Having read the first book and skipping the next 9 books in the series, I was a bit worried about being lost in terms of backstory and characters. Turns out, this book is a standalone in many ways. Anything of import from previous books are given a brief explanation as to the who, whats, whys, etc... The grand adventure in this book has Toby apart from many of the other characters in the book.

I do have to say that this book was far more enjoyable for me than the first one. I guess I'm more ok with expository backstory than I am with expository set up for a series. But the former is often needed in the story being read and the latter almost reeks of desperation. I do also think that it has a lot to do with the author really getting better at her craft. She's built up a pretty incredible world and cast of characters.

It's a rollicking adventure story that had actual consequences for characters.

It's hard to say how hardcore fans will feel about the story, since I haven't read the 9 books in between. But I can say that if you haven't read the series before, you're not missing much if you jump right in here. If anything, it makes you want to read some other books within the series.

I suppose my biggest issue is still Seanan's love of telling instead of showing.

3.5/5 rounds to 4.

This series just keeps getting better and better as the stakes are constantly raised for Toby and company. This time, loved one's lives are at stake and the word "family" has sinister new undertones. I can't wait for the next one!

Toby must face her toughest quest yet. Her mother has stolen two of her family members to force her to search for the sister that has been missing for 100 years. If she can't find her, her family will be lost. ARC from NetGalley.

No spoilers on this one. This book starts out with a karaoke bachelorette party and things are going great but this is a Toby book and that will not last. Amandine shows up and demands that Toby do her detective thing and find her older half-sister that she doesn’t know and has been missing for over 100 years. Things that have been hinted about for in previous books are stated outright in this one. There is a prophecy that has been hinted at in the series that is mentioned in this one. Toby’s mother will never win any awards as mother of the year and even with her saving Toby’s life in previous books you have to wonder even more about her in what she says and does in this book.
As much as I like Toby I think I like the Seawitch even more. Luidaeg has gotten the short end of the stick thanks to geas placed on her. She does what she can within the framework that she is bound to and she tries very hard in this book to do it.
I really need to do a reread especially on everything that Amandine shows up in. And for the reader there is a bit of a reminder of past books in this one. Actions from previous books always seem to shape the future stories in this series and that is a good thing.

There is a novella at the end told from the viewpoint of April O’ Leary and Toby does make and appearance in it. All I will say is reread A Local Habitation to remind yourself of things that happened to get the best out of this story. I do admit that I really like the extra stories at the end of the books lately and that they are a different viewpoint character in the series is just the cherry on top.

Toby is doing the hardest thing she's ever had to do. Relax with her friends at her bachelorette party, drinking beer singing karaoke surprisingly stressful. She should have known the calm wouldn't last. At home getting ready for dawn there is a knock on her door, and Toby makes the fatal mistake of inviting her mother in.

I feel that it is necessary to go back and read the preceding books in the series to really enjoy this title. If you are a reader who loves immersing themselves in the fantasy world with an excess of description, language that is unique to that world, mention of many characters and situations that the author feels are crucial to understand the motivations of the main characters......then this book may be for you. For myself, it led to skimming, and disappointment that the characters that I wanted to follow, acted and interacted less than I hoped.

Another wonderful story of Toby and how she causes so much mayhem and still becomes the hero!

The Brightest Fell is a captivating addition to the October Daye series. October's adventures have been consistently enjoyable and here McGuire makes a discernible effort to find those big lose ends and bring them together. The result is a delightful and rewarding read that will leave dedicated fans anxiously awaiting more.

Electronic ARC provided by NetGalley.

This is one of my favorite ongoing series and "The Brightest Fell" is another fantastic installment. While I loved the previous book, it also felt a little bit like a clean up story (tidying details from previous books). This book advances the plot in major ways and is absolutely full of emotional moments. The frustrating thing is that there is a ton of stuff I'd love to talk about here, but it almost all veers directly into spoiler territory, and I think it is best read as unspoiled as possible.

One of the things I can mention is that we finally get to really meet Amandine, who immediately launches herself into the running for worst parent ever as she kidnaps Tybalt and Jazz, and uses them to force October to find her missing sister August. In order to find August October teams up with Simon Torquill, once a mortal enemy, but also August's father. I love the way that Seanan McGuire is careful to change up the character dynamics in each book. October is always the main character, but her primary companions can be quite varied.

Without spoiling too much I can mention that as usual, we get about a chapter of fun before Toby is launched into the current disaster. In this case, we get to see Toby's bachelorette party. It includes Karaoke. It is amazing.

This release also includes a new novella, where we finally return to April O'Leary and the bodies in the basement that have been a dangling plot thread since "A Local Habitation."

If you have been enjoying this series then "The Brightest Fell" is a must read. If you've liked any of Seanan McGuire's other work but haven't tried the October books yet, then I recommend starting them immediately. The series is consistently great and has some of the best character development in fantasy. Go read it, and then read all of McGuire's other books as well.

While I continue to love this series, and the stakes were definitely huge, I missed having the larger scope of cast in this book. Quentin didn't do much, which basically just left Simon as the one person for Toby to play off of. They had a good interaction, but I enjoy it a lot more when all the series regulars are involved.

OMG!! This may be among the best of Seanan's work in the October Dayne series!! I feel like I know her SO much more by meeting her mother and her sister (!!) This series just gets stronger and stronger! If you havent read her work, Start with Rosemary and Rue and you WILL be hooked, guarantee it!

The October Daye series jumps to hardcover with the 11th book. Toby's life finally seems to be on track. Her bridal shower--at a karaoke bar--is actually peaceful, with no blood in evidence. Then her mother reappears to demand that Toby find her long-lost half sister; Amandine kidnaps Toby's fiance and dear friend Jazz to make sure she obeys. Understandably furious and not sure where to begin, Toby is forced to rely on her old nemesis (and step-father) Simon--the one who turned her into a fish for fourteen years--for aid. Simon, father of the lost August, is more than willing to help, and professes himself eager to redeem himself.

McGuire has obviously been playing the long game: Situations and people that were seemingly resolved a number of books ago are suddenly vitally important again. There are gains and losses, and gains that are losses, inextricably intertwined.

An excellent continuation of the series. A new reader might manage to make sense of it, but the many familiar characters and the deep, intertwined backstory make this an unlikely place to begin the series.

Excellent! This series just keeps getting better. Recommend this series to everyone.

The Brightest Fell by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

Unfortunately for me, I have so much I want to talk about for this novel, and yet almost ALL of it becomes spoiler territory!

Ugghh.

But! I think this is one of the strongest Daye novels since the battle with Blind Michael and even more interesting in a way or two than Toby's eventual falling in love with the King of Cats.

I'm sure I can get away with saying that her mother features very strongly and the consequences are very dire and the feels are very deep. I can honestly say that the buildup from all these previous novels and the eventual payoff in total entertainment value for this one is very, very, very high.

In fact, I'm kinda squeeing over here. I loved this novel. Not only was I super excited to have gotten the ARC because I'm a big fan of the series in general, but my own expectations were met and exceeded by the actual experience. The carryover storylines were some of the very, very best in the series and this direction....

Well, suffice to say, I'm very impressed and more than satisfied. :) :)

I am always looking forward to a Toby book. I finished this in one day! Kids and husband crying for food and I was undeterred! The lives of Toby, Quentin, The Luidaeg, and not in the least, Tybalt are so gripping. I was at the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I wanted to alternately punch Simon and hug him. I still want to strangle August and Amandine. I wanted to cry by the end. Please, I need my next dose of Toby and entourage already.
And an April O'Leary novella as a bonus! Wow!

October Daye is showing no signs of slowing down. The plot is action packed with a single-minded determinedness -- you won't waste any time on side plots that don't add much to the story. You'll get the feeling that the previous books have been leading us to something big, and this book pulls us further along on that trajectory. The only downside of this book is that readers will hate having to wait for the next one. This series is massively addictive.

So, so, sooooo good!!! And it came with a full novella starring april o'leary! I'm almost compelled to read the blind michael book again, too. (Spoiler-I did re-read the Blind Michael book, and all the others after it)

I love how this author doesn't just regurgitate the same story and plot over and again. She has personal growth for the characters and story development without sacrificing any of the excellent dynamics of the world or resorting to the Mary Sue defense of ever increasing the main protagonists powers to goddess strengths that are unbelievable or a cheap trick for solving problems. Even this book, which is basically a reboot to an earlier version of the character (at least physically and magically) doesn't feel like a cope out, but a natural setback of the world and the individuals in it. No one is free of limitations and steps backwards. I have such admiration for her thought process and world building skills. I thought for sure I'd resent such a plot device from another author. However, she handled it superlatively. Kudos on another excellent book!