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Never trust a mermaid's kiss.
Tyler McColdrum has a bright future on the professional surfing circuit until his father tragically dies at sea. Unable to pay the bills, Tyler and his mother leave California and move to his late grandfather's cottage in Land's End, Maine—a world away from the life he's known. Not even the stormy Atlantic can douse Tyler's surf stoke, but when mariners go missing off the coast, legends as old as the sea itself suggest something lurks beneath the surface. As the police investigate, his friend Kiwa—the only female surfer for miles—indicates there's more to the McColdrum family history than blood and bone.
Amara is a beautiful mermaid, a mero, who wants a life on land away from her sinister sisters. As charming as mero are, with musical voices and a tempting gaze, they're also brutal and cruel, stealing the souls of sailors. As Initiation nears, Amara learns Poseidon selected her as consort and her desperation for freedom increases. When Tyler encounters Amara, he falls hard for her. The ocean is no longer safe for him, but he trusts their love can overcome her mero nature. As locals and officials wage war against the sea, trying to keep mariners safe, Tyler and Amara struggle with how to protect each other.
With one foot in the sand and the other in the sea, Tyler must choose love or the surf as the tide quickly rises.
Tyler McColdrum has a bright future on the professional surfing circuit until his father tragically dies at sea. Unable to pay the bills, Tyler and his mother leave California and move to his late grandfather's cottage in Land's End, Maine—a world away from the life he's known. Not even the stormy Atlantic can douse Tyler's surf stoke, but when mariners go missing off the coast, legends as old as the sea itself suggest something lurks beneath the surface. As the police investigate, his friend Kiwa—the only female surfer for miles—indicates there's more to the McColdrum family history than blood and bone.
Amara is a beautiful mermaid, a mero, who wants a life on land away from her sinister sisters. As charming as mero are, with musical voices and a tempting gaze, they're also brutal and cruel, stealing the souls of sailors. As Initiation nears, Amara learns Poseidon selected her as consort and her desperation for freedom increases. When Tyler encounters Amara, he falls hard for her. The ocean is no longer safe for him, but he trusts their love can overcome her mero nature. As locals and officials wage war against the sea, trying to keep mariners safe, Tyler and Amara struggle with how to protect each other.
With one foot in the sand and the other in the sea, Tyler must choose love or the surf as the tide quickly rises.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2017
3 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Deirdre Riordan Hall
45 books264 followersDeirdre Riordan Hall is the author of the contemporary young adult bestseller Sugar, Pearl, and several YA fantasy novels. When she's not writing, she's probably surfing or in pursuit of magic. She also has a healthy case of wanderlust, is a major Harry Potter nerd, loves chips and salsa, and dreams about learning no less than three languages.
For more, please visit her blog or twitter
For more, please visit her blog or twitter
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 11, 2017
I love a good mermaid book, even if I do not read them that often. In fact, I regularly tell myself I need to read more mermaid books. Hence, I was eager to dive into Deirdre Riordan Hall’s Tide. I had heard of the author before, one of those names that sparked a connection in my mind, but I had never picked up one of her books. Thus, I was killing two birds with one stone – I was getting myself another mermaid read and getting my introduction to Deirdre Riordan Hall.
The synopsis of Tide instantly grabbed my attention. It was one of those books where I had no idea what to expect, yet I had a number of possibilities in my mind. I wasn’t going in completely blind, but it was certainly dark inside. I love it when such is the case – it means everything that occurs is a bit of a mystery, I get to watch the story unfold with only a few expectations in mind.
I will be completely honest by saying the story was slow to start. There was a lot of backstory to wade through, many elements introduced early in the book which were not quite the mermaid centred story I was expecting. However, once the story got going I found myself really enjoying it. It is a slow builder, with many elements gradually coming together. Plenty of things come together in this one, and yet there is plenty left open to leave you interested to see where the rest of the series will go. In fact, I cannot wait to dive into the second The Sea & Sand book, Anchored, as I feel as though it will take many of the elements introduced in this book to new heights.
In many ways, you can tell this is the first book in a series. It is heavy with detail, introducing us to the many elements of the mermaid mythology. We find out a lot about the characters, a lot of focus being placed upon the events in the past. Relationships are made between characters, both good and bad, we get to see the interactions. Tide may not be the most action based book you have ever read – when things do get moving at a rapid pace, it is towards the end – but there is a lot building throughout. The world develops in your mind, the details grow, and by the end of the book you know there are many interesting things to come.
Tide certainly won me over, providing a wonderful mermaid read and a series I want more of. I cannot wait to see what comes next for the characters and where events will lead. I really do expect great things from Anchored.
The synopsis of Tide instantly grabbed my attention. It was one of those books where I had no idea what to expect, yet I had a number of possibilities in my mind. I wasn’t going in completely blind, but it was certainly dark inside. I love it when such is the case – it means everything that occurs is a bit of a mystery, I get to watch the story unfold with only a few expectations in mind.
I will be completely honest by saying the story was slow to start. There was a lot of backstory to wade through, many elements introduced early in the book which were not quite the mermaid centred story I was expecting. However, once the story got going I found myself really enjoying it. It is a slow builder, with many elements gradually coming together. Plenty of things come together in this one, and yet there is plenty left open to leave you interested to see where the rest of the series will go. In fact, I cannot wait to dive into the second The Sea & Sand book, Anchored, as I feel as though it will take many of the elements introduced in this book to new heights.
In many ways, you can tell this is the first book in a series. It is heavy with detail, introducing us to the many elements of the mermaid mythology. We find out a lot about the characters, a lot of focus being placed upon the events in the past. Relationships are made between characters, both good and bad, we get to see the interactions. Tide may not be the most action based book you have ever read – when things do get moving at a rapid pace, it is towards the end – but there is a lot building throughout. The world develops in your mind, the details grow, and by the end of the book you know there are many interesting things to come.
Tide certainly won me over, providing a wonderful mermaid read and a series I want more of. I cannot wait to see what comes next for the characters and where events will lead. I really do expect great things from Anchored.
November 29, 2017
I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
A dual POV book.
I didn’t connect with either character.
I found this book to be very slow paced and drawn out. Plenty of detail and back story but didn’t get the emotion of it. It was heavy in detail and dialogue.
I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two characters, there was little flirting, build up, star crossed lovers, hit me in the heart with Cupid’s arrow moments.
The story line was good but could have been so much better. It didn’t have the intensity I crave in a book.
I would have liked more underwater action and world building, I love mystical stuff, things that take me away from normal.
I would like to thank the author for sharing her work with me and wish her all the best in the future.
This book wasn’t for me, but that doesn’t mean you won’t like it.
A dual POV book.
I didn’t connect with either character.
I found this book to be very slow paced and drawn out. Plenty of detail and back story but didn’t get the emotion of it. It was heavy in detail and dialogue.
I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two characters, there was little flirting, build up, star crossed lovers, hit me in the heart with Cupid’s arrow moments.
The story line was good but could have been so much better. It didn’t have the intensity I crave in a book.
I would have liked more underwater action and world building, I love mystical stuff, things that take me away from normal.
I would like to thank the author for sharing her work with me and wish her all the best in the future.
This book wasn’t for me, but that doesn’t mean you won’t like it.
![Profile Image for julia ☆ [owls reads].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1636739475i%2F5520447._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
May 6, 2017
3 stars.
*
Tide has an interesting mythology. It gives readers a fresh and unique look on mermaids; or mero, as they are called in this book. The story, told in dual POV, is slow paced and rather heavy at times, as it deals with themes of grief, family, and a mermaid shoal that sounds a lot like a cult.
Deirdre Riordan Hall captures grief and mourning perfectly in her writing. As it says in the summary, one of our main characters, Tyler, moves to a new town after his dad passes away. Most of the focus is on him, as he tries to come to terms with what he lost. Hall’s writing conveys emotion in the little things, the details, that really translate that feeling of pain and hurt.
As it is, Tide didn’t really grasp my attention. Aside from the beautiful and realistic way Hall deals with grief, that is. Like I mentioned above, the mermaid shoal is rather creepy, as it definitely reminds me a lot of how cults work. I did like the new take on mermaids. It’s refreshing to see authors writing about them as being cruel, as they should be. :P
Even so, there is not a lot of focus on that. This could have been an interesting aspect to explore, but Amara, our other main character, only gets chapters from her POV every once in a while. And when we do get a glimpse of her life, it has mostly to do with singing.
I have to mention again that this book is very slow paced. We read a lot about Tyler’s daily life, his friends, school, surfing. That overshadows the missing people subplot, and makes a few chapters kind of boring to read. Also, despite this being told in first person POV, the language is rather formal. Tyler, most times, doesn’t sound like a teenage boy at all.
It also takes a really long time for the main plot to get any kind of development. The summary sells a book about star-crossed lovers and a war with the sea, but that doesn’t get touched into after half of the book. And when it does, it is hard to believe there is a real romantic connection between Tyler and Amara.
Overall, Tide is well-written and presents some unique concepts. I’m sure readers who are always looking out for new takes on known creatures, especially mermaids, will like this. There are also some pretty cool twists along the way, which are surprising.
*
Series: #1 in the The Sea and Sand series.
POV: Told from Tyler and Amara’s POV.
Content Warnings:
Instalove:
Love Triangle:
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
Up Next: TBA.
*
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
*
I can’t resist the pull and tug of the tide.
Tide has an interesting mythology. It gives readers a fresh and unique look on mermaids; or mero, as they are called in this book. The story, told in dual POV, is slow paced and rather heavy at times, as it deals with themes of grief, family, and a mermaid shoal that sounds a lot like a cult.
Deirdre Riordan Hall captures grief and mourning perfectly in her writing. As it says in the summary, one of our main characters, Tyler, moves to a new town after his dad passes away. Most of the focus is on him, as he tries to come to terms with what he lost. Hall’s writing conveys emotion in the little things, the details, that really translate that feeling of pain and hurt.
As it is, Tide didn’t really grasp my attention. Aside from the beautiful and realistic way Hall deals with grief, that is. Like I mentioned above, the mermaid shoal is rather creepy, as it definitely reminds me a lot of how cults work. I did like the new take on mermaids. It’s refreshing to see authors writing about them as being cruel, as they should be. :P
Even so, there is not a lot of focus on that. This could have been an interesting aspect to explore, but Amara, our other main character, only gets chapters from her POV every once in a while. And when we do get a glimpse of her life, it has mostly to do with singing.
I have to mention again that this book is very slow paced. We read a lot about Tyler’s daily life, his friends, school, surfing. That overshadows the missing people subplot, and makes a few chapters kind of boring to read. Also, despite this being told in first person POV, the language is rather formal. Tyler, most times, doesn’t sound like a teenage boy at all.
It also takes a really long time for the main plot to get any kind of development. The summary sells a book about star-crossed lovers and a war with the sea, but that doesn’t get touched into after half of the book. And when it does, it is hard to believe there is a real romantic connection between Tyler and Amara.
Overall, Tide is well-written and presents some unique concepts. I’m sure readers who are always looking out for new takes on known creatures, especially mermaids, will like this. There are also some pretty cool twists along the way, which are surprising.
*
Series: #1 in the The Sea and Sand series.
POV: Told from Tyler and Amara’s POV.
Content Warnings:
Instalove:
Love Triangle:
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
Up Next: TBA.
*
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. I found myself drawn into the story soon after starting it. This story is strongly rooted somewhere between the area between surfers and mermaids, even though the book is set in the state of Maine. I enjoyed meeting the characters in this book, and I felt they all had a strong underlying connection. I can't wait to find out what happens in future books in this series. If you are a fan of books with aquatic themes, mermaids, surfing, or any combination of the three, I'd highly recommend you check out this book.
October 5, 2019
The narrator was quite good and able to make all the voices without getting annoying. The story was interesting although there clearly are some points that need to be tied up later on (and that’s why this is the first in a series, after all). I would recommend this book for the people who enjoy mermaid stories as this is exactly that.
I received the audiobook of this story from the author, the review is entirely my own
I received the audiobook of this story from the author, the review is entirely my own
May 26, 2017
4 Tidal Waves
First of all, the cover for this book is just gorgeous, isn't it? As the title and cover suggest, this is a novel about the ocean, and you guessed it, mermaids (or mero as they're referred to in the book). The novel starts with a cross country trip, which leads more than just the main character in a road of self discovery -- it also leads a mermaid on that trip too. Overall, I loved their premise of the novel and it flowed well. The only thing I found was that I skimmed a lot. There was a bit too much description for my taste, although it was well-written. This is a great start to the series and I can't wait for more. If you love books about coming of age, a hint of forbidden romance and the ocean, this one is for you!
First of all, the cover for this book is just gorgeous, isn't it? As the title and cover suggest, this is a novel about the ocean, and you guessed it, mermaids (or mero as they're referred to in the book). The novel starts with a cross country trip, which leads more than just the main character in a road of self discovery -- it also leads a mermaid on that trip too. Overall, I loved their premise of the novel and it flowed well. The only thing I found was that I skimmed a lot. There was a bit too much description for my taste, although it was well-written. This is a great start to the series and I can't wait for more. If you love books about coming of age, a hint of forbidden romance and the ocean, this one is for you!
May 8, 2020
As a grown up, have you ever had this crazy childlike fantasy that you know would be so much fun if it were real? Well my fascination is with anything to do with the sea, except for sharks. Mainly, I like mermaids. This book is a story I’ve been searching for that I never can find. It’s written for young adults but is great for old people like me too lol, it’s a lot of fantasy and a little bit of romance mixed in. There’s no swearing or sex so it’s safe for all ages. Even though it is for young adults, I didn’t feel like that was the case while reading.
It’s about a guy In his last year of school. He is obsessed with surfing. His dad died at sea in a boating accident. They lived in California and his dad’s job involved being at sea. After the death, Tyler and his mom has to move to Maine in order to survive. He has an aunt there who is a little eccentric and a whole lot wise. Although the weather is cold, he still wears a wetsuit and surfs. He makes some great friends. Something is killing the people when they are surfing or out at sea. There are lots of myths and legends. And even a mysterious girl his age who befriends him when she is usually sort of a loner. Tyler is the youngest of 7 children and the only male. Little does he know, there’s a curse on his family. There’s hardly ever a male child born. It doesn’t take too many trips surfing, against his mother’s wishes because she doesn’t want to lose anyone else to the sea, to hear what maybe someone singing a beautiful song. And what is it he sees for a fraction of a second poke what looks like a head out of the water? When the waves go back down it’s disappeared just as quickly. Could the tales of mermaids, or meros as they are called, be true? His aunt seems to have a lot of the answers. As much as he feels he is part of the ocean, there’s a mero who feels she doesn’t belong there. Soon, they will meet.
I listened to the audiobook. It was so amazing. At first, I didn’t know about the narrator. I think he was doing a female voice in the beginning. After a few minutes it switched to Tyler’s voice. Omgosh, this narrator has to have the sexiest voice. It’s like a man on a lazy day just waking up. In a good mood of course. If you like mermaids 🧜♀️ or tales of the sea, you will love this.
It’s about a guy In his last year of school. He is obsessed with surfing. His dad died at sea in a boating accident. They lived in California and his dad’s job involved being at sea. After the death, Tyler and his mom has to move to Maine in order to survive. He has an aunt there who is a little eccentric and a whole lot wise. Although the weather is cold, he still wears a wetsuit and surfs. He makes some great friends. Something is killing the people when they are surfing or out at sea. There are lots of myths and legends. And even a mysterious girl his age who befriends him when she is usually sort of a loner. Tyler is the youngest of 7 children and the only male. Little does he know, there’s a curse on his family. There’s hardly ever a male child born. It doesn’t take too many trips surfing, against his mother’s wishes because she doesn’t want to lose anyone else to the sea, to hear what maybe someone singing a beautiful song. And what is it he sees for a fraction of a second poke what looks like a head out of the water? When the waves go back down it’s disappeared just as quickly. Could the tales of mermaids, or meros as they are called, be true? His aunt seems to have a lot of the answers. As much as he feels he is part of the ocean, there’s a mero who feels she doesn’t belong there. Soon, they will meet.
I listened to the audiobook. It was so amazing. At first, I didn’t know about the narrator. I think he was doing a female voice in the beginning. After a few minutes it switched to Tyler’s voice. Omgosh, this narrator has to have the sexiest voice. It’s like a man on a lazy day just waking up. In a good mood of course. If you like mermaids 🧜♀️ or tales of the sea, you will love this.
December 14, 2017
I received this book as complimentary from the author for an honest review. So here it is...
When I started reading it, I also read some reviews from other readers that were not so good. I was afraid that I will not be able to finish it, because the beginning was a little slow... so slow that I even got a little bored, BUT!—>
Actually I liked the book. Of course, the “love” between Amara and Ty was not so believable as it developed too fast, but, if we take into consideration that usually men fall for mermaids fast and hard, then I can believe in soo quick development.
The only thing that I did not like was the slow and pretty boring beginning, I had to push myself hard to go ahead, but now I feel good that I did it and did not put the book aside.
This book and its ending show that there shall be at least one more book in the series. I think that I will read the next one, if any (haven’t checked yet) and that means I liked the story and want to “hear” more.
When I started reading it, I also read some reviews from other readers that were not so good. I was afraid that I will not be able to finish it, because the beginning was a little slow... so slow that I even got a little bored, BUT!—>
Actually I liked the book. Of course, the “love” between Amara and Ty was not so believable as it developed too fast, but, if we take into consideration that usually men fall for mermaids fast and hard, then I can believe in soo quick development.
The only thing that I did not like was the slow and pretty boring beginning, I had to push myself hard to go ahead, but now I feel good that I did it and did not put the book aside.
This book and its ending show that there shall be at least one more book in the series. I think that I will read the next one, if any (haven’t checked yet) and that means I liked the story and want to “hear” more.
September 9, 2021
Tide (The Sea & Sand #1) was a great read by Deirdre Riordan Hall. They say to never trust the kiss of a mermaid. Until the day his father tragically died at sea, Tyler McColdrum had a future on the professional surfing circuit. His mother is unable to pay the bills, and moves them from California to his late grandfather’s cottage in Maine. When mariners go missing off the coast of Maine, legends show something may lurk beneath the surface of the Atlantic. Police investigate and Tyler’s friend Kiwa tells him that there is more to his family history than blood and bone. Amara is a beautiful mermaid who wants life on land away from her sisters. She is a mero and as beautiful as they are, they also steal the souls of sailors. Amara finds out that Poseidon selected her as consort. Tyler encounters her and he falls hard for her. I really enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
January 2, 2018
I loved your book! It was refreshing to hear the story from the guy’s perspective. I felt like I really knew Tyler by the end as he grappled with everything about mermaids, nixies, sea dogs and the facts about his heritage. I also loved the sweet start of the romance between Tyler and Amara.
I really liked your creativity in some of the fantastical beings. You wove them together with Indian legends making them seem more real.
The end was very exciting. It left me with more questions than answers, making me excited to read the second book.
I got this book in exchange for a review.
I really liked your creativity in some of the fantastical beings. You wove them together with Indian legends making them seem more real.
The end was very exciting. It left me with more questions than answers, making me excited to read the second book.
I got this book in exchange for a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2023
audible:Excellent story.Well written.Narration is very good.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 26, 2017
I liked the premise of this book. I wish there would have been more of the story between Amara and Tyler. Too much back story not told but alluded to. Want more of the mermaids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews