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The Shifting Tides #1
Golden Age
The discovery of a strange and superior warship sends Dion, youngest son of the king of Xanthos, and Chloe, a Phalesian princess, on a journey across the sea, where they are confronted by a kingdom far more powerful than they could ever have imagined.
But they also find a place in turmoil, for the ruthless sun king, Solon, is dying. In order to gain entrance to heaven, Solon is building a tomb—a pyramid clad in gold—and has scoured his own empire for gold until there’s no more to be found.
Now Solon’s gaze turns to Chloe’s homeland, Phalesia, and its famous sacred ark, made of solid gold. The legends say it must never be opened, but Solon has no fear of foreigners’ legends or even their armies. And he isn’t afraid of the eldren, an ancient race of shape-shifters, long ago driven into the Wilds.
For when he gets the gold, Solon knows he will live forever.
But they also find a place in turmoil, for the ruthless sun king, Solon, is dying. In order to gain entrance to heaven, Solon is building a tomb—a pyramid clad in gold—and has scoured his own empire for gold until there’s no more to be found.
Now Solon’s gaze turns to Chloe’s homeland, Phalesia, and its famous sacred ark, made of solid gold. The legends say it must never be opened, but Solon has no fear of foreigners’ legends or even their armies. And he isn’t afraid of the eldren, an ancient race of shape-shifters, long ago driven into the Wilds.
For when he gets the gold, Solon knows he will live forever.
464 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2016
5508 people are currently reading
7227 people want to read
About the author
James Maxwell
16 books1,099 followersJames Maxwell is a British-Australian best-selling author of epic fantasy novels, with millions of copies sold in multiple languages worldwide. With over a dozen acclaimed novels, including Enchantress, Golden Age, and A Girl From Nowhere, he is celebrated for his richly imagined worlds and epic, interwoven plots. His books have received multiple award nominations, including the World Fantasy Award, the Aurealis Awards, and three Arthur C. Clarke Award nominations, as well as garnering tens of thousands of reviews on Amazon.
Born in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and raised in Brisbane, Australia, James attended Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, where he studied a diverse mix of arts and sciences.
Since becoming a full-time author in 2012, he has made his home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his writing is accompanied by the rumbling sound of the sea and the antics of his capricious white cat.
Blood and Empire, published in March 2025, begins James Maxwell’s latest gripping series, The Gateway Saga.
Born in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and raised in Brisbane, Australia, James attended Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School and the University of Queensland, where he studied a diverse mix of arts and sciences.
Since becoming a full-time author in 2012, he has made his home on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, where his writing is accompanied by the rumbling sound of the sea and the antics of his capricious white cat.
Blood and Empire, published in March 2025, begins James Maxwell’s latest gripping series, The Gateway Saga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 453 reviews
May 1, 2016
I thought this book was good, but I wanted to know more about the eldran. I know the way it ended (which was awesome) there will be more about them in the next book but I wanted to read more now! I know, I have no patience.
MILD SPOILERS
You see the eldran are a race that can change into three different forms they choose. Dragons, giants, mer-people, furies...you get the picture. But if they stay in one form too long they become wildren and the people have to try to kill them. They are sort of evil when they are in that form.
But this particular story concentrates on this evil King Solon and his quest to get gold.
There is Dion who is a prince of Xanthos who is trying to help the consul of Phalasia where King Solon is trying to attack AND he has taken the consul's daughter, Chloe
I did love Chloe and Dion. They were really cool and very daring. There are some other characters I liked as well. There is something really cool found out about Dion that lead to the awesome ending. I really want to read the next one to see where it goes with this revelation!
But this particular book wasn't as great to ME because I think I got caught up in the eldran and wanted to know more about them really soon. I wasn't too interested in all of the daring rescues and chases across the sea and here and yon after that.... durn those eldran. lol
This was my kindle first choice for April and it was pretty good!
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
MILD SPOILERS
You see the eldran are a race that can change into three different forms they choose. Dragons, giants, mer-people, furies...you get the picture. But if they stay in one form too long they become wildren and the people have to try to kill them. They are sort of evil when they are in that form.
But this particular story concentrates on this evil King Solon and his quest to get gold.
There is Dion who is a prince of Xanthos who is trying to help the consul of Phalasia where King Solon is trying to attack AND he has taken the consul's daughter, Chloe
I did love Chloe and Dion. They were really cool and very daring. There are some other characters I liked as well. There is something really cool found out about Dion that lead to the awesome ending. I really want to read the next one to see where it goes with this revelation!
But this particular book wasn't as great to ME because I think I got caught up in the eldran and wanted to know more about them really soon. I wasn't too interested in all of the daring rescues and chases across the sea and here and yon after that.... durn those eldran. lol
This was my kindle first choice for April and it was pretty good!
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
March 14, 2017
I came into this novel worried that I would be disappointed since James Maxwell’s first series, The Evermen Saga, is one of my favorites. I am happy to say my worries were completely unfounded. Golden Age has the unique world building, interesting characters, and easy flowing storyline I have become accustomed to with Mr. Maxwell’s novels. I wouldn’t call this book fast paced, but a lot happens in just under 500 pages.
This series has hints of ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures. Like the big pyramid on the front of the book doesn’t give at least half of this away. Also, the map for this world resembles the Mediterranean Sea region, so it is easy enough to see where Mr. Maxwell got his foundation for this series. This is all fine be me, I love ancient Greek and Egyptian history and lore. I have read several novels based on Egyptian culture and others based on Greek culture, but this is the first that both have been represented. This was well done, so bravo to Mr. Maxwell for making it work.
There are two main POV’s in Golden Age. The first being Chloe, eldest daughter of the first consul of Phalesia, and Dion, who is the youngest son of King Marcos of Xanthos. Most of the storyline and action happens around these two characters. There is also the mysterious Eldran. A race of people who can transform into different types of mythical creatures. The magic system isn’t discussed much in this first book. There are mages, but they are more in the background. We will hopefully get more information and history on them in book 2.
To sum up, I was very satisfied with this first installment of The Shifting Tides series. I definitely recommend it to my fellow fantasy and historical fiction readers, but any fiction reader should at least give it a try.
4 stars ****
This series has hints of ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures. Like the big pyramid on the front of the book doesn’t give at least half of this away. Also, the map for this world resembles the Mediterranean Sea region, so it is easy enough to see where Mr. Maxwell got his foundation for this series. This is all fine be me, I love ancient Greek and Egyptian history and lore. I have read several novels based on Egyptian culture and others based on Greek culture, but this is the first that both have been represented. This was well done, so bravo to Mr. Maxwell for making it work.
There are two main POV’s in Golden Age. The first being Chloe, eldest daughter of the first consul of Phalesia, and Dion, who is the youngest son of King Marcos of Xanthos. Most of the storyline and action happens around these two characters. There is also the mysterious Eldran. A race of people who can transform into different types of mythical creatures. The magic system isn’t discussed much in this first book. There are mages, but they are more in the background. We will hopefully get more information and history on them in book 2.
To sum up, I was very satisfied with this first installment of The Shifting Tides series. I definitely recommend it to my fellow fantasy and historical fiction readers, but any fiction reader should at least give it a try.
4 stars ****
May 24, 2020
Not much happened in the first part of the book, though it did end up being interesting, if not a bit predictable. Much of the world building is largely based off Classical Greece, and the Eldran were quite fascinating to read about. I’m curious to see where book 2 will take the story. 6/10
March 5, 2019
My feelings while reading this book:
0-40% - Holy shit, LETS GO ALREADAAAYYYYY! *
50% - Finally! Something interesting has happened. **
60% - Wow, lots of things are happening. Fun things. Could this book actually be good? ***
65% - I love a training montage. ***1/2
80% - Eye rolling dialogue between our two MC's here. ***
100% - Good ending! Not a ton of surprises in the plot twists, but when the action gets going it is an enjoyable read.
0-40% - Holy shit, LETS GO ALREADAAAYYYYY! *
50% - Finally! Something interesting has happened. **
60% - Wow, lots of things are happening. Fun things. Could this book actually be good? ***
65% - I love a training montage. ***1/2
80% - Eye rolling dialogue between our two MC's here. ***
100% - Good ending! Not a ton of surprises in the plot twists, but when the action gets going it is an enjoyable read.
April 26, 2022
Nope, 60 pages in and not interested. Put it away.
February 12, 2025
Fun and hard to put down - lots of energy though fairly simplistic
March 6, 2018
For something that reads as a middle school level fantasy, this was extremely heavy on nightmare fuel level violence, so I'm not sure who the audience is. The plot was OK, but the characters and setting all needed more details to flesh them out beyond stock pieces, and the violence was just mind-bogglingly intense.
May 10, 2016
Review to follow..maybe.
December 25, 2017
Golden Age was just a spur of the moment free buy on my Kindle Unlimited account. I knew nothing about but I just thought I liked the cover and I kind of wanted to see if my Kindle account could gain my trust again by recommending a good book.
This book was not only good, but it was great. Amazing even. I loved everything about it.
Golden Age is from two point of views: Chloe and Dion. Chloe is the eldest daughter of the first consul of Phalesia while Dion is the youngest son of King Marcos of Xanthos. Now I was never bored when I was reading about these two and what action happened around them. I kind of wish I got more information about Eldran because those people were so freaking mysterious and interesting as fudge. I'm hoping that the second book in The Shifting Tides series will explain more about them.
I could totally see myself rereading this book again and again because it really was just that good. I can't wait to dive into the second book and see what else will amaze me.
This book was not only good, but it was great. Amazing even. I loved everything about it.
Golden Age is from two point of views: Chloe and Dion. Chloe is the eldest daughter of the first consul of Phalesia while Dion is the youngest son of King Marcos of Xanthos. Now I was never bored when I was reading about these two and what action happened around them. I kind of wish I got more information about Eldran because those people were so freaking mysterious and interesting as fudge. I'm hoping that the second book in The Shifting Tides series will explain more about them.
I could totally see myself rereading this book again and again because it really was just that good. I can't wait to dive into the second book and see what else will amaze me.
May 23, 2019
loved this book had everything in it shape shifters family secrets traveling to diffrents lands kings slaves friendship. The only thing it didn't have was romance like at all this fact however did not take away from the story so I still gave it five stars but I am hoping book two will have a little romance.
June 2, 2018
Not the worst book I've ever read, but certainly one of the laziest written, tropish, and boring ones.
I can't decide which of those 3 bothered me more. I think probably the laziness. Here's a good example: instead of creating his own gods, or cultivating established ones, Maxwell tried to pass off his "original" gods by using the less common spellings of names of established ones and switching their powers wholesale. So, Ares is the God of music and medicine instead of Apollo.
Which, to be fair, you could make an argument that "while that is lazy it isn't such a big deal." EXCEPT this book is not set within our reality so why would they have our old earth gods? And the whole thing just becomes a lazy, unfocused muddle. My example may seem innocuous, but unfortunately it represents the rest of the book extremely well as there are so many out-of-character, world-rule breaking examples.
Nothing is more obnoxious or lazy than an author who cannot abide by the characters or world rules they created. Even then, I could put up with the laziness level if the book was at least entertaining (looking at you J.K.).
Alas, "entertaining" is a word that would be impossible for me to use while honestly describing this book. Which is a damn shame considering that the bones of this book are perfectly fine. This could have been a book of the finest quality.
I can't decide which of those 3 bothered me more. I think probably the laziness. Here's a good example: instead of creating his own gods, or cultivating established ones, Maxwell tried to pass off his "original" gods by using the less common spellings of names of established ones and switching their powers wholesale. So, Ares is the God of music and medicine instead of Apollo.
Which, to be fair, you could make an argument that "while that is lazy it isn't such a big deal." EXCEPT this book is not set within our reality so why would they have our old earth gods? And the whole thing just becomes a lazy, unfocused muddle. My example may seem innocuous, but unfortunately it represents the rest of the book extremely well as there are so many out-of-character, world-rule breaking examples.
Nothing is more obnoxious or lazy than an author who cannot abide by the characters or world rules they created. Even then, I could put up with the laziness level if the book was at least entertaining (looking at you J.K.).
Alas, "entertaining" is a word that would be impossible for me to use while honestly describing this book. Which is a damn shame considering that the bones of this book are perfectly fine. This could have been a book of the finest quality.
April 14, 2016
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
Fantasy really isn't my favorite genre, but I was surprised by this story. Not only was I thoroughly engrossed in this novel, I also found myself thinking about the two main characters long after I finished the book. The author did a fantastic job illustrating the landscapes in my mind and crafting characters I would want to care about.
The story takes place in a world and time that seems like our ancient Greece: wooden boats, stone buildings, a variety of deities, and oracles on ominous islands. This actually helped me to feel like it could be a story about our past, rather than a separate fantasy world. Of course this fantasy world also has magical creatures, but who knows, maybe ours did too 3000 years ago.
Based on the description of the book, it just didn't seem like something I'd like. I never got into these vast fantasy epics. And set in ancient times without even a hint of sci-fi? No way. But... if you are thinking along the same lines I was, you'll be missing out on an incredible book if you don't take a chance and read it. I've even preordered the next book so I can see what becomes of Dion and Chloe (you'll love these two!).
Read it!
Fantasy really isn't my favorite genre, but I was surprised by this story. Not only was I thoroughly engrossed in this novel, I also found myself thinking about the two main characters long after I finished the book. The author did a fantastic job illustrating the landscapes in my mind and crafting characters I would want to care about.
The story takes place in a world and time that seems like our ancient Greece: wooden boats, stone buildings, a variety of deities, and oracles on ominous islands. This actually helped me to feel like it could be a story about our past, rather than a separate fantasy world. Of course this fantasy world also has magical creatures, but who knows, maybe ours did too 3000 years ago.
Based on the description of the book, it just didn't seem like something I'd like. I never got into these vast fantasy epics. And set in ancient times without even a hint of sci-fi? No way. But... if you are thinking along the same lines I was, you'll be missing out on an incredible book if you don't take a chance and read it. I've even preordered the next book so I can see what becomes of Dion and Chloe (you'll love these two!).
Read it!
did-not-finish
May 20, 2021Did Not Finish shortly in. Maybe around 15-20%?
2.5 stars on account of POV issues and info-dumping. Also, it felt undescribed at times and kind of flat. The author's writing style was hard for me to get into, and the plot didn't hold my interest.
2.5 stars on account of POV issues and info-dumping. Also, it felt undescribed at times and kind of flat. The author's writing style was hard for me to get into, and the plot didn't hold my interest.
January 18, 2018
I picked up this series through Kindle Unlimited mostly just so I could have something to listen to in the car. It surprised me how into it I got. The story of Chloe and Dion had me wanting more, and I quickly downloaded the rest of the series.
In this installment, we meet Chloe (the 1st Council's daughter) and Dion (the 2nd son of a neighboring kingdom). Chloe is a defender of the democratic government in which she lives. Dion would rather be free at sea than doing anything else. When Chloe is kidnapped by a kingdom across the seas, Dion offers to rescue her and learn more about this new enemy with a mighty navy. We are also introduced to the mystical race of the Eldren/Wildren, shape-shifters that have previously battled humans but seem to want peace if only the humans would allow it.
In this installment, we meet Chloe (the 1st Council's daughter) and Dion (the 2nd son of a neighboring kingdom). Chloe is a defender of the democratic government in which she lives. Dion would rather be free at sea than doing anything else. When Chloe is kidnapped by a kingdom across the seas, Dion offers to rescue her and learn more about this new enemy with a mighty navy. We are also introduced to the mystical race of the Eldren/Wildren, shape-shifters that have previously battled humans but seem to want peace if only the humans would allow it.
November 6, 2016
Enthralling and Captivating World!!!
I decided to dip out of my usual type of read and read something new to me.
I always thought I needed to read a book with a heroine and Hero that fall in love and then follow their romantic trials and tribulations.
Reading Golden Age, I didn't even notice or realise that I wasn't reading a 'typical' Romantic story.
I was captivated from Page 1, seriously.
I really liked Chloe from the beginning!!!
I really liked Dion from the beginning!!!
Whenever Chloe and Dion were on the same page, I could feel their chemistry. I devoured it.
I was thoroughly enthralled by this new world. The details, so captivating.
I can't wait to read the next one, Silver Road.
A free copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
I decided to dip out of my usual type of read and read something new to me.
I always thought I needed to read a book with a heroine and Hero that fall in love and then follow their romantic trials and tribulations.
Reading Golden Age, I didn't even notice or realise that I wasn't reading a 'typical' Romantic story.
I was captivated from Page 1, seriously.
I really liked Chloe from the beginning!!!
I really liked Dion from the beginning!!!
Whenever Chloe and Dion were on the same page, I could feel their chemistry. I devoured it.
I was thoroughly enthralled by this new world. The details, so captivating.
I can't wait to read the next one, Silver Road.
A free copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
February 26, 2019
You know, epic fantasy isn’t too bad when u skim a little. And this one wasn’t even 500 pages, which is fantastic!
So I enjoyed this book and have downloaded the other 3 in the series already. There’s barely any romance to speak of - just a gaze upon a body clothed in wet layers. Let the lust-filled drooling commence...
But strangely, I didn’t enjoy it less. I guess it’s all about expectations management. I’ve only read a few fantasies over time, the most recent one was Strange the Dreamer and it’s sequel. Before that it was A Court of Mist and Fury. And I have to say that I enjoyed this book more than A Court of xxxx, and slightly less than Strange. The lyrical quality to the writing isn’t en par with Strange (but then the sequel lacked that also, so I only attribute this to the first book). But it moved fast. Lots of action. A couple of twists and turns...all mostly predictable.
The revelation with Dion was similar with what happened with Strange. I almost expected it. The girl is a lot more interesting than the h of Strange tho. I like that Chloe learned to fight and isn’t squeamish about killing when she needs to.
The best scene of the book was the archery contest. I liked Roxana a LOT and was almost hoping she’s the one for Dion, but of course that’s not how these things go.
The worst (made me 😡) scene was what happened to Chloe’s body guard. Awful. Gruesome. Ala GoT. At least he was already a enunch, worse if he wasn’t, I’m sure. ;(*
Now, I picked up this book bc the description said it’s a fantasy based on Persian and Greek mythologies, both of which I enjoy. But honestly i’m Not sure I got much Persian. It was more like Egyptian.
Oh well, still quite enjoyable!
So I enjoyed this book and have downloaded the other 3 in the series already. There’s barely any romance to speak of - just a gaze upon a body clothed in wet layers. Let the lust-filled drooling commence...
But strangely, I didn’t enjoy it less. I guess it’s all about expectations management. I’ve only read a few fantasies over time, the most recent one was Strange the Dreamer and it’s sequel. Before that it was A Court of Mist and Fury. And I have to say that I enjoyed this book more than A Court of xxxx, and slightly less than Strange. The lyrical quality to the writing isn’t en par with Strange (but then the sequel lacked that also, so I only attribute this to the first book). But it moved fast. Lots of action. A couple of twists and turns...all mostly predictable.
The revelation with Dion was similar with what happened with Strange. I almost expected it. The girl is a lot more interesting than the h of Strange tho. I like that Chloe learned to fight and isn’t squeamish about killing when she needs to.
The best scene of the book was the archery contest. I liked Roxana a LOT and was almost hoping she’s the one for Dion, but of course that’s not how these things go.
The worst (made me 😡) scene was what happened to Chloe’s body guard. Awful. Gruesome. Ala GoT. At least he was already a enunch, worse if he wasn’t, I’m sure. ;(*
Now, I picked up this book bc the description said it’s a fantasy based on Persian and Greek mythologies, both of which I enjoy. But honestly i’m Not sure I got much Persian. It was more like Egyptian.
Oh well, still quite enjoyable!
June 1, 2020
Three and a half stars
Never spoilers.
The beginning hooked me, then I lost interest from 15% in. By the 35% mark I got back into the story until I finished in one sitting. Interesting characters and decent world building which most readers will understand what the author based it on.
This has potential for more growth in characters so I will continue with book two.
Never spoilers.
The beginning hooked me, then I lost interest from 15% in. By the 35% mark I got back into the story until I finished in one sitting. Interesting characters and decent world building which most readers will understand what the author based it on.
This has potential for more growth in characters so I will continue with book two.
April 28, 2018
Cliched, verbose and really bad writing
I love detail as much as anyone who enjoys a rich fantasy novel but the descriptions came across as unecessary and tedious. I don't need a detailed account of someone getting up, getting dressed, tucking hair behind her ear, furrowing her brow, etc. The writing was more YA than high fantasy, which was pretty disappointing since the book was so highly rated that I expected more. Verbose and cliched with yet another teenage narrator named Chloe and I was ready to bail 2 pages in. I wanted to get into this book but the tedious writing in the first chapter was really tough to get through, full of cliches and way too many useless words. I wish the author had spent more time on plot development and editing and less on churning out just another teen book. I cannot believe that this author is so highly rated - I tried to read another book by this guy and it was a DNF as well. Now I am just annoyed that I let him waste my time again.
I love detail as much as anyone who enjoys a rich fantasy novel but the descriptions came across as unecessary and tedious. I don't need a detailed account of someone getting up, getting dressed, tucking hair behind her ear, furrowing her brow, etc. The writing was more YA than high fantasy, which was pretty disappointing since the book was so highly rated that I expected more. Verbose and cliched with yet another teenage narrator named Chloe and I was ready to bail 2 pages in. I wanted to get into this book but the tedious writing in the first chapter was really tough to get through, full of cliches and way too many useless words. I wish the author had spent more time on plot development and editing and less on churning out just another teen book. I cannot believe that this author is so highly rated - I tried to read another book by this guy and it was a DNF as well. Now I am just annoyed that I let him waste my time again.
June 1, 2017
It's an engaging tale that rattles along, but ultimately I did't feel I wanted to read the next (though I probably will as I have it already!).
World 3/5 Not really my cup of tea I think. Not bad but not all that engaging.
Characters 2/5 I tend to prefer more complex enigmatic characters.
Plot 3/5 Fairly standard stuff... Or I'm getting too old :) But there were a number of twists and turns which redeemed it a bit.
Writing 2/5 Straightforward telling of a straightforward tale, which left it a bit flat. Some irritating habits (folk kept exiting things) and a touch of bad Americanese here and there, but the main problem was its lacklustre delivery.
There are better books to spend my time on out there I think... Sorry!
World 3/5 Not really my cup of tea I think. Not bad but not all that engaging.
Characters 2/5 I tend to prefer more complex enigmatic characters.
Plot 3/5 Fairly standard stuff... Or I'm getting too old :) But there were a number of twists and turns which redeemed it a bit.
Writing 2/5 Straightforward telling of a straightforward tale, which left it a bit flat. Some irritating habits (folk kept exiting things) and a touch of bad Americanese here and there, but the main problem was its lacklustre delivery.
There are better books to spend my time on out there I think... Sorry!
August 19, 2020
None of the things in this review will spoil the plot of the story. Read this to decide if you want to read the book.
There is quite a bit of death in it. And a few cases of horrific torture. I read this in the hope I could recommend it to someone 14 years old. But sadly I cannot.
Sex/ Nudity:
There is no sex and no kissing.
There are no graphic descriptions of Nudity, but it is mentioned.
There is mention of mutilation to a man's private parts.
There is mention of rape.
The story moves a bit slowly. And I find myself wanting for more information of the cultures and kingdoms, and species mentioned in the book.
I will likely not read again, but I shall probably continue in the series.
There is quite a bit of death in it. And a few cases of horrific torture. I read this in the hope I could recommend it to someone 14 years old. But sadly I cannot.
Sex/ Nudity:
There is no sex and no kissing.
There are no graphic descriptions of Nudity, but it is mentioned.
There is mention of mutilation to a man's private parts.
There is mention of rape.
The story moves a bit slowly. And I find myself wanting for more information of the cultures and kingdoms, and species mentioned in the book.
I will likely not read again, but I shall probably continue in the series.
Read
March 26, 2018James Maxwell did us the honor of coming to have a chat with us at the Book Geeks Uncompromised podcast! Check it out here or on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher app!
April 3, 2016
Wonderful! I really enjoyed this book. It has everything I love - Sailors, shape-shifting, bazaars . . . But most importantly strong ladies. Very much YES.
April 10, 2018
Up to about the 3/4 mark, I would have given this 2.5 to 3 stars. But, really great finish.
A friend of mine has written extensively about the Peloponnesian wars, so the setting felt both familiar and wrong. Dion (I listened, no idea about spelling) and Chloe are clearly Greek, essentially or roughly Sparta and Athens. But, the sun king Solon (a Greek name) was really from another period entirely, based far more on Ottoman rulers (without their administrative efficiency) although the ships belong to the era of Xerxes.
I know it's not an historical novel, but it was jarring. A bit like having Colonial Americans, Pilgrims and Virginians encountering Meiji Japan. (Without an acknowledgment that this era mosh mash was intentional.)
Actually, that isn't a wide enough gap. Maybe Mayans meeting modern day Europeans. Apparently, women in the ancient Persian world held property, managed businesses and were not kept in harems. That kept pulling me out of the story.
However, the ending was very effective. Enough that it got me all the way to 4 stars.
Note to authors - can we stop with the exiting - can people just leave rooms and boats and airships (different book). Do they always need to "exit"?
Warning - there are some lovingly (unpleasantly) detailed torture scenes that get referred to over and over and some quite bloody battles.
A friend of mine has written extensively about the Peloponnesian wars, so the setting felt both familiar and wrong. Dion (I listened, no idea about spelling) and Chloe are clearly Greek, essentially or roughly Sparta and Athens. But, the sun king Solon (a Greek name) was really from another period entirely, based far more on Ottoman rulers (without their administrative efficiency) although the ships belong to the era of Xerxes.
I know it's not an historical novel, but it was jarring. A bit like having Colonial Americans, Pilgrims and Virginians encountering Meiji Japan. (Without an acknowledgment that this era mosh mash was intentional.)
Actually, that isn't a wide enough gap. Maybe Mayans meeting modern day Europeans. Apparently, women in the ancient Persian world held property, managed businesses and were not kept in harems. That kept pulling me out of the story.
However, the ending was very effective. Enough that it got me all the way to 4 stars.
Note to authors - can we stop with the exiting - can people just leave rooms and boats and airships (different book). Do they always need to "exit"?
Warning - there are some lovingly (unpleasantly) detailed torture scenes that get referred to over and over and some quite bloody battles.
January 18, 2019
I thought I was not going to like this book because even though it was interesting, I felt a little bit bored until I got halfway through the story and omg I couldn't put it down anymore!
I gotta confess that I read the synopsis of the next books in the series because like I said, I was getting bored and I wanted to know if somehow the story was going to get any better, so I kinda knew how this book was going to end. However, it still took me by surprise and when I got to the last chapter I was like "what?! This can't be happening, I need to know more!" so now I'm going to read the second book because now I feel like never leaving this world and wanting to be by the side of these characters for more time.
I should be giving it five stars because of how the book made me feel, but it was only on the second half of the book, I can't just ignore the first part, so yeah. But still, the story is amazing and I'm in love!
I gotta confess that I read the synopsis of the next books in the series because like I said, I was getting bored and I wanted to know if somehow the story was going to get any better, so I kinda knew how this book was going to end. However, it still took me by surprise and when I got to the last chapter I was like "what?! This can't be happening, I need to know more!" so now I'm going to read the second book because now I feel like never leaving this world and wanting to be by the side of these characters for more time.
I should be giving it five stars because of how the book made me feel, but it was only on the second half of the book, I can't just ignore the first part, so yeah. But still, the story is amazing and I'm in love!
December 13, 2018
It took a bit for this one to pull me in, but once it did, oh man. James Maxwell is one hell of a fantasy writer. He manages to give intricate details without it being boring, his characters are well rounded, and the overall plot is epic. This one wasn't quite on par with the Evermen books, but I'm so excited about the next book in the series. Oh and, I'm so glad Simon Vance is the narrator for this series as well! He's superb.
September 24, 2019
I'll admit to serious trepidation when I realized the author had thrown together Greek and Roman culture, had archers "firing" arrows, and seemed to suggest that a creature afraid of steel would be repelled by iron. However, the cultures are more developed than an initial description would suggest, the oversights in description are much less glaring than what's good in them, and the story is interesting enough - at times quite thrilling.
April 25, 2017
Loved Evermen Saga & now love Shifting Tides
August 16, 2017
I was so excited to see that the author of my favourite book series has started another set of books. I am pleased to say I really enjoyed this first book in the series. I loved the characters, the wonderful descriptive scenes and the eldrin. I cannot say I found the ending a surprise, however this did not take away my enjoyment. I can not wait to start the next book.
August 29, 2017
This Books i Free on KU with Whisper Sync. Free Audio books are like fricking Gold Dust so I gave this a bash. It A solid fantasy easy listen. and I will definitely check out the next book
December 11, 2019
Wonderfully Written
Initially, I didn't think I'd enjoy this story, but I was SO wrong!! Thus was a grwst read and well written. I could envision myself there. I love the characters and have cheered for their victories or their demise.
Initially, I didn't think I'd enjoy this story, but I was SO wrong!! Thus was a grwst read and well written. I could envision myself there. I love the characters and have cheered for their victories or their demise.
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