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Broken Tides

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30 years after the world has been almost completely covered by water, Abigail must find out the truth about who she is and the secrets that were buried for humanity to have a chance to survive. When she is being hunted by everyone around her, can she figure out who to trust or will she fall into the hands of the new world savages?

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2024

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360 people want to read

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A.M. Denelsbeck

2 books99 followers

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5 stars
65 (35%)
4 stars
39 (21%)
3 stars
42 (22%)
2 stars
18 (9%)
1 star
21 (11%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for A.M. Denelsbeck.
Author 2 books99 followers
March 30, 2025
I’m not going to pour my heart and soul into a book, MY BOOK, and not give it a 5 star review. 🙌🏻
Profile Image for V.M. Pire.
Author 6 books120 followers
June 11, 2024
Gah!!! Absolutely LOVED!!!!!! 😍😍😍
Profile Image for ✨Gretch✨.
524 reviews42 followers
December 7, 2024
4.5 Stars

Ever want to know what life would be like if the oceans rise, and most of the world is under water? Well this novella would be a good place to start.

Abby has always lived on a ship, and it's all she has ever known, since 30 years ago the water started rising, and only a few small islands are left. The islands that are left, aren't the best of places, with most of them having black markets being the main source of income. It's not a safe or pleasant world, and right from the jump Abby has a heartbreaking start, and then gets kidnapped by some pirates to top it off. After the kidnapping, her world is quickly turned upside down, and she must come to terms with everything.

I did enjoy this book, and how the story took shape, I just wish we there was more to it, as the second half felt a little rushed. I also wish there was more tension and brewing between Abby and Caspian, as I'm not the biggest fan of intsa-love, but I enjoyed their banter! Regardless, I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Dori Rolon.
19 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2024
Short quick story. Good read, kinda sad with the ending, but I am hoping there is more to come as we follow Abby & Caspian and crew.

I wouldn't really call this a "pirate story" although the characters live the life of pirates. I feel like we needed a bit more of a back story, I feel somewhat lost as to what caused the "destruction" of the earth, that caused it to be covered with water. I'm hoping this was maybe like a "prequel" to the whole story.

Overall it was a good read, that was pretty quick.
Profile Image for Jen.
31 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2024
| ARC Review |

Broken Tides is set in The New World 30 years after a major event causes most of the world to be covered in water. There are five islands remaining and they are all fighting against each other for power. Abigail is our FMC who discovers many secrets of her past and goes through many ups and downs.

Now for the actual meat of the review: *may contain spoilers*
- The writing style is choppy and redundant with enough spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors to make your eye twitch. I hope for Denelsbeck’s sake that she finds a new editor to review this story before release.
- Where is the world building? I want to know more about her "royal" background, the event that caused the world to be covered in water, etc. There is not enough context given to us throughout the story.
- The cringey internal dialogue...I just can't
- I feel that a lot of the story is fast paced with no time for build up. This was a story that at its core has a lot of potential, but was poorly delivered. Often written to be overly shocking with so many plot twists that naturally most just can't stop reading to see what happens.
- The unrealistic fight scenes that were overly detailed and almost just gore. I will say the author gets an A for descriptive writing because she is good at painting the scene for us.
- This may be considered being nitpicky, but attempting to use big words to make your story seem more shocking or cooler is a big turn off for me when they are used incorrectly. Her use of anatomy words during fight scenes like "I stepped on the balls of my phalanx"... just use "balls of my feet".
- *Spoiler* When Caspian drowns and she performs life saving CPR on him it is referenced at the end that he was out for "10 minutes". Another just unrealistic setting because he'd actually just be brain dead at that point, not waking up and joking about her removing his pants. Which also leads me to say that there are a couple of parts of the story like this where the timeline just does not add up. How old is she? One time she is referenced as 26, another at 28. Who knows?
- *Spoiler* The quick, what is supposed to be passionate, love story...the entire sex scene had me laughing. The thought of her falling madly in love with this villain, as Caspian is portrayed, after FOUR DAYS (maybe less) has me eye rolling and heavy sighing. Maybe it's supposed to be the falling in love with your kidnapper troupe? He confesses his love for her when she doesn't even remember ever meeting him! But all of a sudden she feels *yearning* for him. Where is the build up?? Where is the enemies to lovers banter (tbf some banter is there, some) and slow burn that we all want. Sigh.
- Abigail, the FMC, is I guess meant to be a badass sword fighter but we never see that but once or twice. I feel like she is portrayed as a naive young female who has never experienced life (she hasn't tbf) and just has men saving her everywhere she goes. I feel like we could have been given so much more here. We all want the FMC who kicks ass, is feared by all, stands up for herself, is independent (or at least I do). Maybe some are into the damsel in distress type of characters.
- *Spoiler* Why do Ace and Caspian have similar backstories? Both found around ages 10, both starved in an alley. I would have liked to see more depth there.

I am sad that this story was not more. It felt like 1/3 of the book was ripped out and we were constantly left asking "how did we get here? what happened?" I want to know more about how the world ended up this way, I want more slow burn with Caspian, I want that badass FMC that I know Abigail has the ability to be.
5 reviews
June 4, 2024
This was such a fun book. I really enjoyed the characters banter but even more of the story. But with the way it ended.. is there going to be a second book?! Because hi, I must have it!
Profile Image for Madison Arnold.
34 reviews
December 4, 2024
First I would like to say that I absolutely loved this book! It was so captivating and held my attention entirely while reading! A.M. Denelsbeck did an amazing job writing this book!

This book had me on a roller coaster of emotions right along with Abigail. She’s a strong FMC and this book shows her dedication to finishing what needs to be done! She is a warrior! And then You have two strong MMCs in this book and it just adds to my love of this book.

I absolutely recommend reading this book 1000%!! I can’t wait for the next one to come out. I will definitely be reading this book again in the future.
Profile Image for Jessica.
291 reviews209 followers
January 7, 2025
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book called, Broken Tides. This was a quick, fun, and entertaining read! For it being a short book the author had you feeling such a range of emotions while reading, laughing at banter, feeling the betrayal the characters felt, the heartbreak when secrets were revealed, the need to protect and avenge those hurt, falling in love, making mistakes, and learning the truth. I really enjoyed this and I am hoping there will be a second book! 🤎📚

Thank you to the author and to the publisher for this ARC of Broken Tides, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for daddysbabygirlreads.
199 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2025
Great book! I do wish there was more as I’m left with so many questions. One can only hope right?

“Amor et melle et felle est fecundissimus” which means “Love is rich with both honey and venom.”
Profile Image for Stacy H.
19 reviews
December 5, 2024
⭐️ARC Review⭐️

OH EM GEE

Okay listen, I didn’t think I’d love a good pirate story after Pirates of the Caribbean. But let me tell you, this story was SO good!

👆🏻Some Highs👆🏻
• The storyline is solid and easy to follow.
• The world is ✨chef’s kiss✨.
• Pirate’s of the Caribbean 🤝🏻 Waterworld (yes, I know I just dated myself but stay with me here).
• I absolutely love where this story can take us as readers.
• Abigail is a strong FMC and doesn’t need no man 💁🏻‍♀️
• Solid betrayal moments that had me 😱😭😰🤮 (in a good way)
• Caspian’s devotion to Abby is just 😍🤭
-sidenote- the line where he pours his heart out to her RIPPED ME APART. I literally read it multiple times 😭🫶🏻
• The ending was beautifulllll and not too much of a cliffhanger that it would tick me off 😅👏🏻


👎🏻Some Lows👎🏻
• There’s time the inner dialogue is kinda ✨cringey✨
• The 🌶️ scene is too graphic for my taste.
• I would have preferred more yearning and closed door romance with Caspian and Abby.
• Abby kinda fell from strong FMC to constantly talking about her inability to focus when Caspian was around.
Like girl, we get it, he’s hot, now go be a baddie!!
• The ending fight scene where Abby 🪦 Ace I felt like was too short. I would’ve loved to seen some dialogue between them more or her actually tell him he was her first love!


But overall, I loved this book!! I can’t wait to see if there’s another one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Beth.
449 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2024
Gosh, this book had me hooked from the first chapter. I truly love the premise of this story: the New World, 30 years after the great flood which covers 80% of the world where life is mainly on ships on the seas where everyone fights for survival. I also found Abigail’s secret origins interesting and shocking.

I was disheartened that the book felt rushed in the second half. I would have loved more world building and deeper depth to this amazing cast of characters. I think my favorite character was Ace. I would have loved a slower burn between Abigail and Caspian instead of an insta-love connection where he falls instantly. The author does a fantastic job with descriptions, foreshadowing, and pulling you in. Most of the banter and inner dialogue are fantastic. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for book 2.

Recommend: I think romantasy readers should give this book a read because the premise is so unique, and I love how the author’s writing pulls you in.

Great debut! I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Rating: 4/5
Profile Image for Miryam Drakon.
347 reviews
December 7, 2024
I was initially surprised by the book's length, as it’s barely 160 pages. The writing felt amateurish at best, and the FMC was incredibly problematic—so egotistical yet oblivious, even questioning, "I'm egotistical?" The pacing was unbelievably rushed, and while I rarely DNF ARCs, this one just wasn’t for me. Unfortunately, the spicy scene at 54% was the final straw.

I mean, just look at it-
'His strokes inside me move like the ocean while each wave slams into the ship's sides.'
Profile Image for Shannon.
68 reviews3 followers
July 22, 2025
✨ARC review✨

This book has potential and is the author’s debut novel. The plot is strong, the character development is good, and the twists are twisty! I enjoyed some of the FMC’s inner dialogue (she’s a sarcastic baddie and I’m here for it) and the banter between characters. The ending gives you just enough of a punch to the gut and a yearning for “what’s next” without an insufferable cliffhanger.

But there are numerous issues with word choice and syntax. Often the word choices were so ill-fitting based on the context, and the sentences were structured so awkwardly, that it distracted from the story. I made corrective annotations on almost every page, specific to syntax, which is concerning for a book that is ready to be published.

I also found it problematic that the FMC was head over heels for a man who she had met only days before, especially on a book that’s marketed as a “slow burn”. It was hard to connect to their romance and intimate scenes because of that. Their romance could’ve used additional time to develop with some more angst and tension. The words were on the page, but I didn’t FEEL the connection.

Overall, I probably wouldn't continue on with the series unless I was assured that more attention was given to descriptive word choices and syntax.
Profile Image for Rae.
235 reviews12 followers
January 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

After some technical errors, I finally read this and Really enjoyed the characters, plot, banter & spice.
Not read anything in the plot setting so it was something new for me that I would really recommend to others if they enjoy this type of plot setting. Super quick read, swoon worthy MC, and a strong FMC. Look forward to reading more of the Authors work in the future! 🫶🏻

Thank you to the Author for allowing me to read this & being understandable & patient with the issues I incurred whilst trying to read the file 🥰
Profile Image for Patricia Lord.
946 reviews
January 5, 2025
This book is captivating and held my attention from the beginning.
I was on a roller coaster of emotions along with betrayal, vengeance, heartbreak, you just feel all the emotions.

The first part of the book was a good read, that was pretty quick, but to me the second felt rushed.
Overall is was a good read and leaves you wondering if all this would really happen if the world was covered in 80% of water.
Profile Image for Patricia  Clifford.
391 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2024
ARC review Broken tides by @author.a.m.denelsbeck

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

FLOORED ! SPEECHLESS! I am still trying to process what I read last night and I am shocked. I didn’t expect the plot twist at the end and it left me devastated! Caspian, oh how I love him. And Ace, why oh why did it have to be that way !! I cannot wait to see what happens next ✨
Profile Image for Ana.
497 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2025
Well, what can I tell you? It's a must-read for sure. Pirates, FMC who can kicka**, enemies to lovers? What else can you as for. It was an amazing read that kept me at the edge of seat and not waiting to put it down. Would definitely reread. It was so so good.
Profile Image for Kelsey Shute.
26 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2024
Holy plot twist! This book literally broke my brain…twice. I have never had a book blow my mind like this. I literally could not put it down!!!! My jaw was on the floor!!!! Can’t recommend this book enough if you want a quick but absolutely amazing read!
Profile Image for Samantha Normoyle.
13 reviews
December 18, 2024
⭐️⭐️
🌶️

A.M. Denelsbeck’s Broken Tides is an ambitious attempt at delivering a compelling fantasy romance, but unfortunately, it didn’t fully land for me. While I can genuinely appreciate the effort and imagination that went into crafting this story, it felt underdeveloped and in need of significant editing to truly shine.

The pacing was one of the main challenges I faced while reading. The story moved far too quickly, leaving little time to fully immerse myself in the world or connect with the characters. World-building, which is crucial in fantasy, felt lacking, leaving me with questions about the setting and its rules. These gaps made it difficult for me to feel grounded in the story or invested in the stakes.

Another aspect that fell short for me was the romance. The premise hinted at an intriguing enemies-to-lovers dynamic, but in execution, it came across more as insta-love. I personally prefer a slow burn that allows for tension and growth, and this relationship didn’t deliver the depth or conflict I was hoping for.

That said, Broken Tides does show amazing potential. The premise is intriguing, and there are moments where Denelsbeck’s creativity shines. However, the rushed pace and lack of depth in key elements kept it from meeting its full potential.

With more time spent on world-building, character development, and refining the plot, I believe this story could become something truly memorable. For now, while I respect the effort that went into this work, it didn’t resonate with me as I’d hoped.
Profile Image for Marhen DeNoble.
52 reviews4 followers
December 8, 2024
This book reminds me of the movie Waterworld.


In this dystopian world where there is eighty percent oven now after a great natural disaster flooded the entire planet (author doesn’t go into much world building here) the population that is left, must learn how to survive now on an ocean with what ever sea going vessel they have found and navigate the ocean. There are a few islands (but not exact distance is given) left remaining and loosely describes what each island holds for trade and commerce.

The female main character has lived a life of relative peace and luxury while remaining ignorant of much of the secrets around her. She is fierce and compassionate in a world that is now cut throat pirates.

The two male main leads in this novela however will have you loving them one moment and wishing to run them through with the sword.

Overall the premise of the story is there. I enjoyed the concept. There were parts I wish could have been expanded upon. Details that could have been broader and deepened. The intimate scenes just, hate to say it- would have rather it been a gloss over or fade to black. I know it can be difficult to write them but this was not my favorite intimate scene.

I also know well how difficult writing a novel can be so this is a fear unto itself- but the concept for the world and story is there. It just needs more muscle tone to it.
Profile Image for Megan Finlay.
28 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2025
This was an ambitious and inspired story from a lovely debut author. This story held lots of potential, the premise of a flooded world with its surviving lands fighting for power. Sounds incredible!
However this book still needs a lot of development. At only 160 pages this needs a lot of fleshing out. Too much happened to get us to the end that needed more time spent developing characters and explaining the world better. I’d also highly recommend a proper editor for this book because there’s a fair bit needing tweaked.
All in all, this was a good story it just needs a bit of work to make it great!
Profile Image for lauren dedinsky.
397 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2025
What to expect:
- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- dual pov
- morally grey mmc's
- hidden identity
- pirates of the Caribbean vibes

i have been craving a fun pirate book and man did this hit the spot! you really go on an emotional roller coaster while reading this book and the characters were so much fun. and omg the banter!!

can we please talk about how the fmc is so kickass?? like yes, let's go! we need more kickass females in books. also we get a blonde mmc who i dont immediately hate too. normally i am all for the dark haired mmc but not in this one. but dont get me wrong, both the mmc's were so dreamy 😍

man am i so looking forward to the next one!!

Profile Image for kall.isreading.
129 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2025
☆ eARC review
rating : ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
spice : 🌶 🌶
-

pirates are what did it for me here, since it's not often something I find myself reading about, but this concept ofmajority of the world being submerge in water 30 years prior to this story was an intriguing idea!

I liked the FMC Abby. She was fierce and tough, especially once the secrets surrounding her life had come to light, and seeing how truly fortunate she had been all her life as the Captains daughter. and she was compassionate but fiery when the situation would arise.

the MMC Caspian was a sweet little treat and an impressive swordsman. He's like a loyal pup and every bit as charming and protective. the chemistry between him and Abby was full of banter and flirting and was entertaining.

I do wish their was a map included since locations can get confusing to me, but it was short enough that it also wasn't necessary.
I did enjoy the story and writing, though I do hope we're given more with the next book as I didn't feel like there was quite enough here
Profile Image for Rikka Kang.
176 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2024
When you watched Pirates of the Carribean, did you ever wish Elizabeth Swan grew up on the ship into a bad ass and not as a lady? Did you wish that Will Turner was the sea captains' right-hand man and second in command? Did you wish that Jack Sparrow could have been a love interest? If I piqued your curiosity, then this debut romantasy should be on your TBR.

This was a fun change up from my most recent fantasy and romantasy reads because one, there's no magic system, and two, the world building wasn't as extensive. A strong percentage of this book takes place on water, but we still get a glimpse of this world and its land bound foundation.

We get a strong fmc, who, yes has lived a sheltered life, but still has a means of packing a punch. This book had shorter chapters, single POV, and the ability to progress the story without spurts of filler background information.

Denelsbeck did a great job with her debut and even with it being a shorter novel (under 200 pages), she still sets up this series to invest the reader in book 1.
Profile Image for Heather.
57 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2025
ARC REVIEW
This book is not ready. Not even close.
I want to acknowledge the bravery it takes for someone to put their heart and soul into something like this - it can’t be easy. So, way to go, girl.
I found the basis of the book to be GREAT. A major natural disaster left the world mostly covered in water with only 5 known islands remaining. The world primarily functioning on ships, I would love to see more background and world building but sadly, this missed the mark. At only 160 pages, the story is rushed; the enemies to lovers trope left wanting, cringy internal dialogue one dimensional characters.

If you can get past the grammatical errors and the sloppy syntax, you may really enjoy this book. Unfortunately it made finishing a real chore.

I’d love to see a rewrite because I think there is something to this world and this story. I’d love for the author to find an editor that will help her grow, rather than release something that’s not quite ready.
Profile Image for Danielle Stricklin.
116 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2024
The plot twists! The FMC Abigail was such a strong and independent woman. She was able to take care of herself and didn't need a man to do it for her. She had a lot of loss and struggles throughout the book. It was a really cool concept that the world was overtaken by water. I did enjoy Caspian a lot. I would let him kidnap me any day! That ending though! Was not expecting any of that ending. I really liked how there were a lot of plot twists that were not expected. I gave it 4 stars because it was good, it just felt very rushed. I wish there was more history, world building, banter, and character development. It just felt a little short for how much happened in it. But overall it was a good read! If you are looking for a quick read I recommend this book! Thank you A.M. Denelsbeck for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team!
66 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2024
A tremendous debut written by A.M. Denelsbeck! Broken Tides takes you on an exhilarating high-seas adventure brimming with swashbuckling pirates, treacherous betrayals, hidden secrets, and desperate struggles for survival. At the heart of this gripping tale is Abigail, a fierce and resilient heroine who navigates a perilous life with courage and wit. Abigail is determined to forge her own destiny amid the chaos of The New World and the unforgiving ocean. Along the way, Abigail will uncover profound truths about her past and discover who she really is while questioning who can be trusted. An epic journey complete with enemies to lovers, sword fights, and a morally grey bounty hunter with emerald eyes.
Profile Image for Spookybookish_aunt .
1 review
December 19, 2024
Such a great book!! I absolutely LOVED it!! Easy read!! If I didn't have to work, I would have read this book in one day!! I did not want to put it down!! What an emotional roller coaster!! I thought I had everything played out in my head on how the book was going to be. I was wrong!! (In a good way) What an amazing adventure that I went on reading Broken Tides. I CAN NOT WAIT TO READ MORE BOOKS by A.M. Denelsbeck!!! Caspian and Ace!!! OMG!!! My heart!! "Without you, I would drown in my own desire to have you around."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews

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