An Artificial Night by Seanan McGuire

Title: An Artifical Night
Author: Seanan McGuire
Format: book


I enjoyed this story more than the previous one (A Local Habitation). We see more of the fae side of Toby's life, as opposed to the small snippets from the previous books in the series. Though Toby has a knack for stumbling on the answer rather than intentionally discovering it, we don't quite get stuck and dragged through the events as much as in her previous adventures. 


And oh the adventures. There was more going on this time around, and no time to stop and think things through. Toby gets shuttled from one spot to the next, and no one gives her enough time to ponder. It's do or don't, and there's no room for don't. She has to keep moving forward whether she likes it or not, because the more time she wastes, the more dire the situation becomes. 


I enjoyed reading through a few of the fast-paced scenes, namely the car ride. To avoid spoilers, let's just say I sympathized with all of the passengers. 


One thing I did find a little distracting throughout the book was the repetitive mention of "heroes." Toby has this stubborn fixation on not being a hero, while everyone else seems to believe she is. The flip-flop about what she is or isn't can be a little dull, but I think I understand the reasoning for it. Toby doesn't want to be a hero, but she is. Whether she likes it or not, she does things that makes people think highly positively of her. Well, when she's not doing stupid things, that is. (I have to agree with Luidaeg, sometimes, when she comments about Toby's intellect.) 


Another little mark that often gets mentioned a lot is the rule against directly thanking fae. Though this too can be redundant and stale after a while, I'm less bothered by it because it shows how greatly moved the fae is. Whether it's Toby saying it to another fae or vice versa, it reminds the reader that these characters think highly of each other, and were it not for the rule, a greater show of gratitude would probably take place. Something more humanly common. 


Apart from that, I enjoyed Toby's encounters with Blind Michael. He was a character and creature that had an interesting little spin. The way he functions, the way his powers work, the reason he is such a menace is vastly different from the previous "villains" that Toby's had to face. This has nothing to do about old love or changelings with grudges. This is strictly fae. It hearkens back to the tales we used to know as kids, and reminds us of a world we left behind. 


Which makes Quentin's role in the story the cherry. I'll avoid spilling any details, but let's just say even though his active role isn't huge, the symbol he represents, the internal journey he takes, sums up this story in a nice little nutshell. It's ace, and if you're not paying attention to the cues, it's easy to miss under all the drama. 


Overall: 4 out of 5

A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire

Title: A Local Habitation
Author: Seanan McGuire
Format: book

Compared to the first book in the series, I found this one to be more enjoyable. Though I managed to figure the villain out within the first few chapters of meeting them (I use the term "them" vaguely to keep the identity a secret for those who haven't read yet), the method of killing they used and the reasons for it were more of a mystery. The need to know why these killings were happening and how the pieces all came together kept me attached to the book until the end.

I must say, if there's a way to stump a Daoine Sidhe, it's mess with their trump card. The world of faerie is convoluted and complex, and McGuire tries to work around these rules to make the game of detective more interesting. I liked the attention to detail and the explanations for why certain things could/couldn't be done. I kinda wished Toby had a few more aces up her sleeves to help her solve the mystery a little more efficiently. I think it would have made her failures that much more damaging.

The more tools we have, and the less of them that work, the more helpless we feel. I suppose for what supplies she did have at her disposal, we can see how her efforts were exhausted and can still connect with her on some level.

Also, what surprised me was the ritual. Not the method, the result. Kinda creepy and "eww."

There are a few questions that popped up throughout the book, small details that made me pause and ponder, and the answers for them never came. I wonder if these details were meant to be forgotten, or if it was a mistake on the author's part not to answer them. Or maybe I missed something along the way that would have explained it all. Either way, there's still something left to be desired after finishing the book, but for now I am satisfied.

Overall: 4 out of 5

Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire

Title: Rosemary and Rue
Author: Seanan McGuire
Format: book

Fae. Faerie. Fairy. However you spell it, this it what the whole book is about. In many of the paranormal series I've read, when the fae are involved, you also get a dose of vampires and/or werewolves and/or ghosts, etc. This series, however, is purely Fae.

Only familiar with some versions of how the Fae work, I found this in depth explanation of the Fae world to be interesting. The way some of the magic works is unique, and takes a twist on some of our favorite bedtime stories.

But while we get such a detailed view on the world October lives in, perhaps it's a little too detailed. There is so much explaining going on on why certain rules are in place, I found it a little too easy to forget why October brought me (the reader) to that location or item in the first place. I think I spent more time thinking about the world surrounding October than what she was doing or why.

While that isn't necessarily a bad thing -- to be able to get a full grasp of the character's world is good in most cases -- it made me lose momentum with the action. Dramatic scenes didn't quite seem dramatic enough in certain places, or startling facts didn't seem startling enough.

Apart from that, though, the way the reader is kept out of the loop and guessing about the answer was sufficient enough to keep me turning the pace. While I could've used a bit more suspense and punch, the lack of answers and constant wondering made me want to finish the book. I felt akin to October at times, frustrated by how people kept getting in the way or how rules made things too complicated when bluntness was better.

Faerie world is complex and built on so many layers of traditions and rules that it's no wonder October prefers the simpler way of doing things. Alas, she much find a happy medium between human and fae before she can hope to make any progress with either company.

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

Hammered by Kevin Hearne

Title: Hammered
Author: Kevin Hearne
Format: book

This series grows more and more complex with each successive book. The simple life that Atticus once knew is now no more, and everything that started in "Hounded" has now created a domino effect of disaster.

"Hammered" in particular is chock full of events, and not just for the funnies either. Reappearances from key characters in "Hexed" are stirring the pot of Trouble for Atticus and Co. It seems like the man just can't get a break, and he likely won't get to anytime soon.

One thing I really liked was the complicated backstory of some of the secondary characters, like Gunnar and Leif. In the previous books, they didn't play a major role in Atticus' life. Yes, Gunnar helped with the Evil Witches Part 1, and Leif likewise helped take care of Evil Witches Part 2, but they each played a background role in helping Atticus complete his mission. This time, it's much the opposite.

Atticus takes the back seat and he gets to learn more about the men he has befriended this past decade or so in the Tempe area. For their sake, he lets them drive and dictate how the events of the book play out. How it all ends... well, it's rather explosive and gripping. I just about bled my lip from biting it as I read through the main battle scenes.

The end took me for a loop and I find myself aching to read the next installment of the series. I look forward to its publication and hope to add it to my list of well liked read books.

Overall: 5 out of 5

Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Title: Hounded
Author: Kevin Hearne
Format: book


As a fan of mythology, I found this book to be rather creative. Usually school teaches about Greek and Roman gods/goddesses, and maybe Norse if you're lucky. But Celtic? That's a whole different cookie that many of us do not get to taste. Seeing such a rarely studied universe come to life is both refreshing and exciting.

Hearne inspires me as a reader to dig a little deeper into the world of Celtic Mythology and Druidism. It's a world not often explored, not as thoroughly as Greek or Roman. Hearne (via Atticus) gives the reader enough insight to intrigue, yet keeps secrets to feed curiosity.

The interaction between characters is definitely humoring, and I found myself snickering quite often at Atticus' relationship with his dog: Oberon.

But funny or mysterious isn't the only factor that keeps me attached to this book. As someone driven by action, Hearne delivers his punches without fail. And oh how they sting with triumph. Hoping for Atticus to succeed, to win, to survive -- it's a fun rollercoaster ride.

He's a different sort of hero, and the usual gun-totting or sword-swinging doesn't make its appearance. Atticus' magic is different, which makes for creative and interesting ways to battle.

If you're looking for a book that's out of the box, this is it. Do I recommend this book for anyone willing to get a lick of something different in the urban fantasy world? Yes, yes I do. I can't wait to read more about Atticus' adventures in the next additions to the series.

Overall: 4.5 out of 5