The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire

October 20th, 2023 Kimberly Review 6 Comments

20th Oct

I am continuing to listen to the October Daye series narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal with The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire. The Selkies made a deal with the sea witch and it’s time to pay their debt. Once again Toby will be tested, as will the Luidaeg.

The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire
The Unkindest Tide
by Seanan McGuire
Series: October Daye #13
Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal
Length: 11 hours and 57 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Hundreds of years ago, the Selkies made a deal with the sea witch: they would have the sea for as long as she allowed it, and when the time came, she would call in all their debts at once. Many people assumed that day would never come. Those people were wrong.

When the Luidaeg—October "Toby" Daye's oldest and most dangerous ally—tells her the time has come for the Selkies to fulfill their side of the bargain, and that Toby must be a part of the process, Toby can't refuse. Literally. The Selkies aren't the only ones in debt to the Luidaeg, and Toby has to pay what she owes like anyone else. They will travel to the fabled Duchy of Ships and call a convocation of the Selkies, telling them to come and meet the Luidaeg's price...or face the consequences.

Of course, nothing is that simple. When Dianda Lorden's brother appears to arrest Dianda for treason against the Undersea, when a Selkie woman is stripped of her skin and then murdered, when everything is falling apart, that's when Toby will have to answer the real question of the hour.

Is she going to sink? Or is she going to swim?

Kick Ass Heroine magical MURDERMYSTERY urban

As we get farther into the series, spoilers become harder to avoid, but I shall try my best. As with most urban fantasy series, I recommend listening in the order of release.

Luidaeg the sea witch cannot lie, and when you require aid, she demands payment. Over a hundred years ago, she made a deal with the Selkies and she is calling in their debt. For the Selkies to fulfill their side of the bargain, the Luidaeg will need Toby. Toby has no choice but to take part because she, too, owes a debt to the sea witch.

Toby, the sea witch, Quinn, Tybalt and her Toby’s daughter, among others, travel to the convocation. They make their way their on the fabled Duchy of Ships. The Selkies are also gathering to meet the Luidaeg’s price.

The tale that unfolds, brings suspense, folklore, stories of the past, and a murder. We also see Duchess Dianda imprisoned. I loved this story for all the back history, moments with Toby & Tybalt. But also for what we learned and witnessed about the sea witch. I felt for her and Toby. Compromise and clever, clever Toby made this one a keeper.

I highly recommend listening to the series. Mary Robinette Kowal brings unique voices to these characters and enhances not only the tone of the story, but the emotions of characters and events.

McGuire is brilliant and her stories have a flow to them I find addictive.

Amazon | Audible

The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire delivered as we learned more about the Sea Witch and the Selkies. Narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal, I recommend listening. #audiobook #OctoberDaye Share on X

About Seanan McGuire

Seanan McGuire

Seanan McGuire is a native Californian, which has resulted in her being exceedingly laid-back about venomous wildlife, and terrified of weather. When not writing urban fantasy (as herself) and science fiction thrillers (as Mira Grant), she likes to watch way too many horror movies, wander around in swamps, record albums of original music, and harass her cats. Seanan is the author of the October Daye, InCryptid, and Indexing series of urban fantasies; the Newsflesh trilogy; the Parasitology duology; and the "Velveteen vs." superhero shorts. Her cats, Lilly, Alice, and Thomas, are plotting world domination even as we speak, but are easily distracted by feathers on sticks, so mankind is probably safe. For now.

About Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal

Mary Robinette Kowal is the author of The Spare Man,The Glamourist Histories series, Ghost Talkers, and the Lady Astronaut Universe. She is part of the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses and has received the Astounding Award for Best New Writer, four Hugo awards, the Nebula and Locus awards. Her stories appear in Asimov’s, Uncanny, and several Year’s Best anthologies. Mary Robinette, a professional puppeteer, also performs as a voice actor (SAG/AFTRA), recording fiction for authors including Seanan McGuire, Cory Doctorow, and John Scalzi. She lives in Nashville with her husband Rob and over a dozen manual typewriters.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

6 Responses to “The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire”

  1. ailyn koay

    i hope calling in all their debts is just I want all your money and not give me your life!