I rather love that Seanan McGuire has effectively created an AU of her own world, and it's fascinating in its complexity and the nuance it gives to some of the side characters, including Simon and August. However, its a world where October has far less agency and that means it isn't quite as fun as some of her other kick-ass adventures. Nonetheless I continue to be impressed at McGuire’s ability to sustain such a long arc (seventeen books and counting, do not start here!) and really solid deeply intricate world-building.

The companion novella from Raysel's perspective was very good, allowing us to explore more of this AU and illuminating a character who hasn't previously had much of a voice.

Thank you so much for making this book available for Hugo voters. Seanan is my all time favourite author and I’m loving this series so far.

Downloaded for the 2024 Hugo Award voting packet. I will update reviews on goodreads as I complete the books.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing this book as part of the 2024 Hugo Awards packet.

Another fun book in the October Daye series. I was a bit taken back that about half of the book was about an alternate October Daye in an alternate magical reality. Though it turns out that any October Daye will step up and be a hero. The last half of the book felt like early in the series when October beats the worst possible odds. Definitely a must for fans of both Seanan McGuire and October Daye.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher as part of the Hugo Award Voter’s Packet. I am grateful to the publisher for giving us voters a chance to review and read through the nominees. I promise to give each and every nominee the respect and opportunity that they deserve before I cast my vote.