Tidal Ancestry

Ocean Apothecary #2

by Amanda Casey

Two sea nymphs. One tide. Can they calm the violent storms at sea created by their ancestors?
Amphitrite set out to restore the fertility of the sea over three thousand years ago. With the fae queen in her possession, she’s determined to slay a fae king and save her friend from a curse born of fae blood. Finding the ancient king who guards the sacred mountain is easier said than done. She must flirt her way through the frozen world of ancient Scotland alongside Damien’s giant huntsman ancestor.

Selia is taking her first steps into the unknown world of motherhood. With a new fiancé and a baby on the way, she’s quickly getting lost in her cozy new life among Damien’s Scottish family. She’s haunted by the spirit of a selkie who claims she stole something from her ancestors. To ensure the pulse of her baby is healthy, she must learn everything she can about an ancient bond she failed to form with a storm dragon.

With the arrival of the winter solstice, Amphitrite’s window of opportunity opens to work her magic on Damien’s ancestors. While she sets out to navigate the frozen terrain of Winter Forest to track down the fae king, Selia discovers that not even her memories are safe from the wickedly seductive salt venom.

Friends become foes as Amphitrite and Selia fight to turn the tides in their favor. Will the ancestors side with the two sea nymphs? Or will the tides turn against them both?

483 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2024

About the author

Amanda writes about women, water, and magic inspired by nature. She has written and illustrated dozens of stories involving nymphs, nature spirits, and other curious creatures who love getting into mischief. You can find her in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, where she is blazing a trail, drumming with her local taiko group, or having a flamboyant conversation with her two cats. She works as both a park interpreter and a children’s library associate at her local library, where she shares her imagination and creative programs with her community.

Reviews

[AuntSassy95 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say there is nary a moment I don’t thank this human for blessing me with being an ARC reader. I genuinely think I needed this read. The moment peppercorn stepped into the picture I was so excited. Part of me wants to crochet both Henrietta and Peppercorn 😂 as someone who’s been in a slump this was the pick up I needed.

[ThatBookishWriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great continuation of the story. I loved it so it went between Amy and Selia. The world building is still truly amazing. Learning more about Selia’s past and learning more about Amy truly helped solve many of the questions I had from the last book. Also learning more about Damien, his family and his ancestors. I’m truly invested in the story and all the characters. I also love the new fae, peppercorn the bat. I’m obsessed with her!! Makes me wanna get. Stuff toy bat and name it Peppercorn!

I can’t wait for the next book!! I need to know what’s going to happen next!! I need to know!!

[Beth’s Book Collection · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

If you’re looking for a book steeped in Scottish folklore and Egyptian mythology then look no further. Amanda carefully and seamlessly combines these two into a story filled with magic, sea nymphs and fae.

This book followed on slightly after book one and I must admit the time jumps between chapters takes a little bit to get your head around but once you do it is well worth it. Being written this way means that things start to fall into place in terms of Selia and Amy’s past.

Being introduced to new characters was an absolute pleasure and it definitely changed the dynamic of the story for the better. As sad as I was to see less of Henrietta in this book (IYKYK), I did enjoy the introduction to Peppercorn and the characteristics she brought to the book.

I really did like that we got more spice in this book even if it was just a little more.
Also, ummmmmm, excuse me. What was that ending? I did not expect everything to be left just like that!

[Lauren Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tidal Ancestry was so amazing that I read it twice before writing this review. I have been such a huge fan of The Ocean Apothecary Series and author Amanda Casey. I think Tidal Ancestry is easily my favorite between the two books so far and the prequel (though I will be impatiently waiting for book 3). While picking my favorite thing about the book is so hard I really think it came down to two deeply original things, the dual POV and the fae and mythological inspired characters. Dual POV might be something that is an incredibly common literary tool, but Casey takes the POV of two female characters who are not in a romantic or familial relationship. Without spoiling anything, as it is in the description of both books memory loss is a huge problem for characters in the books so the different perspectives allowed me insight that I wouldn’t have seen if the dual POV was a romantic partner instead. There are romances throughout the novel and another benefit to the dual POV being from the perspective it is, is the reader gets a different almost external view of the opposite couples which is really beautiful. To the second favorite point (and possibly my most favorite if I’m honest), the novel is filled with fae creatures including my most favorite character Peppercorn the bat. In addition to Peppercorn there are dragons, hermit crabs, elk, and other beings of Celtic and Egyptian mythological origin. I grew up to Celtic fae stories including that some animals are fae. It was such nostalgic moments in the story whenever the animals were involved. I loved every moment of Tidal Ancestry and will be counting down until the next book releases in 2025.

[BeBe LeStrange · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Ocean Apothecary series does not disappoint. It had me hooked from the beginning to the last page. Mystery, intrigue, and multifaceted travels through time keep the story moving and always interesting. The characters are complex and I love their history...so much deeper than first realized. Additionally, who can resist amazing fae animals that not only add to the depth of the story but especially in the case of Peppercorn, add a comical and fun-loving aspect to the story? This book was a joy to read and now I am left wanting more. I am so looking forward to the third book in the series.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well my questions were answered! (The first book left a lot of questions for me) Once again, I’m blown away and can’t wait to read more. Phenomenal read, and very well written. Easily 5 stars.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book answers a lot of the questions that you’re left with in the first book. I love the fae bat peppercorn!

[Katie Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many questions that I had from the last book answered and so many new questions in my mind now. A bit of spice, a little betrayal, and some time travel. Not a bad combination. Good reading for helping with a book hangover.

[Queen of Kings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has a watery chokehold on me. There is always a calming vibe due to the injection of fae creatures in the story, even as all Abyss is breaking loose. You get to meet Peppercorn, the bat. Yes. A likeable bat. Don't fret, Henrietta makes an appearance, causing the brand chaos she can bring "being helpful." And more... Like dragons.

You get a wax and wane, turning into a whirlpool of the past and present mixing.

Your characters are rich, either loveable or easily hateable. Or are they? The past matters, but PoV matters too. One person's help, could be harmful to another. Blood may be thicker than water, but what water were they talking about when they said that? Whimsy, science, fantasy and logic are all within the pages. Join Selia as she gets to know more about her past and how it will impact her future.

I cannot wait for book 3 now.

[Cali Ravenwing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blue Reflections left you with a cliff hanger. Tidal Ancestry answers all the questions left in the cliffhanger of book one. I can totally see why Henrietta is jealous of Peppercorn. I think she may have stollen the show for sure in Tidal Ancestry. She is an amazing fae character. The world building is spot on. I can see myself standing in the tower of the lighthouse and watching the water. The spice level of this book is perfect. It's not too much and exactly right to make the perfect story!! I can't wait to see what Amanda Casey produces next. I recommend this book to anyone that loves Celtic mythology and Egyptian gods and goddesses. This book truly tops the charts.

[Arleigh Salerno · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again... left me wanting more! Tidal Ancestry digs more into Selia's past, as well as Damiens lineage. So much of the past comes to light. A little spice and a lot of overcoming. I absolutely adore this series, and yet again, I can't wait to read more!

[Southern Styleblooms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was in love after book 1, and now here we are... wow I rode the waves of this book all the way to the end. I loved every minute of it.

[Veronica Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book that answered the questions from Blue Reflections. I love how this book had such amazing world building that was perfect! I could see everything the author wanted us to see (at least I feel like it was😀)
I absolutely loved Peppercorn! What an amazing fae!!
This book had some spice, quite a step up from the last book, but nothing extreme! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy that involves Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, and Celtic mythology! I can’t wait to see where Amanda Casey is going next because I’m here for it!!

[Yes_I_Read_Lots · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of the Ocean Apothecary series … continuing on from Book 1 - Blue Reflections.

This captivated me right from the start, all the way to the end and left me hanging again!!

Great characters, fabulous world building, and this story just keeps evolving. A lot of questions from book 1 were answered, but it also created a whole new list of questions to be answered in book 3.

Very much looking forward to the next instalment. Thank you Amanda.

[Stephanie Vicente · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read , book one had left me on a cliffhanger so I was excited to read book two right after I finished book one. It had me captivated from the start and had me turning the pages to know more. The world building was incredible , but it did leave me with lots of questions I’m excited to see what happens next

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness gracious mercy alive! Seriously? Seriously? As if the first book was not good enough already, Amanda comes in and literally blew me off my feet with this absolute belter!

I need a cuppa for this review because Tidal Ancestry was flipping EPIC

Okies, so full disclosure I had prevously bought Blue Reflections (adored it and reviewed previously) and Blue Mermaid Memories,(absolutely loved it, prequel-ish)

Now these two books really set the scene, outstanding word building and character development and you really get a feel for Casey's writing skill. The storylines flow like the sea and can be just as turbulent. But when I tell you that it is lucky that Casey's novels are water-centric, it is no joke because with Tidal Ancestry, Amanda Casey sets the narrative on fire! What? Like seriously! What? Talk about taking it up a gear, turning up the heat and taking it up a notch. This narrative went flipping stratospheric!!!

Yes, it answers questions from the previous books cliffhanger (seriously, it was flipping fab) but oh my life, I was not prepared for this? I mean, there were teasers, but excuse me??? Could I have my heart and soul back please?

Amanda Casey is a phenomenal author and I am absolutely honoured to have been given this book as an ARC and oh my life, it was everything I have grown to expect and so very much more. There may be comparisons drawn with Outlander, but nuh uh, Tidal Ancestry blows Outlander out of the water

This serious is absolutely scorching and I absolutely recommend most highly. Oh my life, I need to lay down and recover as there is another one on the way and I need to be ready for the awesome!

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Mythology
- Incredible characters
- Complex storyline
- Peppercorn

I am absolutely in awe of the complexity of this book! The world building is so intricate and detailed. The characters have so much depth. The unique origin story is compelling. All of these aspects make this book stand out.

We learn more about the mysterious Amy and her past. And it is a beautiful and sad tale. We also follow Selia and Damien as they prepare for parenthood. We meet new characters that we want more of - I'm looking at you, Peppercorn! I adore the fae side characters that this author creates - it adds the bit of quirkiness I love while reading.

Overall, this story is engrossing and enjoyable. I loved every minute of it!

[Ximena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no idea how I feel about this book.
It’s better than the first one.
Once more if you’re not good at picturing what you are reading these are not the books for you.
I feel like there is a lot of improvement and while the topic (motherhood) is not if my liking I understand why it was so central to the story. It would be interesting to see the planing behind the story because it feels extremely convoluted to me as is. There is so much that is good in this story but it just doesn’t make sense unless it’s extremely predictable.

[Andrew Rawlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great continuation of the first book, we get to see more of both Amy and Selias backgrounds and find out more of what happened to them before book one, we meet another Fae creature Peppercorn the bat and her pups i was sorry that we didn't have Henrietta in this book i loved her shenanigans, i can't wait to find out what happens in book three i love the scottish background and the side characters like Damiens sister Gwen.

[Bowen Gillings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casey creates a tale as luscious as tea and shortbread in front of the fire on a stormy night. This is the perfect book to snuggle up with. Fans of history, myth, and romance will love this next installment in the Ocean Apothecary series. Here is our world with a twist of Celtic magic, sea-born mystery, and romance that’s simple, pure, and epic all at once.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing continues to Book 1, Blue Reflections. It bounced between Amy and Selia, and it answered so many questions that were left over from book 1. I loved learning more about Selia's past as well as about Damien's ancestors. The world building in this book is phenomenal. Book 1 was good and Book 2 is even better.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda has done it again! I was absolutely hooked with this book, I had to force myself to take breaks and sleep lol. The world building was exceptional and the developments of the story and characters were top notch. Also, who could not fall for Peppercorn. I can not wait to see what Amanda has in store for the next book!

[Nichole Crawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book it was the most beautiful journey I've read in a love time and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone its just that amazing.

[Hooli · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great continuation of the first book! Though I am still left with many unanswered questions, breaking more into the world was fun and exciting. Seeing so many folklores and mythologies woven together seamlessly was a treat! Can’t wait to finish the story and get all the answers both Selia and I have been looking for!