Why We Fight the Tide

by Giselle Vriesen

TBC

368 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2026

Reviews

[Em]

If you enjoyed Why We Play with Fire, you’ll want to pick up Why We Fight the Tide by Giselle Vriesen. This sequel continues Thea’s journey while deepening the story’s exploration of grief, destiny, and the weight of our choices. As Thea struggles with all she has lost and races to stop Kek from opening the mysterious box, she must also reckon with a bargain she made with the goddess Xiwangmu for the chance to bring her mother back. I especially appreciated how Vriesen expands the mythology while keeping the emotional heart of the story front and center.

This novel captures the reality that life doesn’t pause for grief, love, or destiny. Thea’s growing understanding that joy and hardship often exist side by side gives the story emotional depth, while the intertwined fates of Thea and Tiana raise the stakes in compelling ways. Filled with adventure, gods, prophecies, and difficult choices, Why We Fight the Tide is a satisfying sequel about what we’re willing to risk for the people we love.

[Shauna (library_of_your_dreams)]

Great follow up to book 1! I loved the character development and the direction the story took, especially how the prophecy unfolded. Highly recommend this series if you like mythology!