BE THE SERPENT - Seanan McGuire

Book sixteen in the October Daye series - a solid urban fantasy series by one of the top writers in the genre!

October Daye is now married (to the King of Cats!) and life is supposed to become much more domestic - which might terrify October somewhat since she's never been prepared for this kind of life. After all, what need is there for domesticity when you are a Hero among the Fae? But trouble can come from family and friends. If your Toby Daye ... especially from family and friends!

While some of Toby's family have certainly been a thorn in her side, she has, at least, known where they stand and how much she can or cannot rely on them. But deception from long-time friends might blindside October.

In the opening pages of the book, author Seanan McGuire notes that the events that unfold here in book 16 are something that she's planned from the very beginning of the series. This just adds to my already high esteem for McGuire. I mean, sixteen books?  That's a long game plan.

The book has most of the usual players, though not all of them have leading roles in this one (Tybalt, surprisingly, has very little to do other than be Toby's focus of relaxed attention), and we have the typical running commentary from Toby about all of those around her. There are the usual threats and Toby's cautious reflections on what's happening about her.

What is new with this book, is the lack of ending.

That's right ... although this has been an on-going series, the books I've read have still managed to be complete stories. But this book has what others generously refer to as a 'cliffhanger' - meaning, there's no real ending here, you'll have to wait for the next book to finish this story.

I like McGuire and I really like the October Daye series, and I can't imagine not reading these books, but I always take away at least one star for giving me a book to read that doesn't have an ending.

Also as usual, there is a novella at the end of the book.  This one, "Such Dangerous Seas," gives us some insight on one of the characters who's always played crafty to me.

Looking for a good book? If you haven't read any of the October Daye series and you claim to like Urban Fantasy, you're missing one of the best. Be the Serpent by Seanan McGuire is the 16th book in the series, and continues the well-established tradition of fantasy storytelling. But be warned, while you should read the whole series, you can't read this book and expect a conclusion.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

3-1/2 stars

* * * * * *

Be the Serpent

author: Seanan McGuire

series: October Daye #16

publisher: DAW

ISBN: 9780756416867

hardcover, 384 pages

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