Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In the seventh installment of McGuire's increasingly entertaining urban fantasy series (after Ashes of Honor), half-Fae private detective October "Toby" Daye is up against her old nemesis, the Queen of the Mists. The queen gives Toby three days to pack up and leave San Francisco forever after Toby uncovers the queen's involvement in a drug-pushing operation targeting changelings. Toby's one hope comes when she discovers that Her Majesty's claim to the throne may not be entirely legitimate. Now Toby and her allies must track down the true heir and overthrow the powerful monarch before Toby's exile deadline. The urgency of the ticking clock works well with the political intrigue, Toby's newfound vulnerability (following a truly diabolical ambush), and the setting's ever-expanding mythology. Certain plot payoffs and emotional beats further reward longtime readers, making this a truly satisfying entry. Agent: Diana Fox, Fox Literary. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
The latest addition (after Ashes of Honor) to the urban fantasy world of October "Toby" Daye starts off at full throttle and goes at high speed to the very end. Set in the misty real and fae world of San Francisco, the book starts with former PI Toby's investigation of a deadly Faerie street drug that kills changelings like herself. Events soon spiral out of control, and Toby is fighting for her very existence as she attempts to mastermind the overthrow of her false queen. Her weapons include her sharp wit and many allies with different strengths and abilities. Narrator Mary Robinette Kowal brings a wondrously funny and sarcastic tone to the wisecracking Toby and equally good voices to the many other characters, ranging from the King of the Cats to Toby's squire. Tight pacing and clever plot twists add to the enjoyment. Verdict For fantasy fiction collections and readers of Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, and Ilona Andrews.-J. Sara Paulk, Wythe-Grayson Regional Lib., Independence, VA (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
