Now in hardcover, the thirteenth novel of the Hugo-nominated, New York Times-bestselling Toby Daye urban fantasy series!

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?

Published
September 3, 2019
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October Daye

The series

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The October Daye series by Seanan McGuire invites readers into a world where the line between the mortal and the fae is not just blurred—it’s perilously thin. Following the life of October "Toby" Daye, a changeling private investigator with a dark past and an even darker future, this series pulls you into a labyrinth of ancient magic, dangerous politics, and mythical creatures. Toby is a half-human, half-fae detective who finds herself entangled in both the mundane and the supernatural, tasked with solving mysteries that threaten both worlds.

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Set in a San Francisco where the Fae courts rule over hidden realms and human society exists in blissful ignorance, the October Daye series immerses you in a rich tapestry of lore, danger, and personal sacrifice. From fae politics to magical creatures both old and new, Toby’s journey is as much about uncovering the secrets of her world as it is about grappling with her own identity and past. Her struggles with being a changeling, caught between two worlds, are layered with complexity, making her a relatable yet resilient heroine who draws readers into her emotional and supernatural journey.

In a world where betrayals are common and loyalty is a rare gift, October Daye stands as a series where every choice has weight, every encounter can change everything, and the price of uncovering the truth is often higher than Toby could ever expect. With each book, McGuire builds a unique universe of perilous magic, bittersweet alliances, and intense character arcs, all while keeping the reader on the edge of their seat, craving more of Toby’s adventures.

Perfect for those who enjoy urban fantasy with deep character development and intricate world-building, the October Daye series is a perfect blend of mystery, magic, and personal stakes—where every case could be Toby's last, and every ally might just be a hidden enemy.

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