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October Daye #7.1
Never Shines The Sun
In 1959, Faerie came for a little changeling girl named October Daye and presented her with the Choice that her mother had been struggling to prevent her from ever needing to make. But how did Faerie find her? Where did the channel of October's destiny diverge? To know the answer, you must look to the water, and to the woman who many refer to as "the sea witch."
It can be hard to deal with betrayal. Betrayal by family is so very much worse.
(October Daye #7.1, Chronologically #0.14)
in "Chimes at Midnight"
It can be hard to deal with betrayal. Betrayal by family is so very much worse.
(October Daye #7.1, Chronologically #0.14)
in "Chimes at Midnight"
9 pages, Unknown Binding
3 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Seanan McGuire
521 books17.2k followersHi! I'm Seanan McGuire, author of the Toby Daye series (Rosemary and Rue, A Local Habitation, An Artificial Night, Late Eclipses), as well as a lot of other things. I'm also Mira Grant (www.miragrant.com), author of Feed and Deadline.
Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).
I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(
Born and raised in Northern California, I fear weather and am remarkably laid-back about rattlesnakes. I watch too many horror movies, read too many comic books, and share my house with two monsters in feline form, Lilly and Alice (Siamese and Maine Coon).
I do not check this inbox. Please don't send me messages through Goodreads; they won't be answered. I don't want to have to delete this account. :(
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 1, 2021
Certainly different but really good as it is from the Luidaeg's POV.
Where she meets her seven year old niece and tells Sylvester that the Choice needs to be made.
"Faerie never created anything without a purpose, and that includes the Dóchas Sidhe."
And last but not least.
"Seven years; that's how long I waited to go see her, before I went to meet her little girl. And the worst of it is that now, all I can do is wait. I'll wait seven more years, and seven more years after that, seven times seven and seventy more, if that's what it takes, until a child of Amandine's line steps up and does what's needed doing for centuries. Mother save me, but I'm starting to be afraid that Eira's going to win. October should have been our best chance. And I waited seven years."
They all got some explaining to do.
Where she meets her seven year old niece and tells Sylvester that the Choice needs to be made.
"Faerie never created anything without a purpose, and that includes the Dóchas Sidhe."
And last but not least.
"Seven years; that's how long I waited to go see her, before I went to meet her little girl. And the worst of it is that now, all I can do is wait. I'll wait seven more years, and seven more years after that, seven times seven and seventy more, if that's what it takes, until a child of Amandine's line steps up and does what's needed doing for centuries. Mother save me, but I'm starting to be afraid that Eira's going to win. October should have been our best chance. And I waited seven years."
They all got some explaining to do.
January 27, 2022
I am just blitzing through these stories - this one drops a lot of clues, for what, I don't know but I'm going to keep reading!
December 19, 2021
Background reading on the Luidaeg.
I'm reviewing two stories here from Seanan McGuire's October Daye series, Never Shines The Sun and The Fixed Stars. Never Shines The Sun appears at the end of the print edition of Chimes at Midnight; The Fixed Stars appeared in the collection Shattered Shields.
The Luidaeg, AKA the Sea-Witch, Antigone of Albany, Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, is Toby's most powerful ally in the October Daye series. She is one of the oldest of the firstborn, a daughter of faery progenitors Oberon and Maeve. She inspires deep fear in all those who know her. She has a reputation of being not only very powerful, but also extremely dangerous. In point of fact, it is obvious that she has cultivated the reputation of danger in order not to have to be dangerous. (There is exactly one story I know of in which the Luidaeg actually shows how dangerous an opponent she is in battle, the Patreon story Sun Sets Weeping.)
The Fixed Stars takes place many, many years ago and concerns a battle between Fae purebloods and merlins. In the October Daye world, pureblood fae can have children with humans. These children are called changelings, and they may remain magical if they choose to. (This is not what the word "changeling" usually means in fairy stories.) They may have children, and after multiple generations of breeding with humans give rise to almost entirely human children with magical powers -- there are called merlins, and it is implied that Arthur's famous wizard was one such. The Fixed Stars concerns a battle between purebloods and merlins in which the Luidaeg intervenes decisively.
Never Shines The Sun occurs much more recently, 1959 and is about the Luidaeg's first meeting with Toby. Toby's mother is the Luidaeg's half-sister, the firstborn Amandine, progenitor of the fae race known as the Dochas Sidhe. That makes the Luidaeg Toby's aunt. The Luidaeg, knowing that Toby and the Dochas Sidhe have some terribly necessary purpose, intervenes, to Amandine's deep displeasure, to make sure that Toby is treated fairly. Not much is made clear, but we do learn how the relationship between Toby and the Luidaeg came to be.
I'm reviewing two stories here from Seanan McGuire's October Daye series, Never Shines The Sun and The Fixed Stars. Never Shines The Sun appears at the end of the print edition of Chimes at Midnight; The Fixed Stars appeared in the collection Shattered Shields.
The Luidaeg, AKA the Sea-Witch, Antigone of Albany, Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, is Toby's most powerful ally in the October Daye series. She is one of the oldest of the firstborn, a daughter of faery progenitors Oberon and Maeve. She inspires deep fear in all those who know her. She has a reputation of being not only very powerful, but also extremely dangerous. In point of fact, it is obvious that she has cultivated the reputation of danger in order not to have to be dangerous. (There is exactly one story I know of in which the Luidaeg actually shows how dangerous an opponent she is in battle, the Patreon story Sun Sets Weeping.)
The Fixed Stars takes place many, many years ago and concerns a battle between Fae purebloods and merlins. In the October Daye world, pureblood fae can have children with humans. These children are called changelings, and they may remain magical if they choose to. (This is not what the word "changeling" usually means in fairy stories.) They may have children, and after multiple generations of breeding with humans give rise to almost entirely human children with magical powers -- there are called merlins, and it is implied that Arthur's famous wizard was one such. The Fixed Stars concerns a battle between purebloods and merlins in which the Luidaeg intervenes decisively.
Never Shines The Sun occurs much more recently, 1959 and is about the Luidaeg's first meeting with Toby. Toby's mother is the Luidaeg's half-sister, the firstborn Amandine, progenitor of the fae race known as the Dochas Sidhe. That makes the Luidaeg Toby's aunt. The Luidaeg, knowing that Toby and the Dochas Sidhe have some terribly necessary purpose, intervenes, to Amandine's deep displeasure, to make sure that Toby is treated fairly. Not much is made clear, but we do learn how the relationship between Toby and the Luidaeg came to be.
April 10, 2025
Exploring the October Daye Series
I've been delighted to discover two short stories in Seanan McGuire's October Daye series: "Never Shines the Sun" and "The Fixed Stars." These stories offer a deeper understanding of the series and its complex characters, particularly the enigmatic Luidaeg.
Never Shines the Sun
This short story, included in some editions of "Chimes at Midnight," is told from the Luidaeg's perspective. It provides insight into her relationship with Toby's mother, Amandine, and raises questions about Amandine's motivations for changing Toby's blood as a child. The story also hints at Toby's importance in the grand scheme of things and why the Luidaeg has been so invested in her life.
The Changeling's Choice
A common theme in the October Daye series is the Changeling's Choice, which presents a difficult decision to changelings: which side do they choose? "Never Shines the Sun" explores this concept, telling the story of Toby's choice and the consequences that follow. This emotionally trying read sheds light on Toby's journey and the events that shaped her into the person we know today.
The Fixed Stars
This short story, found in the collection "Shattered Shields," takes place many years ago and concerns a battle between Fae purebloods and merlins. The Luidaeg's intervention in this battle is decisive, and the story offers a glimpse into her character and motivations.
The Luidaeg: A Complex Character
As Toby's most powerful ally, the Luidaeg is a complex and intriguing character. Her reputation as a powerful and dangerous figure is well-deserved, but it's also clear that she has cultivated this reputation to avoid having to be dangerous. Her relationship with Toby is particularly interesting, and "Never Shines the Sun" provides insight into their bond.
A Deeper Understanding
Both "Never Shines the Sun" and "The Fixed Stars" offer a deeper understanding of the October Daye series and its characters. They're a must-read for fans of the series, providing a richer understanding of the world and its complexities.
I've been delighted to discover two short stories in Seanan McGuire's October Daye series: "Never Shines the Sun" and "The Fixed Stars." These stories offer a deeper understanding of the series and its complex characters, particularly the enigmatic Luidaeg.
Never Shines the Sun
This short story, included in some editions of "Chimes at Midnight," is told from the Luidaeg's perspective. It provides insight into her relationship with Toby's mother, Amandine, and raises questions about Amandine's motivations for changing Toby's blood as a child. The story also hints at Toby's importance in the grand scheme of things and why the Luidaeg has been so invested in her life.
The Changeling's Choice
A common theme in the October Daye series is the Changeling's Choice, which presents a difficult decision to changelings: which side do they choose? "Never Shines the Sun" explores this concept, telling the story of Toby's choice and the consequences that follow. This emotionally trying read sheds light on Toby's journey and the events that shaped her into the person we know today.
The Fixed Stars
This short story, found in the collection "Shattered Shields," takes place many years ago and concerns a battle between Fae purebloods and merlins. The Luidaeg's intervention in this battle is decisive, and the story offers a glimpse into her character and motivations.
The Luidaeg: A Complex Character
As Toby's most powerful ally, the Luidaeg is a complex and intriguing character. Her reputation as a powerful and dangerous figure is well-deserved, but it's also clear that she has cultivated this reputation to avoid having to be dangerous. Her relationship with Toby is particularly interesting, and "Never Shines the Sun" provides insight into their bond.
A Deeper Understanding
Both "Never Shines the Sun" and "The Fixed Stars" offer a deeper understanding of the October Daye series and its characters. They're a must-read for fans of the series, providing a richer understanding of the world and its complexities.
July 25, 2023
The Changelings Choice is a common theme in the October Daye series, especially later on. Essentially, it is the choice presented (in theory) to all changelings – which side do they choose?
Never Shines The Sun delves into this history, telling us the story of October Daye (Toby) and the day she was given a choice to make. I'm not going to lie; this is an emotionally trying read. Those who understand what the choice entails will fully understand why that is the case.
Still, this short perspective is essentially for understanding how Toby became the person we all adore so much.
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
Never Shines The Sun delves into this history, telling us the story of October Daye (Toby) and the day she was given a choice to make. I'm not going to lie; this is an emotionally trying read. Those who understand what the choice entails will fully understand why that is the case.
Still, this short perspective is essentially for understanding how Toby became the person we all adore so much.
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
July 16, 2023
Sorry about this but...
BABYYYYYY TOBBBBYYYYY BABYYYYYY TOBBBBYYYYY AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
She so stinking cute, and I was not prepared for pigtails.
Also, holy prophecy bomb.
You can't be the protagonist of an Urban Fantasy (or any sub-genre of Fantasy, to be fair) without being the chosen one.
It is written.
It is law.
But for some reason I didn't think Toby would be.
...
This is why the Luidaeg would feed me to her creatures.
No brains, all dumbass.
September 30, 2021
This was a great short story from the Luidaeg's POV and her interactions with Amandine and a very young Toby.
A couple of interesting quotes and insights in this novella
“What you did to her, what you were clearly planning—that’s monstrous, Amy. That’s Eira’s territory.”
Whatever comes next is on my head as much as it’s on Amy’s. I will never forgive her for that. But whatever comes next . . . it isn’t going to be mine to do. Whatever comes next is October’s. I hope she’s strong enough for what’s coming.
A couple of interesting quotes and insights in this novella
“What you did to her, what you were clearly planning—that’s monstrous, Amy. That’s Eira’s territory.”
Whatever comes next is on my head as much as it’s on Amy’s. I will never forgive her for that. But whatever comes next . . . it isn’t going to be mine to do. Whatever comes next is October’s. I hope she’s strong enough for what’s coming.
July 25, 2023
More a deleted scene than a short story. Best read after Chimes at Midnight (and included in the print editions). It is interesting to see the whole scene behind the blood flashback Toby gets--and there's several confirmations and hints packed in to this little piece.
February 4, 2025
We saw bits of this in the last full book and now we get to see the whole scene. This is much shorter than other short stories so far, definitely worth reading, because I think it's probably going to be important for the setup going forward.
May 9, 2025
Loved reading this story again, to see how and why Toby made her Changeling story!
*First Read September 4th, 2016*
Loved reading this book, and getting her perspective, she's such a big part of the world!
*First Read September 4th, 2016*
Loved reading this book, and getting her perspective, she's such a big part of the world!
Read
September 10, 2021Surprise, she is destiny's child.
July 29, 2022
The Luidaeg meets Toby for the very first time.
I've wondered what happened to cause Toby to be given her Choice. Now we know.
I've wondered what happened to cause Toby to be given her Choice. Now we know.
December 24, 2023
The Luideag intervenes in Amandine's plan on turning Toby into a lil human
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
Appended at the end of the print version of Chimes at Midnight.
November 6, 2022
A very sweet little reminder of the Luidaeg.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews