Tidestep: The Water Anchor

by F.A. Calder

Genres: Fantasy

472 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2026

Reviews

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth]

Epic Fantasy Fans, Add This One!

Zaphiel never asked for any of this. One errand, one dying Elder, and suddenly a village's water runs black while a stolen wellstone drags him into a hunt for a warlord hiding behind an ancient mask. Calder builds a found family around him that feels lived-in rather than assembled: a dog who reads danger before anyone else does, a map-maker whose old sword carries its own quiet menace, companions with edges. The plot moves with real momentum, but it's the choices underneath it that linger.

Threaded through Zaphiel's journey is a second, older story: a woman's journal spanning fifteen thousand years of endings that never went right. That layering gives the adventure unexpected weight. Fans of epic fantasy with mystery at its core will find plenty to sink into here, and the setup promises a series worth following.

[Surv]

The growing bond between the companions was my favorite part of Tidestep: The Water Anchor. Zaphiel starts out eager to prove himself, and watching him learn to listen and accept responsibility gives the quest real weight. Marek stood out for her humor, courage, and the way she communicates through gestures and drawings. I also enjoyed Verlin's banter and Nara's quiet guidance.

The shared dreams add depth to the characters, while the magic comes with consequences that make the danger feel personal. Some explanations of the world's history and repeated discussions about leadership slowed the pace, but the relationships kept me interested. A thoughtful fantasy adventure with plenty left to explore in the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[Phil Bolos]

Tidestep: The Water Anchor by F.A. Calder is the start of an epic fantasy series. The story follows a young man named Zaphiel as he goes to a nearby town. He finds the person he is looking for dead and the water supply poisoned. To help the town he goes in search of a stone that was taken which brought health to the village. Little does he know that this action actually sets him on a collision course with a terrifying warlord whose mask holds a terrible power. Filled with lots of action, adventure, magic, and a colorful cast of characters, this novel is the start of building a vast new world of wonder. The narrative does a great job of developing the characters and giving us an amazing setting that pulls the reader int the adventure. Fans of fantasies and epics will greatly enjoy this read and the characters it gives us.

[Adair]

Imaginative

Tidestep is imaginative and philosophically engaging. It weaves the past and present into a tapestry of memorable insights and vivid characters. This unusual crew has a worthy quest and their adventures both entertain and invite layered reflection. My favorite part is the little pearls of wisdom cast throughout! I'm looking forward to the next volume to see how their adventures continue!

[Jo Bass]

Zaphiel, the apprentice blacksmith, is sent on a simple but important errand: deliver a scroll into the hand of a particular person, then come straight back home. Only, he runs into a problem with the delivery (a big problem) and chooses to set off on what can best be styled as a hero's journey. In classical fashion, he meets people along the way who become his companions, and who are essential to successfully completing his quest. Be prepared for a somewhat slow start (think Tolkien), and pay close attention to details because this is a puzzle journey as well as a wanderjahr. Excellent work, can't wait for book 2!

[Lori Mosier]

Epic fantasy saga

A young apprentice blacksmith is sent to deliver a message. The elder in his city had a vision that something bad is going to happen and wants to make sure the wellstone is protected. By the time he arrives, the well water is foul, a red mist is killing everyone it encounters and thieves have stolen the wellstone. He sets off after the thieves. Along the way he meets a dog and some unique and interesting characters who join the quest to find the thieves, recover the wellstone and find the warlord whose mask is causing the problems. Lots of fun, interesting people, epic quest and a lesson about choices and their consequences.

[Paul]

Excellent! That's the best way to start this review. First, I'm a BIG fan of books that create circles without you noticing, then close those circles later in the book. This one has so many that I lost count! Very satisfying. Second, the journal. It's brilliant. Read carefully, especially the marked out parts. Third, the scope is amazing. It starts small and cozy, then it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. And thanks to the journal, you feel like you know A LOT of things before the characters. Fourth, the emotion was much more than I expected from a fantasy book. There are many places where I was feeling everything the characters were. Summary: Absolutely a must read. I'm looking forward to the next book! (I got a free Advance Reader Copy from BookSirens)

[Lupita Ebovure]

***English first/Español abajo***

ENG:
Calder builds the story in layers and expects you to keep up. A blacksmith’s apprentice is sent on a straightforward errand and walks straight into a murdered Elder, poisoned water, a missing sacred stone, and a warlord whose mask is spreading a blight across the land. Alongside him forms a strange little group — including a dog that clearly knows more than any animal should — while a second narrative thread runs underneath everything: a woman’s journal that has recorded fifteen thousand years of endings that never quite worked. You don’t get long, heavy dumps of backstory at the beginning. Instead, the past reveals itself gradually through the present action. You start inferring earlier events, larger forces, and deeper connections as the story moves forward. That process of piecing things together feels natural and satisfying. The world itself is rich and carefully built — the sense of ancient mystery, the weight of the Water Anchor, the blight, the different temperaments of the companions, the quiet presence of the dog, the larger cosmic stakes hinted at through the journal. Everything feels intentional. Nothing is wasted. The found-family element is warm without becoming soft, the danger is real, and Zaphiel’s growth — learning what his choices actually cost — lands with real weight. Calder combines classic quest energy with philosophical depth and encoded mysteries in a way that feels fresh. The writing trusts the reader to stay present and to notice the details. I closed the book already wanting the next volume. It’s thoughtful, immersive, and deeply rewarding for anyone willing to give it the focus it deserves.

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ESP:
Calder construye la historia en capas y espera que el lector esté a la altura. Un aprendiz de herrero es enviado a un recado sencillo y se topa de frente con un Anciano asesinado, agua envenenada, una piedra sagrada desaparecida y un señor de la guerra cuya máscara antigua está extendiendo una plaga por la tierra. A su lado se forma un grupo extraño —incluida una perra que claramente sabe mucho más de lo que cualquier animal debería saber—, mientras debajo de todo corre un segundo hilo narrativo: el diario de una mujer que ha registrado quince mil años de finales que nunca funcionaron del todo.No hay largas y pesadas exposiciones de trasfondo al principio. En cambio, el pasado se va revelando poco a poco a través de la acción presente. Empiezas a inferir hechos anteriores, fuerzas más grandes y conexiones más profundas a medida que avanza la historia. Ese proceso de ir uniendo las piezas se siente natural y satisfactorio. El mundo en sí es rico y está cuidadosamente construido: la sensación de misterio antiguo, el peso del Ancla de Agua, la plaga, los distintos temperamentos de los compañeros, la presencia silenciosa de la perra, las apuestas cósmicas más amplias que se insinúan a través del diario. Todo parece intencional. Nada sobra.El elemento de familia encontrada es cálido sin volverse blando, el peligro es real y el crecimiento de Zaphiel —aprender lo que realmente cuestan sus decisiones— tiene un peso auténtico. Calder combina la energía clásica de la quest con profundidad filosófica y misterios cifrados de una forma que se siente fresca. La escritura confía en que el lector se mantenga presente y note los detalles.Cerré el libro ya deseando el siguiente volumen. Es reflexivo, inmersivo y profundamente gratificante para cualquiera dispuesto a prestarle la atención que merece.

[Dave The Reader]

A Thoughtful, Slow‑Burn Sci‑Fi Journey with Heart and Hard Choices

The Long Departure is a steady, character‑driven sci‑fi tale that leans into the quiet tension of life aboard a vessel carrying humanity’s future. The author builds the story with care—layered relationships, rising uncertainty, and the constant pressure of decisions that echo across generations. The ship itself feels alive, shaped by hope, fear, and the weight of what the crew has left behind. A reflective, engaging read for anyone who enjoys generation‑ship stories grounded in humanity, purpose, and the long arc of survival.

[sarah waters]

Excellent fantasy adventure novel

This was such a great adventure and fun ride. I admit, the journal was extremely helpful however I am confused on who is reading it throughout the novel. Sections show up where they should but its as if its being read by someone and it cant be one of the five. I love the back story and all of the characters. The lore makes sense in a lot of ways but in others it doesnt. It all came together beautifully and left me excited for the next installment. Im already invested and now will have to see it through. It was well written and well executed.

[Lee Ullom]

I loved this book - a story of a reluctant quester on a journey to complete a mission. Written in simple, easy to digest chapters - I could have put it down for a break between any of them, but I didn’t want to!
The layout is amazing, I love the way it looks and feels, and the language of the story really conveys the events without over complicating it in any way. It also does a great job of sounding genuine and realistic, which is difficult for a fantasy story!
All in all, a great story to read and a fun journey to join the characters on.

[Rajiva Ranjan]

"Tidestep: The Water Anchor" written by F. A. Calder is the story of Zaphiel, A blacksmith apprentice, who was asked to deliver a message to the Water Master and return with the answer. However, he found the Water Master murdered and the well stone stolen and a strange red-black mist which killed living beings and make water black. On the way to find the stolen well stone, he meets a dog, who shows him the way, and unique companions with similar mission. Fans of epic fantasy with mystery will find plenty to sink into here, and the setup provides a series worth following.

O

[Payal Sinha]

This adventure fantasy for young adult is like a video game that takes you through dying places and ruthless enemies while allowing you to make your own tribe. The book is filled with memorable characters and fantastical setting, providing a platform for friendships to form, bonds to deepen, and leadership to flourish. My favorite character was the protagonist's adorable four-legged companion whose mere presence symbolized that things will get sorted out soon. I also like the voice of wisdom strewn across the story through the protagonist's mentor. The plot is immersive and I am looking forward to reading it's sequel.

[Carlos mutua]

This story hooked me from the very beginning. What starts as a simple village errand quickly turns into a dangerous quest involving a dead Elder, poisoned water, and an ancient mask. I especially enjoyed the mystery surrounding the 15,000-year-old journal and the unusual dog who seems to know more than she reveals.

The combination of ancient mystery, adventure, and fantasy makes this a compelling read. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy, unexpected twists, and stories that keep you turning the pages.

[Robin Knapp]

I really enjoyed “Tidestep: The Water Anchor.” Zaphiel’s simple errand quickly turns into something much bigger, and I liked watching his journey unfold. The combination of mystery, magic, adventure, and some really interesting characters kept me interested, and I especially liked the dog that joins him along the way. The journal entries added another layer that made me curious about how everything would connect. A fun start to what looks like an exciting fantasy series.

[May Anne]

Fantasy stories are always more interesting to me when there’s more than just a hero fighting a villain and this book brings plenty of mystery along with the adventure. The secrets hidden in the journal kept me curious about what would happen next. The mix of ancient history and difficult choices makes this a fun read for fantasy lovers.

[May G.]

Super engaging


I really enjoyed Tidestep: The Water Anchor. It has the kind of fantasy atmosphere that made me want to keep turning the pages and discovering what was really happening beneath the surface of the story. The author did such a great job with the narrative that once I started reading, I was really engaged and couldn't put it down.

[Lucia Eg.]

Engaging

This story has a nice emotional element, particularly in the way relationships and loyalty develop along the journey. The world is very imaginative but it doesn't lose sight of the characters themselves.
For me, this was an engaging fantasy adventure with mystery, history, danger, and plenty of questions to keep me curious. A great choice for readers who enjoy stories that gradually reveal a much larger picture than they initially suggest.

[Seth]

Tidestep: The Water Anchor is the kind of fantasy that rewards sticking with it. I enjoyed following Zaphiel as what starts as a simple errand turns into something much bigger, and the mysterious dog leading him through the deadly fog was one of the moments that really hooked me. F.A. Calder builds an interesting world without slowing the story down, and the characters kept me invested. A solid five-star read that left me looking forward to the next book.

[Michele Klawitter]

Zaphiel's story starts out as a blacksmith’s apprentice essentially running an errand and quickly becomes something much bigger. I liked that he isn’t an experienced hero who already knows what he’s doing. He has to learn along the way, and the surrounding mysteries only add to the intrigue of the story.

[Tara Dodson]

An enjoyable fantasy read

This was a great read, quite the adventure happening in this book as an unlikely group tries to work for change. Engaging story with a lesson to be had about choices.

[Jennifer (Yodareads) Bishop]

What would you do if the opportunity for adventure were placed in front of you? Would you take it and try to be worthy of the challenge? In Tidestep by F.A. Calder, Zaphiel is given a simple task of delivering a sealed scroll to the leader of another village. However, when he arrives, he finds the village decimated and the leader dead in his home. After opening the scroll to see what was so important about the message, he discovers a stone was stolen from the village and decides to go retrieve the stone to help the village recover. Along the journey, he is joined by a group of individuals who all have their own secrets. As they learn to work together, will they be able to put aside their differences in order to save everyone else? Will they be able to figure out what is really going on with this special stone?

Tidestep by F.A. Calder is the first book in a new epic fantasy series. There was maybe one curse word the entire book and no romance. There was some violence, more so described after the fact than in the moment. This is definitely a series to check out! Especially for anyone who appreciates a good epic adventure fantasy!

For the full review, go to Reader Views.

[Emily]

The author’s writing was very detailed and believable. I loved the character relationships and their sense of humor and how they interacted with each other. Verlin is by far my new favorite book character.-The timing this writer perfects is absolute genius. No spoilers but man talk about instant heartbreak. I was extremely invested in these characters. If you love adventure stories with interesting and fun characters then definitely check out this book. I know personally I will be keeping an eye on this author’s future works.

[Literary Reviewer]

F. A. Calder’s Tidestep: The Water Anchor is an expansive epic fantasy built around two intertwined narratives. The central adventure follows Zaphiel, a restless blacksmith’s apprentice whose simple errand leads him into a poisoned settlement, the theft of an ancient Water Anchor, and a widening conflict involving the warlord Kaelor, the Pale Keeper, and forces older than recorded history. Interspersed chapters present an instruction manual addressed to the amnesiac Evelyn, preserving knowledge about immortal Seers, enigmatic Liminals, cosmic Thresholds, and artifacts whose purpose has been obscured across thousands of years. This layered structure gives the novel the immediate momentum of a pursuit while steadily revealing that the pursuit belongs to a much larger struggle over mortal freedom and the shape of history.

The novel’s strongest element is its evolving company of companions. Zaphiel begins with confidence in his strength and practical knowledge, but the journey repeatedly requires him to depend on qualities he doesn’t possess. Verlin’s theatrical bravado conceals pain and considerable ability, Alenya’s guarded intelligence grows from a history of manipulation, Marek communicates through writing and gesture while perceiving possibilities hidden from others, and the Liminal Rylor introduces a form of wisdom that’s playful, evasive, and often incisive. Nara, the mysterious dog who gathers and guides them, provides the group with both emotional warmth and narrative direction. Their conflicting temperaments produce humor without weakening the danger, and their gradual bond gives substance to the book’s recurring idea that burdens become bearable when they’re shared.

Calder’s worldbuilding is concerned with knowledge itself: how it’s recorded, distorted, forgotten, and used to control. Alenya’s observation that “Magic is what people call a thing when they’d rather wonder than learn” captures the book’s preference for inquiry over easy mystification. The Anchor Stones, rune-marked chain fragments, masks, dreams, and historical annotations operate as parts of a coherent cosmology rather than decorative lore. This makes the explanatory passages substantial, sometimes deliberately so, but their cumulative effect is important. By the final chapters, questions of memory and identity have become inseparable from the physical conflict, especially when Zaphiel pays a devastating personal cost for resisting the mask’s influence.

Tidestep is a novel about agency, responsibility, and the consequences of choosing a path without complete knowledge. Its opening instruction, “Make the choice and bear the consequences of the path,” becomes the governing principle of both the adventure and the cosmic history surrounding it. Calder combines quest fantasy, philosophical speculation, encoded mysteries, and an affectionate ensemble story in a novel that rewards close attention. The conclusion resolves the immediate fight while deliberately enlarging the conflict, leaving the companions united by grief, inherited purpose, and an oath that will carry them into the next volume.

[READER VIEWS]

What would you do if the opportunity for adventure were placed in front of you? Would you take it and try to be worthy of the challenge? In Tidestep: the Water Anchor by F.A. Calder, Zaphiel is given a simple task of delivering a sealed scroll to the leader of another village. However, when he arrives, he finds the village decimated and the leader dead in his home. After opening the scroll to see what was so important about the message, he discovers a stone was stolen from the village and decides to go retrieve the stone to help the village recover. Along the journey, he is joined by a group of individuals who all have their own secrets. As they learn to work together, will they be able to put aside their differences in order to save everyone else? Will they be able to figure out what is really going on with this special stone?

This was such a unique and refreshing new epic fantasy! I really enjoyed the adventure and the new types of humanoid species Calder decided to create for this story. I can see that a lot of thought went into what made each one the way they are, and I’m very excited to get to learn even more in the future books in the series! The main character is Zaphiel; however, we did get to know the other characters in the main party as well through insights into their pasts and thoughts during certain parts of the story. Marek was definitely my favorite, as no matter the circumstance, she always found a reason to smile.

As this is an epic fantasy-style adventure, there is quite a bit of worldbuilding, and it is done so beautifully! There are hints of a previous world through mysterious ruins and cryptic messages from the past that not only pique the interest of the characters but also that of the reader. There is definitely the promise of continuing this exploration in the next book.

Something else that was really refreshing is that there was no romance. The story was strictly focused on people working together and becoming friends through trials and trust. So many books lean on romance to further the story, whereas I know many readers searching for books that fall into this category. I also love that it shows men and women can be friends and work alongside each other without an instant romantic connection. Could there be romance that develops later in the series? Definitely, but it would be more raw and realistic as they all had time to get to know each other beforehand.

Tidestep by F.A. Calder is the first book in the new fantasy series, The Epic Saga of Arthios. There was maybe one curse word in the entire book and no romance. There was some violence, more so described after the fact than in the moment. This is definitely a series to check out! Especially for anyone who appreciates a good epic adventure fantasy!

[Renae Richardson]

Adventure, fantasy, mysterious characters, shadows and light, and a quest of great significance are all woven together in this captivating story.

For readers who appreciate the artistry of narrative development, this is a rewarding read. The world does not reveal itself all at once. Instead, its settings, characters, and secrets unfold gradually, allowing readers to discover the story alongside those who inhabit it. There is a quiet magic in that process, making the journey itself just as meaningful as the destination.

At the center of the tale is Zaphiel, a young smithy and apprentice who is far more extraordinary than he first appears. Drawn into an unexpected mission, he finds himself traveling with an eclectic band of companions, including one particularly memorable and special dog who adds warmth and charm to the adventure.

What makes this book so compelling is the rich layering of mystery. Dark events linger at the edges of the story, strange creatures emerge from the imagination, and each new revelation expands the scope of the quest. Piece by piece, the world opens, inviting readers deeper into its wonders and its dangers.

This is the kind of fantasy that rewards patience and curiosity. Filled with imagination, heart, and unfolding mysteries, it reminds us that some of the best adventures are not simply about reaching an end, but about what is discovered along the way.

[Stephanie]

I really enjoyed this book because it had me curious from the very beginning. It starts out feeling like a classic fantasy adventure, but then the mystery keeps getting bigger with the stolen Water Anchor, the strange blight, the mysterious dog, and all the questions surrounding Kaelor and the ancient stones. Every chapter seemed to answer one question while creating two more, and I kept wanting to read "just one more chapter" to see where everything was leading.
What I liked most was that there was always something new to discover. The world is interesting, the characters are easy to like, and I enjoyed watching Zaphiel slowly piece together what was really happening. I also loved that the story didn't give everything away too quickly, so it kept me guessing the whole time. If you enjoy fantasy with adventure, mystery, and plenty of secrets to uncover, I think you'll have a hard time putting this one down.

[Jose Bahena]

Zaphiel has spent about 14 years of his 18-year-old life living with Torven in his smithy and at some point along those 18 years he began his apprenticeship for the old blacksmith. His days were filled with forging, sword training, and the occasional Torvenism (Torven is keen on sharing plenty words of what he calls wisdom). Then one day, somebody comes to Torven with a task, to set forth and share a crucially important message and return with the proper correspondence. This task seems a necessary inconvenience for Torven, but Zaphiel sees it as his own opportunity for so much more.

F.A. Calder’s “Tidestep: The Water Anchor” sets us in a fantastically ominous world where every individual is referred to with both name and title, indicating that every character has their own role to play in the story. Zaphiel, however, is still early enough along where he has the time to forge his own identity, all he has to do is figure out who that is or, more importantly, who he wishes to be.

[Cat Bowser]

I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

This book is heavy on worldbuilding which I adore. It uses a layered method which is awesome. We aren't slammed with an info dump but rather things get revealed as it's relevant. And the characters don't know everything! They aren't experts on everything about their world; they have pockets of expertise.

The characters are very well crafted and while you might enjoy some more than others, (I really like Zaphiel) you see the need for all of them. The strengths of each character is relevant and I love when the reader realizes this before the characters do!

There is a large focus on how history is drafted and lost and how knowledge is precious, all wrapped up in a mystery and a mysterious dog!

It might take a bit for the reader to find their footing but it's absolutely worth the journey.

[Sharri Bombard]

A most unusual story, and one that I wasn't sure I would like when I first started reading it. But then I found as characters were introduced, and their roles were clarified, the novel took on an appeal that I wasn't expecting. And the side notes took me somewhat by surprise, as they are very steeped in secret and hard to unravel. Then I began to honestly join the travellers in their journey to stop the darkness. A book that is more involved and deeper than first thought. I have to admit that in the back of my mind, I found this novel a little unsettling particularly the side notes. Was I meant to read them, are they really there, am I the only one seeing them?? All in all I very much enjoyed riding along.