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Lore of the Wilds #2
Lore of the Tides
From the author of Lore of the Wilds comes the exciting and passionate conclusion, as Lore navigates Fae magic amid looming dangers that threaten to destroy her world.
Lore Alemeyu wakes up to discover she’s on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Held prisoner and with no way to escape, she’s faced with a dire set of circumstances…
A crew that’s distrustful of Lore’s magic capabilities…
Her betrayal by a Fae she thought she could trust…
A dangerous quest for the sun book, which, if placed in the wrong hands, will make the Alytherian Fae even more powerful.
Lore must navigate threats on the ship and beyond, into the ocean’s magical and mysterious depths, in order to find the sun book herself and help free the humans. All the while, Lore can’t help but feel the intense pull of one Fae male who has been helping her all along. But is she willing to risk her human heart for creatures that have burned her in the past, and jeopardize her people’s future?
Lore Alemeyu wakes up to discover she’s on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Held prisoner and with no way to escape, she’s faced with a dire set of circumstances…
A crew that’s distrustful of Lore’s magic capabilities…
Her betrayal by a Fae she thought she could trust…
A dangerous quest for the sun book, which, if placed in the wrong hands, will make the Alytherian Fae even more powerful.
Lore must navigate threats on the ship and beyond, into the ocean’s magical and mysterious depths, in order to find the sun book herself and help free the humans. All the while, Lore can’t help but feel the intense pull of one Fae male who has been helping her all along. But is she willing to risk her human heart for creatures that have burned her in the past, and jeopardize her people’s future?
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2025
337 people are currently reading
15143 people want to read
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February 3, 2025
The best (only) sequel I’ve ever written 🤭
January 3, 2025
We need more duologies. Short and sweet. Give me everything I want and leave me wishing there was a little more. That’s the sweet spot. I’m telling you.
Lore of the Tides… blew me away.
This is an epic adventure about saving the ones you love and making hard choices. It kind of reminds me of dungeons and dragons. There’s found family, mystical beings, the magic is insanely cool, and the love… triangle… help.
Lore is in search of a magical book and it takes her on a journey across the ocean’s magical and mysterious depths.
There’s betrayal and hidden identities and… the love triangle. How many times do I have to say that this book will rip your heart out and stomp on it and dangle something… incredible in front of you and then be like… nope… suffer more. It’s a lot. But it’s so much fun. I flew through this book. I cried at the end. Actually, I cried a lot during this book.
Lore is the female main character of my dreams. She’s so strong. She takes up space. She believes in love and kindness. She’s willing to forgive, but she also protects herself and her peace.
“She yearned for the luxury of trust.” That quote. I had to sit with that for a minute.
This book is pure fantasy and magic but the topics dealt with are heavy and important. “That’s the thing about power, Lore, is that for those who seek it, there can never be enough.”
The men. THE MEN IN THIS BOOK. I bow down to you Analeigh… you knew what you were doing. “He called you a witch, so I broke his jaw.” Yep. The standard ladies. Say less.
Ok also little things like Lore cleans her teeth when she’s freshening up in this book. When have you ever read of dental hygiene in a book? I loved it so much!
Analeigh’s writing is also laugh out loud funny. This quote of Lore sitting on the couch had me cackling. “Lore extracted herself from the cushioned couch, which was so comfortable that she was half convinced it was sentient and had been slowly trying to eat her, to get a closer look.” LOLOLOL
Feminine rage anyone? It’s here. There’s a scene that happens on the ship that will stay with me forever. The rage, the betrayal, the hopelessness and how unfair the situation is will make your blood boil.
The writing in this book is so beautiful it will make you sob. I can’t stop thinking about this quote. “In that moment, they were ships passing in a typhoon, each locked in their own tempestuous voyage. His heart was an unknowable vessel, one without a flag or standard, no insight to articulate, with certainty, the veracity of where he stood. Her own heart ached for the storm to subside. For safe harbor.”
There’s some “good girl” moments that will make you swoon and fall over. I sure did.
Lore’s hair is different from my own, and it needs oils and there’s the aspect of braiding it as well which I’m unfamiliar with. There’s a scene where Finn asks Lore if he can braid her hair because he knows how and used to braid his sister’s and it made me teary eyed. This is your reminder to continue to read diversely. This isn’t something I need to think about in my daily life, and so to live it through this story was really cool. The hair care and the attention to detail and the bonding over the simple act of helping a loved one with their hair… that’s important. Reading something you’re not familiar with is an incredible chance to learn and grow. We should always chase that and continue that chase.
“He paused, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. “Some women are more moth than butterfly,” he continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper, as he cupped her chin, tilting her face up. “I’m not afraid of the darkness that follows you . . . Unveil your mosaic wings for me. You’ve been buried in the darkness, but instead of being lost, you thrived.”
His thumb traced the curve of her cheek, delicious heat spreading through her at the contact. “The dark means stars and moonlight . . . You shine golden in the moonlight; you thrive under the glow of the stars, Lore. You are worthy of adoration. Let me adore you.”
This is one of the most romantic stories I have ever read. And the fact that there’s a scene where Lore said she wasn’t hungry and Finn got himself some food and he came back and started eating and she licked her lips and he smirked and reached in his pack for a second helping of food because he KNEW even though she said she wasn’t hungry… that’s girl talk for OF COURSE I’M HUNGRY!! I can’t.
Also Lore gets her period and period talk is so important. I feel like I could just start screaming at you with how important this whole story is. How it’s written is important. What is expressed is important. Being a women is important and what we go through is important as well. I won’t scream that at you… but I want to.
I’m really sad this story is over but I feel a little more whole and complete after experiencing it. There’s only one thing I’m a little sad about that…trust me… you’ll know it when you read it. But I’ve already personally messaged Analeigh about my grievances and we had a good laugh.
“It is hope that will fuel the fires of change.” I can’t recommend this duology enough.
Lore of the Tides… blew me away.
This is an epic adventure about saving the ones you love and making hard choices. It kind of reminds me of dungeons and dragons. There’s found family, mystical beings, the magic is insanely cool, and the love… triangle… help.
Lore is in search of a magical book and it takes her on a journey across the ocean’s magical and mysterious depths.
There’s betrayal and hidden identities and… the love triangle. How many times do I have to say that this book will rip your heart out and stomp on it and dangle something… incredible in front of you and then be like… nope… suffer more. It’s a lot. But it’s so much fun. I flew through this book. I cried at the end. Actually, I cried a lot during this book.
Lore is the female main character of my dreams. She’s so strong. She takes up space. She believes in love and kindness. She’s willing to forgive, but she also protects herself and her peace.
“She yearned for the luxury of trust.” That quote. I had to sit with that for a minute.
This book is pure fantasy and magic but the topics dealt with are heavy and important. “That’s the thing about power, Lore, is that for those who seek it, there can never be enough.”
The men. THE MEN IN THIS BOOK. I bow down to you Analeigh… you knew what you were doing. “He called you a witch, so I broke his jaw.” Yep. The standard ladies. Say less.
Ok also little things like Lore cleans her teeth when she’s freshening up in this book. When have you ever read of dental hygiene in a book? I loved it so much!
Analeigh’s writing is also laugh out loud funny. This quote of Lore sitting on the couch had me cackling. “Lore extracted herself from the cushioned couch, which was so comfortable that she was half convinced it was sentient and had been slowly trying to eat her, to get a closer look.” LOLOLOL
Feminine rage anyone? It’s here. There’s a scene that happens on the ship that will stay with me forever. The rage, the betrayal, the hopelessness and how unfair the situation is will make your blood boil.
The writing in this book is so beautiful it will make you sob. I can’t stop thinking about this quote. “In that moment, they were ships passing in a typhoon, each locked in their own tempestuous voyage. His heart was an unknowable vessel, one without a flag or standard, no insight to articulate, with certainty, the veracity of where he stood. Her own heart ached for the storm to subside. For safe harbor.”
There’s some “good girl” moments that will make you swoon and fall over. I sure did.
Lore’s hair is different from my own, and it needs oils and there’s the aspect of braiding it as well which I’m unfamiliar with. There’s a scene where Finn asks Lore if he can braid her hair because he knows how and used to braid his sister’s and it made me teary eyed. This is your reminder to continue to read diversely. This isn’t something I need to think about in my daily life, and so to live it through this story was really cool. The hair care and the attention to detail and the bonding over the simple act of helping a loved one with their hair… that’s important. Reading something you’re not familiar with is an incredible chance to learn and grow. We should always chase that and continue that chase.
“He paused, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. “Some women are more moth than butterfly,” he continued, his voice dropping to a near whisper, as he cupped her chin, tilting her face up. “I’m not afraid of the darkness that follows you . . . Unveil your mosaic wings for me. You’ve been buried in the darkness, but instead of being lost, you thrived.”
His thumb traced the curve of her cheek, delicious heat spreading through her at the contact. “The dark means stars and moonlight . . . You shine golden in the moonlight; you thrive under the glow of the stars, Lore. You are worthy of adoration. Let me adore you.”
This is one of the most romantic stories I have ever read. And the fact that there’s a scene where Lore said she wasn’t hungry and Finn got himself some food and he came back and started eating and she licked her lips and he smirked and reached in his pack for a second helping of food because he KNEW even though she said she wasn’t hungry… that’s girl talk for OF COURSE I’M HUNGRY!! I can’t.
Also Lore gets her period and period talk is so important. I feel like I could just start screaming at you with how important this whole story is. How it’s written is important. What is expressed is important. Being a women is important and what we go through is important as well. I won’t scream that at you… but I want to.
I’m really sad this story is over but I feel a little more whole and complete after experiencing it. There’s only one thing I’m a little sad about that…trust me… you’ll know it when you read it. But I’ve already personally messaged Analeigh about my grievances and we had a good laugh.
“It is hope that will fuel the fires of change.” I can’t recommend this duology enough.
July 8, 2025
Lore of the Tides (Lore of the Wilds #2) by Analeigh Sbrana
Lore Alemeyu wakes up to discover she’s on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Held prisoner and with no way to escape, she’s faced with a dire set of circumstances…
A crew that’s distrustful of Lore’s magic capabilities…
Her betrayal by a Fae she thought she could trust…
A dangerous quest for the sun book, which, if placed in the wrong hands, will make the Alytherian Fae even more powerful.
Rating: *****
Feels: Adventurous, Curious, Anxious, Peaceful
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Magic, Fae
First published : July 8, 2025 : 464 pages Kindle
Loved continuing on this journey with Lore. New adventures, new people to adore and all the previous people I was anxious to find out what would happen with them. Lore growing and exploring her powers was so much fun to read. This was a book I wanted to be able to devote some time to without interruption as I really enjoy the storytelling style of the author. I enjoyed diving deeper into the mindset of Lore, Syrelle and Finn. I love how multi dimensional the characters are. Love finding out what motivates and makes each of the characters Tick. Definitely loved the new kingdom we got to explore !!! (No spoilers ) The adventures, how each of them chose to face each trial, what they chose as important to them, it was illuminating to each character. The ending definitely had me tense but then I loved that I felt everything got wrapped up and there was resolution. Really enjoyed this as a duology.
Favorite Quote: "The dark means stars and moonlight ... You shine golden in the moonlight; you thrive under the glow of the stars, Lore. You are worthy of adoration. Unveil your mosaic wings for me. Let me adore you."
This book has:
Strong FMC
Morally Grey MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Love Triangle
Found Family
Hidden Identify
Politics
Cool Magic System
Lore Alemeyu wakes up to discover she’s on a ship in the middle of the ocean. Held prisoner and with no way to escape, she’s faced with a dire set of circumstances…
A crew that’s distrustful of Lore’s magic capabilities…
Her betrayal by a Fae she thought she could trust…
A dangerous quest for the sun book, which, if placed in the wrong hands, will make the Alytherian Fae even more powerful.
Rating: *****
Feels: Adventurous, Curious, Anxious, Peaceful
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Magic, Fae
First published : July 8, 2025 : 464 pages Kindle
Loved continuing on this journey with Lore. New adventures, new people to adore and all the previous people I was anxious to find out what would happen with them. Lore growing and exploring her powers was so much fun to read. This was a book I wanted to be able to devote some time to without interruption as I really enjoy the storytelling style of the author. I enjoyed diving deeper into the mindset of Lore, Syrelle and Finn. I love how multi dimensional the characters are. Love finding out what motivates and makes each of the characters Tick. Definitely loved the new kingdom we got to explore !!! (No spoilers ) The adventures, how each of them chose to face each trial, what they chose as important to them, it was illuminating to each character. The ending definitely had me tense but then I loved that I felt everything got wrapped up and there was resolution. Really enjoyed this as a duology.
Favorite Quote: "The dark means stars and moonlight ... You shine golden in the moonlight; you thrive under the glow of the stars, Lore. You are worthy of adoration. Unveil your mosaic wings for me. Let me adore you."
This book has:
Strong FMC
Morally Grey MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Love Triangle
Found Family
Hidden Identify
Politics
Cool Magic System
June 30, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free audio arc in exchange for an honest review.
I was not blown away by the first book, but I figured I would give the second a try to see if the story improved. Unfortunately, it did not. I felt rather bored throughout the story, and the entire plot was very all over the place. Also, while I like YA books, this is marketed as an adult romantasy, but minus the explicit scenes, it reads a little too young adult, and the writing did not flow well. Adding the smut scenes just made it extremely awkward. The magic system is lacking in explanation, and things are often so convenient that it's just not believable. The romance was also quite dull with little development. Give the books a try as you may like them, but I personally wish I had passed on this duology.
I was not blown away by the first book, but I figured I would give the second a try to see if the story improved. Unfortunately, it did not. I felt rather bored throughout the story, and the entire plot was very all over the place. Also, while I like YA books, this is marketed as an adult romantasy, but minus the explicit scenes, it reads a little too young adult, and the writing did not flow well. Adding the smut scenes just made it extremely awkward. The magic system is lacking in explanation, and things are often so convenient that it's just not believable. The romance was also quite dull with little development. Give the books a try as you may like them, but I personally wish I had passed on this duology.
May 12, 2025
2.25/5
I read Lore of the Wilds in early 2024. I described it as a middle-of-the-road experience, but I felt hopeful that the story under this debut author would improve with experience. Unfortunately, this did not prove to be the case. Lore of the Tides felt very rushed to me. Who knows how many years it took the author to sculpt their debut; it is evident that enough time was not given to develop this sequel.
Pacing
The pacing was abysmal for the first third of this novel. Lore's internal monologue felt incredibly cyclic. It often took a page to describe emotions that she had described just ten pages earlier. I understand this was an attempt to represent a push and pull in her relationship with Syrelle. Unfortunately, it had the consequence of making Lore appear petulant and uninquisitive.
Romance
After the betrayal of Asher/Syrelle in the previous novel, I wasn't shocked that Finn moved to the forefront as the romantic lead. What I was surprised by was his complete loss of personality. He seemed to have become an opinionless puppet whose only purpose in the plot was to flirt with Lore. There was no deep conversation, no disagreements, and no chemistry. Frankly, for a romantsy novel, this is such an important aspect to be so woefully underwritten. To develop sexual chemistry, it seemed that they would flirt in the most inappropriate situations, undercutting the seriousness of the moment. A half-hearted conflict about leaving him behind was created. I didn't feel worried or invested as it was obvious that Finnadryl would agree to whatever Lore wanted and follow her anywhere. There was the tantalizing suggestion that she could have had both Syrelle and Finnadryl. But, besides an acknowledgment of some feelings for both, this didn't go anywhere (understandably).
The Plot
The Lavender Lark
The first portion of the book is related to Lore's captivity on the ship. There is no good reason or explanation for why Syrelle also kidnaps Finnadryl, except that he is involved in the rest of the story and is the primary love interest. There were some bright spots here. The scene where Lore scryed for the second book was fascinating and almost disturbing. Learning about Syrelle's family, and the crafting of the persona of Asher, was more interesting than anything else that happened to a character in this novel. It almost made me wish that the novel was about his backstory and how he got so twisted trying to get revenge and do what was right. The scene where the crew attempts to murder Lore was excellent. I especially enjoyed the moments where she used the life around her to fuel her magic. It had the same grounding in nature that I loved in the first novel. Unfortunately, this is the last time I can remember enjoying how her magic was described.
The Sunken Garden
The titular tides; I suppose. I am a huge fan of mermaids, sirens, and underwater fantasy, but, this section was underwritten. After they received a magical water-breathing kiss, they might as well have been on land. Almost no effort was made to relate the differences in the setting. They moved, breathed, ate, and acted as though it was land with, very few exceptions. There was even a sex scene where I was almost intrigued to see how being deep underwater would change the writing. Alas, it felt exactly like the scenes before and after it.
The conflict of reigniting the pearl to save the Siren Kingdom felt utterly without stakes and, I had no doubt for even a moment that they would be successful. It honestly felt more like a plumbing issue than a magical one. Lore uses this access to the Source to break Finnadryl's curse without his permission and without any consequence. I almost wished he could have woken up without magic. How disappointing and interesting and moving that might have been.
The Book of Sunbeams
Briefly, they go to another continent to find the Aurodel and through a series of riddles pretty much find a book lost for millennia in under a week. Boring.
Duskmere and the King
By this point, I was thoroughly fed up. The book lacked urgency and it was obvious that good would triumph with no losses, Syrelle would be king, and Lore and Finn would sail off into the sunset together. And so it was. The King's powerful magic being drawn from the humans that he had brought there for that explicit purpose was so interesting yet undercut by the rushed pacing.
Lines that made me cringe
"Fuck-ass ship"
"Unveil your mosaic wings for me."
"You've turned bitter, Syrelle, and I've just gotten better."
I felt like I could see the buds of so many interesting ideas. Unfortunately, they weren't allowed to flourish and, it is to this novel's detriment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
I read Lore of the Wilds in early 2024. I described it as a middle-of-the-road experience, but I felt hopeful that the story under this debut author would improve with experience. Unfortunately, this did not prove to be the case. Lore of the Tides felt very rushed to me. Who knows how many years it took the author to sculpt their debut; it is evident that enough time was not given to develop this sequel.
Pacing
The pacing was abysmal for the first third of this novel. Lore's internal monologue felt incredibly cyclic. It often took a page to describe emotions that she had described just ten pages earlier. I understand this was an attempt to represent a push and pull in her relationship with Syrelle. Unfortunately, it had the consequence of making Lore appear petulant and uninquisitive.
Romance
After the betrayal of Asher/Syrelle in the previous novel, I wasn't shocked that Finn moved to the forefront as the romantic lead. What I was surprised by was his complete loss of personality. He seemed to have become an opinionless puppet whose only purpose in the plot was to flirt with Lore. There was no deep conversation, no disagreements, and no chemistry. Frankly, for a romantsy novel, this is such an important aspect to be so woefully underwritten. To develop sexual chemistry, it seemed that they would flirt in the most inappropriate situations, undercutting the seriousness of the moment. A half-hearted conflict about leaving him behind was created. I didn't feel worried or invested as it was obvious that Finnadryl would agree to whatever Lore wanted and follow her anywhere. There was the tantalizing suggestion that she could have had both Syrelle and Finnadryl. But, besides an acknowledgment of some feelings for both, this didn't go anywhere (understandably).
The Plot
The Lavender Lark
The first portion of the book is related to Lore's captivity on the ship. There is no good reason or explanation for why Syrelle also kidnaps Finnadryl, except that he is involved in the rest of the story and is the primary love interest. There were some bright spots here. The scene where Lore scryed for the second book was fascinating and almost disturbing. Learning about Syrelle's family, and the crafting of the persona of Asher, was more interesting than anything else that happened to a character in this novel. It almost made me wish that the novel was about his backstory and how he got so twisted trying to get revenge and do what was right. The scene where the crew attempts to murder Lore was excellent. I especially enjoyed the moments where she used the life around her to fuel her magic. It had the same grounding in nature that I loved in the first novel. Unfortunately, this is the last time I can remember enjoying how her magic was described.
The Sunken Garden
The titular tides; I suppose. I am a huge fan of mermaids, sirens, and underwater fantasy, but, this section was underwritten. After they received a magical water-breathing kiss, they might as well have been on land. Almost no effort was made to relate the differences in the setting. They moved, breathed, ate, and acted as though it was land with, very few exceptions. There was even a sex scene where I was almost intrigued to see how being deep underwater would change the writing. Alas, it felt exactly like the scenes before and after it.
The conflict of reigniting the pearl to save the Siren Kingdom felt utterly without stakes and, I had no doubt for even a moment that they would be successful. It honestly felt more like a plumbing issue than a magical one. Lore uses this access to the Source to break Finnadryl's curse without his permission and without any consequence. I almost wished he could have woken up without magic. How disappointing and interesting and moving that might have been.
The Book of Sunbeams
Briefly, they go to another continent to find the Aurodel and through a series of riddles pretty much find a book lost for millennia in under a week. Boring.
Duskmere and the King
By this point, I was thoroughly fed up. The book lacked urgency and it was obvious that good would triumph with no losses, Syrelle would be king, and Lore and Finn would sail off into the sunset together. And so it was. The King's powerful magic being drawn from the humans that he had brought there for that explicit purpose was so interesting yet undercut by the rushed pacing.
Lines that made me cringe
"Fuck-ass ship"
"Unveil your mosaic wings for me."
"You've turned bitter, Syrelle, and I've just gotten better."
I felt like I could see the buds of so many interesting ideas. Unfortunately, they weren't allowed to flourish and, it is to this novel's detriment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC. This review contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 15, 2025This was a solid conclusion to the duology and was a definite step up in terms of consistent tone and pacing throughout the book! Lore wakes up aboard a ship and continues a quest to find a missing grimoire, and must decide between love interests after a shocking revelation at the end of book 1. It's very action-packed and gets quite steamy as well! It was a pleasant surprise as sophomore novels often fall off in quality rather than improving upon previous work in the way this did. If you want to know what happens I definitely recommend picking this up! It's a satisfying conclusion to the story with fairly consistent execution. The audio narration is done well! I received an audio review copy via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
August 4, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC! All opinions remain my own.
I was sucked into Analeigh Sbrana's world in Lore of the Wilds, and hadddd to know how things ended in Lore of the Tides. This book takes us on a wild ride, with Lore navigating undersea politics and a love triangle, all while trying to find the sun book so she can help her people. It was whimsical, it was adventurous, it was romantic, and it plot twists I did not see coming. What a fantastic conclusion!
I was sucked into Analeigh Sbrana's world in Lore of the Wilds, and hadddd to know how things ended in Lore of the Tides. This book takes us on a wild ride, with Lore navigating undersea politics and a love triangle, all while trying to find the sun book so she can help her people. It was whimsical, it was adventurous, it was romantic, and it plot twists I did not see coming. What a fantastic conclusion!
April 14, 2025
I didn’t think this story could get any better and the author proved me wrong. Lore of the wilds has one of the best love triangles that I have ever read and if you read book one you know that the “decision” was up in the air.
Well this book answered our questions and then some. This story took us on new adventures, and the new characters that are introduced are unique. I loved every second of this book.
Well this book answered our questions and then some. This story took us on new adventures, and the new characters that are introduced are unique. I loved every second of this book.
July 12, 2025
Lore of Tides by Analeigh Sbrana
-the adventure was fun, full of drama and action but I still couldn’t get into it like Lore of the wilds, I love the concepts but I don’t feel connected or in the book as much I thought I would this was a fun read tho I loved the story telling there was missing something to make feel really into it.
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
-the adventure was fun, full of drama and action but I still couldn’t get into it like Lore of the wilds, I love the concepts but I don’t feel connected or in the book as much I thought I would this was a fun read tho I loved the story telling there was missing something to make feel really into it.
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 5, 2025
DNF @ 50% - I desperately wanted to like this book as I thoroughly enjoyed the first book.
That being said, this one just felt disjointed and seemingly lost the plot. The true nail in the coffin was realizing how poorly edited this was. I just could not push through this as hard as I tried.
To be clear - I am aware this is an unedited proof. But this was beyond the standard level. Along with that, a majority of what I am talking about should have been caught in an earlier round for continuity and flow, not just grammar and spelling mistakes. It read like a first draft vs a copy that is far enough along for advance reader copies.
The plot of this book seems as though it should have been a different story vs continuing the one she initially had.
The tone and language in the book seemingly shifted drastically from the first book to this one. The sex scene was far more in detail than the first book and felt rushed and didn’t fit the tone of the story.
This author and story have so much potential, I truly think this is an editor fault as they should have been the one to catch all the disjointed issues.
As I did DNF this, I cannot say as to if it got better as the story went on, but at 50% I just couldn’t push through anymore.
That being said, I am excited to see what the author puts out next but this one just was not for me.
That being said, this one just felt disjointed and seemingly lost the plot. The true nail in the coffin was realizing how poorly edited this was. I just could not push through this as hard as I tried.
To be clear - I am aware this is an unedited proof. But this was beyond the standard level. Along with that, a majority of what I am talking about should have been caught in an earlier round for continuity and flow, not just grammar and spelling mistakes. It read like a first draft vs a copy that is far enough along for advance reader copies.
The plot of this book seems as though it should have been a different story vs continuing the one she initially had.
The tone and language in the book seemingly shifted drastically from the first book to this one. The sex scene was far more in detail than the first book and felt rushed and didn’t fit the tone of the story.
This author and story have so much potential, I truly think this is an editor fault as they should have been the one to catch all the disjointed issues.
As I did DNF this, I cannot say as to if it got better as the story went on, but at 50% I just couldn’t push through anymore.
That being said, I am excited to see what the author puts out next but this one just was not for me.
July 18, 2025
she ended up with the wrong man
July 10, 2025
What an ending!
Lore of the Tides packs a lot of action and drama into its relatively short narrative, and so much of this was fun to read. Analeigh Sbrana is a skilled storyteller who is able to present colorful imagery, longing, and belonging in believable ways that feel realistic and exciting.
However, there were way too many characters in this book, and way too many things went down. I know that sounds crazy to say, but it was so incredibly difficult to keep track of everything and everyone, and it made me realize if I hadn't reread Lore of the Wilds earlier this month I would've been even more lost. Despite everything under the sun going wrong for Lore and her being in nonstop danger, things are relatively "easy" or low stakes in that they are very, very quickly resolved. The storyline with the new kingdom was confusing/a very long side quest, and I never understood the magic, how/why Lore had this magic, what it meant for her to have this magic, and why she needed to be killed for it. Like, in theory, yeah…she has powers typically only fae do, but why do these super powerful, oppressive fae give a damn about lil ol Lore? LOL.
I still feel like the love triangle wasn't believable. In this book, the dynamic shifts to the other MMC, Finn, and less away from Asher/Syrelle. Which would've been fine, except we're suddenly told that Finn was totally just putting on about hating Lore in Lore of the Wilds, and suddenly Asher is public enemy #1 because of his big, bad lie, and it just didn't feel organic. Finn was a more loving love interest than Asher to be sure, but I just did not buy his 180 pivot.
There are shaky world politics but very strong, very well-done commentary on oppressive forces and g*nocide, which are very important topics for present day. With that said, I really do feel like this would have shone more in the YA space. Lore is strong and takes up space and she is fueled by feminine rage, but her sheltered nature, lack of confidence, and desires for her own life felt very boxed-in and naive. The spice was a little uncomfy because of how young the characters read—at least it was for me. There was also a scene where Lore talks about being on her period—the topic largely ignored in the fantasies I've read, so I appreciated this—but something about the scene really cemented how young Lore felt for me. I don't necessarily think the characters being so young-coded is a bad thing, but it doesn't feel like what was marketed.
If you're into fast-paced, action-packed, cozy adult fantasy with library/book love and a FMC who shakes the table simply by existing, give this duology a try!
Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
3 ⭐️s
2 🌶️
Lore of the Tides packs a lot of action and drama into its relatively short narrative, and so much of this was fun to read. Analeigh Sbrana is a skilled storyteller who is able to present colorful imagery, longing, and belonging in believable ways that feel realistic and exciting.
However, there were way too many characters in this book, and way too many things went down. I know that sounds crazy to say, but it was so incredibly difficult to keep track of everything and everyone, and it made me realize if I hadn't reread Lore of the Wilds earlier this month I would've been even more lost. Despite everything under the sun going wrong for Lore and her being in nonstop danger, things are relatively "easy" or low stakes in that they are very, very quickly resolved. The storyline with the new kingdom was confusing/a very long side quest, and I never understood the magic, how/why Lore had this magic, what it meant for her to have this magic, and why she needed to be killed for it. Like, in theory, yeah…she has powers typically only fae do, but why do these super powerful, oppressive fae give a damn about lil ol Lore? LOL.
I still feel like the love triangle wasn't believable. In this book, the dynamic shifts to the other MMC, Finn, and less away from Asher/Syrelle. Which would've been fine, except we're suddenly told that Finn was totally just putting on about hating Lore in Lore of the Wilds, and suddenly Asher is public enemy #1 because of his big, bad lie, and it just didn't feel organic. Finn was a more loving love interest than Asher to be sure, but I just did not buy his 180 pivot.
There are shaky world politics but very strong, very well-done commentary on oppressive forces and g*nocide, which are very important topics for present day. With that said, I really do feel like this would have shone more in the YA space. Lore is strong and takes up space and she is fueled by feminine rage, but her sheltered nature, lack of confidence, and desires for her own life felt very boxed-in and naive. The spice was a little uncomfy because of how young the characters read—at least it was for me. There was also a scene where Lore talks about being on her period—the topic largely ignored in the fantasies I've read, so I appreciated this—but something about the scene really cemented how young Lore felt for me. I don't necessarily think the characters being so young-coded is a bad thing, but it doesn't feel like what was marketed.
If you're into fast-paced, action-packed, cozy adult fantasy with library/book love and a FMC who shakes the table simply by existing, give this duology a try!
Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
3 ⭐️s
2 🌶️
June 25, 2025
I was really looking forward to this because I was intrigued with where the story was headed after the ending of the first book. I like that this is a duology and isn't dragged out. Unfortunately, I did not like this. The plot was boring. The romance fizzled out dramatically. There was no tension with either of the MMCs. I was cringing pretty hard at the dialogue. I also was not a fan of the writing. *Please note this is just my opinion. You might love it. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for an e-arc.
July 7, 2025
4.3 ⭐️ and 3 🌶️
🖤Fae and Magic ✨
🖤Strong FMC - FEMININE RAGE
🖤LOVE TRIANGLE that will make your chest ache
🖤Found Family
🖤Political Intrigue
🖤BIPOC author/Rep
Spoiler free, as always! Out of complete honesty, Lore of the Wilds had to walk so that Lore of the Tides could run. I enjoyed every piece of this from the character development to the political intrigue to the spicy moments. It was incredibly well balanced, well-paced, and enjoyable to read. I feel like the author took this novel and RAN with it in an exciting and exhilarating way, that gave me no choice but to keep reading and reading.
Thank you to the author, @Netgalley, and @harpervoyager for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
🖤Fae and Magic ✨
🖤Strong FMC - FEMININE RAGE
🖤LOVE TRIANGLE that will make your chest ache
🖤Found Family
🖤Political Intrigue
🖤BIPOC author/Rep
Spoiler free, as always! Out of complete honesty, Lore of the Wilds had to walk so that Lore of the Tides could run. I enjoyed every piece of this from the character development to the political intrigue to the spicy moments. It was incredibly well balanced, well-paced, and enjoyable to read. I feel like the author took this novel and RAN with it in an exciting and exhilarating way, that gave me no choice but to keep reading and reading.
Thank you to the author, @Netgalley, and @harpervoyager for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this finale to the duology of Lore and her adventure . Learning how to control her magic going from being a mortal then, having Faye, take her to a library where she all of a sudden opens a book and gets magic and then the people that she trusted most end up being her enemy, and our girl wakes up on a boat for her first time ever in the middle of the ocean, she’s been out for days and now she’s the only mortal on the boat and they’re trying to find the second half of this book that she opened and she alone controls so they want to control her so she can control the book and let me tell you there’s so much enemies to lovers to found family to plot twist and everything in between and the best part was she wrapped this up so wonderfully but I still think we should have more stories and adventures from lore
January 22, 2026
Not gonna hold ya, I forgot most of Lore of the Wild’s plot, but 🙃☝🏽 that didn’t take away from any of my appreciation of this second book.
This was such a good closing to this series!!! I was pretty locked in from the jump. I loved getting to pick back up exactly where book 1 left off and seeing Lore continue in her epic quest. It was so cool seeing Lore grow with her powers, traverse around the underwater kingdom, and save her people. I also really loved the romance in this book particularly. It was pretty spicy tbh 🤭💕🙂↕️ and Lore’s love triangle had me going through it lol. But I’m so happy w with who she ends up with 🥰
This was such a good closing to this series!!! I was pretty locked in from the jump. I loved getting to pick back up exactly where book 1 left off and seeing Lore continue in her epic quest. It was so cool seeing Lore grow with her powers, traverse around the underwater kingdom, and save her people. I also really loved the romance in this book particularly. It was pretty spicy tbh 🤭💕🙂↕️ and Lore’s love triangle had me going through it lol. But I’m so happy w with who she ends up with 🥰
July 20, 2025
I loved this continuation of Lore’s story. Lore of the tides left me on such a cliffhanger and I couldn’t wait to dive into this one! It did not disappoint and I personally liked it even better than the first book. The romance was built perfectly and the adventures she goes on were so fun. Can’t wait to see what Analeigh writes next!
April 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC!
2 stars flat. I didn't love the first book in this series but I had hope that the writing would get better in the second book. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I had so many issues with this book. The writing just felt so juvenile for no reason. I'm not even sure how old the FMC is supposed to be but she reads like a naive and clueless 18 year old. The MMCs were slightly better but their use of "good girl" actually made me want to vomit. The dialogue itself didn't feel right either, regardless of the phrases that didn't seem to fit in, nothing flowed well.
Here is a short list of the most annoying parts of this book:
1. The use of ellipses. I swear there were times that there were 8+ on a kindle page. I'm sorry, but this is a horrible choice especially when it came to the dialogue. Tell me why there were three ellipses in a single dialogue sentence. It's unnecessary and ruins the flow! No one speaks like that either.
2. The overuse of the word "hush" why are all of these characters constantly hushing each other??? It was giving me school teacher vibes and these are supposed to be villains saying it? I will give you Lore. She seems like the type. But the others? No.
3. The use of "kiddos" was so goddamn annoying. No one was capable of saying kids or children, it was always kiddos???? Not to mention human and fae said it. I'm assuming they're all a bunch of millennials. I'm surprised I didn't read the word doggo in here too.
4. "Good girl" I'm sorry but there is a time and place and this was NOT it. It felt so wrong every single time it was said.
5. Authors need to do a simple google search of the difference between venomous and poisonous. I have DNF'd books solely for the reason of getting it wrong and I WISH I would have done that in this but no, I had to push through only for the words to be used interchangeably. THEY'RE NOT INTERCHANGABLE, PLEASE USE GOOGLE. ITS FREE! I will not get off my soap box for this.
6. I don't understand the magic system (or lack thereof) and I found everything to just be too convenient (
2 stars flat. I didn't love the first book in this series but I had hope that the writing would get better in the second book. Unfortunately, I was wrong. I had so many issues with this book. The writing just felt so juvenile for no reason. I'm not even sure how old the FMC is supposed to be but she reads like a naive and clueless 18 year old. The MMCs were slightly better but their use of "good girl" actually made me want to vomit. The dialogue itself didn't feel right either, regardless of the phrases that didn't seem to fit in, nothing flowed well.
Here is a short list of the most annoying parts of this book:
1. The use of ellipses. I swear there were times that there were 8+ on a kindle page. I'm sorry, but this is a horrible choice especially when it came to the dialogue. Tell me why there were three ellipses in a single dialogue sentence. It's unnecessary and ruins the flow! No one speaks like that either.
2. The overuse of the word "hush" why are all of these characters constantly hushing each other??? It was giving me school teacher vibes and these are supposed to be villains saying it? I will give you Lore. She seems like the type. But the others? No.
3. The use of "kiddos" was so goddamn annoying. No one was capable of saying kids or children, it was always kiddos???? Not to mention human and fae said it. I'm assuming they're all a bunch of millennials. I'm surprised I didn't read the word doggo in here too.
4. "Good girl" I'm sorry but there is a time and place and this was NOT it. It felt so wrong every single time it was said.
5. Authors need to do a simple google search of the difference between venomous and poisonous. I have DNF'd books solely for the reason of getting it wrong and I WISH I would have done that in this but no, I had to push through only for the words to be used interchangeably. THEY'RE NOT INTERCHANGABLE, PLEASE USE GOOGLE. ITS FREE! I will not get off my soap box for this.
6. I don't understand the magic system (or lack thereof) and I found everything to just be too convenient (
August 23, 2025
⭐ Summary
Lore of the Tides picks up right where Lore of the Wilds left off, plunging us deeper into Lore’s world of fae magic, betrayal, and survival. This time, the ocean itself becomes a battlefield as Lore is thrust into the schemes of Asher and Syrelle, the pull of Finndryl, and the dangerous quest for the sun book. New realms like the sirens’ underwater kingdom expand the worldbuilding, adding layers of danger and wonder. The stakes are higher, the betrayals cut deeper, and Lore’s magic and heart are tested more than ever.
⸻
✨ Tropes & Vibes ✨
🧜♀️ Sirens & underwater kingdoms
⚔️ Betrayal & hidden agendas
💔 Yearning + complicated love interests
🔥 Found inner strength & power growth
🤝 Enemies-to-allies (slow trust)
👑 Fascinating, morally gray royals
🌊 High-stakes magical quest
👀 Justice for Asher (needs his own book!)
⸻
💭 My Review
This sequel gave me everything I wanted from book one. The pacing was sharper, the worldbuilding more vivid, and the character arcs hit so well.
I’d honestly read an entire spinoff just about the sirens and the underwater kingdom. The Queen in particular was such a standout, and I’m still thinking about her. Finndryl was someone I wasn’t sure about at first, but watching his relationship with Lore grow was so satisfying. Their bond felt earned, layered, and messy in the best way.
And then there’s Asher. My heart breaks for him. I truly hope he gets another book or novella because his story, especially the hints about his uncle, deserves more exploration.
One of my favorite parts of this duology is how much Lore grows into her own power. By the end, she isn’t just surviving, she’s wielding her strength fully, and it was so rewarding to see. The magic system felt more refined, and the character dynamics had the weight and payoff I had been waiting for.
Overall, Lore of the Tides was the perfect conclusion. It felt like the author really let this one cook, and the result was a story full of memorable moments, heart, and magic. 🌊✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC!
Lore of the Tides picks up right where Lore of the Wilds left off, plunging us deeper into Lore’s world of fae magic, betrayal, and survival. This time, the ocean itself becomes a battlefield as Lore is thrust into the schemes of Asher and Syrelle, the pull of Finndryl, and the dangerous quest for the sun book. New realms like the sirens’ underwater kingdom expand the worldbuilding, adding layers of danger and wonder. The stakes are higher, the betrayals cut deeper, and Lore’s magic and heart are tested more than ever.
⸻
✨ Tropes & Vibes ✨
🧜♀️ Sirens & underwater kingdoms
⚔️ Betrayal & hidden agendas
💔 Yearning + complicated love interests
🔥 Found inner strength & power growth
🤝 Enemies-to-allies (slow trust)
👑 Fascinating, morally gray royals
🌊 High-stakes magical quest
👀 Justice for Asher (needs his own book!)
⸻
💭 My Review
This sequel gave me everything I wanted from book one. The pacing was sharper, the worldbuilding more vivid, and the character arcs hit so well.
I’d honestly read an entire spinoff just about the sirens and the underwater kingdom. The Queen in particular was such a standout, and I’m still thinking about her. Finndryl was someone I wasn’t sure about at first, but watching his relationship with Lore grow was so satisfying. Their bond felt earned, layered, and messy in the best way.
And then there’s Asher. My heart breaks for him. I truly hope he gets another book or novella because his story, especially the hints about his uncle, deserves more exploration.
One of my favorite parts of this duology is how much Lore grows into her own power. By the end, she isn’t just surviving, she’s wielding her strength fully, and it was so rewarding to see. The magic system felt more refined, and the character dynamics had the weight and payoff I had been waiting for.
Overall, Lore of the Tides was the perfect conclusion. It felt like the author really let this one cook, and the result was a story full of memorable moments, heart, and magic. 🌊✨
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC!
August 24, 2025
Thank you Harper Voyager for a gifted copy.
ONE GIANT SIDE QUEST.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I desperately wanted to love this more than book one but feel about the same for both books. What’s funny is the least frustrating piece of this was the love triangle. I actually didn’t mind it (did it go the way I want???? Well IYKYK) but I at least could see the thought process and enduring relationship between Lore and who she ends up with.
The book started off well but then when they went below the waves it began to feel like a side quest. As if the original plot line wasn’t strong enough to carry all of book two so adding in this tangent was supposed to fill in some gaps and all it did was add space for spicy scenes.
I did enjoy the audiobook a lot and there were some endearing scenes and moments. I would read another book by this author. I’m kind of hoping a fresh series will be the click for me.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: 4+ open door
- Violence: high
ONE GIANT SIDE QUEST.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I desperately wanted to love this more than book one but feel about the same for both books. What’s funny is the least frustrating piece of this was the love triangle. I actually didn’t mind it (did it go the way I want???? Well IYKYK) but I at least could see the thought process and enduring relationship between Lore and who she ends up with.
The book started off well but then when they went below the waves it began to feel like a side quest. As if the original plot line wasn’t strong enough to carry all of book two so adding in this tangent was supposed to fill in some gaps and all it did was add space for spicy scenes.
I did enjoy the audiobook a lot and there were some endearing scenes and moments. I would read another book by this author. I’m kind of hoping a fresh series will be the click for me.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: strong
- Romance: 4+ open door
- Violence: high
July 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for early access to this book in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately, Lore of the Tides just didn’t work for me. I was intrigued by the premise and had high hopes after enjoying the first book, but this sequel fell flat. The pacing felt rushed, the plot was often confusing, and the emotional stakes just didn’t land the way I expected. It lacked the magic and depth of the first book, and I struggled to stay engaged. While I’m disappointed, I still appreciate the chance to read and review it.
Unfortunately, Lore of the Tides just didn’t work for me. I was intrigued by the premise and had high hopes after enjoying the first book, but this sequel fell flat. The pacing felt rushed, the plot was often confusing, and the emotional stakes just didn’t land the way I expected. It lacked the magic and depth of the first book, and I struggled to stay engaged. While I’m disappointed, I still appreciate the chance to read and review it.
August 3, 2025
3,75 - 4 ⭐️
Bis 70% hab ich es wieder absolut geliebt. Bin einfach durch die Seiten geflogen. Es ist einfach so unterhaltsam. Perfekt um einen aus der leseflaute zu holen. Die letzten 25-30% fand ich leider nicht mehr so toll. Das Ende sollte spannend sein und der Höhepunkt der Geschichte. Hier haben wir bei 88% noch zu lesen bekommen welche Zutaten sie aus welchem Grund in ihre Suppe tut und die Finalen Seiten wurden für eine letzte spice Szene genutzt was absolut unnötig war, weil die Geschichte ja schon zu Ende erzählt war 🫠 dafür hatten wir kaum Zeit für die Planung und Ausführung des Sturzes des Tyrannen König 🥲 also alles in allem hat es mir sehr gefallen hätte mir gewünscht dass am Ende die Prioritäten anders gelegt worden wären
Bis 70% hab ich es wieder absolut geliebt. Bin einfach durch die Seiten geflogen. Es ist einfach so unterhaltsam. Perfekt um einen aus der leseflaute zu holen. Die letzten 25-30% fand ich leider nicht mehr so toll. Das Ende sollte spannend sein und der Höhepunkt der Geschichte. Hier haben wir bei 88% noch zu lesen bekommen welche Zutaten sie aus welchem Grund in ihre Suppe tut und die Finalen Seiten wurden für eine letzte spice Szene genutzt was absolut unnötig war, weil die Geschichte ja schon zu Ende erzählt war 🫠 dafür hatten wir kaum Zeit für die Planung und Ausführung des Sturzes des Tyrannen König 🥲 also alles in allem hat es mir sehr gefallen hätte mir gewünscht dass am Ende die Prioritäten anders gelegt worden wären
December 8, 2025
This one took longer for me to get into ba the first book, but once I was invested, I hated that I was a human with other responsibilities besides reading. Add in the spice and I couldn’t put it down! With that said, I don’t know if I’ll continue the series as it comes out because I have other fantasy realms I’d prefer to invest into.
July 8, 2025
Book Review 📖🪼✨
Thank you so much partner @harpervoyagerus for the gifted copy!
Lore of the Tides
by Analeigh Sbrana
Narrated by Marcella Cox
About the book 👇🏽
Alice Storm hasn’t been welcome at her family’s magnificent private island off the Rhode Island coast in five years—not since she was cast out and built her life beyond the Storm name, influence, and untold billions. But the shocking death of her larger-than-life father changes everything.
Alice plans to keep her head down, pay her final respects (such as they are), and leave the minute the funeral is over. Unfortunately, her father had other plans. The eccentric, manipulative patriarch left his family a final challenge—an inheritance game designed to upend their world. The rules are clear: spend one week on the island, complete their assigned tasks, and receive the inheritance.
🪸 My thoughts:
"In that moment, they were ships passing in a typhoon, each locked in their own tempestuous voyage. His heart was an unknowable vessel, one without a flag or standard, no insight to articulate, with certainty, the veracity of where he stood. Her own heart ached for the storm to subside. For safe harbor."
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year! After reading Lore of the Wilds I seriously could not wait for book two. Finally here, and it was quickly devoured. I was curious to see where this one would take us after the first book. This one was adventurous, full of exploration, and scenes that’ll make you FEEL. And I am not just talking romantically but there was a moment where even I was angry. I have to say, Sbrana really knows how to tell a story! If you enjoy duologies that have a strong FMC, found family, and love triangles, you need to pick this one up. Lots of the Tides is out TODAY 7/8/25!
Happy reading 📖🪼✨🪸
Thank you so much partner @harpervoyagerus for the gifted copy!
Lore of the Tides
by Analeigh Sbrana
Narrated by Marcella Cox
About the book 👇🏽
Alice Storm hasn’t been welcome at her family’s magnificent private island off the Rhode Island coast in five years—not since she was cast out and built her life beyond the Storm name, influence, and untold billions. But the shocking death of her larger-than-life father changes everything.
Alice plans to keep her head down, pay her final respects (such as they are), and leave the minute the funeral is over. Unfortunately, her father had other plans. The eccentric, manipulative patriarch left his family a final challenge—an inheritance game designed to upend their world. The rules are clear: spend one week on the island, complete their assigned tasks, and receive the inheritance.
🪸 My thoughts:
"In that moment, they were ships passing in a typhoon, each locked in their own tempestuous voyage. His heart was an unknowable vessel, one without a flag or standard, no insight to articulate, with certainty, the veracity of where he stood. Her own heart ached for the storm to subside. For safe harbor."
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year! After reading Lore of the Wilds I seriously could not wait for book two. Finally here, and it was quickly devoured. I was curious to see where this one would take us after the first book. This one was adventurous, full of exploration, and scenes that’ll make you FEEL. And I am not just talking romantically but there was a moment where even I was angry. I have to say, Sbrana really knows how to tell a story! If you enjoy duologies that have a strong FMC, found family, and love triangles, you need to pick this one up. Lots of the Tides is out TODAY 7/8/25!
Happy reading 📖🪼✨🪸
August 14, 2025
3.75 ⭐ rounded up
Another richly crafted world that continues to enchant. Lore's adventures in this sequel add layer upon layer to the already intricate world from book 1 and I love that there's always something more to explore.
That said, I couldn't help but feel like the plot was a bit scattered. It felt too vast to fit into one sequel. It had the scope of an epic journey that deserved another book tbh. The pacing was a bit scattered and it felt a bit rushed and overstuffed at times. I think Analeigh may have felt that herself too because this quote really sums it up:
There was real potential for a "why-choose" romance with all the delicious tension, but it didn't follow through and that's a real missed opportunity imo. I was very happy to see that the romantic tone shifted towards something more adult and less YA feeling.
Overall, this was enjoyable, but a touch overwhelming. The tonal shift in the romance is a step forward, more grown-up and spicier as well. If you enjoyed book 1 and want to continue Lore's journey then I definitely recommend picking this up.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing this ARC for my honest review.
Another richly crafted world that continues to enchant. Lore's adventures in this sequel add layer upon layer to the already intricate world from book 1 and I love that there's always something more to explore.
That said, I couldn't help but feel like the plot was a bit scattered. It felt too vast to fit into one sequel. It had the scope of an epic journey that deserved another book tbh. The pacing was a bit scattered and it felt a bit rushed and overstuffed at times. I think Analeigh may have felt that herself too because this quote really sums it up:
There was real potential for a "why-choose" romance with all the delicious tension, but it didn't follow through and that's a real missed opportunity imo. I was very happy to see that the romantic tone shifted towards something more adult and less YA feeling.
Overall, this was enjoyable, but a touch overwhelming. The tonal shift in the romance is a step forward, more grown-up and spicier as well. If you enjoyed book 1 and want to continue Lore's journey then I definitely recommend picking this up.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing this ARC for my honest review.
August 28, 2025
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for this earc, I really enjoyed this conclusion!
Tides threw us right back into the story from where we left off at the end of Wild, and this sequel was filled with action while still somehow maintaining a cozy vibe at the same time. I think the world is painted so beautifully through Sbrana's writing. I really enjoyed the underwater setting and that part of the story the most. I found this world she created just complex enough without being too confusing.
The story itself felt fresh and different from other stories I've read recently. I think the action was balanced with the romance aspect, and overall it was just a delightful story to read. I wish the ending had been a little more drawn out because it did feel a tad rushed to me. But I think overall this book and series are such a fun read.
I did end up purchasing the audio to immersive read this one and I think that really brought the story to life.
This book/series is perfect for those who want a romantasy that has a magic system based in connections to the earth, and a plot that relies on a quest. Even with the action and some more graphic scenes (with blood, etc) this still remains a cozier read in my opinion.
Tides threw us right back into the story from where we left off at the end of Wild, and this sequel was filled with action while still somehow maintaining a cozy vibe at the same time. I think the world is painted so beautifully through Sbrana's writing. I really enjoyed the underwater setting and that part of the story the most. I found this world she created just complex enough without being too confusing.
The story itself felt fresh and different from other stories I've read recently. I think the action was balanced with the romance aspect, and overall it was just a delightful story to read. I wish the ending had been a little more drawn out because it did feel a tad rushed to me. But I think overall this book and series are such a fun read.
I did end up purchasing the audio to immersive read this one and I think that really brought the story to life.
This book/series is perfect for those who want a romantasy that has a magic system based in connections to the earth, and a plot that relies on a quest. Even with the action and some more graphic scenes (with blood, etc) this still remains a cozier read in my opinion.
November 3, 2025
“i will love you until they put me in the ground, and even then, my love will endure” this is my quote of the year.
this book put me through the motions, but it was SO worth it. lore’s journey was such a beautiful one & i loved the new additions to the books (hazen).
syrelle saying goodbye in his asher form KILLED ME. i want him to have the happiest ending and the best redemption arc because he deserves it. i found myself missing him whenever finn was around, but i also loved finn’s character.
i need a novella of lore getting her happiest ending with both of them, and i will not elaborate further because syrelle is a YEARNER to the core & i am absolutely obsessed with him.
this book put me through the motions, but it was SO worth it. lore’s journey was such a beautiful one & i loved the new additions to the books (hazen).
syrelle saying goodbye in his asher form KILLED ME. i want him to have the happiest ending and the best redemption arc because he deserves it. i found myself missing him whenever finn was around, but i also loved finn’s character.
i need a novella of lore getting her happiest ending with both of them, and i will not elaborate further because syrelle is a YEARNER to the core & i am absolutely obsessed with him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
I was left a little disappointed after the first book and was hoping that this second one would be better for me. Thankfully it was.
I really enjoyed the world building and the high stakes quest. It's not very often I get a story set on the seas and I really enjoyed it. You def get Lore's struggles and frustrations through out the book and I really like her character. The romance was okay but I preferred the plot. Also, the pacing felt a bit off.
All in all a decent doulogy that I would go back and reread.
Thank you thenerdfam and harpervoyager Avon and NetGalley for the gifted ebook.
I really enjoyed the world building and the high stakes quest. It's not very often I get a story set on the seas and I really enjoyed it. You def get Lore's struggles and frustrations through out the book and I really like her character. The romance was okay but I preferred the plot. Also, the pacing felt a bit off.
All in all a decent doulogy that I would go back and reread.
Thank you thenerdfam and harpervoyager Avon and NetGalley for the gifted ebook.
March 17, 2025
I really wanted to love this book. The premise was super interesting, and the characters had a lot of potential, but I just couldn’t fully get into it. The same thing happened with the first book—I struggled through most of it, only for the last part to finally grab my attention.
The pacing was the biggest issue for me. It felt slow for too long, and by the time things picked up, I was already kind of checked out. The writing style just didn’t pull me in, which made it hard to stay engaged.
And then there’s the smut. It felt rushed, out of place, and honestly pretty underwhelming. Instead of adding to the story or character dynamics, it just kind of… happened.
The ending also left me wanting more, but not in a satisfying way. It didn’t feel like a proper conclusion, and I kept expecting more closure that never came. It almost feels like there needs to be a third book or a novella to wrap things up properly because, as it stands, it doesn’t feel fully resolved.
Overall, Lore of the Tides had some great ideas and characters, but the execution didn’t quite work for me. I liked the concept, but the uneven pacing and lack of a satisfying ending left me feeling a bit let down. If there’s ever a follow-up to truly wrap things up, I’d consider giving it a shot.
The pacing was the biggest issue for me. It felt slow for too long, and by the time things picked up, I was already kind of checked out. The writing style just didn’t pull me in, which made it hard to stay engaged.
And then there’s the smut. It felt rushed, out of place, and honestly pretty underwhelming. Instead of adding to the story or character dynamics, it just kind of… happened.
The ending also left me wanting more, but not in a satisfying way. It didn’t feel like a proper conclusion, and I kept expecting more closure that never came. It almost feels like there needs to be a third book or a novella to wrap things up properly because, as it stands, it doesn’t feel fully resolved.
Overall, Lore of the Tides had some great ideas and characters, but the execution didn’t quite work for me. I liked the concept, but the uneven pacing and lack of a satisfying ending left me feeling a bit let down. If there’s ever a follow-up to truly wrap things up, I’d consider giving it a shot.
October 20, 2025
Lore of the Tides, the compelling conclusion to A. R. Sbrana’s debut duology, plunges the reader immediately back into the action, picking up directly where Lore of the Wilds left off. This sequel certainly captures attention from the outset with its immediate intensity.
While Sbrana possesses an unbelievably creative mind and a knack for crafting plots that appeal to dedicated fantasy readers, Lore of the Tides occasionally suffers from a lack of narrative restraint. The persistent pacing struggles of the first volume return, manifesting as a constant push and pull within the story that often delays the narrative's climb to its climax.
The commitment to action, while initially engaging, sometimes results in scenes that fail to fully interconnect with the main plot. These segments can feel like excessive side quests, detailed episodes that might have been better served as standalone short stories, rather than vital steps in the core journey. This overabundance of tangential action ultimately disables the story from building a cohesive momentum.
The world-building and core characters remain one of the duology's strongest points, offering a refreshing and imaginative take on the fantasy genre. However, the sequel introduces some character inconsistencies that may prove jarring for returning readers. The evolution of a fan-favorite character like Finn is particularly difficult, featuring a drastic shift in personality that doesn't feel fully earned or aligned with their established arc. Furthermore, certain moments of dialogue occasionally feel mismatched with the characters' voices or the immediate emotional tone of the scene, creating brief but noticeable disconnects.
Despite these struggles, the book delivers an absolute masterpiece of an ending. This powerful and expertly executed conclusion successfully brings the entire story around, tying up loose ends and providing a genuinely suspenseful and satisfying emotional payoff. It’s a nail biting finish that solidifies Sbrana's potential as a fantasy author, showcasing her ability to deliver on high stakes drama.
Lore of the Tides is a book of peaks and valleys. While the world is captivating and the ending is truly brilliant, the journey suffers from a lack of editorial restraint and inconsistent character development. It is a worthwhile read for dedicated fans of the first book, but a tighter focus could have elevated this duology into a genre staple.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon & Harper Voyager and Analeigh Sbrana for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While Sbrana possesses an unbelievably creative mind and a knack for crafting plots that appeal to dedicated fantasy readers, Lore of the Tides occasionally suffers from a lack of narrative restraint. The persistent pacing struggles of the first volume return, manifesting as a constant push and pull within the story that often delays the narrative's climb to its climax.
The commitment to action, while initially engaging, sometimes results in scenes that fail to fully interconnect with the main plot. These segments can feel like excessive side quests, detailed episodes that might have been better served as standalone short stories, rather than vital steps in the core journey. This overabundance of tangential action ultimately disables the story from building a cohesive momentum.
The world-building and core characters remain one of the duology's strongest points, offering a refreshing and imaginative take on the fantasy genre. However, the sequel introduces some character inconsistencies that may prove jarring for returning readers. The evolution of a fan-favorite character like Finn is particularly difficult, featuring a drastic shift in personality that doesn't feel fully earned or aligned with their established arc. Furthermore, certain moments of dialogue occasionally feel mismatched with the characters' voices or the immediate emotional tone of the scene, creating brief but noticeable disconnects.
Despite these struggles, the book delivers an absolute masterpiece of an ending. This powerful and expertly executed conclusion successfully brings the entire story around, tying up loose ends and providing a genuinely suspenseful and satisfying emotional payoff. It’s a nail biting finish that solidifies Sbrana's potential as a fantasy author, showcasing her ability to deliver on high stakes drama.
Lore of the Tides is a book of peaks and valleys. While the world is captivating and the ending is truly brilliant, the journey suffers from a lack of editorial restraint and inconsistent character development. It is a worthwhile read for dedicated fans of the first book, but a tighter focus could have elevated this duology into a genre staple.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon & Harper Voyager and Analeigh Sbrana for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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