Daughters of the Tide: The gorgeously atmospheric 2026 debut that explores secrets and selkies in 1920s Tasmania

by Arianne James

Weaving historical fiction with folklore and Tasmanian gothic, this is a gorgeously atmospheric debut that explores memory and self, the resilience of women and a dangerous longing for the sea.


The Findlay family history has long been steeped in secrets, tragedy and dark rumours of madness. Generations of its women have been haunted by a dangerous luring melody and an insatiable longing for the sea.

It's 1923 and Isla Findlay lives with her parents on the edge of the ocean in Tasmania, in a rambling mansion full of whispers of this cursed legacy. When Isla discovers her estranged aunt is finally coming home, long repressed memories of the selkie stories of her childhood start to resurface, along with disturbing dreams of seals and an eerie song that Isla starts to hear even in her waking hours.

As the line between what's real and imagined starts to blur, Isla and her aunt and mother must reckon with long-held secrets and ghosts who have not been properly laid to rest. The closer they get to the truths of the past, the louder they hear the seductive call of the ocean. Does it sing of freedom, or only more tragedy?

A tale of madness and miracles, secrets and sins, myth and reality, and the tenacity and resilience of women in the face of impossible choices.



PRAISE FOR DAUGHTERS OF THE TIDE



'Memory, reality and truth swirl and tumble in waves of dream, ancient song and mystery to create a lyrical and poetic novel that pulls at the senses like the tides themselves. An assured and alluring debut.' MARY-LOU STEPHENS, author of The Hobart Hotel

'This is a piece of historical fiction magic that will captivate and delight.' KAREN BROOKS, author of The Whisky Widow

'A beautifully written debut, lush with dark family secrets shrouded in memory and mystique' DARRY FRASER, author of The Adventuress of Albany

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction

385 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2026

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughters of the tide is a book about families and relationships and control.

Set in two different time periods, about two generations of the Findlays, Isla, Adelaide and Clara and Ettie all try to resist the song if the sea and the selkies.
Some of the women make some bad choices in husbands, all suffer some loss.

I enjoyed Daughters of the Tides though I prefer a tidier ending then what Arianne James gave us. The character were interesting but the story took a long time to come together.

I think anyone who likes fables and selkie stories or Tasmanian places and history would enjoy this book.

4 stars.
#hqinsiders

[Bianca Rose (Belladonnabooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughters of the Tide is a beautifully atmospheric historical novel set on the rugged Tasmanian coast in 1923. From the very first pages, I was swept away by the wild beauty of the setting, where the sea is both a constant presence and a powerful force shaping the lives of the characters. The landscape feels vivid and alive, and the author’s prose perfectly captures both its harshness and its beauty.

There were so many gorgeous elements that came together seamlessly. A family saga, folklore, romance, mystery and beautiful prose which are woven together into a story that feels both grounded and enchanting. The fairy-tale qualities never felt separate from the narrative but instead flowed naturally through it, creating a sense of wonder that lingered throughout the book.

At the heart of the story are Adelaide and Isla, whose connection to the selkie folklore adds another layer of magic and meaning to the novel. I particularly enjoyed the exploration of mothers and daughters, inheritance, identity, and belonging. Isla and Clara were an interesting dynamic. The contrast between Isla’s relationship to the selkie stories and her mother’s distance from them added depth to the themes of family history and the ties that connect generations. The novel asks thoughtful questions about what we inherit from those who came before us, and what happens when those connections are embraced, lost, or rediscovered.

The characters felt wonderfully realised. I appreciated that the male characters were given their own distinct personalities and motivations, enriching the story rather than simply supporting it. Every relationship felt nuanced and believable, contributing to the emotional depth of the novel.

The prose is gorgeous throughout - lyrical, evocative, and perfectly suited to a story steeped in folklore and the sea. This is a novel to sink into and savour, one that balances beauty and heartbreak, myth and reality, while remaining deeply rooted in place and family.

A captivating and immersive read that will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction infused with folklore, richly drawn characters, and stories that explore the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters.

Thank you to Harper Colins Australia and Harlequin Australia for my review copy.

[Faith Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Findlay women have the sea in their veins, and the sea doesn't shrink herself for anyone.”

Perfect for fans of Heather Rose, Mary Lou Stevens and Alice Hoffman’s “Practical Magic” ✨🐚🌊

Daughters of The Tide masterfully blends historical fiction, unique folklore and an eerie gothic atmosphere. It is magic brought to life. A beautiful, powerful yet haunting exploration of identity, secrets, sins, the resilience of a generation of women up against insurmountable odds and the transformation that comes with healing and allowing one’s true nature to swell.

I was instantly connected to the stories of the Findlay women, each with their own unique struggles yet so tightly bound and connected to one another. I loved how Arianne explored the erasure of women in this story, of how their legacies, sacrifices, intelligence and identity is so commonly swept away, forgotten or stolen from lesser men. And now each of the women grieved the lives they were unable to have because of their womanhood and all the cages it comes with.

As a Tasmanian I loved how much it felt the a character in the story, as did the sea. It evokes such a sense of belonging, nostalgia and vibrancy while reading. Truly atmospheric and enthralling, like a Florence and the Machine song come to life.

A wildly beautiful, memorable and powerful debut. 5 stars!!!!


Highlights —

“But rage feels good. So much easier to deal with than sadness. Sorrow stings and clings like sticky sap to the underside of her heart
where she thought she was safe.”

“We can feel things that others can't, hear things that are beyond the realm of normal listening. We can bite back.”

“Women are powerful, but we have to be clever with how we use that power. It can be so easily taken from us.”

“To love is to find oneself reflected in the heart of another, to see oneself magnified in their gaze and as such learn to love yourself. lo love is to find your soul's home, a place where you feel safe even while knowing that safety may, at times, be threatened, but choosing to reside there anyway. To love does not mean to lose yourself."

“He was my escape as much as my undoing, Adelaide says. I don’t think I'd feel like myself if I hadn't known him.
But you wouldn't know, if you'd never met,' Clara says.
I think I would. That's what I've never been able to shake. The feeling that I would have always known him.”

“It’s hard to know when you’re young and the world is full of possibilities, a thousand and one directions to choose from and no due which is right save for your heart's compass.”

[Hu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so grateful to have received an advanced readers copy for review from HaperCollins/HQ!

Daughters of the Tide is a haunting and atmospheric blend of historical fiction, mystery, and mythology that completely drew me into its coastal world. Told through the perspectives of Adelaide, Isla, and Clara, alongside Ettie’s diary entries memories, and dreamlike sequences, the novel created a layered and intriguing reading experience where reality often felt blurred beneath suppressed memories and long-buried family secrets.

The writing style itself was lyrical and immersive, especially whenever the ocean and underwater imagery took centre stage. The seals, tides, storms, and rugged coastline all felt vividly alive on the page, adding an eerie beauty to the story that perfectly matched its darker themes. I also really appreciated the novel’s exploration of power dynamics between men and women during the late 1800s through to the 1920s, and the ways society attempted to confine women within rigid expectations and roles.

While I found the premise incredibly strong, the pacing occasionally felt a little slow for me, particularly in the middle sections, which stopped it from becoming a full five star read. That said, I was still deeply invested in uncovering the truth behind the family’s history and the mysteries surrounding the women at the heart of the novel.

Alistair was such a well-written antagonist and honestly one of the standout characters for me. There was something deeply predatory about him that reminded me of orcas beaching themselves to hunt seals or the stories of killer whales harassing and capsizing small boats out at sea. That same sense of calculated menace followed him throughout the novel, making it incredibly satisfying to see justice eventually served.

Interestingly, Clara began as my least favourite character, but by the end she had become the one I felt most emotionally connected to as more of her story unfolded.

Overall, this was an eerie, richly layered, and beautifully written novel that balanced historical themes with mythology and psychological mystery in a compelling way. I would absolutely read from Arianne James again.

[TheSarahChapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this book!
I loved the mystery and the family drama.
Such a captivating story set in Tasmania

4⭐️

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This atmospheric, complex, poetic and lyrical feast is pure delight for the senses and imagination. Liquid beauty with a prose that is dream-like. Daughters of the Tide is historical fiction laced with gothic elements that has a gentle ebb and flow plot. It is filled with breathtaking sea images that cast a spell on the open heart. I truly loved all this story had to offer: a creative generational family story set in Tasmania drawing upon the selkie legends. And for those who don’t know what selkies are, here is an online definition: “a selkie is a mythological shapeshifter from Celtic and Norse folklore that can transform between a seal and a human. Found primarily in the tales of Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland, these marine beings shed their seal skins on land to walk among humans.”

The novel carries many dark undertones and soul shattering secrets. It deals with some serious issues like abuse, psychological control, loss of self and unbearable grief. Mental health is also explored. The novel speaks of women whose voices have been stolen, cut off or forced to remain silent. Suffering leaks like the ink of an octopus from the pages of their lives. As we read Ettie’s journal, our hearts break. It is easy to feel the coiled tension in her words. Plus her suffering and desire to protect her family at all costs.

We are provided with more than one viewpoint which works excellently. We hear from Ettie, Clara and her daughter Isla as well as the Clara’s sister Adelaide. This is a story about relationships that are fractured by events. How these women try to heal is seen in their personal journeys, apart and together. Identity issues surface in the midst of learning about the selkies, their culture and songs that come to them in strange moments. Clara has the most anxiety over whether to believe selkies are real. And she has always struggled at being a mother. She cannot quite relate to Isla who rather is more like Adelaide. We are given individual accounts of Isla’s birth, the issues that arose and how Adelaide had to help her sister with her child. This created a bond between Aunt and Niece but the divide between Isla and Clara is long lasting. Will it change when Adelaide returns?

With the high quality of writing so evident, we are pulled into the drama of these troubled women’s lives and can feel everything they experience. Their fears, hopes, dreams and desires clearly flow from page to page and voice to voice. Gothic elements are laced throughout, maybe more subdued than in some books but the dark atmosphere, psychological terror, macabre, supernatural happenings and dangerous romance liaisons known in 18th Century Gothic Romantic Literature— certainly echo throughout this tale. We see the isolation from being ‘different’ and inescapable weight of the past. The novel’s time period swings back forth like a pendulum from the late 1800s to 1920s where we see how each event has affected the characters. And how the past is always looming large— for Ettie’s actions affect her daughters and granddaughter in the future in different ways. And what happened that led to Adelaide going to Orkney to live for so long.

Speaking of Orkney, I was good friends with the late renowned Orkney poet and story teller George MacKay Brown. It was a pleasure to talk to him about this island he loved so much and the stories it birthed in him. Tasmania seems to be doing the same thing as there are many inspired writers erupting from its stunning wild and wonderful land and seascape.

The novel opens with a poem clip from William Butler Yeats’ A Man Young and Old that sets up the story beautifully.

A mermaid found a swimming lad,
Picked him for her own,
Pressed her body to his body,
Laughed; and plunging down
Forgot in cruel happiness
That even lovers drown.

The last line particularly is chilling and evident inspiration in Daughters of the Tide. Ettie particularly learns some tough lessons about the love she had at first for the man she married. He is a seriously disturbing character. She moves from the illusion and impetuous passion of youth to wisdom that comes as she ages. Her revelations of the truth set her on a path of freedom but her actions—well could be judged severely if known. These remain hidden long after her passing— until her children discover what she has done to survive.

This novel’s powerful images, characters, themes and plot will remain in my mind forever. The message for women it champions and the strength in sisterhood it supports—are epic. We clearly get a glimpse of the evil that is present in our world. Yet in following these women through their journeys in their selkie community, we see the universal desire for meaning, connection and purpose.

Daughters of the Tide has a circular theme that starts in the prologue with such a beautiful image of a woman standing on the precipice of a cliff at night. And at the end we return to her. Her song is powerful, her movements the same. We watch as ‘she falls, softly, like a star into the sea.’ The novel ends with a coda of wisdom. Magical, mystical, mesmerising. This deeply heartfelt story that explores the human condition, should not be missed. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to HQ Fiction and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Millie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daughters of the Tide, Arianne James’ debut novel, is an atmospheric work of historical fiction rich with myth, secrets, and longing. Set in Tasmania in the 1920s, the text seeks to share the story of the Findlay family, as told over several generations of women. The text maintains a distinctly Tasmanian gothic, delivering a tale in which myth and memory cast eerie shadows over reality.

Whilst the aftereffects of the First World War are very much felt in this novel, the women of the Findlay family experience a haunting of their own that goes back generations. The song of the selkies has filled the ears and minds of these women, long before their arrival on stolen shores, dating back to their ancestors in Scotland. This ancestry is kept alive through storytelling, a favoured means of communication between characters throughout the text.

The story is told from four perspectives, three in the ‘present’ day and one through memories, flashbacks, and diary entries from the not-so-distant past. We are first introduced to Isla, the youngest of the Findlay women and the most recent to hear the selkies song. Adelaide, Isla’s estranged aunty and Clara’s sister, returns a third of the way into the book, bringing with her a flurry of newly discovered secrets and the uncovering of long kept ones. Finally, Clara, Isla’s mother and perhaps the character that undergoes the most growth, does her best to protect her daughter—and herself—from the so called ‘madness’ the luring call of the ocean induces. Themes of motherhood and mental health are touchingly explored here, layering Clara’s drive for normalcy at any cost. Through Isla’s great grandmother Ettie we learn much about the fascination of the Findlay women with the ocean, and are introduced to Adelaide and Clara’s younger selves.

The text has a keen interest in family and power dynamics, paying careful attention to the building up of strong women and those that seek to tear them down. The violence of Alistair, Ettie’s husband, grounds the text in a reality that threatens so many women, and introduces a felt necessity to the independence so central to the Findlay identity. It appears throughout as though the weather, and indeed the house itself, are on the women’s side, along with the seemingly immortal housekeeper, Agatha.

This novel starts strong, with readers as in the dark as Isla appears to be during her increasing bouts of sleepwalking and selkie-related dreams. The story grows slowly from here, revealing each character through the eyes of another so that by the time readers reach said character’s section, they already have a fairly comprehensive understanding of their motives and feelings. The inclusion of several perspectives means that the plot feels both repetitive and confused at times, the writing style not quite distinct enough between each section. And yet, despite the slower pace the text falls into, the ending felt slightly rushed.

That being said, however, this book is an impressive debut and gives much for the literary landscape of Tasmania to be excited about. For fans of ocean mythology, atmospheric writing, and historical fiction, I would gladly recommend Daughters of the Tide.

I’d like to thank HQ Insiders for my advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Daughters of the Tide is out on May 26th, 2026.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I came to the last page of this story, I had to let it sit with me for a couple of days. For Arianne James has crafted a compelling generational family story that is dense, complicated, and highly emotional.
The Findlay family arrives in Tasmania around the 1880s and quickly establish their influence in the emerging colony. The women in the family, not only must contend living in a man’s world but understand their strong association to the sea and to the mythical selkies. This perpetual calling to the Findlay women causes both excitement and trepidation. Central to the story centres is three of the Findlay women who we come to meet in the early 1920s. The sisters are Adelaide and Clara and Clara’s daughter Isla. Circling around all of them is the presence of Ettie, the sister’s grandmother.
When I started reading Isla’s story, I had Dictionary of Lost Words vibes, with a young woman wanting to make her mark in the academic world but constrained by the protocols of the times. The story soon pivots as Isla begins to awaken to the call of the sea and the selkies. Isla is also trying to reconcile her feelings towards her mother Clara. The relationship is strained on both sides and the reasons when revealed are poignant. The household is thrown into disarray with the news that Adelaide is returning after several years away. Adelaide’s departure was sudden and unexpected for Isla and as a young child at the time, feels that Adelaide’s departure was her fault. Clara and Adelaide have unresolved issues as siblings, with grandparents and partners. This convergence of the three Findlay women is deliciously complicated with each trying to redress the past and navigate their future. Then added into the mix, is the relationship to the sea and the selkies. This invokes a haunting atmosphere that really ensnares you into the setting.
As you read each of the stories of the women and how they intertwine, interact and develop, you cannot be amazed at how James peels back each character with such regard. She brings forth their challenges and trauma in a way that makes you feel part of what is happening. There are some dark personal moments for each of the characters and James reveals her craft as an author by dealing with these empathy and compassion. The Findlay women and the supporting characters are wonderfully created and lift off the page. It is a joy as a reader to unpack these fully realised stories and people.
Arianne James is an exciting new voice and Daughters of the Tide is atmospheric, gothic, richly complex, full of surprises and will stay with you long after the book is closed.

Thanks to HQ Insiders for the printed ARC, opinions are my own.

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always had a thing for selkies – the siren song of seals and Celtic folklore is so appealing, so I jumped to read Daughters of the Tide, set in alternating timelines among three generations of women in 1920s Hobart. This is a beautiful and haunting novel about the Findlay family of women who struggle with seals, love and everything that women have endured for men.
The narrative moves between Ettie in 1885 and Isla, Clara and Adelaide in 1923/24. There’s a balance between the mystical aspects of their lives, and the more prosaic challenges of 1920s society in Hobart.

Ettie was the first generation to settle in Fossil Cove, where she mysteriously drowned in 1889. Her granddaughters Clara and Adelaide continue to live in the sea-side Findlay family home when Clara marries Harold, and has a daughter Isla. Adelaide leaves for Scotland when Isla is six, fracturing the family unit and destroying the closeness with her sister and niece.

Isla has secretly been accepted to Oxford University to study paleobiology, but her plan is put on hold when she learns that Adelaide is returning from her years’ long exile in Scotland. Adelaide’s return means that all the secrets that have been safely kept during her absence begin to unravel.

The call of the sea is real for the Findlay women, and at its most potent, they can hear a song that is both comforting and haunting, and draws them to the water. Author Arianne James doesn’t dive deeply (so to speak) into the selkie mythology, but there’s enough detail for the reader to follow. The attraction of the seals is especially strong for Isla in the months around Adelaide’s return, and we gradually find out why.

Secondary characters are terrific – Clara’s husband Harold especially. He’s both of his time (wanting to lead and be the head of his family) but he loves his wife and daughter, and is trying ever so hard to do the ‘right thing’ – my heart ached for him. I would have liked to know more of Jack, Isla’s platonic love interest. Most of the action occurs between September 1923 and June 1924, on a tight countdown to the annual solstice ball. This time-frame kept the momentum up and the focus on life in Fossil Cove.

I felt that sometimes the language feels too modern for the 1920s, but overall it’s immersive and haunting, and a little Gothic, and by the end I felt as if I shared the sea’s comfort. Recommended!

Thank you Arianne James and HQ Insiders for giving me an ARC printed copy to read and review. Opinions are my own.

[Rekha O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to HQ Insiders for the ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.

Daughters of the Tide is a quiet, lyrical piece of historical fiction threaded through with magical realism, grief, memory, and the enduring pull of the sea. This is very much a mood read rather than a plot-driven one, and I think your enjoyment will depend largely on whether you’re in the right headspace to simply drift along with it.

The novel moves between dual timelines: 1923 Hobart, where Isla is struggling with her strained relationship with her mother Clara and the lingering absence of her beloved Aunt Adelaide, who disappeared back to the Orkney Islands years earlier, and 1885, following their grandmother Ettie, trapped in a difficult marriage and increasingly drawn toward the sea and the selkie myths woven through her heritage.

What Arianne James does particularly well is atmosphere. The writing has a very literary, almost dreamlike quality to it, and the Tasmanian and Orkney settings feel vividly realised without becoming overly romanticised. You can feel the salt air, the cold water, the isolation, and the emotional weight sitting heavily over generations of women shaped by silence, grief, and family expectation.

At its heart, though, this is really a character study of Isla, Clara, and Adelaide more than a traditionally plotted historical novel. It explores fractured relationships, inherited trauma, loss, longing, and the stories families choose to tell or bury. The selkie mythology sits gently beneath the narrative rather than dominating it, adding a haunting thread of folklore and symbolism throughout.

That said, readers looking for a lot of action or dramatic plot turns may struggle here. This is a very slow-moving novel, and while I appreciated the emotional depth and atmospheric writing, there were sections where the pacing felt extremely heavy for me. At times it felt less like being carried by the tide and more like swimming through molasses. Beautiful molasses, admittedly, but molasses nonetheless.

Still, there’s something deeply sincere and emotionally intimate about the storytelling that stayed with me. It feels like a very personal novel, one written with genuine affection for place, family history, and the women at its centre.

Overall, this is an evocative and thoughtful debut that will likely appeal most to readers who enjoy literary historical fiction with folkloric elements, layered family relationships, and strong atmospheric writing over fast-moving plot.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much, HarlequinAU for the physical ARC. 💕

Daughters of the Tide by Arianne James is officially my first Aussie gothic read and it definitely will not be my last. It’s a gothic historical novel set in Tasmania following three women who bound to the sea and family secrets. There’s this haunting connection to the sea running through the novel and if you love selkie mythology or stories inspired by that kind of folklore and mysticism, this book is absolutely for you.

What stood out to me immediately was the writing. It’s beautifully atmospheric in that way where the setting feels like its own separate character. I could vividly picture everything: the manor, the cliffs, the cold air, the sea, the isolation of Tasmania. Arianne James did such a wonderful job bringing the landscape to life.

Pacing-wise, this is definitely a slower read but I don’t mean that as a negative at all. In fact, I think this is the kind of book that deserves to be read when you actually have the time to sit down with it properly. This isn’t a fast-paced, plot-driven read meant to be rushed through. Giving this book time will allow you to experience it in the best possible way. So if you’re someone who mainly prefers very fast-paced books, this may not work for you BUT if you love immersive, atmospheric storytelling, this delivers.

Theme-wise, what I loved most is that beneath all the gothic elements, mysticism and eerie coastal atmosphere, this is really a story about women. Different kinds of women. Their desires, sacrifices, loneliness, resilience and the ways they move through the world. Even though this is historical fiction set across the late 1800s and early 1900s, so much of what it says about womanhood still feels incredibly relevant. My favourite character was Clara. She felt so real to me - very complex, very flawed. Her character arc gave me exactly what I want from a female protagonist.

[Booked.withb · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Daughters of the Tide” by Arianne James 🦭🧜‍♀️

Thank you so much Harlequin for the gifted ARC copy! This releases 26th May and if you love atmospheric historical fiction with gothic folklore vibes, this one might be for you.

Weaving historical fiction with folklore and Tasmanian gothic elements, this was such a beautifully written and immersive debut. The eerie coastal setting, haunting family legacy and strong gothic atmosphere were easily the standout parts for me. The writing created such a vivid sense of place and the overall mood of the story felt very rich and unsettling in the best way.

I also really appreciated the themes surrounding womanhood, memory and identity and there were definitely moments that completely pulled me in emotionally. The folklore-inspired elements added a mysterious edge that made the story feel unique and atmospheric throughout.

That said, while I loved the atmosphere, the overall flow didn’t fully work for me. The pacing dragged quite a bit in parts and I found myself wanting more from the plot overall — more energy, more tension, more drama and scenes that felt a little more impactful. Some sections felt repetitive and I was left wanting a bit more substance and momentum from the story as a whole.

I also wish the gothic mystery and folklore elements had been pushed even further because those aspects were by far the strongest part for me. The premise had so much potential and while I enjoyed the writing and mood, I finished the book still wanting a little more from the execution.

Overall, this was a solid debut with gorgeous writing and an incredibly atmospheric setting but the slower pacing stopped me from fully connecting with it. I’d still recommend it if you enjoy literary historical fiction, gothic family stories, haunting seaside settings and folklore-inspired reads. 🌫️🌊

[Amanda McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 1920s, Isla Findlay's estranged aunt returns to the family home in Tasmania. Her presence sparks the reemergence of memories and secrets from the past for Isla, her aunt and her mother. As more truths emerge, the line between real and imagined begins to blur and each woman is forced to reckon with their family's heritage and what they feel in their hearts and in their blood.

This is a remarkably layered and subtle story that blends historical fiction with folklore and Australian gothic. It peels in layers, giving more and more with each revelation. On the surface, it's a tale of women and selkies, an almost magical realism; and of family and secrets, and the legacies that follow. But with each chapter something new is revealed and the story turns down darker paths, exploring motherhood traumas, domestic abuse, and how patriarchal society can strip women of their identities . The exploration of expectations around motherhood is beautifully and sensitively written, making space for women who struggle with ideas around motherhood and what good mothering looks like, how those mother-child relationships are meant to be. It was that aspect, along with the selkie skin as a metaphor for the female identity, that I found really interesting beyond the initial elements of the plot around familial secrets.

Arianne James has written beautifully, with atmospheric and evocative language and vivid imagery. This is a quiet book driven by characters and relationships moreso than action, just the kind of novel I love. This is a very assured debut and I'm excited to see what she does next.

[Miss Jordie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ 𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎 ✨

Thank you so much to @harpercollinsaustralia @harlequinaus and @arianne_writes for the gifted ARC of this stunning debut. 🌊🦭

This book completely swept me away with its haunting atmosphere, lyrical writing, and beautifully woven blend of historical fiction, folklore, and Tasmanian gothic.

From the very first page, I felt like I could hear the ocean calling alongside Isla, pulling me deeper into the mystery surrounding the Findlay women and their tragic family legacy.

Set against the wild Tasmanian coastline in 1923, this story is drenched in melancholy, secrets, and that eerie sense that something ancient is lingering just beneath the waves. The selkie folklore added such a magical yet unsettling layer to the story, and I loved how the line between myth, memory, grief, and madness constantly blurred.

What truly stood out to me was the exploration of womanhood, generational trauma, and resilience. The relationships between Isla, her mother, and her aunt were emotional, raw, and incredibly compelling. Every revelation felt like another wave crashing against the shore, pulling long-buried truths to the surface.



If you love:

🌊 Atmospheric gothic fiction

🦭 Selkie folklore & ocean mythology

🏚️ Family secrets & generational curses

✨ Lyrical, immersive writing

🌫️ Haunting seaside settings

📖 Historical fiction with magical realism

…then this absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.



A gorgeously haunting debut that lingers long after the final page.

Releasing May 26th and definitely one to watch. 🌙🌊

[Liat M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Findlay family history is complex, full of secrets and tragedy. There are dark rumours that madness overtakes the women of the family as they have an insatiable longing for the sea.

It’s 1923 and Isla lives with her parents on the edge of the ocean in Tasmania, in a house built by her great grandmother. When Isla discovers her estranged aunt is finally coming home, a long repressed memory of the selkie stories of her childhood start to resurface.

As the lines blur between what’s real and what is imagined, Isla, her aunt and her mother must reckon with long held family secrets and ghosts not properly laid to rest.

I really loved this story! Not only is it beautifully written but there is a connection to the ocean and the animals that live in its depth that comes across on every page. Told from the perspective of the three Findlay women with Ettie’s story woven between the chapters, we gain an understanding of the secrets and the stories that have been shared through the generations.

While the pace may be a little slow at times, especially towards the beginning, I feel like it flowed well and the characters were definitely relatable. I also felt like the story was trying to fit a lot in, and while most of it worked, there were some parts that felt a little rushed or unnecessary which is why it’s not quite five stars.

Overall, this is a beautiful book filled with the power of story telling and I can’t wait to see what Arianne James writes next!

Thank you to HQ for my copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[Sarah Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

just finished Daughters of the Tide by Arianne James, and honestly, it’s one of those books that leaves a bit of a lingering feeling after you’re done.

The story is set by the coast, and the atmosphere is such a big part of it. It’s kind of moody and a little eerie, especially with how the sea and the local folklore are woven in. The folklore isn’t just there for vibes either—it actually connects to what the characters are going through, which I really liked.

One of the main things the book explores is family, especially mother-daughter relationships. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything—there’s love, but also a lot of tension and unresolved stuff. It felt pretty real in the way families can be complicated and messy.

Mental health is another big theme, and I think it was handled really well. The characters’ struggles feel genuine, and it shows how much your past and your environment can affect you. I also liked that it didn’t try to wrap everything up perfectly—some things just take time, and the book reflects that.

Overall, it’s a really emotional, slightly haunting read with strong characters and a unique atmosphere. If you’re into stories that mix family drama with a touch of folklore and deeper themes, it’s definitely worth checking out.

This book was gifted to me by HQ Insiders

[Joanne - booksjoreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a debut by Tasmanian author Arianne James and it is also set in Tasmania.

From the very beginning, this book had me thinking. It was atmospheric, with an element of fantasy, often leaving an eerie feeling that had me so intrigued.

I especially enjoyed the selkie mythology, it gives the story a haunting, otherworldly edge that I absolutely loved.

This story was told through three different women's perspectives and timelines across the 1880s and the 1920s, but through them all there was a feeling of connection, at times this may have been lost but you always had the feeling that this was a family that through strength, perseverance and understanding would find each other again.

Some moments were genuinely hard to read. The disconnect between Clara and Isla is brutal in its honesty, lines such as "Sometimes I wonder why God gave me you, what's the point of a daughter you can't understand" made me emotional as I read them

I also appreciated the insight into women's lives and social expectations during these periods. The historical detail brought this world to life.

Overall, this is a captivating and unusual piece of historical fiction, atmospheric, emotionally layered, and threaded with folklore.
I'd happily recommend it to readers who enjoy stories with a difference, those that blend myth, history, and the complexities of mother/daughter relationships.

[richellesreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A promising debut from Arianne James, 'Daughters of the Tide' is a compelling multi-pov story about three generations of women striving for autonomy and independence, despite the sabotaging circumstances surrounding them. Empowering yet also fondly relatable, I enjoyed getting to know our characters and uncovering the mystery around their family.

My favourite part of this book was for sure the setting! We don't often get gothic Australian fiction so I was so excited to read the beautiful seaside descriptions and wow, the author didn't disappoint. Everything felt so vivid and immersive, and I loved envisioning the cliffside and swimming seals as Arianne James describes in the book.

Some things I didn't love were the characterisation and pacing. While we follow a few different characters through the story, they all felt very similar in personality (only differing in experiences) and coupled with the slow pacing, I wasn't fully engaged all the time. The descriptive writing did hold my attention, but the mystery also felt a bit obvious so some reveals ended up being a little lackluster for me.

Overall, a great and unique debut and I can't wait to see what Arianne James writes next! Thank you @hqfiction for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Keely Kovacevic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughters of the Tide is a poetic, atmospheric debut novel about mothers, daughters & sisters, the women who loved them and the selkies that called them back to the sea.

Set between 1880s and 1920s Tasmania, Daughters of the Tide follows the lives of four women in the Findlay family as they struggle with their present identity and their sins of the past. Told in multiple POVs and through letters and flashbacks, this story delves into the strength of women and the blurred lines between fact and folklore.

This novel combined elements of gothic, historical fiction and Celtic folklore in a way that was almost brilliant. While I really enjoyed the book, I was left waiting for a moment to really shake me awake and grab me. Instead, this was a very quiet novel that while poignant, did at times feel overly descriptive and slightly drawn out.

This is the perfect book for when you want to escape to an atmospheric past and revel in the beauty of nature. And while I loved the elements of selkie folklore and the slow revelation of the family history, at times I would have really enjoyed the pacing to pick up.

Thank you to HQ insiders and HQ Australia for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter’s of the Tide is a debut novel from Tasmanian writer Adrianne James. Predominantly set in 1923 Hobart, with flashbacks to the late 1800’s, it tells the story of the Findlay sister Clara and Adelaide who were raised by their grandmother on stories of selkies.

With tales of madness among the women of the family who are inexplicably drawn to the sea with devastating consequences, when Clara’s daughter Isla starts having strange dreams and hearing a song calling her to the sea, the family must face their secrets and each other.

I enjoyed this story which weaves historical fiction and folk lore beautifully. My only complaint was the use of one word (used just once) which drew me right out of the story. When one of the characters said they were “not prone to catastrophising” it had me googling the word I knew was way too modern to have been spoken by anyone in 1924. Sure enough, the first recorded use was in the 1960s. It may be picky but anything that wrenches a reader out of a story is not good. Other than that glitch I did enjoy the ride. I think readers of Robbie Arnott, or those who enjoyed Heather Rose’s The River Wife will enjoy this novel.

[Natasha Cowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Findlay women are spoken of in hushed tones. They live beside the sea and have an eerie connection with it; their lives often ending under the waves they’re drawn to. Sisters Adelaide and Clara, as well as Clara’s daughter, Isla, all seek to understand this pull they feel before it drowns them. To succeed they must break down the walls they’ve built, find peace within themselves and draw on the strength of their sisterhood.

This was such a pleasure to read.
This is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction that focuses on the power of women, family secrets and the folklore of selkies.
I especially loved the folklore element, having been fascinated by it since I was a child.
But, I also loved the characters and their relationships with one another. I loved reading and seeing the walls they’d built up between them slowly come down. I loved the growth they all showed and the different ways each character used to deal with the draw they feel to the ocean.
Such a great debut. I will definitely be reading whatever Arianne James writes next.

[Melinda Charlesworth]

Stories from lutriwita / Tasmania are finding their way to my reading list and I am here for it!

This beautiful tale swept me out of my mainland, contemporary existence into the folkloric atmosphere of Hobart the turn of the century (the last century), when women were beginning to take the right to determine their own lives with both hands.

Selkie stories are an haunting evocation of women losing control of their own bodies, their skin, to men who tether them to lives not of their choosing. Their yearning for the sea is the irresistible need to live with authenticity and with freedom. When women keep secrets even from those they love the most, that freedom can be out of reach.

Weaving historical fiction with folklore and Tasmanian gothic, this is a gorgeously atmospheric debut that explores memory and self, secrets and sins, myth and reality, and the resilience of women in the face of impossible choices.

For those who, like me, love Holly Ringland, Heather Rose, and Kate Forsyth, this is a fable brought to life that you will not want to miss.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Harper Collins / HQ AUS for sending me an ARC.


Where do I even begin?
Arianne has created the perfect blend of historical fiction and folklore in her debut novel which is available today!

Set in the late 1800s and the early 1920s we follow 3 generations of female protagonists, each on their own healing journey with themselves and each other.

The book also shows the power dynamic within men and women in that time period and how society viewed women as needing to be a certain way, highlighting the resilience of our protagonists who stayed true to themselves.

Woven throughout the story is a strong connection to the sea and the call of the selkies. The freedom to be themselves, yet to still feel a sense of belonging…the freedom of the ocean….

The writing is immersive and the book is well paced.
Overall a great book that everyone should be adding to their TBR!

I would recommend this book if you like books about family dynamics , books about healing and resilient women, books about selkies/ mermaids/ sirens (in my brain I clump them together) or books with a strong folklore element.

[Samantha (thebobtailbookclub) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story weaves between reality and dreams, blurring memories with mythology. The Findlay women are up against past tragedy and madness, trying to find their place in the present whilst hearing the lure of the ocean and the selkies.

The writing was beautiful and made everything feel a little off kilter in the right way. The characters were so varied and I really like reading from the three different POVs. I found the pace a bit on the slow side, and struggled initially to get into the story and have an idea where it was going, but once in the story, found it an enjoyable read. It does transition between the past, present and dreams quite often, and while I understand why this was done, it felt a bit disjointed for me and sometimes difficult to understand exactly what was happening.

Tropes/themes:
🌊 blurring of reality
🦭 selkie inspired
🌊 set in Australia
🦭 women finding their strength

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughters of the Tide is a solid debut novel by Australian author Arianne James.

I’ve realised I’m really drawn to books set in Tasmania, anything by Favel Parrett, Heather Rose, or Charlotte McConaghy’s Wild Dark Shore, because the setting always feels like a character in itself. Clearly, I love a bit of Tasmanian gothic, and this book definitely delivered on atmosphere.

Think wild coastlines, selkie folklore, family secrets, and that slightly eerie feeling hanging over the entire story. It was definitely a slower read for me personally, but I could still really appreciate the beautiful writing and the vivid sense of place Arianne James created. If you love moody historical fiction with folklore woven throughout, this one will hit the mark.

It’s out next week. Thank you HQ Insiders for my book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

[Channy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏"

Daughters of the Tide is a book that blends historical fiction, gothic literature, and selkie folklore to tell a haunting and beautiful story.

Told through the persepectives of Isla, Adelaide, Clara, Ettie's diary entries, dreams, and memories, the story blurs the lines of reality as the family's secrets of the past unfold.

I really enjoyed the lyrical writing, particularly in relation to the call of sea and how the selkies were a metaphor for each character's story arcs and what they were each longing for.

Standouts in this book for me were the exploration of themes including self-discovery, yearning for freedom and connection, dealing with grief, and healing familial relationships, all told through a feminist lens.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a stunning debut Daughters of the Tide is. Set in Tasmania, it's a story of the resilience of women and their connection to the sea, which I found atmospheric and haunting.

Arianne James beautifully weaves folklore into her gothic historical fiction debut, creating an atmospheric and immersive read. Like the tides that shape its coastal setting, the narrative ebbs and flows, crafting a moody tone that gradually drew me in.

I enjoyed the dark family secrets that unravel through the alternating perspectives of the women, each voice adding depth to the story. The wild, eerie coastline perfectly mirrors their inner turmoil, enhancing the novel's haunting quality.

While the pacing occasionally slowed in places, overall it was a lyrical and evocative debut, rich in atmosphere and emotion.

Thank you to @harlequinaus for a copy to review.

[Merry Bastick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mesmerizing book is set in and around Fossil Cove a place I know well, and as the book is about the Findlay family which is my maiden name I just had to read it.
This book didn't disappoint me. The description of the Findlay family home, garden and orchard were so well depicted that I could imagine myself there. Arianne James paints pictures for you with beautiful words. Her writing when she writes of the sea both above and underneath are so vividly colourful.
This book had so much from family dynamics and secrets to Selkie folklore.
It was a debut novel that will stay with me for a long time.

[Andrea Fenita Andres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks Harlequin Publishers for gifting me this book!

Daughters of the Tide is an impressive debut but I felt like it missed the mark with its slow pacing and characterisation.

I struggled initially to get into it and also relate to the three main characters. While I admired the theme of womanhood and what each Findlay woman represented, there was still something lacking and I couldn’t fully connect with them.

What really drew me in though was the atmospheric setting. You rarely hear of books set in 1920s Tasmania and James paints the scene so evocatively from descriptions of the mysterious coves to the wildlife.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stellar debut book. Weaving family secrets into folklore selkies and creating a beautiful atmospheric that is vibrant as well as mysterious. I like the intergenerational lines and how they combine. The Tide felt full of emotional love and immersed me completely. It's warm plot ties it up while feeling included.