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Crosspointe Chronicles #3
The Turning Tide
When the compass makers begin dying, causing Crosspoint to fall into chaos, Ryland is ordered by the king to commit a heinous, unforgivable act that places him at odds with his closest friends--Shaye, a majicar, and Fairlie, a metalsmith. Original.
399 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Diana Pharaoh Francis
44 books759 followersI was raised on a cattle ranch in Northern California (outside a town called Lincoln which is now part of an enormous sprawl). I taught myself to ride a horse at the age of six, as no one had the time to teach me—they were all busy learning how to irrigate, how to cajole an angry bull into another field, how to pull a calf… Afraid of heights, and absolutely sure I was going to die, I managed to scramble up on the back of a very patient and lazy strawberry roan destrier, and plod off into the sunset.
Thereafter, I spent much of my early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of my family—it took several attempts to get my attention). We all had very specific jobs on the ranch and mine was horses and cattle—out rounding up at dawn. And since I rode bareback, my standing request was to wake me up 5 minutes before everyone else headed for the barn—time enough to dress and eat my Wheaties, and no sleep time wasted on saddling.
After high school, I attended college after college, racking up a BA and MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in literature and theory. My very patient and supportive husband traipsed across the Midwest and back to Montana for me (though my husband insists that he’s been running and hiding and I just keep finding him), where I now teach at the University of Montana-Western. We also a son Q-ball, who in our humbly unbiased opinions, is the most wonderful son ever produced, and a daughter, Princess Caesar, who is the most wonderful daughter ever produced.
I have a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, I like spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and I have an odd sense of humor. (Or so I’ve been told. Often.) Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact my real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.
Some of my current favorite sf/f writers are Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, C.E. Murphy, Patty Briggs, Lynn Flewelling, Rachel Caine, David Coe, and Anne Bishop.
Thereafter, I spent much of my early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of my family—it took several attempts to get my attention). We all had very specific jobs on the ranch and mine was horses and cattle—out rounding up at dawn. And since I rode bareback, my standing request was to wake me up 5 minutes before everyone else headed for the barn—time enough to dress and eat my Wheaties, and no sleep time wasted on saddling.
After high school, I attended college after college, racking up a BA and MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in literature and theory. My very patient and supportive husband traipsed across the Midwest and back to Montana for me (though my husband insists that he’s been running and hiding and I just keep finding him), where I now teach at the University of Montana-Western. We also a son Q-ball, who in our humbly unbiased opinions, is the most wonderful son ever produced, and a daughter, Princess Caesar, who is the most wonderful daughter ever produced.
I have a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, I like spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and I have an odd sense of humor. (Or so I’ve been told. Often.) Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact my real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.
Some of my current favorite sf/f writers are Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, C.E. Murphy, Patty Briggs, Lynn Flewelling, Rachel Caine, David Coe, and Anne Bishop.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 26, 2015
4.5 stars
This is definitely my favorite installment so far. Full RTC.
This is definitely my favorite installment so far. Full RTC.
February 22, 2019
NB—I received a digital review copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. If you enjoy my take and want to read more of my writing and reviews, check out my blog
The Turning Tide is fast-paced, character driven and continues with the intricate world-building begun in the previous two books. This book opens with an introduction to a small, well-developed cast of characters who quickly become embroiled in personal and political chaos. I love politics in my fantasy, and this series never disappoints. Fairlie is an amazing character, her relationship with Ryland and Shaye is compelling and nuanced, and so is her personal history and motivations.
From the opening scene with Shaye, her character and his are thrown into sharp contrast, and she continually proves who she is, while also developing over the course of the novel into a version of herself that is truly extraordinary. Her love interest is dedicated and respectful, which I appreciated, and there was even a scene that specifically addressed the fact that if she did not return ’s interest, that it would be fine, and everything could continue as normal.
Why isn’t there more of this in fantasy? Why do so many books act like love or attraction are a switch you can flip on, and if you choose not to then you’re a monster? Fairlie's relationship does develop rather abruptly, but with the amount of high-stakes action that takes place in The Turning Tide any drawn-out angst or relationship drama would seem trite in contrast.
Fairlie’s actually a great character for several reasons. She’s kind and compassionate, while never being less than strong. Too many times I’ve read about women who are portrayed as weak simply because they’re not strong in a traditionally masculine way. That’s why I love when I find genuinely strong female characters who are still compassionate, nurturing or considerate; without being ‘punished’ for it. Don’t get me wrong—I love a remorseless lady murderer as much as the next person, but I think it’s really important to have women written with traditionally feminine traits that are still self-assured, confident and effective.
Feminist rant aside, this book is really good. There are more characters included from previous books, including a long-awaited reunion between two characters that makes me want to read book four immediately (potentially possible, if I find it second hand somewhere—the series is currently being re-released).
Ryland was probably my favourite character in the book—solidly motivated, likeable for the most part, and one last thing, what was it? Oh yeah, he goes through hell. The book opens on a fairly difficult time for him, and things only get worse. Character development only really happens when characters get put through the wringer, and traumatic things pretty much never stop happening to Ryland. He has some tough decisions to make, and reacts in some admirable and definitely-not-admirable ways—it makes for great reading.
When discussing characters, I can’t skip over Shaye. He’s not always likeable, but he’s always sympathetic. He’s great, and I loved the way he interacted with…everyone, just for different reasons. I hope we learn more about his family, and Ryland’s too for that matter. Both Vaughn and Nicholas need more page time.
The king also becomes a genuine character in this book for the first time in the series (he made a cameo in book one, but The Turning Tide is the first glimpse we get at his relationships with people, the sort of man he is, and the reasons for that), and I loved the nuance brought to his character, and through that the world of the Crosspointe Chronicles. The world-building and scene descriptions never falter, making The Turning Tide (and the previous two novels) engaging to an extent that you only get with well-written sci fi or fantasy. Which brings me neatly to the next great thing about this book—the religion of Crosspointe gets fleshed out a little more, and I am intrigued. We’ve learnt a little of Bracken and Meris in The Black Ship, but now we got to learn about Chayos (who is fascinating) and her priestesses (likewise).
Religion in novels can at times seem like it’s only included as a way to have PG swearing, but that’s definitely not the case in The Turning Tide. Crosspointe’s religion ties into the magic, political, and environmental systems, and directly influences the plot without ever lessening the agency of the characters. It reminded me of something Anne Bishop would write, in the best possible way. Hurn is the last of the four gods to be explored, and I hope this happens in the next Crosspointe novel.
This book develops the structure and abilities of magisters as well, weaving threads from both The Cipher and The Black Ship into the plot of The Turning Tide, providing an over-arching storyline that is satisfying, while still leaving plenty to be explored in future novels. But this definitely isn’t a placeholder book, things happen in this book that will affect Crosspointe’s political and social system, and I’m going to really enjoy seeing how this happens.
I’ll stop rambling because this review is already too long, but if you’ve read the previous Crosspointe books; enjoy fantasy with strong characters with complex, believably written relationships; or just like well-crafted fantasy worlds that get richer with every instalment, you should read The Turning Tide.
The Turning Tide is fast-paced, character driven and continues with the intricate world-building begun in the previous two books. This book opens with an introduction to a small, well-developed cast of characters who quickly become embroiled in personal and political chaos. I love politics in my fantasy, and this series never disappoints. Fairlie is an amazing character, her relationship with Ryland and Shaye is compelling and nuanced, and so is her personal history and motivations.
From the opening scene with Shaye, her character and his are thrown into sharp contrast, and she continually proves who she is, while also developing over the course of the novel into a version of herself that is truly extraordinary. Her love interest is dedicated and respectful, which I appreciated, and there was even a scene that specifically addressed the fact that if she did not return ’s interest, that it would be fine, and everything could continue as normal.
Why isn’t there more of this in fantasy? Why do so many books act like love or attraction are a switch you can flip on, and if you choose not to then you’re a monster? Fairlie's relationship does develop rather abruptly, but with the amount of high-stakes action that takes place in The Turning Tide any drawn-out angst or relationship drama would seem trite in contrast.
Fairlie’s actually a great character for several reasons. She’s kind and compassionate, while never being less than strong. Too many times I’ve read about women who are portrayed as weak simply because they’re not strong in a traditionally masculine way. That’s why I love when I find genuinely strong female characters who are still compassionate, nurturing or considerate; without being ‘punished’ for it. Don’t get me wrong—I love a remorseless lady murderer as much as the next person, but I think it’s really important to have women written with traditionally feminine traits that are still self-assured, confident and effective.
Feminist rant aside, this book is really good. There are more characters included from previous books, including a long-awaited reunion between two characters that makes me want to read book four immediately (potentially possible, if I find it second hand somewhere—the series is currently being re-released).
Ryland was probably my favourite character in the book—solidly motivated, likeable for the most part, and one last thing, what was it? Oh yeah, he goes through hell. The book opens on a fairly difficult time for him, and things only get worse. Character development only really happens when characters get put through the wringer, and traumatic things pretty much never stop happening to Ryland. He has some tough decisions to make, and reacts in some admirable and definitely-not-admirable ways—it makes for great reading.
When discussing characters, I can’t skip over Shaye. He’s not always likeable, but he’s always sympathetic. He’s great, and I loved the way he interacted with…everyone, just for different reasons. I hope we learn more about his family, and Ryland’s too for that matter. Both Vaughn and Nicholas need more page time.
The king also becomes a genuine character in this book for the first time in the series (he made a cameo in book one, but The Turning Tide is the first glimpse we get at his relationships with people, the sort of man he is, and the reasons for that), and I loved the nuance brought to his character, and through that the world of the Crosspointe Chronicles. The world-building and scene descriptions never falter, making The Turning Tide (and the previous two novels) engaging to an extent that you only get with well-written sci fi or fantasy. Which brings me neatly to the next great thing about this book—the religion of Crosspointe gets fleshed out a little more, and I am intrigued. We’ve learnt a little of Bracken and Meris in The Black Ship, but now we got to learn about Chayos (who is fascinating) and her priestesses (likewise).
Religion in novels can at times seem like it’s only included as a way to have PG swearing, but that’s definitely not the case in The Turning Tide. Crosspointe’s religion ties into the magic, political, and environmental systems, and directly influences the plot without ever lessening the agency of the characters. It reminded me of something Anne Bishop would write, in the best possible way. Hurn is the last of the four gods to be explored, and I hope this happens in the next Crosspointe novel.
This book develops the structure and abilities of magisters as well, weaving threads from both The Cipher and The Black Ship into the plot of The Turning Tide, providing an over-arching storyline that is satisfying, while still leaving plenty to be explored in future novels. But this definitely isn’t a placeholder book, things happen in this book that will affect Crosspointe’s political and social system, and I’m going to really enjoy seeing how this happens.
I’ll stop rambling because this review is already too long, but if you’ve read the previous Crosspointe books; enjoy fantasy with strong characters with complex, believably written relationships; or just like well-crafted fantasy worlds that get richer with every instalment, you should read The Turning Tide.
January 28, 2019
The Turning Tide (A Crosspointe Novel Book 3)Kindle Edition
by Diana Pharaoh Francis
I received a review copy via NetGalley and am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
Very few authors have the talent to bring a new reader completely into an ongoing saga in book three. Ms. Francis has that talent in spades. I've always enjoyed Ms. Francis, the Horngate Witches and the Path Trilogy being among my favorites. She is a unique and brilliant talent in Fantasy and Urban Fantasy.
The Turning Tide is a fascinating series with a fresh group of characters, including Fairlie, a female metal smith who uses the majickal element of syenth; Ryland, the youngest of two princes who must make a horrible decision; and Shaye, the man in love with Fairlie who has a terrible secret.
Fairlie will be forced to sacrifice to save her kingdom from invaders.
An amazing epic with romance and magic, action and throne politics.
5 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Turning-Tide-C...
by Diana Pharaoh Francis
I received a review copy via NetGalley and am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
Very few authors have the talent to bring a new reader completely into an ongoing saga in book three. Ms. Francis has that talent in spades. I've always enjoyed Ms. Francis, the Horngate Witches and the Path Trilogy being among my favorites. She is a unique and brilliant talent in Fantasy and Urban Fantasy.
The Turning Tide is a fascinating series with a fresh group of characters, including Fairlie, a female metal smith who uses the majickal element of syenth; Ryland, the youngest of two princes who must make a horrible decision; and Shaye, the man in love with Fairlie who has a terrible secret.
Fairlie will be forced to sacrifice to save her kingdom from invaders.
An amazing epic with romance and magic, action and throne politics.
5 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Turning-Tide-C...
June 21, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was part of a five-book grab bag that I purchased from Half Price Books. None of the books in the bundle were ones I would have chosen for myself, and I only recognized the name of one author, but that's what makes it fun. I chose to read this book first, because it looked the most interesting.
The Turning Tide is the third book in a series, but it worked as a stand-alone novel. It takes place in a well-developed fantasy world filled with wizards ("majicars"), strange beings, and warring kingdoms. I appreciated the fact that this was not a predictable book; Francis threw several surprises at me. Even better, she writes well about moral dilemmas and how difficult it can be to figure out the right thing to do.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book, and I'm glad it was a part of the book bundle.
The Turning Tide is the third book in a series, but it worked as a stand-alone novel. It takes place in a well-developed fantasy world filled with wizards ("majicars"), strange beings, and warring kingdoms. I appreciated the fact that this was not a predictable book; Francis threw several surprises at me. Even better, she writes well about moral dilemmas and how difficult it can be to figure out the right thing to do.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book, and I'm glad it was a part of the book bundle.
July 13, 2020
I didn't like it much when I started it but after getting further into it I did. The the tide turned again (see what I did there) and went back not liking it so much. Don't think I'll go back and read #s 1 and 2 of this series. Don't know exactly what I didn't really like about this book as the writing was good - just didn't care for the story line.
September 10, 2021
Still well written, but the story does not show inner transformation so much as it does just all hell breaking lose and the unravelling of plans within plans driving towards a messy ending. The antagonist characters are not so well developed, seeming to be just a foil to the protagonists undying (somewhat cloying) loyalty to each other. The laser focus on two characters and the overwhelming rush of nation-breaking events is quite dizzying, and a number of unresolved plot points get glossed over. This does however reflect the absolute mess that the turn of events leaves the nation in, and the novel's title after all foreshadows that the fortune of Crosspointe is itself at a turning point. Personally this is 3 stars for me but I add the extra star to commend Francis for a brave choice to explode the plot and leave lots of failed plans and lose threads hanging around, in a true commitment to the world that she has built. Most writers in the third book of a successful series would start packing tight and playing safe with the established themes and characters.
November 17, 2024
Captivating
I didn't expect the story to unfold this way. Very
good and I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens with the rest of the characters. Looking forward to reading Keros' story.
I didn't expect the story to unfold this way. Very
good and I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens with the rest of the characters. Looking forward to reading Keros' story.
July 12, 2017
This series is really good. I can't put it down.
January 31, 2022
It felt rather overwrought with it’s own importance
April 11, 2023
DNF - This series just got too boring for me and I lost interest in the characters. Nothing significant in the plot to hold my attention unfortunately.
1.5/5 stars ⭐️
1.5/5 stars ⭐️
October 8, 2010
"The Turning Tide" is the third book in Francis's Crosspointe series and introduces a new cast of characters to this world. Fairlie has a gift for shaping and working metal, a gift which may allow her to make the all-essential and powerful compasses, allowing Pilot's to sail the seas and avoiding the magic that can turn anything - humans, clothes, any object - into blood-thirsty, mindless monsters. Except, she's unable to work the magic as she is now...a human. For the good of Crosspointe, the King orders her to be turned by the slyveth, the same beings which turn people into monsters.
The book's cover blurb doesn't do the story justice. The story is truly about the close friendship and loyalty between Shaye, a majicar, and Fairlie. It's their friendship, which blossoms into love, that keeps the story moving forward. One won't leave the other, even when it means life-long imprisonment and slavery.
Another good addition to the series, with a few minor characters popping up. With each book the series' story grows a little more, the stakes are raised and the characters are tested in ways they'd never dreamed of. A fast enough read, the paced moved, and I really wanted to see how Fairlie and Shaye came out at the end.
The book's cover blurb doesn't do the story justice. The story is truly about the close friendship and loyalty between Shaye, a majicar, and Fairlie. It's their friendship, which blossoms into love, that keeps the story moving forward. One won't leave the other, even when it means life-long imprisonment and slavery.
Another good addition to the series, with a few minor characters popping up. With each book the series' story grows a little more, the stakes are raised and the characters are tested in ways they'd never dreamed of. A fast enough read, the paced moved, and I really wanted to see how Fairlie and Shaye came out at the end.
January 18, 2017
Happy to have finally located a copy of this book and return to the fascinating world of Crosspointe with its dangerous tides of magical sylveth, the mere touch of which turns a human into Spawn. Except sometimes the change can be controlled and majicars created. One such change lies at the heart of this novel and its effect on three friends. The books in this series share a setting and an over-arching struggle between Jutras and Crosspointe but each have their own set of .main characters. High magic, strong action sequences.
June 25, 2009
I have to say that I enjoyed this book the most out of the 3 Crosspointe novels. The characters were very compelling & given many morally ambiguous choices that brought their strengths and flaws to the forefront. Again I was kind of thrown for a loop (as I was with Book #2), expecting familiar characters, but instead being given totally new people with remote ties to familiar characters. If a 4th book is produced, I will happily read it.
February 11, 2010
One of the few fantasy series I've read where the main characters in each book are different, even though all the books take place in the same location at approximately the same time (pretty much chronologically consecutive). Minor characters in the first may be become major characters in a subsequent title, or major characters in the first may only appear peripherally in a later book. Works pretty well in this case.
September 4, 2009
Of the three novels in this series so far this one was my least favourite. Having said that I still really enjoyed the book and I enjoy having different characters to read about each time I pick up a book from this series.
February 23, 2011
Another good book in the series. A powerful love, terrible choices that leave the fate of a kingdom hanging in the balance. I can't wait to see how all these characters come together for their country and rally against the forces that have pushed them around.
March 26, 2011
I still like the series. The characters are real with real problems for their setting.
August 8, 2015
This didn't catch my fancy.
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January 9, 2010Amazon preorder
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews