Barghest Hunt and Birthday Party

October "Toby" Daye, a changeling and private investigator, finds herself in a whirlwind of chaos as she hunts Barghests, monstrous creatures, at a fae gathering. With the help of her troll friend Danny, she captures them, but the night is far from over. She rushes to a birthday party for her friend's son, Andrew, where the lively atmosphere is tinged with her own sorrow over her estranged daughter, Gillian. The night ends with Toby feeling the heavy burden of her dual existence in the human and fae worlds, haunted by the responsibilities and dangers that come with it.

Fetch's Arrival and Dire Warning

Toby's morning takes a chilling turn with the arrival of May Daye, her Fetch—a fae spirit that appears when someone is destined to die. May, a mirror image of Toby, brings the ominous news of Toby's impending death. Despite Toby's disbelief, May's presence is an undeniable sign of the dangers lurking in Toby's life. This encounter forces Toby to confront her mortality and the urgency to protect her loved ones, highlighting the precarious balance she maintains between her human and fae identities.

Missing Children and Desperate Search

A frantic call from her friend Stacy reveals that her children, Andrew and Jessica, have disappeared. Toby discovers that other fae children are missing too, with one child, Karen, in a mysterious deep sleep. The investigation uncovers traces of blood, ash, and candle wax, hinting at a sinister force. As Toby delves deeper, she realizes the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to save the children from an unknown threat, setting her on a path fraught with danger and urgency.

Seeking Help from the Luidaeg

Desperate for answers, Toby turns to the Luidaeg, an ancient sea witch, who reveals that Blind Michael, a Firstborn fae, is behind the abductions. The Luidaeg warns Toby of the dangers and provides her with a magical candle to guide her through Blind Michael's realm. Armed with this knowledge, Toby prepares to enter the perilous fae world, determined to rescue the children and confront the ancient fae, aware of the immense risks involved.

Into Blind Michael's Realm

Transformed into a child by the Luidaeg's magic, Toby enters Blind Michael's realm, a nightmarish landscape governed by the twisted logic of children's games. She meets Raj, a young Cait Sidhe, and together they navigate the dangers. The realm is filled with horrors, including children transformed into grotesque versions of themselves. Despite the odds, Toby's determination to save the children and return them home drives her forward, testing her resolve against Blind Michael's formidable power.

Escape from the Hunt

With Raj and Quentin's help, Toby locates the missing children, including Andrew and Jessica. They face relentless pursuit by Blind Michael's Huntsmen. In a desperate bid for freedom, Toby uses the magical candle to guide them back to the real world. The escape is fraught with danger, but Toby's quick thinking and the children's bravery lead them to safety. Exhausted but resolute, Toby is determined to protect her loved ones and confront the looming threat of Blind Michael.

A Call for Help

Toby is called to action when Stacy's children are abducted by Blind Michael. Determined to rescue them, she seeks help from her allies, including her Fetch, May Daye, and the powerful sea witch, the Luidaeg. Despite the danger, Toby is resolute in her mission to save the children and confront Blind Michael, aware of the immense risks involved in entering his realm.

The Luidaeg's Warning

Toby visits the Luidaeg, who provides her with a magical candle to guide her through Blind Michael's treacherous realm. The Luidaeg warns Toby of the dangers she will face and the rules she must follow to survive. Toby learns that she must rely on her wits and the candle's light to navigate the perilous landscape and rescue the children. The Luidaeg's guidance is crucial, but Toby knows she must ultimately face Blind Michael alone.

A Dangerous Bargain

In Blind Michael's realm, Toby encounters the twisted logic of children's games and the horrors of his Huntsmen. She is forced to make a dangerous bargain with Blind Michael to save the children, agreeing to stay in his realm in exchange for their freedom. Toby's resolve is tested as she grapples with the consequences of her decision and the realization that she may never return to her world.

The Final Confrontation

Determined to end Blind Michael's reign of terror, Toby confronts him in a final showdown. Armed with the Luidaeg's candle and her own courage, she challenges Blind Michael to a duel. The battle is fierce, with Toby using her wits and the power of the candle to gain the upper hand. In a moment of desperation, she combines iron and silver to deliver the final blow, ending Blind Michael's tyranny and freeing the children from his grasp.

A New Beginning

With Blind Michael defeated, Toby returns to her world, forever changed by her experiences. She is hailed as a hero, but the scars of her journey remain. Toby reflects on the choices she made and the lives she saved, knowing that her actions have left a lasting impact on the fae and human worlds. As she begins to rebuild her life, Toby is determined to protect those she loves and face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Characters

October "Toby" Daye

Toby is a changeling who navigates the complexities of both the human and fae worlds. Her loyalty and sense of duty drive her to face dangerous situations head-on. Despite the constant threat to her life, Toby remains resilient, using her wit and resourcefulness to protect those she cares about. Her journey through Blind Michael's realm tests her resolve and ultimately strengthens her commitment to her dual existence.

Blind Michael

Blind Michael is a Firstborn fae who abducts children to replenish his Hunt. His realm is a nightmarish landscape governed by the twisted logic of children's games. Blind Michael's power and malevolence pose a significant threat to Toby and the children she seeks to rescue. His actions highlight the darker aspects of the fae world and the challenges Toby must overcome to protect those she loves.

The Luidaeg

The Luidaeg is an ancient fae known for her vast knowledge and unpredictable nature. Despite her fearsome reputation, she aids Toby by providing her with the means to enter Blind Michael's realm. The Luidaeg's involvement is crucial to Toby's mission, and her guidance, though cryptic, is invaluable. Her presence serves as a reminder of the deep and dangerous magic that permeates the fae world.

May Daye

May is Toby's Fetch, a fae spirit that appears when someone is destined to die. She looks exactly like Toby and serves as a grim reminder of Toby's mortality. Despite her unsettling presence, May's loyalty and support are instrumental in Toby's journey. Her existence highlights the precarious nature of Toby's life and the constant danger she faces in her role as a protector of the fae and human worlds.

Stacy Brown

Stacy is a quarter-blooded changeling and a close friend of Toby's. Her children, Andrew and Jessica, are among those abducted by Blind Michael. Stacy's panic and desperation drive Toby to take immediate action to find the missing children. Stacy's situation underscores the vulnerability of changeling families and the ever-present threat of the fae world encroaching on their lives.

Quentin

Quentin is a young Daoine Sidhe squire fostered at Shadowed Hills. Despite his youth, he is fiercely loyal to Toby and determined to help rescue his human girlfriend, Katie. Quentin's bravery and willingness to face danger alongside Toby demonstrate his growing maturity and commitment to the fae world. His presence provides Toby with much-needed support and companionship on her perilous journey.

Raj

Raj is a young Cait Sidhe and the local Prince of Cats. He is among the children abducted by Blind Michael and becomes an ally to Toby in her quest to rescue the others. Raj's courage and resourcefulness are instrumental in navigating the dangers of Blind Michael's realm. His determination to protect his fellow captives and return home safely underscores the resilience of the fae children.

Acacia

Acacia is a Dryad and the consort of Blind Michael. Her control over the forest and her enigmatic nature make her a formidable presence in the realm. Despite her connection to Blind Michael, Acacia aids Toby by healing her and providing guidance. Her complex relationship with the fae world and her daughter, Luna, adds depth to the story and highlights the intricate web of alliances and enmities within Faerie.

Katie

Katie is Quentin's human girlfriend, abducted by Blind Michael to be transformed into a horse for his Hunt. Her plight underscores the vulnerability of humans in the fae world and the devastating impact of Blind Michael's actions. Katie's transformation and the efforts to save her highlight the challenges of navigating the fae world and the importance of loyalty and love in the face of danger.

Jessica and Andrew Brown

Jessica and Andrew are Stacy's children, abducted by Blind Michael. Their disappearance drives the narrative and motivates Toby to take action. Their innocence and vulnerability highlight the stakes of Toby's mission and the importance of protecting the next generation of changelings from the dangers of the fae world.

Plot Devices

The Candle

The candle, created by the Luidaeg using Toby's blood, serves as a crucial plot device in navigating Blind Michael's realm. Its flame acts as a guide, reacting to danger and leading Toby to the missing children. The candle's light is a symbol of hope and a reminder of the power of magic in the fae world. Its presence underscores the theme of light versus darkness and the importance of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.

Analysis

"An Artificial Night" delves into the complexities of living between two worlds, as embodied by Toby Daye, a changeling straddling the human and fae realms. The narrative explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the sacrifices required to protect loved ones. Toby's journey through Blind Michael's realm is a metaphor for confronting one's fears and the darkness within. The story emphasizes the importance of resilience, courage, and the power of community in overcoming adversity. Through Toby's trials, the book highlights the enduring struggle to balance personal desires with the responsibilities of a protector, ultimately celebrating the strength found in embracing one's true self.

Last updated: April 24, 2025