and the Muir Woods .

One Salt Ocean might be the most recent version from the October Daye collection and, very well... it Is great! I now have like Ms. McGuire's collection from the very beginning with Rosemary and Rue. The Other book from the line had been my very least favorite, although with the last three books, I always tell myself, "That one was the very best one yet!" I have always been unbelievably amazed at exactly how persistently incredible this particular author has become. The overall story goes along, creating ground right after the last one concluded.

...the mourning of Connor O'Dell is nearly non-existent. This is the most disappointing part of the novel for me. I would have expected some type of emotional reaction towards the unveiling of his death, rather than a little after thought of him at the end of the novel.