Series: October Date #12.5
Author: Seanan McGuire
Released: Own
Received: Patreon

Suffer a Sea-Change is one of many short stories filling out the world of October Daye, written and created by Seanan McGuire. This particular story is included with Night and Silence and follows the event of that novel. Don’t read this if you haven’t finished it! There will be spoilers; I promise you that.

Like many shorts from this world, we’re about to be transported away from Toby’s perspective. Instead, we see the world through Gillian’s eyes. Gillian is the daughter of Toby, for all those that have forgotten.

Gillian’s whole life has been turned upside down, and now she must learn to cope with everything new around her. Featuring the Sea Witch and Miranda, this short story lets a few different characters come to life.

So, I hate to say it, but I think this might be my least favorite short story so far. That isn’t to say that I hated it (because I didn’t) – I just wasn’t as enchanted as usual. I’m going to blame my bias on this one, however.

Not only do I not really like Miranda’s character, but I struggle with Gillian’s as well. I can understand and appreciate all that she has gone through without liking her, and I am steadfastly reserving my right to do so (or not, as the case may be) here.

Though I will admit that it was eye-opening to see a story featuring characters so close to Toby’s arcs and yet see such a different spin on what has gone on, it just goes to show that we all perceive the same events differently, depending on our moods, history, and opinions.