Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

This is a Buddy Read for The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire starting January 5, 2024.


Happy Reading

~shorties~

And now, for the sad one...

I know, I know... strong statement, for a series rife with sad moments/realizations...

This one, though, is pretty sad/melancholy/tragic, from beginning to middle (anything to do with the Luideag & the Selkies/Roane)... things even out, once the inevitably Toby-ness kicks off for the middle chunk of the book...

(view spoiler)[and on the suspicious front, we've got what used to be my biggest Marcia Red Flag (it might have changed with some of the comments we've made on this read-through), more comments about the uniqueness of Stacy's kids, and Marcia even mentioned Danny in this one (so the suspicious characters are overlapping now?) (hide spoiler)]

I'm zooming through my re-read, and loving it, as usual...

So, just in the acknowledgments, but I find it especially interesting that her sound track involved Mean Girls: The Musical and Heathers: The Musical. That... is not the mood I was expecting going into this story.

I’d say the music is the Dianda plotline :D

I don’t think that needs spoiler tags… watery plot, watery subplot :)

LOL When I think of Dianda, I think of "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" even though she doesn't usually do boots or walking.

these fins are made for slappin'? (waves or heads together)

Through Chapter 2--(view spoiler)[I like the opening--we've been getting a few like this--with a nice little home-scene, slice of a regular life. Spicier than normal though.

Also a bit of a recap, interesting in the specifics it points out--makes me wonder which bits will be pertinent and which are just there for flow. We get the usual Toby's life summary with an emphasis on Gillian, but also some heavy hits on changing technology and times, a note on Marcia knowing more about Fae politics than Dean, and a tidbit on Tybalt's history with his first bride. Also a mention of Maeve's Last Ride, and an emphasis on Toby's history with Luideag, and Luideag's cultural significance in different parts of Faerie.

Interesting that Luideag describes the working she's about to do as "a kind of Ride if you squint"--and the bit of etiquette where Firsts would inform local regents if they were going to be doing any major working in their territory--and that those workings were usually Rides. Definitely getting curious about Rides.

Biggest takeaway from this chapter--Luideag needs more Quentins in her life. And Toby should get a taco pizza order from the burrito place next time and invite Auntie Ludieag over.

Also, apparently I've been spelling Luideag wrong--it's Luidaeg--but I just read (I think it was a Patreon post?) that McGuire actually originally typed the name wrong--the mythological figure is ea, not ae, so I've been typing it wrong but also right.

Never heard of May 1st being called "Moving Day"--looked that up... Found this piece of information thanks to the Met: "Beginning in the colonial era, leases in New York City expired on May 1, dubbed Moving Day. This deadline lasted throughout the nineteenth century." (hide spoiler)]

Timelord Iain wrote: "these fins are made for slappin'? (waves or heads together)"

LOL Love it. And fists are made for punchin' too, while we're at it.

In Chapter 3--(view spoiler)[Toby thinks Gillian's choice of venue is an unintentional slap to show Toby who Gillian's real mother is. After reading the Gillian POV short, methinks it is not so unintentional. That girl knows exactly how sharp of a knife she wields, and she digs. it. in.

I'm still really looking forward to her realizing how much Janet has been lying to her about Toby and trying to jade her thoughts, and her figuring out that the 14 missed years wasn't Toby's fault...

Also, I am glad that Gillian made it clear to everyone concerned (read: Janet) that she is not a child and can make her own decisions about living or dying or fae or human thank you very much. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4--(view spoiler)[Oh look! both suspicious characters together in one chapter! Hi Stacy and Marcia!

Am wondering a bit about Stacy--she's suspicious, and Iain pretty much confirmed one of the upcoming books explores that--probably another First in hiding, considering the talents of BOTH her supposedly changeling daughters border on oracles... which also makes me think--naming her daughter Cassandra? Was that a joke? Thank goodness it doesn't hold to the origin. And if Stacy's children both have oracle-esque powers, could Stacy also have precognition powers? Did she maybe see signs that told her it would be a good idea for her to go to the Bay Area and befriend a young Toby... was she maybe another hidden guardian?

Also wondering--so, Toby has several friends and acquaintances who are changelings or thin-blooded... why has Toby never offered to change the balance of Stacy or Marcia's blood, and why have they never asked? Especially Marcia... if she is what she says she is (not likely), Toby changing her at least enough to not need faerie ointment seems like it'd be nifty... so that's another suspicious feather...

Luideag's reaction when she sees Marcia... she pauses a few times talking to her. Makes me think she knows something and is choosing her words. And with the transition into the floating knowe... well, just say, if people weren't already suspicious of Marcia, they damn well should be with that very obvious hint. Toby, about 3/4 Fae at this point, probably, gets dizzy. Marcia, supposedly less than 1/4 Fae, not even a blink.

Love that Poppy is going on the ride! Love seeing Gillian's reaction to Poppy! Even though she's seen her before. Would like to see them become friends.

Damn, I have another note but can't read my own handwriting. What the heck does Noby -->Marijanne mean? Hm... that might be "Nolan"... ah! Marianne! Why the heck did I write a "j"? Oh yeah, wondering what kind of Fae Marianne was... and hoping we do see her/find her again... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5--(view spoiler)[Marcia's mention of Dromamine makes me wonder if she'd use that as a reason for not getting disoriented entering a knowe either. Also, totally think she magicked Toby's seasickness away. I often think she might be connected to the Sea somehow, either Maeve or a Sea First... Less thinking Maeve now we know what happened to her--I think she must be lost like Oberon... unless she's lost the way August was, cursed and unable to find her way home even when it is right in front of her...

When did the "Knight of Lost Words" thing come about? And why "Lost Words"?

Did a double-take for a moment, when Luideag introduced Amphitrite as "Firstborn daughter of Titania and Oberon"--since isn't Evening the first child of those two? But then I realized she must mean Firstborn just as a First of the Fae, not first child. Also, Amphitrite is Poseidon's wife in Greek mythology, so that's interesting. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6--(view spoiler)[The Luideag is asked if Amy's the only one of [the Firsts] still running around having kids... and Luideag says "as far as I know, yes"--which would mean Luideag either doesn't know about Stacy, or Stacy is something other than Firstborn.

Then again... the First are good at hiding even from each other, aren't they?

Ah-ha! So there's the answer to who Dawn is. Youngest of Eira's children... wonder who the donor was? Really hope it wasn't another Daoine Sidhe, 'cuz gross.

Also really interesting about Maeve sometimes creating children out of shipwrecks and stories... another hint a the lines of Fae...

I like Pete! I also find it amusing that she chose "Pete" as a "modern" name... (hide spoiler)]

Through Chapter 9--(view spoiler)[Bit dropped about the Roane being the second species that will be born from the complete destruction of another. Which one? Though it does make me think a bit of Poppy, how the Aes Sidhe only exists when a pixie gives up its size... still wondering about the random person she met when they arrived... So glad Patrick got to see her! I was hoping for this encounter.

"...forgiveness is the thief in the afternoon, stealing your anger away when you're not paying attention..." nice quote, Poppy... if only it were so...

Also... the whole Selkie-skin free-for-all? While I get the Luideag could be giving them one last chance to back out--only people who really want it so badly will end up with it... is that really the type of people she wants to have as hers, once this is all said and done? I have a feeling like there may be a catch... or maybe I'd like to think that there's a catch...

Hello Dianda's asshole brother... and here I was thinking we're almost halfway through the book without a fight... or someone for Toby to take down... heh, bringing a king-breaker into their midst--he's asking to be broken. Like srsly.

I do find it interesting how present Marcia is in this book... hiding at the edge of a lot of scenes, bursting in at random moments almost like eavesdropping... (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "Through Chapter 9--..."

(view spoiler)[Luideag was a bit reckless in this book, with that... but to be fair, that's the one part of the who ordeal she didn't pre-plan, it was more her winging it, after the complaints about favoritism, and the favor earned for helping Gillian...

No idea what to make of that species thing... main ones I can think of are Roane/Selkie, Poppy's species like you mentioned, and the Night Haunt's purpose... (hide spoiler)]

Marcia: (view spoiler)[my #1 guess for Marcia has been Maeve, since my 2nd or 3rd read-through... some comments here make it seem like she knows what she is, whatever that might be, which makes me more hesitant to say 100%, or 99%...

Once you say Marcia = Maeve, the obvious Stacy guess is Titania, especially with all the strong children... but the how/why/etc is up in the air (and I'm not confirming anything here, just getting into general consensus fan theories, from before the Stacy book happened)...

And once you have Maeve/Titania, you wonder where Oberon is... gotta be California, right?... EVERYTHING happens in California...it's like a Hellmouth ;) (hide spoiler)]

The last book and this book are also the focus of a spoiler me & Emily discussed a long time ago regarding Gillian, and how she's one of the craziest bloodlines in the series, from Dochas Sidhe to Human to Selkie to Roane...

I also like the discussion, in this one, about how/why people like Eira Rosenwyr killed off the Roane/seers... (might be from later in the book) (view spoiler)[and how seers make the future more malleable (since you can foresee problems and nefarious plots and try to avert them ahead of time) (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10--(view spoiler)[Well, nice getting a bit of explanation as to why Evening has been acting the way she has... the bit about why the Firsts have stepped back, to let the children grow up... I'm curious what exactly is keeping them to that agreement though... a similar gaes as was put on Luideag?

Luideag's price--I'm surprised that Toby doesn't balk more at number 1 than number 2... both come down to whether or not she trusts the Luideag. Though, on the other hand, with Toby's blood, if someone else came to her and asked for it, she'd have to agree to bargain... still, I rather think it'd be a good idea for Luideag to have some of Toby's blood... might mean she can save herself next time Titania decides to kill her... and #3? Toby was going to do that anyway, when she got around to it.

Interesting bits--Child of the Last Ride, and the magic thrown at Tam Lin splashing on to Janet--the changing game? I wonder if that is why Janet could be cursed the way she is, or if she could potentially learn Fae magic... (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "Chapter 10--Well, nice getting a bit of explanation as to why Evening has been acting the way she has... the bit about why the Firsts have stepped back, to let the children grow up... I'm curious w..."

(view spoiler)[I actually think the Luideag is preparing for the future... we know the Luideag is going to kill Toby someday... she made a promise, and can't tell a lie...

I'm of the first belief the death won't be permanent, and will serve a purpose for fixing Faerie... and having a stockpile of Toby's blood would go a long way to reviving her, since she seems to use it as healing fuel...

The Simon thing kinda feels like a joke, not only because of what you said, but because of something you don't know yet... (view spoiler)[by Faerie law, you can't get married without inviting your family to the wedding and/or having your father walk you down the aisle... and by Faerie law, again, Simon Torquill is Toby's legal father... no Simon, no wedding... gotta get that sorted... and soon... which is why it's the next book... then the wedding book... then the Stacy book... then the 2 newest books... we're almost caught up on the series, at this point...

And Toby still hasn't paid back her favor to the Night Haunts... that's been a lingering plot thread for awhile now... I keep expecting it to happen, because so many of the book titles fit (like Night and Silence) (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

LOL Hellmouth--There was a throwaway line somewhere in here, (I'm in Chapter 17 now, but I don't remember where this was) (view spoiler)[about Toby following the Luideag's scent and magic, and how Firsts could hide themselves and make themselves seem entirely unmagical, well if they could do that, what could the Big Three do? Felt like a wink.

I don't want Stacy to be Titania... if she is... well, at least when we learned Evening was Eira, we'd already gotten an impression that Evening was a rather entitled bitch of a non-friend to Toby. I can't imagine Titania hiding her nature as someone who was an actual good friend with Toby... unless she made herself sleep and not remember who she was or something. So damn, if that turns out to be the case... well, there'd better be a pretty good explanation for it.

I'm cool with Marcia being Maeve though... as long as Marcia ends up being someone interesting... but then there's the question--what happened to her on the Ride? And how did she get from A to B?

Danny for Oberon! Or gods, wouldn't it be super twisted if it's Toby's ex Mr. Marks? Like, ew. We thought Grandma sleeping with granddaughter's lover was bad, how much worse for great-grandfather sleeping with great-grand-daughter and making a child? But Gillian had human in her...

Which brings me to--where exactly did the Three come from? Who were their parents? It sounds like they were kind of the only people around... especially when we hear of Maeve making children out of shipwrecks and stories (and tears). (hide spoiler)]

Species... (view spoiler)[didn't the Night Haunt's origin involve Oberon stepping in and changing their nature? Kind of vaguely remember that... could be them... also interesting that we got a straight-up discussion of the connection to Fetch's in this book... I don't think it was explained so concisely as simply a Night Haunt who drinks of the living... (hide spoiler)]

re: price--I like your theory... I'm also wondering (view spoiler)[just how far the prophecy of Amy's line goes... not just to the Roane. Did the Roane let themselves be killed, because they saw all of this would have to happen? (hide spoiler)]

Luideag, through Chapter 17--(view spoiler)[I've actually been thinking, as Toby does her detective thing, that as much as she could be "winging it," that this could be exactly what Luideag was hoping for with her little challenge... like Toby said, she didn't tell the Selkies to go forth and kill thy neighbor, she just said she wouldn't interfere.

Another theme in this book has been how the Firsts have been stepping away from their children... but Luideag has never stepped away. Partly because of her geas, and partly because of what happened to the Roane... I think she was hoping they would figure out that the system of law doesn't disappear just because she does, and maybe set in place structures that will be more solid for the crisis... she also wasn't expecting to be absent. But Toby is a decent (and more blunt) surrogate in matters of morality...

If this is the case, then it makes it somewhat ironic that Luideag is going off to beg her sister to do the very thing she's trying to step away from with her own people... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17, more Marcia... (view spoiler)[who just happens to know how to handle a Selkie-skin... and has distinct Opinions about how they go about handling themselves...

Also wondering why Isla was killed if not for her skin... and oh look, there's another plotline going on at the same time, are they connected? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 18--(view spoiler)[And of course, right when Toby puts things together, she gets stabbed, and doesn't share. How rude.

So, not about the Selkies. About the Roane, then? About bringing them back, and how having the future in their hands will upset balance in Fae? Don't know why I'm bothering with this theorizing, honestly, since as I'm reading while I type and Toby's starting to get to the point... and yup. So... what don't they want the Roane to see?

Bringing up Raysel's infiltration is a good point--it would've been a plot hole if she didn't...

Gotta appreciate how Tybalt thanks Maeve & Oberon but doesn't mention Titania. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19--(view spoiler)[More on the Roane's impact. Interesting that it makes the future more malleable--opens up more roads and possibilities?

Also glad that Cass isn't suffering the curse of her namesake. And her presence is making me wonder again--if say, Stacy were Titania... how will her children (Karen, Cass, etc) react to finding out that their mother is the biggest asshole in Faerie?

Huh. Did not figure Torin and Isla for lovers. Looking forward to getting that answer. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20--(view spoiler)[Anyone notice that Marcia was able to lock the gate in a way that no one could get it open? Like, no just breaking the gate?

I got a little too much happiness out of Pete calling Gillian stupid. Kind of bummed that we haven't gotten more Gillian in this book so far--no time for her & Toby to work things out...

Okay, I didn't know who John Huges was, but apparently he's the filmmaker behind Ferris Bueller and other teen comedies, so that comment makes sense.

The Luideag's speech to Rene is touching. When Rene was screaming and grieving, I was thinking how his words were fair mirrors to the Luideag's--not fair that her children are dead, and cannot return...

Pete's comment on the paucity of cats--traditionally, every ship had a cat, to keep the rats at bay... so there should be more!

Heh, more people getting suspicious of Marcia. Nice eyes Pete. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22--(view spoiler)[Hah! I knew Toby was going to figure out a way to make all the Selkies and their kin into Roane! I thought it'd be a blood thing though, not a talisman thing. All the little tidbits about the Raven-mays so far in the book has more meaning.

Also, thinking that part of "fixing what's broken" about Faerie comes down to a lot of what Toby talked about in this segment--making it Fair, after the Three f-ed everything up so badly... like with the Law, the treatment of Changelings, ideas on purity of line...

Luideag is really emphasizing the bit about killing Toby, eh? Only because she promised, or because of something else she knows? Wondering also how long it's going to take for Toby to figure out how to break the Luideag's geas... (hide spoiler)]

Done! Lots of fun, and I like how a lot of the pieces were seeded throughout. (view spoiler)[Somewhat disappointed that we didn't get more Gillian & Toby time. Though maybe that's just to emphasize how Toby is making her own found-family, and that while blood can always hurt us, it doesn't make them love us...

When the Cephali had Gillian as hostage, there were a few notes that sang sour--I can't see Quentin making quips when Toby's daughter was in danger like that...

Interesting conversation just tossed out there for Toby & Tybalt on future kids. Makes me wonder if there's going to be a Ride repeat, with pregnant Toby breaking a curse or something... hope it doesn't mean losing the child though.

I wonder if the series will go far enough that we'll get to see the repeat? Roane-making 2.0? (hide spoiler)]

According to the series wiki, the only short after this book is Hope is Swift, which is included in the eye-books...

Read Hope is Swift. It's a nice little glimpse into Raj's mind, set parallel to the book. It also dealt nicely with themes of freedom v. responsibility, and all of the different cages we make for ourselves, out of duty, or fear, or love. We get to meet Ginevere and Helen, and the first non-binary character, a Cait Sidhe named Cas.

Summary: (view spoiler)[Raj is chafing at the upcoming responsibilities of taking the throne, and enjoying the irony of having a regent who knows less about the duties and magic of the Court of Cats than he does. He and Ginevere balance each other well--she has the power to keep his reign safe for him during her regency, and in trade he gives her the experience and learning to run her own Court one day.

Raj goes to visit Helen, his girlfriend, who has not been healing from their ordeal with Blind Michael. She pretty much stays shut in all day, and their relationship is half-cuddling half-anchor from the fear. Raj is tailed by Cas, a Cait Sidhe who has long wanted to be friends with Raj (but Raj thinks they're trying to hard, plus, as Prince and soon to be King, he can't have friends in his own Court). Raj tries to shake them, but Cas was sent on Ginevere's orders--she doesn't like that Raj goes around without an escort--what if something happened? Raj promises to leave by the front door as long as Cas stays outside and does not interfere with his visit.

When Raj leaves, Cas is asleep across the street. He figures he didn't promise to wake Cas, just not to try to trick him, so goes ahead and starts to leave--Cas wakes up and runs across the street, right in to the path of an incoming car. Raj pushes Cas out of the way and is hit himself. They are both in Cat form.

Raj wakes up drugged to the gills in a human veterinary hospital. He is too foggy to use the Shadow Roads, though thankfully not in pain due to the same drugs. He spends a while reflecting on freedom and cages and responsibility while waiting for nightfall, where he plans to try to slip away if he can. Before he has to try and face the Shadow Roads, Helen, her father, and Cas all arrive at the vet, claiming Raj is their cat. They get a lecture on feline care ("you should get him spayed!") but leave without incident.

At Helen's house, Raj and Helen have a confrontation on safety and risks--Helen has a hard time dealing with Raj being in danger, but Raj knows that danger is just part and parcel of the life of a soon-to-be-King of Cats. He promises not to be reckless and encourages her to seek out a Fae-friendly therapist. She agrees.

There's some talking with Cas and Ginevere afterwards, but the story is essentially done by that point. Raj is not punished for his actions--he could hardly call himself a Prince of Cats if he let his subject be hurt to spare his own life--but he has to get Ginevere a phone that works in the Summerlands so they can keep in touch better if other emergencies arise. (hide spoiler)]

Timelord Iain wrote: "And now, for the sad one...

I know, I know... strong statement, for a series rife with sad moments/realizations...

This one, though, is pretty sad/melancholy/tragic, from beginning to middle (any..."
Yes! So many people looking sus lately :D

Also zoomed through my reread a few days ago... I love these books so much!

Nirkatze wrote: "Through Chapter 2--I like the opening--we've been getting a few like this--with a nice little home-scene, slice of a regular life. Spicier than normal though.

Also a bit of a recap, interesting in..."

Always appreciate the tidbits you research :)

I can totally see "These Fins are made for Slapping":)))!!!

Nirkatze wrote: "Through Chapter 9--(view spoiler)[Bit dropped about the Roane being the second species that will be born from the complete destruction of another. Which one? Though it does make me think a bit of Poppy, how the A... (hide spoiler)]"

I assumed it was talking about (view spoiler)[the Selkies being destroyed for the sake of the Roane this time around (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze wrote: "LOL Hellmouth--There was a throwaway line somewhere in here, (I'm in Chapter 17 now, but I don't remember where this was) about Toby following the Luideag's scent and magic, and how Firsts could hi..."

We get a bit more of the background of the three soon...

Yay! I'm glad my tangents are useful to people!

re: Chapter 9 oooh, I didn't think of that possibility... (view spoiler)[I'm not 100% convinced, but I'm putting it among the contenders... I remember something Luideag said, when Poppy found the other Aes Sidhe on the island? Toby asked her--weren't they all gone? Luideag had said the Aes Sidhe had gone extinct (I don't remember the specific wording, and I think the wording was important)---Luideag replied that there might be individuals left, but that doesn't make or keep a species alive...

There're still some Roane left, but their species isn't surviving... Luideag would probably count that as "complete destruction"--but it could also go the other way, because of "complete"... and the Luideag is planning on Selkie --> Roane in one fell swoop... (hide spoiler)]

Iain's been dropping hints about the same... I'm looking forward to it!

The Faerie origin myth is revealed eventually, basically… I think that was in the last book I read… the newest Toby book… haven't read the Tybalt book yet…

Timelord Iain wrote: "The Faerie origin myth is revealed eventually, basically… I think that was in the last book I read… the newest Toby book… haven't read the Tybalt book yet…"

Yeah I think that sounds about right

Nirkatze wrote: "Yay! I'm glad my tangents are useful to people!

re: Chapter 9 oooh, I didn't think of that possibility... I'm not 100% convinced, but I'm putting it among the contenders... I remember something Lu..."

Re species (view spoiler)[ So I'm pretty sure she's talking about Selkies to Roane here... But I don't know what the "first" species she's talking about. (hide spoiler)]

I am up to Ch. 10... I don't know why I can't concentrate too well these days, but I am confused a bit. Could you guys help me with (view spoiler)[ why did Dianda's brother arrest her and why does everyone assume he has the right to do so? It can't be because she was hanging out with The King Breaker only!

Marcia, there is definitely so much to her than she pretends to be, we all know that by now...

I am not that bugged by Gillian, nor do I think Toby should hold a grudge against the Luideag. She saved Toby's daughter's life by giving her her dead daughter's skin. She has a promise to keep and it is just part of the circumstances that it could imperil Gillian's life as well. The Luideag has suffered way too much, and the couple of scenes with the kid and the young lady who hugged her, just hinted at how much more she is in the process of losing right now... My heart absolutely breaks for her and I love her even more right now. Toby has to give her a break!!! (hide spoiler)]

I love reading all the speculations and I love the awesome breakdown!!! I really have lots of love for this series and feel so fortunate to be reading it with all of you, guys!!!

Wow! I finished. I am not sure how I feel about what they did at the end... I also think that the murder investigation was a tad forced into the story. It could have done just fine with only the political strife and the Luideag's promise and its solution... Still absolutely loved it!

Choko wrote: "I am up to Ch. 10... I don't know why I can't concentrate too well these days, but I am confused a bit. Could you guys help me with..."

(view spoiler)[Dianda's brother is making a filthy Power Grab... using any excuse he can find... he did the stuff before noticing Toby... that was just icing on the cake in his opinion... he can do it for Undersea reasons, but Toby fights it... just because people got away with things in the past, doesn't make them the right things to allow...

Marcia is sus...

Luideag and Toby have valid opinions/concerns/goals... tensions are understandably high in this book... this is the closest to a relationship Toby has had with Gillian since the prologue of book 1... 12-15 years ago... (hide spoiler)]

Choko wrote: "Wow! I finished. I am not sure how I feel about what they did at the end... I also think that the murder investigation was a tad forced into the story. It could have done just fine with only the po..."

Definitely a bit forced, to give it that usual Toby formula... excuse to see more Undersea, tho, so I don't mind...

I like the ending, and the potential ramifications... more children for Luideag, if nothing else... it gets more complicated, once you add in the short stories Nirkatze has read, where the skins retain memories of their original Roane identities...

That would be very difficult, living with the skin of a ghost... None of that situation is emotionally easy...

re: ghosts--(view spoiler)[I wonder if the ghosts that had faded as their skins were passed from person to person will be revived somewhat now that they are fully part of a living Roane? Like, will each new Roane have backwards as well as forwards dreams and sight? (hide spoiler)]

Started! Kinda late again but exam season always makes me plan to many things and not doing half of them. On the other hand it finally snowed in my city! Its been three years and it only lasted three hours and there wasn't any on the street floor but it was pretty

until chapter 9 (view spoiler)[ not much to say. I thought this book would only focus on the Roane but now there is more stuff with Dianda and I am all for it

Marcia. I almost forgot to mention how suspicious she is right now. Going on this adventure without hesitation, talking to two firstborns like its nothing and when they went into the summer lands Toby was very affected but she didn't seem to notice the change and even changed the conversation. But at least Toby noticed something was weird, baby steps (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze (view spoiler)[ I had to read your sentence two times to actually see the difference in the name Luideag. Which I also write and read like that

me too! I want to see the drama between Gillian and Toby and see how gillian reacts after knowing all the truth

Good point about changing the blood of her friends. I think Toby didn't consider it since she is always busy and maybe she thinks Marcia wants to stay that way but we haven't read Toby thinking about it either. The floting knowe was sooo suspicious and nobody noticed it but Toby though something was weird at least

haha, I feel you, my notes on some of my classes are like that and it's funny and frustrating

I don't think Luideag met Stacy so maybe she doesn't know about her (hide spoiler)]

I dunno... I feel like I write it different every time... would need to do a search history to confirm...

finished! (view spoiler)[ I like how in the end the silkies still exist, at least for now. It was also very touching when Luideag and Pete worked together on the skins

Gillian is fed up with all the kidnapping attempts but I still feel for Toby

I also wonder what Luideag wanted to restore the Roane without Toby having a connection with them. Maybe through oberons blood (hide spoiler)]

Nirkatze (view spoiler)[ Stacy seems way to nice to be titania. I am also okay with Marcia being maeve but I refuse to belive tobys ex could be oberon. The three sound like mythological gods that appear as the universe or world is created

It's always fun when Marcia is being suspicious and I liked that Pete noticed it too. Shame Toby hasn't caught on

I also expected the book to have more emphasis on Toby and gillians relationship but they almost didn't interact

Good theory on the pregnant Toby breaking a curse. Poor Tybalt would be stressed to the ninth if that happened (hide spoiler)]

Paula wrote: "finished!..."

(view spoiler)[in the past, she wanted Amandine to do it, or maybe August Torquill...

And there was a line that made me think there might have been a 3rd Amandine child somewhere... but that could have just been a misinterpretation...

Not sure if that's what your talking about, or a line I forgot from the book... (hide spoiler)]

Paula wrote: "Nirkatze..."

Spoiler time, to poke the hornet's nest a smidge :D (view spoiler)[You've met Oberon, already...

It's not Toby's ex, to take that off the table... once you meet Oberon, you'll understand a bit more about all the Titania/Maeve theories...

And why it muddies the Marcia theory a bit...

Fun tangent: what if it was Danny, and me and Emily were theorizing openly about his weirdness lately, like it's a new theory we noticed?... (it's not Danny... we're not that devious... or are we?) >:D (hide spoiler)]

You are evil, Iain!!!:)

LOL Iain, don't spill the beans!😜

Iain (view spoiler)[I meant that she changed the selkies through her connection with gillian because she is now one. But od she hadn't been one maybe she would have follow her blood to oberon and then luideag though I think that would be harder

Now I am really curious about oberon. I am glad he isn't Mark haha (hide spoiler)]

Paula wrote: "Iain..."

Well...

(view spoiler)[August disappeared on a quest to find Oberon, and lost her memory for 100 years...

Simon went with Toby to get August back, and gave up his memories/home to save August... so that's linked to finding Oberon now instead...

And I said the next book was the Simon book, for Faerie wedding reasons...

So... in the next book, Toby needs to find Oberon, or find a way to rescue Simon without finding Oberon... only 2 options...

Trust Toby to do things the hard/dangerous/stupid way ;) (hide spoiler)]