Tide

by Lacy Sheridan

When the tides roll in, death follows. That is what eighteen-year-old Hania has been told all her life. For the depths of the sea hide the cruel and magical tidespeople, strange gods and creatures of the water who see human life as nothing more than a game. When they sweep her brother away with them, a new pet for their queen, she knows she has no option but to get him back. And her one hope is Aven, a lonely, imprisoned selkie desperate to return home. So she strikes a deal. She will return his skin, and his power with it, and in exchange Aven will take her to the Realm of Tides. But once there Hania finds a world unlike any she imagined. A world of beauty and danger, of magic beyond any the old tales could have prepared her for. The longer she finds herself there the more fear of the undersea realm turns to awe–and an uneasy alliance with Aven turns to something far more thrilling and far more damning. But here deadlier creatures than Aven lurk, eager to kill her, claim her, or break her. Her brother’s capture is only the beginning of the game. A game of hearts and lives, loyalty and cunning. And to save them all she must be willing to play it and win–or die trying.

Genres: Fantasy

541 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2020

About the author

Lacy has been writing since she picked up a pencil at 5 years old and decided she had too many stories in her head to ignore. After devouring every book she could get her hands on and writing short stories for many years, she completed her first novel at 12 years old and began the path to publishing. Though that particular novel remains buried in the depths of her computer files, she published the first of a trilogy in 2016 just after turning 19, and has been working her way down her list of books ever since.

Lacy currently lives in Idaho with her partner, son, overenthusiastic dog, and socially awkward cat. When not writing or buried in mom life she enjoys crafting and cosplay. You can follow her publishing journey at lacysheridan.com.

Reviews

[Verónica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember finishing Tide the first time I read it and being amazed. Lacy had sucked me into Hania's story and kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. Now, rereading it, I'm so glad it has finally been published for everyone to enjoy.
In every one of Lacy's books characters are what strike me the most. Tide was no exception. Hania, Aven, Raeth... they all came alive before my eyes. I could see Raeth's jokes and sarcasm, Hania's bravery and courage, Aven's smoothness that had me fooled until the end and everything else that makes them up and makes me anxious to read Rise as soon as can. I can't wait to find out what happens next, because this story isn't over by a long shot. I want to see the ramifications of Tobin's experience, Hania's encounter with 'normal life', and their plunge back into the Realm of Tides alongside the rest of the group for Rise.

This is a book that will be full of ups and downs, riding on the waves of a wonderful story accompanied by the best characters. I would recommend it to any fantasy fan, and to anyone wanting to dive into the genre.

[Teagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've probably had Tide with me since 2020 when it came out, and it was only this April that I finally finished reading this fantastic fantasy, but it was worth it. The entire book seems written compellingly. Everything about the book--the characters, the dialogue, the proses, the descriptions, the world--was an experience that I can't wait to continue when Rise comes out.

[Arwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! I’m so glad the author reached out through my blog and gave me the chance to read her story. It was unlike any other YA book I’ve read. Also can we take a moment and acknowledge the beautiful cover? 😍 Wow.

The world you first enter is rather familiar for YA fantasy readers. Middle ages setting, small village, the market square, the baker’s son, a heroine that loves her home and has a tragic backstory. You even first enter the story with Hania getting an archery lesson. It was easy for me to think, “Ah, I know where this is going….”

I was so, so wrong! Happily so.

Once the story gets rolling it becomes something totally unique.

I’m not even sure how to review it without spoilers. So be forewarned there may be slight spoilers ahead, although I have done my best to minimize them.

The world of Tides is an amazing place full of amazing settings and creatures. I want to go back and reread the descriptions of the forest where they enter the land of Tides. I was engrossed in the action and hungry to know what was going to happen that I didn’t fully take them in.

Hania grew on me, I was afraid of another oh-so-special-chosen-one type heroine or the possibility of that she’d be the girl everyone falls in love with so they will do anything for her. In the end Hania was her own person who gains friends by being frank, but courteous, carefully thinking through situations and sheer will. She stands out from the other humans the Tidespeople meet because of that she is just too determined to quit.

This book touches on some deep issues of slavery, revenge, loyalty and family. I was impressed for what at first seemed like a typical YA fantasy and a debut none the less. On the one hand the story had so much action and adventure but on the other it really resonates.

Bottom Line:
A treat of a read! World building, beautiful settings, strong characters and surprising twists make this a great YA book.

Note - I received a copy of this book from the author.