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A Curse Upon Tides
Hope lives. Now they must find him.
Upon discovering their true purpose, Sovereign Prince Calden and his Bind turn their efforts toward finding the lost Empyreal Guardian who can save their self-destructing world. Only, without any clear direction of where to start, Calden must rely on fragments of information buried deep within his subconscious—information only found through his violent episodes in the other mind.
When he fails to trigger an episode, Calden enlists Elias’s help on a quest back to the crypt where they almost lost Norielle to the Blood Wardens. But instead of finding what he seeks, Calden unearths a long-buried secret that challenges everything he believes about the Wardens, Silvirdia’s Empyreal Guardian, and even his own mother.
Reeling from the betrayal and following his only lead on the missing Guardian, Calden steers his Bind across perilous seas toward the enemy kingdom of Raevre. However, with Norielle’s Warden training incomplete, Calden beset by doubts, and distrust rising about the Sovereign Prince’s rebellious methods, the bonds between the Bind will be tested like never before.
Upon discovering their true purpose, Sovereign Prince Calden and his Bind turn their efforts toward finding the lost Empyreal Guardian who can save their self-destructing world. Only, without any clear direction of where to start, Calden must rely on fragments of information buried deep within his subconscious—information only found through his violent episodes in the other mind.
When he fails to trigger an episode, Calden enlists Elias’s help on a quest back to the crypt where they almost lost Norielle to the Blood Wardens. But instead of finding what he seeks, Calden unearths a long-buried secret that challenges everything he believes about the Wardens, Silvirdia’s Empyreal Guardian, and even his own mother.
Reeling from the betrayal and following his only lead on the missing Guardian, Calden steers his Bind across perilous seas toward the enemy kingdom of Raevre. However, with Norielle’s Warden training incomplete, Calden beset by doubts, and distrust rising about the Sovereign Prince’s rebellious methods, the bonds between the Bind will be tested like never before.
470 pages, Hardcover
Published November 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 3, 2025
My initial reaction: AHBFJWIWBSNDIEOENB?!?!?! *silent screeching* 😭😭😭😭
But also this: 🥹🥹🥹🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍🫠🫠🫠🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
I’ll come back with a more coherent review later I promise 😅
Update:
I loved how A.M. Daylin was able to resolve the love triangle in such a gentle and thoughtful way. The themes of questioning God and being afraid of the unknown really resonated with me and it was so meaningful.
Zamirah was such a sweet character and I can’t wait to see her again in the next book! Elias just became even more solidly cemented as my favorite character and Calden had such an interesting and well developed personality.
From the world building to the setting to the magic system, this was such an immersive read and I was so sad when I finished it. I’m in such suspense waiting for book 3!!!!
But also this: 🥹🥹🥹🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍🫠🫠🫠🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
I’ll come back with a more coherent review later I promise 😅
Update:
I loved how A.M. Daylin was able to resolve the love triangle in such a gentle and thoughtful way. The themes of questioning God and being afraid of the unknown really resonated with me and it was so meaningful.
Zamirah was such a sweet character and I can’t wait to see her again in the next book! Elias just became even more solidly cemented as my favorite character and Calden had such an interesting and well developed personality.
From the world building to the setting to the magic system, this was such an immersive read and I was so sad when I finished it. I’m in such suspense waiting for book 3!!!!
August 12, 2025
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this book but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions and reactions are purely my own.
This book takes the Empyreal Guardian Saga to the absolute next level. Daylin has a gift for creating compelling, realistic characters, and I absolutely loved seeing how Nori, Cal, and Elias continued to develop in this story! In particular Cal's arc in this book really shone; I loved how this story pushed him to confront his curse--and the fallout from his episodes. Also the backstory reveal??? The whole time I felt like that meme from the Emperor's New Groove: "Oh yeah, it's all coming together" Arruugg. So good.
The love triangle was something that was heavily discussed in book 1, and I really liked how Daylin handled it in this sequel. Too often I've found that triangles take over the narrative, but it was handled with such care and respect here that it's actually given me hope for the future of this trope. Romance writers, take note. This is how it's done.
Also, the twists? Hello? I was screaming at my tablet (in the best way). If you loved These Hallowed Binds, please, I beg of you, read this sequel. You will NOT be disappointed.
This book takes the Empyreal Guardian Saga to the absolute next level. Daylin has a gift for creating compelling, realistic characters, and I absolutely loved seeing how Nori, Cal, and Elias continued to develop in this story! In particular Cal's arc in this book really shone; I loved how this story pushed him to confront his curse--and the fallout from his episodes. Also the backstory reveal??? The whole time I felt like that meme from the Emperor's New Groove: "Oh yeah, it's all coming together" Arruugg. So good.
The love triangle was something that was heavily discussed in book 1, and I really liked how Daylin handled it in this sequel. Too often I've found that triangles take over the narrative, but it was handled with such care and respect here that it's actually given me hope for the future of this trope. Romance writers, take note. This is how it's done.
Also, the twists? Hello? I was screaming at my tablet (in the best way). If you loved These Hallowed Binds, please, I beg of you, read this sequel. You will NOT be disappointed.
January 1, 2026
EXCUSE ME? excUSE ME? I am. Reeling. From that ending. REELING.
This is hands down my favorite of Amber’s books so far - I quite literally couldn’t put it down for the last 30 percent (or catch my breath. Or breathe at all, really). I absolutely adore EVERY SINGLE POV CHARACTER and they all have such wonderful development. One of the things I love about Amber’s writing is how she gives her characters flaws and lets said flaws have legitimate consequences - and ohhhhhh boy does ACUT deliver on that.
Absolutely SPECTACULAR read to kick off 2026. I’m psyched (and moderately terrified) for the next books in the series. Amber, if you’re reading this, I’m expecting an apology letter in the mail for that absolutely DIABOLICAL ending (it was incredible).
This is hands down my favorite of Amber’s books so far - I quite literally couldn’t put it down for the last 30 percent (or catch my breath. Or breathe at all, really). I absolutely adore EVERY SINGLE POV CHARACTER and they all have such wonderful development. One of the things I love about Amber’s writing is how she gives her characters flaws and lets said flaws have legitimate consequences - and ohhhhhh boy does ACUT deliver on that.
Absolutely SPECTACULAR read to kick off 2026. I’m psyched (and moderately terrified) for the next books in the series. Amber, if you’re reading this, I’m expecting an apology letter in the mail for that absolutely DIABOLICAL ending (it was incredible).
February 11, 2026
How do I even start this review?
Truthfully, I don't think I have many words to say. A Curse Upon Tides is beautiful, heart-wrenching, and equally healing, a fantasy that is unafraid to tackle the hard questions, the difficulties of life, the doubts and fears we, as people, have.
ACUT was a story I needed right when I needed it, a reminder that my own weaknesses, my own struggles, don't define who I am nor decrease my worth, and as someone living with mental and physical struggles I've fought hard to try to overcome, that message alone spoke to my heart in a far deeper way than any novel ever has before.
ACUT doesn't shy away.
It doesn't sugarcoat.
It doesn't hide from the hardships of life.
It doesn't pretend that life is always grand, doesn't paint a picture-perfect world.
And that speaks volumes.
To anyone that feels alone or lost, to anyone that feels as if they have no purpose, to anyone with doubts and questions, and to anyone, like me, who often allow their struggles to define who they are, A Curse Upon Tides is a story for you.
I cannot wait to see how many lives this novel touches the same way it touched mine❤️🩹
Truthfully, I don't think I have many words to say. A Curse Upon Tides is beautiful, heart-wrenching, and equally healing, a fantasy that is unafraid to tackle the hard questions, the difficulties of life, the doubts and fears we, as people, have.
ACUT was a story I needed right when I needed it, a reminder that my own weaknesses, my own struggles, don't define who I am nor decrease my worth, and as someone living with mental and physical struggles I've fought hard to try to overcome, that message alone spoke to my heart in a far deeper way than any novel ever has before.
ACUT doesn't shy away.
It doesn't sugarcoat.
It doesn't hide from the hardships of life.
It doesn't pretend that life is always grand, doesn't paint a picture-perfect world.
And that speaks volumes.
To anyone that feels alone or lost, to anyone that feels as if they have no purpose, to anyone with doubts and questions, and to anyone, like me, who often allow their struggles to define who they are, A Curse Upon Tides is a story for you.
I cannot wait to see how many lives this novel touches the same way it touched mine❤️🩹
November 1, 2025
Rating: 9/10
Holy. Freaking. Crap.
This book BLEW me away, truly. The story was a continuation of the first book that added depth and twist to the established lore, and prose was just absolutely stunning, and the themes were just *chefs kiss.* Amber is a mastermind and I really truly just loved this book a lot (especially the new characters??? literally obsessed.)
Honestly, the love triangle really didn’t feel like a love triangle, which I appreciated! I don’t love drama and there was literally none—lowkey it was obvious to me how it was going to end up like a few chapters into the book lol.
Very highly recommend this series!!
Holy. Freaking. Crap.
This book BLEW me away, truly. The story was a continuation of the first book that added depth and twist to the established lore, and prose was just absolutely stunning, and the themes were just *chefs kiss.* Amber is a mastermind and I really truly just loved this book a lot (especially the new characters??? literally obsessed.)
Honestly, the love triangle really didn’t feel like a love triangle, which I appreciated! I don’t love drama and there was literally none—lowkey it was obvious to me how it was going to end up like a few chapters into the book lol.
Very highly recommend this series!!
September 2, 2025
I’ll write my actual review when I have the braincells to do so, but that was some good soup.
Update I found some braincells:
I could sing praises about the complex characters and intrapersonal relationships, the vivid worldbuilding, and the gripping plot until I’m blue in the face, yet I don’t think that could encompass even a fraction of the heart this book has.
Simply put, A Curse Upon Tides has seeped into the cracks of my heart and hugged together my soul.
I said These Hallowed Binds was peak YA fantasy. A Curse Upon Tides is, in my humble opinion, the pinnacle, and the only direction I can see the rest of this series going is up.
Good soup indeed.
I received an ARC, all my opinions are voluntarily given.
Update I found some braincells:
I could sing praises about the complex characters and intrapersonal relationships, the vivid worldbuilding, and the gripping plot until I’m blue in the face, yet I don’t think that could encompass even a fraction of the heart this book has.
Simply put, A Curse Upon Tides has seeped into the cracks of my heart and hugged together my soul.
I said These Hallowed Binds was peak YA fantasy. A Curse Upon Tides is, in my humble opinion, the pinnacle, and the only direction I can see the rest of this series going is up.
Good soup indeed.
I received an ARC, all my opinions are voluntarily given.
February 10, 2026
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
(That's a good thing btw)
Okay some thoughts:
The sea monsters were exquisite, the forest scene at night was ethereal, Echo was best boi, and as in book 1, the foreshadowing was a masterpiece.
And that ending?? AHHHHHHHHHH!
(That's a good thing btw)
Okay some thoughts:
The sea monsters were exquisite, the forest scene at night was ethereal, Echo was best boi, and as in book 1, the foreshadowing was a masterpiece.
And that ending?? AHHHHHHHHHH!
September 16, 2025
I'm struggling to write a review for this book. Not because it wasn't good (I gave it five stars, after all), but because my mind is a chaotic whirlwind (not unlike Calden's when he has an episode). At another point in my life, I would have no problems putting my praise of this well-crafted story into words. It was well-paced, full of action, perfectly-timed revelations, and characters that kept me chuckling throughout. I had a feeling which direction the love triangle would go, though I never officially picked a "side." Turns out I was right. I'm not unhappy about it. I'm also just kind of reeling from that ending. This is a complex story, and I think that's one reason I'm not bouncing off the walls with acclamations, because I'm feeling so much of it deeply in my soul. And let's be real. It deals with some hard things. Questions that don't have easy answers. Concepts that can feel impossible to grasp when the pain of this life is prominent. But I think that's what makes this story so poignant. It doesn't wrap everything up in cute little packages and platitudes. It acknowledges the complexities of faith in a world of chaos, of pain. I think we need more stories that do this, and do it well. A Curse Upon Tides delivers 110%.
December 3, 2025
I have had the pleasure of reading this book multiple times already and it is worth every moment. The characters are authentic and relatable in their struggles, the world building is absolutely stunning, and the themes are so needed. Each of the characters previously met in These Hallowed Binds developed in much more depth in this book. Calden’s struggles, like in TBH were the most resonate with me. This book solves the love triangle from the previous book (not giving any spoilers haha, you have to read it yourself ;) but neither felt let down in the slightest, in fact, a new love story blossomed! This was of course in the midst of an epic journey across the sea to find important information for the Wardens and the wider world.
Calden was my favorite character in TBH because he was the one I saw myself in the most. He still is one of my favorites but Zamirah is such a sweet girl. It felt like she was speaking directly to my soul. I can’t choose between them.
Calden was my favorite character in TBH because he was the one I saw myself in the most. He still is one of my favorites but Zamirah is such a sweet girl. It felt like she was speaking directly to my soul. I can’t choose between them.
November 4, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
What can I say about this book to try and convey how special it is?
I raved about These Hallowed Binds before and after its release. I was not quiet about my obsession with Daylin’s world and characters, and I proudly bore the title Captain of Team Elias. And while THB will always have a special place in my heart, A Curse Upon Tides is...different.
I had the honor of beta reading this book back in the spring, and rereading it in all of its polished glory made me love it even more than I did the first time. The characters recaptured my heart from the first page, and I felt every triumph, failure, heartache and joy along with them on the wild ride that is this book. I laughed, cried (both sad and happy tears), and marveled at the power of this story.
Daylin’s two previous novels have been rich with love, truth, and strong faith themes. ACUT is no different, but with extra helpings of all three of these delightful toppings. The themes spoke to me to the point of tears on numerous accounts. The moments of surrender and prayer between the characters and El-Alam (God in their world) were powerful enough to give me Holy Spirit goosebumps. The relationships between the characters, specifically the main trio and the several main ships, broke and healed my heart at the same time.
This book is so special, and I am so proud of the author (who I’m lucky enough to call my friend) for not only writing this story but also for sharing it with the world. I believe A Curse Upon Tides is a story that the world needs, and I think that it will have a ripple effect in the Christian fantasy genre.
If you haven’t read These Hallowed Binds yet, please do so. The Empyreal Guardian Saga has only begun, and I know that it’ll just continue to grow more powerful from here.
What can I say about this book to try and convey how special it is?
I raved about These Hallowed Binds before and after its release. I was not quiet about my obsession with Daylin’s world and characters, and I proudly bore the title Captain of Team Elias. And while THB will always have a special place in my heart, A Curse Upon Tides is...different.
I had the honor of beta reading this book back in the spring, and rereading it in all of its polished glory made me love it even more than I did the first time. The characters recaptured my heart from the first page, and I felt every triumph, failure, heartache and joy along with them on the wild ride that is this book. I laughed, cried (both sad and happy tears), and marveled at the power of this story.
Daylin’s two previous novels have been rich with love, truth, and strong faith themes. ACUT is no different, but with extra helpings of all three of these delightful toppings. The themes spoke to me to the point of tears on numerous accounts. The moments of surrender and prayer between the characters and El-Alam (God in their world) were powerful enough to give me Holy Spirit goosebumps. The relationships between the characters, specifically the main trio and the several main ships, broke and healed my heart at the same time.
This book is so special, and I am so proud of the author (who I’m lucky enough to call my friend) for not only writing this story but also for sharing it with the world. I believe A Curse Upon Tides is a story that the world needs, and I think that it will have a ripple effect in the Christian fantasy genre.
If you haven’t read These Hallowed Binds yet, please do so. The Empyreal Guardian Saga has only begun, and I know that it’ll just continue to grow more powerful from here.
September 7, 2025
I don't have words to truly capture how incredible this book is!! The second in the Empyreal Guardians saga, following the story of the Wardens seeking to save their world from the evil Ta'Nathel.
Alongside favourites from Book 1, we also meet some new characters, including Zamirah, Willian and Seer Josiah. Every one of Daylin's characters is written with complexity and respect, making them at the same time flawed but deeply likeable. Elias is still my favourite (and we got some chapters from his POV!) but Zamirah has captured my heart too.
This book is full of adventure, a whole lot of which takes place on a ship. Those last chapters were a wild ride - I was gripped! And speaking of ships, I know how the love triangle gets resolved! I won't say anything here other than it wasn't what I expected but it was absolutely perfect! There's some other very sweet romances developing too.
This is openly a Christian book, and faith themes are woven throughout the story. Themes like surrendering to God's purpose for your life, and doubting God's goodness. It's never in a bash-you-over-the-head sort of way, but in a way that feels authentic to the characters and their story.
Definitely recommended to anyone who loves adventure, romance, deep themes and engaging characters!!
Alongside favourites from Book 1, we also meet some new characters, including Zamirah, Willian and Seer Josiah. Every one of Daylin's characters is written with complexity and respect, making them at the same time flawed but deeply likeable. Elias is still my favourite (and we got some chapters from his POV!) but Zamirah has captured my heart too.
This book is full of adventure, a whole lot of which takes place on a ship. Those last chapters were a wild ride - I was gripped! And speaking of ships, I know how the love triangle gets resolved! I won't say anything here other than it wasn't what I expected but it was absolutely perfect! There's some other very sweet romances developing too.
This is openly a Christian book, and faith themes are woven throughout the story. Themes like surrendering to God's purpose for your life, and doubting God's goodness. It's never in a bash-you-over-the-head sort of way, but in a way that feels authentic to the characters and their story.
Definitely recommended to anyone who loves adventure, romance, deep themes and engaging characters!!
September 8, 2025
This book is utterly amazing! Sequels can be hit or miss for some authors, but this book far exceeded any expectations I had. A.M. Daylin’s world-building, characters, and moving plot captivated me from the first page of ACUT. It’s masterfully woven with heart and themes that will move you to tears. This story is a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to face troubled waters alone.
I’ve read and loved every one of Daylin’s books, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
If you love fantasy books with beautiful storytelling, deep themes, and unique world-building, you can’t go wrong with any of her books!
I’ve read and loved every one of Daylin’s books, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
If you love fantasy books with beautiful storytelling, deep themes, and unique world-building, you can’t go wrong with any of her books!
October 14, 2025
OH. MY. WORD. That climax. Calden. Echo. Ahhhhh-
Full review to come!
Alright, I'm going to pick myself up by the scuff of the neck and write this review. The better the book, the harder the review to write, haha.
These Hallowed Binds was pretty cool. I really liked it. But A Curse Upon Tides is next level and I enjoyed it more. (That's a sign you have a good series, when the next book is even better than the first.)
Of course, I was so excited to see how the love triangle would resolve. And yeah, I don't do love triangles, but I'll do this one. It's awesome. It's not sappy, it's not dramatic (which I can't stand), both men are so honorable in the way they view each other and Nori, and Nori herself doesn't make me grind my teeth with frustration. And it resolves so perfectly. Like, don't want to spoil anything, but neither guy loses in this one.
And plot? Oh my word. The climax. THE TWIST. I can't. I loved it so much. Never saw it coming, but it fit so well, it worked so well- AHHHHH.
Calden remains my favorite <3 He struggles a lot in this one, yes. He's not perfect. He has his doubts, but I love his character arc and growth so stinking much.
Elias is his snarky, but actually very caring, self as per usual and we have chapters from his POV! Definitely enjoyed seeing him and Cal interact during this. (Though the ball room scene was a little painful.) And that ending... Oh. Boy.
But we must talk about my new favorite, Zamirah. I LOVE THIS GAL SO MUCH. I love the truth she speaks, I love her creativity, I love her faith. I just love her, ok?
The characters are great, but plot? IS ALSO GREAT. That climax was crazy. So crazy. And the ending. Oh my. UGH IT WAS SO GOOD.
Finally, the cherry on top, what ties it all together? The awesome themes explored. The hard questions asked and answered. *chef's kiss* Yeah guys, this is what I'm talking about when I say "powerful, truth filled Christian fantasy", this is what I envision when I think about what makes me love this genre, this is like what I want to write. The theme ties together characters and plot with a strong writing style to create an amazing, beautiful, immersive five star read. (Hey, maybe I am getting the hang of writing reviews?)
So please, if my spazzing out can convince you of anything, read this series. Read this book. This is such amazing Christian fantasy. And it has a shadowy purple wolf / dog creature named Echo.
I received a free copy of this book for honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and are not influenced by this. (Which is to say, I am buying a copy to put on my shelf and reread because I loved it so much.)
Full review to come!
Alright, I'm going to pick myself up by the scuff of the neck and write this review. The better the book, the harder the review to write, haha.
These Hallowed Binds was pretty cool. I really liked it. But A Curse Upon Tides is next level and I enjoyed it more. (That's a sign you have a good series, when the next book is even better than the first.)
Of course, I was so excited to see how the love triangle would resolve. And yeah, I don't do love triangles, but I'll do this one. It's awesome. It's not sappy, it's not dramatic (which I can't stand), both men are so honorable in the way they view each other and Nori, and Nori herself doesn't make me grind my teeth with frustration. And it resolves so perfectly. Like, don't want to spoil anything, but neither guy loses in this one.
And plot? Oh my word. The climax. THE TWIST. I can't. I loved it so much. Never saw it coming, but it fit so well, it worked so well- AHHHHH.
Calden remains my favorite <3 He struggles a lot in this one, yes. He's not perfect. He has his doubts, but I love his character arc and growth so stinking much.
Elias is his snarky, but actually very caring, self as per usual and we have chapters from his POV! Definitely enjoyed seeing him and Cal interact during this. (Though the ball room scene was a little painful.) And that ending... Oh. Boy.
But we must talk about my new favorite, Zamirah. I LOVE THIS GAL SO MUCH. I love the truth she speaks, I love her creativity, I love her faith. I just love her, ok?
The characters are great, but plot? IS ALSO GREAT. That climax was crazy. So crazy. And the ending. Oh my. UGH IT WAS SO GOOD.
Finally, the cherry on top, what ties it all together? The awesome themes explored. The hard questions asked and answered. *chef's kiss* Yeah guys, this is what I'm talking about when I say "powerful, truth filled Christian fantasy", this is what I envision when I think about what makes me love this genre, this is like what I want to write. The theme ties together characters and plot with a strong writing style to create an amazing, beautiful, immersive five star read. (Hey, maybe I am getting the hang of writing reviews?)
So please, if my spazzing out can convince you of anything, read this series. Read this book. This is such amazing Christian fantasy. And it has a shadowy purple wolf / dog creature named Echo.
I received a free copy of this book for honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and are not influenced by this. (Which is to say, I am buying a copy to put on my shelf and reread because I loved it so much.)
September 13, 2025
I’m not a book thrower. I take good care of my precious darlings. Plus, this read was an ebook ARC, and I would never harm my Kindle. But I did actually visualize chucking this book across the room after reading a certain scene.
Pro tip: don’t throw your book, keep reading instead.
Now, before you can enjoy A Curse Upon Tides, you’ll need to read These Hallowed Binds (book 1), so you’ll understand all the references to prior events in the overall story.
A Curse Upon Tides (aka ACUT) is excellent! In my opinion, it’s actually better than the first book, which was really good too. However, the stakes in ACUT become greater, the different POVs give us even deeper insight into the characters’ thoughts and feelings, and it builds up to the climax really well.
I love how A.M. Daylin has continued to develop her characters (and we get to know a few new characters too). The more you read, the more real her story people feel. And the dangers the characters face are even more challenging. Also, the “love triangle” from book one gets resolved in a beautiful, healthy way instead of the typical toxic trio. (I generally don’t care for love triangles due to all the excessive drama.)
Whereas These Hallowed Binds had characters taking a journey across land, A Curse Upon Tides now has the characters journeying across the sea. Daylin is able to keep the plot moving despite the fact that most of ACUT takes place with her characters confined to a ship sailing across the sea.
I chose to savor this story, saving it as my bedtime book, but I could have just as easily sat down and read the whole thing in a weekend. Once I reached about 70%, I was finding time to read it throughout the day as well; I didn’t want to put it down.
Daylin has wonderful storytelling skills, and I can’t wait to find out where she takes these characters in the rest of the series!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars!)
I highly recommend this series for most teen and young adult readers who enjoy a good fantasy adventure. Note: there are some scary/intense scenes that may frighten sensitive or younger readers.
I received an ebook ARC of A Curse Upon Tides from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Pro tip: don’t throw your book, keep reading instead.
Now, before you can enjoy A Curse Upon Tides, you’ll need to read These Hallowed Binds (book 1), so you’ll understand all the references to prior events in the overall story.
A Curse Upon Tides (aka ACUT) is excellent! In my opinion, it’s actually better than the first book, which was really good too. However, the stakes in ACUT become greater, the different POVs give us even deeper insight into the characters’ thoughts and feelings, and it builds up to the climax really well.
I love how A.M. Daylin has continued to develop her characters (and we get to know a few new characters too). The more you read, the more real her story people feel. And the dangers the characters face are even more challenging. Also, the “love triangle” from book one gets resolved in a beautiful, healthy way instead of the typical toxic trio. (I generally don’t care for love triangles due to all the excessive drama.)
Whereas These Hallowed Binds had characters taking a journey across land, A Curse Upon Tides now has the characters journeying across the sea. Daylin is able to keep the plot moving despite the fact that most of ACUT takes place with her characters confined to a ship sailing across the sea.
I chose to savor this story, saving it as my bedtime book, but I could have just as easily sat down and read the whole thing in a weekend. Once I reached about 70%, I was finding time to read it throughout the day as well; I didn’t want to put it down.
Daylin has wonderful storytelling skills, and I can’t wait to find out where she takes these characters in the rest of the series!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars!)
I highly recommend this series for most teen and young adult readers who enjoy a good fantasy adventure. Note: there are some scary/intense scenes that may frighten sensitive or younger readers.
I received an ebook ARC of A Curse Upon Tides from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Want to Read
September 28, 2025Pre realise: i literally need this book to come out sooner. 😭😭 i've thought about these characters everyday.
November 7, 2025
I went into book 2 so scared of how things were going to work out with a particular situation, and I was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't what I expected and yet I loved it all the more.
A.M Daylin (although already talented) continues to grow as a writer and it's nothing short of fantastic! The world building, the relationship dynamics, the tension...phenomenal.
She wrote a bigger cast in this book and yet managed to make me love them just as much as the main protagonists. And my girl Zamirah is certainly my new favorite.
Book two is fun, intense, and just overall a wild ride. BUCKLE UP.
A.M Daylin (although already talented) continues to grow as a writer and it's nothing short of fantastic! The world building, the relationship dynamics, the tension...phenomenal.
She wrote a bigger cast in this book and yet managed to make me love them just as much as the main protagonists. And my girl Zamirah is certainly my new favorite.
Book two is fun, intense, and just overall a wild ride. BUCKLE UP.
August 26, 2025
Wow! I am continually amazed by Daylin’s ability to craft such lovable characters. And the magic system is complex but not too complicated and easy to understand while still being incredibly unique. And those last several chapters? What a ride! Highly recommend this Christian fantasy series.
August 11, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, and am writing a review of it of my own free will!
So. This book. Is absolutely INCREDIBLE. The perfect sequel to These Hallowed Binds. Words TRULY fail me to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Where to even start?
The best place I can think of is the characters. All of the old characters develop so well throughout this book, go through such changes and hardship and development that is BEAUTIFUL to witness. I absolutely adore the new characters—especially one in particular, but no spoilers allowed
I absolutely adored the new perspectives—A. M. Daylin's character voices are so DISTINCT. All of the perspectives were first person POV, but I never had trouble figuring out who was speaking. And seeing from different perspectives (but particularly Elias) built on these characters and added such DEPTH
The romance was perfect. No notes. I will say no more.
Ugh there are so many parts I loved and theories I have (that ending was WILD and I am SO EXCITED FOR BOOK 3). There were so many lines I highlighted and will be thinking about for a VERY long time. This book was an absolute masterpiece, and I am very confident in saying that I will wait as long as it takes for the next installment to come out.
TL:DR—buy this book. There's dancing and a pretty shadow dog. I cried, laughed, and hyperventilated. The bro ship is EVERYTHING to me. That is all.
So. This book. Is absolutely INCREDIBLE. The perfect sequel to These Hallowed Binds. Words TRULY fail me to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Where to even start?
The best place I can think of is the characters. All of the old characters develop so well throughout this book, go through such changes and hardship and development that is BEAUTIFUL to witness. I absolutely adore the new characters—especially one in particular, but no spoilers allowed
I absolutely adored the new perspectives—A. M. Daylin's character voices are so DISTINCT. All of the perspectives were first person POV, but I never had trouble figuring out who was speaking. And seeing from different perspectives (but particularly Elias) built on these characters and added such DEPTH
The romance was perfect. No notes. I will say no more.
Ugh there are so many parts I loved and theories I have (that ending was WILD and I am SO EXCITED FOR BOOK 3). There were so many lines I highlighted and will be thinking about for a VERY long time. This book was an absolute masterpiece, and I am very confident in saying that I will wait as long as it takes for the next installment to come out.
TL:DR—buy this book. There's dancing and a pretty shadow dog. I cried, laughed, and hyperventilated. The bro ship is EVERYTHING to me. That is all.
August 10, 2025
I received a free ARC of this book, and I'm leaving a voluntary review
Holy COW this book was INSANELY GOOD!!!!! The suspense was REAL. And the CHARACTERS. The ones from the previous book just grew on me even MORE, and the new ones were so cool. A. M. Daylin writes a GOOD female character (and I can be a little picky about those sometimes). Ohhhhhh and the RELATIONSHIPS. The romance was so adorable, I can't even. And even more importantly, Calden and Elias, AKA THE besties of all time
Basically, I'm bonkers about this book, even though the cliffhanger DID make me go facedown on my dining room table, it was so crazy. But I LOVED every bit of it. So definitely mark your calendars, this book is WORTH it!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy COW this book was INSANELY GOOD!!!!! The suspense was REAL. And the CHARACTERS. The ones from the previous book just grew on me even MORE, and the new ones were so cool. A. M. Daylin writes a GOOD female character (and I can be a little picky about those sometimes). Ohhhhhh and the RELATIONSHIPS. The romance was so adorable, I can't even. And even more importantly, Calden and Elias, AKA THE besties of all time
Basically, I'm bonkers about this book, even though the cliffhanger DID make me go facedown on my dining room table, it was so crazy. But I LOVED every bit of it. So definitely mark your calendars, this book is WORTH it!!!!!!!!!!!
August 11, 2025
I had the absolute honor and privilege of beta reading this book not just once, but TWICE. It was my first time beta reading for a published book, and it was the absolute best first experience doing so. I've seen the story undergo some changes, and as much as I loved my first read of it... I love the final product more.
A. M. Daylin is a masterful storyteller, and her third book is one of her best yet. ACUT is an emotional rollercoaster and I have shed MANY TEARS reading it, whether it's from the incredibly impactful dialogue between certain characters or the absolutely heart-rending climax. And to my recollection, she's still the only author since Suzanne Collins who has been able to pull off a love triangle that didn't make me tear my hair to shreds. I cannot recommend the Empyreal Saga enough!
Also... special shout-out to Zamirah, my new favorite character. Sorry, Nori and Cal... but Zamirah is a girl after my own heart and I cannot wait to see more of her in upcoming books.
A. M. Daylin is a masterful storyteller, and her third book is one of her best yet. ACUT is an emotional rollercoaster and I have shed MANY TEARS reading it, whether it's from the incredibly impactful dialogue between certain characters or the absolutely heart-rending climax. And to my recollection, she's still the only author since Suzanne Collins who has been able to pull off a love triangle that didn't make me tear my hair to shreds. I cannot recommend the Empyreal Saga enough!
Also... special shout-out to Zamirah, my new favorite character. Sorry, Nori and Cal... but Zamirah is a girl after my own heart and I cannot wait to see more of her in upcoming books.
March 6, 2026
“‘While the future we see when we choose to hope can never be guaranteed, it gives us the strength we need to endure today— to help us draw closer to that potential outcome.’”
This book makes me want to throw the elbow. Which means nothing to you unless you went to college with me, but I assure you, it is a good and exciting thing.
Our great adventure from These Hallowed Binds continues in A Curse Upon Tides! This was a roller coaster of ups and downs as our beloved characters continue their quest to save their world from the curse. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next book!
I just love the characters of this book and their mission. Daylin does a fantastic job of continuing and developing all the character arcs. I don’t always love when books change POV from chapter to chapter, but I love all her characters and enjoy each piece.
Each one of them is struggling with real and relatable things. Daylin doesn’t shy away from hard questions, but provides natural and truthful guidance that speaks to readers’ hearts as well.
This series reminds me of why I loved Ted Dekker’s Circle Series so much. There is a real battle for our souls and books like these help us see it more tangibly, to recognize that the quest for truth and salvation is all that matters. Following Christ is hard, but the best thing we’ll ever do.
A Curse Upon Tides sounds like a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and thus is well-titled because they do find themselves on a ship— complete with first and second-mates and a crow’s nest and even some swashbuckling (depending on if my definition of this word in my head is correct or not)— on a cursed sea as they set out to find Toaph— the Guardian they believe is their only hope for their world’s restoration in defeating Ta’Nathel.
In short, These Hallowed Binds left off with the exciting news that Toaph is alive! Calden, Nori, Alani, and Elias have reached the Citadel. Nori is to begin her ward training. And Calden now suspects his ‘curse’ is actually Toaph trying to communicate with him. He is trying to figure out how to access that information without triggering the violent outbursts that usually come with the visions. It must be the key to finding Toaph!
In long, see below.
If you haven’t read the first one, this review might feel confusing to you. Do yourself a ginormous and fun favor and start there first!
[I’m just going to use the same organization I used from my review of the first book because that makes the most sense in updating what we know about each thing.]
Summary/ Plot Points
A Curse Upon Tides begins just days after These Hallowed Binds. Nori’s induction ceremony is at hand. And while she doesn’t quite achieve all the marks, the council decides (with the persuasion from Calden) that she is ready enough. She can finish learning on the ship. They need to begin their journey to Raevre.
Why?
Elias shares some important information with Calden. This war that King Arlo and the Raevreans are fighting is because of a vortex that was discovered in Raevre in The Valley of the Four Winds. The superstitious people of Raevre are interested in hidden magic, but King Arlo is afraid of magic and would like to prevent anyone from obtaining it.
The winds from all directions have converged, creating an unrelenting vortex. Of dust. Dust like what Calden sees in his visions. The winds are too strong for anyone to explore it: could this be Toaph? Could he be calling Calden to come to him?
Perhaps we will also learn more about Nori’s father and his death as we continue on— he was one of the first spies to investigate Raevre. Maybe he found something out he wasn’t supposed to know. Did he somehow share that information with Nori and she hasn’t realized it yet?
As I suspected, we do meet our other Bind members. First is Odessa, Calden’s sister. Her personality is a bit standoffish and ‘I’m above you’ kind of thing. Somewhat similar to Zuko’s sister, Azula, in Avatar (yes, I’m still referencing Avatar…), but without the evilness. At least that we know of. Part of me wonders if she is actually going to be the one to betray them.
Odessa’s Master Talent is to take vitality from other living things to strengthen her vitality wards and make them last longer. Technically she could draw vitality from other people to their own demise which is partly why I think Odessa might be more dangerous to the Bind than we first suspect. How pure of heart is she?
Big news in this book (it happens early on so I don’t feel like it’s a big spoiler): Calden’s father is alive. And he is the Oracle! That was shocking news for him that shook everything he knew about his father and his mother and his sister. How could they keep this information from him?
Turns out his father turned to corrupt magic because he was trying to help Calden with his search.
“It wasn’t for evil that he forsook us. It was for love.”
His mother and sister kept this information from him (and everyone else) because they feared Calden might try to follow his father— you know, because of his rebellious nature and tendency to push boundaries and question traditions that don’t make sense.
Calden finds out this information by running into his father in the tunnels (with Elias). And his father plants seeds of doubt in his mind. The Oracle claims that Toaph is actually the one who cursed the world. Ta’Nathel came to help but Toaph caged him. They need to free Ta’Nathel because he’s the only one that can defeat the corrupted Toaph. Calden has it backwards, he says. He lures him in with the promise of freedom from his curse (from Toaph) and accuses Toaph of wanting to limit and control the people.
Dangerous lies. Or are they?
These lies play into Calden’s internal struggle. Wrestling with his lot in life, the burden of bearing his ‘curse.’ He expresses this to Zamirah:
“‘I’m just thinking how much simpler life would be if El-Alam made me a scout rather than a prince. And a cursed one at that.’”
He feels like his life has never been his own.
And now he has to wonder if he’s gotten everything wrong this whole time.
I won’t give details, but a main event in this book stems from the fact that they are all vulnerable to be on the sea with Calden and his unpredictable curse. If he blasts a hole in the ship, they are at the mercy of the sea and all the creatures it contains.
Can they arrive in Raevre unharmed?
Let me just say, that no, they cannot. We lose a most valuable and loved member of the team and it is the worst.
Biblical Allegory?
The allegories continue in this book (see These Hallowed Binds for more):
Part of Nori’s induction is being endowed with the tears of El-Alam (the God-figure in this world). In order to access his power which is behind all of their ‘magic’ wards, they must accept his tears of both joy and sorrow. I really liked this aspect. It’s like saying how we, as Christians, must take up our cross and follow Christ. Our road is not promised to be easy. In fact, we are told to expect hardship and persecution, but the road is still good.
To follow El-Alam is to acknowledge and accept a road with both sorrow and joy.
We get a bit more information on my speculations regarding Calden and Toaph that I share in the ‘How it Ended’ section as it’s kind of spoilers. We still don’t have definitive answers but we’re learning more and more about how deliverance will come.
I just think what Calden is going through is a confusion that a lot of people can relate to. It’s not exactly parallel to Scripture— God cursed the world, not Satan, though Satan obviously played a big part in introducing sin to Adam and Eve. And God’s curse was not unjust.
So a little different, but the idea that we have to discern lies from truth in a world where a lot of the lies sound right at first blush is relatable. Calden is also undergoing a lot of pain and internal hardship which is when we are the most vulnerable and susceptible to believe lies. When we hurt we always question the love and purposes of God. We think because every good thing comes from God (which is true) that any bad thing we face cannot have come from or be ordained by God.
Our view of goodness is so limited by our finite minds and volatile feelings. I think Daylin did a good job writing about this struggle because even as a reader I feel like I’m second guessing whether Toaph is good or not. What if everything IS backwards? (in this story— I’m not actually questioning God)
Which is why one thing I really hope is that Toaph is actually good in the story. I think that’s going to be really confusing for readers who are parsing out the allegory. The wardens are presented as the true followers of El-Alam, endowed with his power. If they’ve been believing a lie this whole time, that would really ruin the allegory I believe Daylin is writing. This isn’t the place for a twist like that and I don’t think Daylin would do that. I think she will expose the father of lies and have her characters hold fast to what is true, even when it hurts.
But we have not seen it put to the test and we have not been given definitive answers on the identities and purposes of all the players. We shall see.
Love Triangle
Daylin squashed the love triangle pretty quickly and handedly in this book, and I’m not mad about it!
I shared in the last review that if we’re going to have to pick a team, I’d pick Elias. And the reasons why I thought that felt very confirmed here.
Elias and Nori finally share their true feelings with one another:
“I’m here anytime you want to pretend you’re home.”
Nori was confused because of what she felt when Calden healed her, but once that’s sorted out she realizes her affection was also misunderstood. Her romantic love is rightly placed with Elias. Her home. *me making my hands into a heart
Calden realizes that he was only in love with the idea of Nori, not necessarily Nori herself. She was someone who saw the person behind his curse. Someone who wasn’t afraid of him. He’d been longing for that.
I love his honor and loyalty to Elias.
“Even if Nori never chooses him, me attempting to win her over would be a death sentence for our friendship. A treason of the highest order.”
He tells Elias: “What I felt for her before discovering who she is to you was only an ember of what you feel. And I will not fan into flame a fire that will burn you, my friend.”
[group hug]
Thanks Daylin! We can love them both!
And Calden is not doomed to be alone. Enter Zamirah. Her Master Talent is sending messages across the sea (using melody). She has been privy to everything regarding Calden from sending Calden’s mother’s messages trying to find a cure for him. Yet she does not fear Calden either. She is a strong and compassionate confidante for him.
She tells him- “‘Even the greatest blessings can come with consequences. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t still blessings.’”
She is instrumental in helping Calden process his struggles and pointing him back to the truth of El-Alam and his purposes for his people.
I’m excited for both of these relationships and that Daylin chose not to maintain the conflict that strained the friendships.
Alani also gets to find a partner! She finds her match aboard the Celestella ship— Willian. Another sea-farer. Also a perfect match for her. They are epic ship-people because Alani’s Master Talent is controlling water (ahem, water-bending?) and Willian’s is controlling air (you get it).
We don’t get many details on their interactions. They just pop-up in the background with dancing, lovey-dovey eyes, sweet nothings, and the love of the sea binding them together. We see you, Alani!
[I just keep coming back to the fact that Odessa is not as bound to anyone as the others. If she doesn’t betray them, I will be shocked.]
The Magic
We get more information about how the wards work, and I love it!
“‘The power in the wards is alive as the God who grants it’… Her casual comment reminds me again that I’m not just drawing pictures, I’m stewarding a great and holy power that only a small percentage of humanity has ever been entrusted with.”
“Your mind commands the energy, your body conducts it, and your heart releases it. If your heart disagrees with the action, it will not release the energy.”
I like this idea of ‘stewarding power.’ It’s a more tangible representation of how we, as Christians, have access to the power of the Holy Spirit. Not to shoot vitality balls, hide doorways, or heal each other, but power to resist evil and to overcome the sin in our lives. Real, living power that we are entrusted with.
We were left with the question of how Calden was able to heal Nori and Elias couldn’t. We find out that it wasn’t because Calden loved Nori more deeply than Elias. But he was able to heal her by being a conduit for El-Alam’s love. The love Nori felt when she was being healed was El-Alam’s, not Calden. That’s why they were confused about their love for each other.
But this speaks more into Calden’s abilities as a warden. He has some sort of stronger access to El-Alam’s power than the other wardens. Probably tied to his ‘curse.’
Pronunciation Guide
[See original post for this]
Critiques
My only critique is that I’m not holding book three in my hands right now.
How it Ended
Again, this section will have spoilers because I need these details later, especially since I have to wait awhile for the next book. Skip if you haven’t read this book yet.
Recommendation
I echo my thoughts from These Hallowed Binds: I continue to whole-heartedly recommend this book and this series! It’s a meaningful and creative world that champions compassion and sacrifice and truth. The characters and the quest and the allegories are all so good!
I plowed through the first two books back-to-back and am sad I have to wait for the next one!
It looks like this is marketed to a young adult audience and I affirm that; readers as young as 13 would probably be fine reading this as well. And obviously also adults because that’s me and I love it!
You can be sure that I’ll be reading and reviewing some more of her books!
[Content Advisory: no swearing or sexual content; some death/violence but nothing gratuitous]
**Received a copy via the author in exchange for an honest review**
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This book makes me want to throw the elbow. Which means nothing to you unless you went to college with me, but I assure you, it is a good and exciting thing.
Our great adventure from These Hallowed Binds continues in A Curse Upon Tides! This was a roller coaster of ups and downs as our beloved characters continue their quest to save their world from the curse. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next book!
I just love the characters of this book and their mission. Daylin does a fantastic job of continuing and developing all the character arcs. I don’t always love when books change POV from chapter to chapter, but I love all her characters and enjoy each piece.
Each one of them is struggling with real and relatable things. Daylin doesn’t shy away from hard questions, but provides natural and truthful guidance that speaks to readers’ hearts as well.
This series reminds me of why I loved Ted Dekker’s Circle Series so much. There is a real battle for our souls and books like these help us see it more tangibly, to recognize that the quest for truth and salvation is all that matters. Following Christ is hard, but the best thing we’ll ever do.
A Curse Upon Tides sounds like a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and thus is well-titled because they do find themselves on a ship— complete with first and second-mates and a crow’s nest and even some swashbuckling (depending on if my definition of this word in my head is correct or not)— on a cursed sea as they set out to find Toaph— the Guardian they believe is their only hope for their world’s restoration in defeating Ta’Nathel.
In short, These Hallowed Binds left off with the exciting news that Toaph is alive! Calden, Nori, Alani, and Elias have reached the Citadel. Nori is to begin her ward training. And Calden now suspects his ‘curse’ is actually Toaph trying to communicate with him. He is trying to figure out how to access that information without triggering the violent outbursts that usually come with the visions. It must be the key to finding Toaph!
In long, see below.
If you haven’t read the first one, this review might feel confusing to you. Do yourself a ginormous and fun favor and start there first!
[I’m just going to use the same organization I used from my review of the first book because that makes the most sense in updating what we know about each thing.]
Summary/ Plot Points
A Curse Upon Tides begins just days after These Hallowed Binds. Nori’s induction ceremony is at hand. And while she doesn’t quite achieve all the marks, the council decides (with the persuasion from Calden) that she is ready enough. She can finish learning on the ship. They need to begin their journey to Raevre.
Why?
Elias shares some important information with Calden. This war that King Arlo and the Raevreans are fighting is because of a vortex that was discovered in Raevre in The Valley of the Four Winds. The superstitious people of Raevre are interested in hidden magic, but King Arlo is afraid of magic and would like to prevent anyone from obtaining it.
The winds from all directions have converged, creating an unrelenting vortex. Of dust. Dust like what Calden sees in his visions. The winds are too strong for anyone to explore it: could this be Toaph? Could he be calling Calden to come to him?
Perhaps we will also learn more about Nori’s father and his death as we continue on— he was one of the first spies to investigate Raevre. Maybe he found something out he wasn’t supposed to know. Did he somehow share that information with Nori and she hasn’t realized it yet?
As I suspected, we do meet our other Bind members. First is Odessa, Calden’s sister. Her personality is a bit standoffish and ‘I’m above you’ kind of thing. Somewhat similar to Zuko’s sister, Azula, in Avatar (yes, I’m still referencing Avatar…), but without the evilness. At least that we know of. Part of me wonders if she is actually going to be the one to betray them.
Odessa’s Master Talent is to take vitality from other living things to strengthen her vitality wards and make them last longer. Technically she could draw vitality from other people to their own demise which is partly why I think Odessa might be more dangerous to the Bind than we first suspect. How pure of heart is she?
Big news in this book (it happens early on so I don’t feel like it’s a big spoiler): Calden’s father is alive. And he is the Oracle! That was shocking news for him that shook everything he knew about his father and his mother and his sister. How could they keep this information from him?
Turns out his father turned to corrupt magic because he was trying to help Calden with his search.
“It wasn’t for evil that he forsook us. It was for love.”
His mother and sister kept this information from him (and everyone else) because they feared Calden might try to follow his father— you know, because of his rebellious nature and tendency to push boundaries and question traditions that don’t make sense.
Calden finds out this information by running into his father in the tunnels (with Elias). And his father plants seeds of doubt in his mind. The Oracle claims that Toaph is actually the one who cursed the world. Ta’Nathel came to help but Toaph caged him. They need to free Ta’Nathel because he’s the only one that can defeat the corrupted Toaph. Calden has it backwards, he says. He lures him in with the promise of freedom from his curse (from Toaph) and accuses Toaph of wanting to limit and control the people.
Dangerous lies. Or are they?
These lies play into Calden’s internal struggle. Wrestling with his lot in life, the burden of bearing his ‘curse.’ He expresses this to Zamirah:
“‘I’m just thinking how much simpler life would be if El-Alam made me a scout rather than a prince. And a cursed one at that.’”
He feels like his life has never been his own.
And now he has to wonder if he’s gotten everything wrong this whole time.
I won’t give details, but a main event in this book stems from the fact that they are all vulnerable to be on the sea with Calden and his unpredictable curse. If he blasts a hole in the ship, they are at the mercy of the sea and all the creatures it contains.
Can they arrive in Raevre unharmed?
Let me just say, that no, they cannot. We lose a most valuable and loved member of the team and it is the worst.
Biblical Allegory?
The allegories continue in this book (see These Hallowed Binds for more):
Part of Nori’s induction is being endowed with the tears of El-Alam (the God-figure in this world). In order to access his power which is behind all of their ‘magic’ wards, they must accept his tears of both joy and sorrow. I really liked this aspect. It’s like saying how we, as Christians, must take up our cross and follow Christ. Our road is not promised to be easy. In fact, we are told to expect hardship and persecution, but the road is still good.
To follow El-Alam is to acknowledge and accept a road with both sorrow and joy.
We get a bit more information on my speculations regarding Calden and Toaph that I share in the ‘How it Ended’ section as it’s kind of spoilers. We still don’t have definitive answers but we’re learning more and more about how deliverance will come.
I just think what Calden is going through is a confusion that a lot of people can relate to. It’s not exactly parallel to Scripture— God cursed the world, not Satan, though Satan obviously played a big part in introducing sin to Adam and Eve. And God’s curse was not unjust.
So a little different, but the idea that we have to discern lies from truth in a world where a lot of the lies sound right at first blush is relatable. Calden is also undergoing a lot of pain and internal hardship which is when we are the most vulnerable and susceptible to believe lies. When we hurt we always question the love and purposes of God. We think because every good thing comes from God (which is true) that any bad thing we face cannot have come from or be ordained by God.
Our view of goodness is so limited by our finite minds and volatile feelings. I think Daylin did a good job writing about this struggle because even as a reader I feel like I’m second guessing whether Toaph is good or not. What if everything IS backwards? (in this story— I’m not actually questioning God)
Which is why one thing I really hope is that Toaph is actually good in the story. I think that’s going to be really confusing for readers who are parsing out the allegory. The wardens are presented as the true followers of El-Alam, endowed with his power. If they’ve been believing a lie this whole time, that would really ruin the allegory I believe Daylin is writing. This isn’t the place for a twist like that and I don’t think Daylin would do that. I think she will expose the father of lies and have her characters hold fast to what is true, even when it hurts.
But we have not seen it put to the test and we have not been given definitive answers on the identities and purposes of all the players. We shall see.
Love Triangle
Daylin squashed the love triangle pretty quickly and handedly in this book, and I’m not mad about it!
I shared in the last review that if we’re going to have to pick a team, I’d pick Elias. And the reasons why I thought that felt very confirmed here.
Elias and Nori finally share their true feelings with one another:
“I’m here anytime you want to pretend you’re home.”
Nori was confused because of what she felt when Calden healed her, but once that’s sorted out she realizes her affection was also misunderstood. Her romantic love is rightly placed with Elias. Her home. *me making my hands into a heart
Calden realizes that he was only in love with the idea of Nori, not necessarily Nori herself. She was someone who saw the person behind his curse. Someone who wasn’t afraid of him. He’d been longing for that.
I love his honor and loyalty to Elias.
“Even if Nori never chooses him, me attempting to win her over would be a death sentence for our friendship. A treason of the highest order.”
He tells Elias: “What I felt for her before discovering who she is to you was only an ember of what you feel. And I will not fan into flame a fire that will burn you, my friend.”
[group hug]
Thanks Daylin! We can love them both!
And Calden is not doomed to be alone. Enter Zamirah. Her Master Talent is sending messages across the sea (using melody). She has been privy to everything regarding Calden from sending Calden’s mother’s messages trying to find a cure for him. Yet she does not fear Calden either. She is a strong and compassionate confidante for him.
She tells him- “‘Even the greatest blessings can come with consequences. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t still blessings.’”
She is instrumental in helping Calden process his struggles and pointing him back to the truth of El-Alam and his purposes for his people.
I’m excited for both of these relationships and that Daylin chose not to maintain the conflict that strained the friendships.
Alani also gets to find a partner! She finds her match aboard the Celestella ship— Willian. Another sea-farer. Also a perfect match for her. They are epic ship-people because Alani’s Master Talent is controlling water (ahem, water-bending?) and Willian’s is controlling air (you get it).
We don’t get many details on their interactions. They just pop-up in the background with dancing, lovey-dovey eyes, sweet nothings, and the love of the sea binding them together. We see you, Alani!
[I just keep coming back to the fact that Odessa is not as bound to anyone as the others. If she doesn’t betray them, I will be shocked.]
The Magic
We get more information about how the wards work, and I love it!
“‘The power in the wards is alive as the God who grants it’… Her casual comment reminds me again that I’m not just drawing pictures, I’m stewarding a great and holy power that only a small percentage of humanity has ever been entrusted with.”
“Your mind commands the energy, your body conducts it, and your heart releases it. If your heart disagrees with the action, it will not release the energy.”
I like this idea of ‘stewarding power.’ It’s a more tangible representation of how we, as Christians, have access to the power of the Holy Spirit. Not to shoot vitality balls, hide doorways, or heal each other, but power to resist evil and to overcome the sin in our lives. Real, living power that we are entrusted with.
We were left with the question of how Calden was able to heal Nori and Elias couldn’t. We find out that it wasn’t because Calden loved Nori more deeply than Elias. But he was able to heal her by being a conduit for El-Alam’s love. The love Nori felt when she was being healed was El-Alam’s, not Calden. That’s why they were confused about their love for each other.
But this speaks more into Calden’s abilities as a warden. He has some sort of stronger access to El-Alam’s power than the other wardens. Probably tied to his ‘curse.’
Pronunciation Guide
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Critiques
My only critique is that I’m not holding book three in my hands right now.
How it Ended
Again, this section will have spoilers because I need these details later, especially since I have to wait awhile for the next book. Skip if you haven’t read this book yet.
Recommendation
I echo my thoughts from These Hallowed Binds: I continue to whole-heartedly recommend this book and this series! It’s a meaningful and creative world that champions compassion and sacrifice and truth. The characters and the quest and the allegories are all so good!
I plowed through the first two books back-to-back and am sad I have to wait for the next one!
It looks like this is marketed to a young adult audience and I affirm that; readers as young as 13 would probably be fine reading this as well. And obviously also adults because that’s me and I love it!
You can be sure that I’ll be reading and reviewing some more of her books!
[Content Advisory: no swearing or sexual content; some death/violence but nothing gratuitous]
**Received a copy via the author in exchange for an honest review**
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January 11, 2026
Okay, so I finished this a few days ago and have just kind of been gathering my thoughts...there were things I loved, things I liked, and somethings that I was just ehhhh, well see where this goes about. So jumping in...
Characters:
Not gonna lie...I love Daylin's characters! Calden is so believable in his struggles and as a person with a chronic need to be the strong one for everyone else I relate with him a lot.
Elias is gold and I wants to hugs him and smack him sometimes and just tell him to be himself because how can anyone really know if they like him he's always wearing a mask. Poor guy.
Odessa...well, she grows on you.
Alani is a joy to read! As is Willian and Zamirah!
Nori...I don't know what it is...just don't relate a ton with her...*shrugs* Not sure, but she's a good solid character just not a vibe I'm vibing with, if that makes sense.
Romance:
Yes, a love triangle which gets resolved in this book...I'm happy with one side of it but still not sure about the other...lol...
Language:
N/A...I mean a creature called a Sea Heller. but that's it.
Magic:
Yes, this one felt a bit different than the first one...somethings happen toward the end, information that I'm not 100% sure I'm comfortable with...I might read book 3, might not, depends on where a lot of prayer leads me because I wasn't too sure how I felt about the information revealed at the end.
Violence/Gore:
Wounds, death, some scary scenes with Cal's curse where he's out of control...character's come close to death and there are mentions of blood mostly in the last half of the book.
Overall:
This is a cool fantasy series thus far...I love the concepts and the characters! As mentioned, the magic/spiritual side is taking a turn I'm not sure I'm okay with...personally...but that's up to each person's discretion.
Also, as a note...I'm not a fan of how it seems if you use blood wards for a time then there is no turning back...like you're un-saveable. Not a fan. As i beleive no matter what you've done God is able to save you and being you out of whatever darkness you may have praticapated in or have been part of. He can make us white as snow! Forgiving all transgressions...He will never leave us or forsake us, but rather is always with us waiting for us to come home. This is very minor...something that mostly came up in book 1 but I felt it was worth mentioning again here.
Recommend for age 16+
Characters:
Not gonna lie...I love Daylin's characters! Calden is so believable in his struggles and as a person with a chronic need to be the strong one for everyone else I relate with him a lot.
Elias is gold and I wants to hugs him and smack him sometimes and just tell him to be himself because how can anyone really know if they like him he's always wearing a mask. Poor guy.
Odessa...well, she grows on you.
Alani is a joy to read! As is Willian and Zamirah!
Nori...I don't know what it is...just don't relate a ton with her...*shrugs* Not sure, but she's a good solid character just not a vibe I'm vibing with, if that makes sense.
Romance:
Yes, a love triangle which gets resolved in this book...I'm happy with one side of it but still not sure about the other...lol...
Language:
N/A...I mean a creature called a Sea Heller. but that's it.
Magic:
Yes, this one felt a bit different than the first one...somethings happen toward the end, information that I'm not 100% sure I'm comfortable with...I might read book 3, might not, depends on where a lot of prayer leads me because I wasn't too sure how I felt about the information revealed at the end.
Violence/Gore:
Wounds, death, some scary scenes with Cal's curse where he's out of control...character's come close to death and there are mentions of blood mostly in the last half of the book.
Overall:
This is a cool fantasy series thus far...I love the concepts and the characters! As mentioned, the magic/spiritual side is taking a turn I'm not sure I'm okay with...personally...but that's up to each person's discretion.
Also, as a note...I'm not a fan of how it seems if you use blood wards for a time then there is no turning back...like you're un-saveable. Not a fan. As i beleive no matter what you've done God is able to save you and being you out of whatever darkness you may have praticapated in or have been part of. He can make us white as snow! Forgiving all transgressions...He will never leave us or forsake us, but rather is always with us waiting for us to come home. This is very minor...something that mostly came up in book 1 but I felt it was worth mentioning again here.
Recommend for age 16+
November 23, 2025
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
World-building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD. Right from the very first page it draws you in and keeps you reading page after page, with its exciting and high stakes story and extremely lovable characters!!
I was so happy to jump back into this world with Nori, Cal, Elias, and Alani to see what adventures they had in store, and I was not disappointed. If you thought These Hallowed Binds was a glorious rollercoaster of a book, buckle up, cause it's about to get even crazier in book two 😍 Plus, there's some new, just-as-loveable characters that get added to the mix.
A Curse Upon Tides is a phenomenal sequel to These Hallowed Binds. 100000000% worth the read.
Like, you should go buy a copy. Right now.
I was given an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
World-building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD. Right from the very first page it draws you in and keeps you reading page after page, with its exciting and high stakes story and extremely lovable characters!!
I was so happy to jump back into this world with Nori, Cal, Elias, and Alani to see what adventures they had in store, and I was not disappointed. If you thought These Hallowed Binds was a glorious rollercoaster of a book, buckle up, cause it's about to get even crazier in book two 😍 Plus, there's some new, just-as-loveable characters that get added to the mix.
A Curse Upon Tides is a phenomenal sequel to These Hallowed Binds. 100000000% worth the read.
Like, you should go buy a copy. Right now.
I was given an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 20, 2026
Bruh.
*slow claps*
*slow claps*
April 25, 2026
This sequel to These Hallowed Binds is amazing!
The characters are deep and complex, you can't help but fall in love with them.
❤️❤️❤️
Calden struggles with his "curse" that's not a curse.
Elias desires to belong and be accepted for who he is.
The brotherhood between them was both funny at times and heartwarming.
More characters are introduced enriching the cast.
The love triangle resolved in a healthy way.
Durring the part where Norielle realizes how much El-Alam loves her, I cried. 😭 So good!
❤️❤️❤️
I loved this book! Definitely recommend!
But, ahh, the ending! Warning: big cliff hanger. Now I have to wait for book three...
The characters are deep and complex, you can't help but fall in love with them.
❤️❤️❤️
Calden struggles with his "curse" that's not a curse.
Elias desires to belong and be accepted for who he is.
The brotherhood between them was both funny at times and heartwarming.
More characters are introduced enriching the cast.
The love triangle resolved in a healthy way.
Durring the part where Norielle realizes how much El-Alam loves her, I cried. 😭 So good!
❤️❤️❤️
I loved this book! Definitely recommend!
But, ahh, the ending! Warning: big cliff hanger. Now I have to wait for book three...
December 16, 2025
This was a good second book. Well-paced and full of memorable characters. The author answered some questions from the first book, These Hallowed Binds, and created more for the continuation. I love the way the "love triangle" progresses in ACUT, and that it's never gimmicky like some other popular series. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 25, 2025
This story was a delight and had me reading it like my life depended on it. Disclaimer: I had the blessing and opportunity of being the proofreader for this amazing book, and I read it in 2 days. And it was an immense pleasure 🩵 I want to highlight my specific favorite pieces of this story (NO SPOILERS):
-Nori and Seer Josiah’s dynamic had me tear up multiple times.
-Elias. Just Elias.
-The broship between Elias and Calden.
-Getting to see Nori’s growth. I just adore her, honestly.
-Elias’s banter about Calden’s…sparkly companion.
-How Calden’s “curse” is handled throughout the entire story. This resonated with me deeply.
-Alani and her strength 🏴☠️
-Zamirah’s gentleness and care 💛
-The message about God’s character throughout the story. "Even the greatest blessings can come with consequences. But that doesn't mean they aren't still blessings."
-The message about courage and connection in the face of terrifying circumstances, when nearly all hope seems lost.
-The entire ship sequence - so a good bulk of the story. Everything, all that happened on the ship.
-And everything that happened after the ship….the ending. Wrecked me. 🚢
My jaw was nearly on the floor with some of the events that play out near the end of the story, not to mention the actual ending itself. To the very last sentence, this story gripped me and I love the entire wild ride.
(Am I allowed to say that the sea heller was also one of my favorite things?)
I also got a tattoo inspired by this story - it very much spoke to me. I will cherish the experience of reading this for a long time, and can’t wait to read it again.
5 sea monsters out of 5 sea monsters. 👹
-Nori and Seer Josiah’s dynamic had me tear up multiple times.
-Elias. Just Elias.
-The broship between Elias and Calden.
-Getting to see Nori’s growth. I just adore her, honestly.
-Elias’s banter about Calden’s…sparkly companion.
-How Calden’s “curse” is handled throughout the entire story. This resonated with me deeply.
-Alani and her strength 🏴☠️
-Zamirah’s gentleness and care 💛
-The message about God’s character throughout the story. "Even the greatest blessings can come with consequences. But that doesn't mean they aren't still blessings."
-The message about courage and connection in the face of terrifying circumstances, when nearly all hope seems lost.
-The entire ship sequence - so a good bulk of the story. Everything, all that happened on the ship.
-And everything that happened after the ship….the ending. Wrecked me. 🚢
My jaw was nearly on the floor with some of the events that play out near the end of the story, not to mention the actual ending itself. To the very last sentence, this story gripped me and I love the entire wild ride.
(Am I allowed to say that the sea heller was also one of my favorite things?)
I also got a tattoo inspired by this story - it very much spoke to me. I will cherish the experience of reading this for a long time, and can’t wait to read it again.
5 sea monsters out of 5 sea monsters. 👹
October 30, 2025
This story is so beautiful. The themes in these books are so well done and have so much depth.
This story has great characters, a beautiful handling of a love triangle, twists and surprises. The world is vibrant and rich and there are more layers to everything being unveiled through the story.
This book was definitely a ride.
I highly recommend this series if you enjoy fantasy with witty banter, rich faith themes, and heart-stealing characters.
Content Notes:
No language. Kisses only.
Some quotes I liked:
“Because there’s not a version of you I wouldn’t want to know.”
Strange, how so much pain can hide in someone’s silences.
How does one define a beauty that is more than just on the surface, but radiating from one’s very soul, enveloping another in her presence even under such less-than-ideal circumstances?
“How can anybody care about the real you when you never let them see who that is?”
“There’s always time for tea.”
This story has great characters, a beautiful handling of a love triangle, twists and surprises. The world is vibrant and rich and there are more layers to everything being unveiled through the story.
This book was definitely a ride.
I highly recommend this series if you enjoy fantasy with witty banter, rich faith themes, and heart-stealing characters.
Content Notes:
No language. Kisses only.
Some quotes I liked:
“Because there’s not a version of you I wouldn’t want to know.”
Strange, how so much pain can hide in someone’s silences.
How does one define a beauty that is more than just on the surface, but radiating from one’s very soul, enveloping another in her presence even under such less-than-ideal circumstances?
“How can anybody care about the real you when you never let them see who that is?”
“There’s always time for tea.”
April 20, 2026
First of all... WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT ENDS LIKE THAT😭
I loved this book so much! I was warned going into it that I would need tissues, and thankfully, I ended up making it through(barely). The plot twists were well done, and they really added to the story. I loved the Christian themes woven throughout. The idea of the tears of El-Alam giving them their ability to ward was touching to me. This quote summed it up perfectly.
"El-Alam, the Creator of the universe, who upholds every world from one end of the Empyreal Skies to the other, has chosen me to grant His power to. Me to call into His purposes."
It was such a good reminder of Jesus and how He called me for his purposes, and that He really does have a purpose for my life. The world building in the Empyreal Guardian Saga is crafted well. It almost reminds me of certain world building aspects of Flameheart. The friendships in ACUT were also well done. I appreciate that while there is yearning, A Curse Upon Tides remains no spice and clean. There is also no profanity. Overall, a thrilling read, and I CANNOT wait for the next book!
I loved this book so much! I was warned going into it that I would need tissues, and thankfully, I ended up making it through(barely). The plot twists were well done, and they really added to the story. I loved the Christian themes woven throughout. The idea of the tears of El-Alam giving them their ability to ward was touching to me. This quote summed it up perfectly.
"El-Alam, the Creator of the universe, who upholds every world from one end of the Empyreal Skies to the other, has chosen me to grant His power to. Me to call into His purposes."
It was such a good reminder of Jesus and how He called me for his purposes, and that He really does have a purpose for my life. The world building in the Empyreal Guardian Saga is crafted well. It almost reminds me of certain world building aspects of Flameheart. The friendships in ACUT were also well done. I appreciate that while there is yearning, A Curse Upon Tides remains no spice and clean. There is also no profanity. Overall, a thrilling read, and I CANNOT wait for the next book!
October 24, 2025
4.5 stars! Seriously, tho. A. M. Daylin has wrenched my heart yet again. Even though nothing turned out how I hoped or expected, it still hit all the highs of wonderful storytelling. My only complaint is .
I recommend A Curse Upon Tides to young adult/teen readers and older who enjoy deepening character development in an action-packed fantasy world with strong bonds of friendship, self-discovery, and tested love.
This book was a must read for me after having read and enjoyed These Hallowed Binds. I'm getting a physical copy when it releases, but thank you to the author for the ARC so I didn't have to wait in agony anymore! This review is all my own.
I recommend A Curse Upon Tides to young adult/teen readers and older who enjoy deepening character development in an action-packed fantasy world with strong bonds of friendship, self-discovery, and tested love.
This book was a must read for me after having read and enjoyed These Hallowed Binds. I'm getting a physical copy when it releases, but thank you to the author for the ARC so I didn't have to wait in agony anymore! This review is all my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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