McGuire did it again. Tight plotting, witty banter, strong characterization, "A Red-Rose Chain" was just about perfect. Toby has become a hero and she shows us why in this story. She's accepted her role and grown into it. 
 "A Red-Rose Chain" takes place months after the events of "The Winter Long". Life has calmed down but life never stays calm long for Toby. If it did, we wouldn't have books. :D I laughed at Toby being named diplomat. Impulsive, reckless, rash, smart-mouthed Toby? But to give her credit, she did try. She's in a tough situation but she's smart enough to bring back up - Quentin, May, Tybalt, and Walter, an alchemist who's helped her out before. Together, they go to the Kingdom of Silences and try to unravel why they declared war and if it can be prevented. But the King of Silences and the deposed Queen of the Mist have teamed up and Toby's torture and pain is high on their agenda. The lengths to which they were prepared to go was terrifying and King Rhys was a sadomasochist who delighted in persecuting the changelings at his court. We again see the dark side of the fae and they make humanity look like fluffy puppies but we also see their weaknesses and their kindnesses. 
 McGuire tackles politics, caste and class, relationships of all varieties, biology, and love with a sharp eye and sharp wit. As always though my favorite parts of the story were the relationships. Toby has gone from a loner who avoided commitments and relationships to being surrounded by people who love and understand her and whom she loves. But it's also the relationships between all of the characters - Tybalt and Raj, May and Jazz, Toby and Quentin, etc. The moments between them are sweet, tart, and funny. They add richness to all of the action, the machinations, and the oddities that are the fae. 
 "A Red-Rose Chain" was gripping, entertaining, and another excellent entry in the Toby Daye series.