Reviews

The Tide Knot by Helen Dunmore

chelseaviolet's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I read this book as a child obsessed with the water and when I found this again I was driven by a sense of nostalgia to reread and finally finish the series.

It has everything I wanted as a kid, adventure, mystery, a deep connection with nature and a young girl who feels like an outsider.

I loved this upon re-reading it and can't wait to finish the story.

sarahp85's review against another edition

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3.0

More 3.5
I liked it but not as much as Ingo. However I do like Sapphy more in this one. The ending does really make you want to pick up the next one.

I can't believe I've never finished this series. Really want to do so soon!

motionocean's review

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5.0

Spennende!

iamcat's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

tmholsman_1994's review

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5.0

The sequel was very different from the first one. If features old and new characters and new locations. I am amazed at Sapphire’s growth between the two books. We meet her as this winy child who has to cope with “losing” her father and her mother moving on with life. At the same time we see that she doesn’t want to move on or accept that her at her is gone and that emotion is beautifully written.

minabix's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

theinkthief's review

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4.0

"The Tide Knot" is an enthralling sequel in the Ingo series, plunging readers deeper into the mystical and enchanting underwater world first introduced in "Ingo." This young adult fantasy novel masterfully combines elements of adventure, familial bonds, and the eternal draw of the sea.

In "The Tide Knot," Dunmore continues the story of Sapphire, who is now more deeply entwined with the underwater realm of Ingo, and her brother Connor. The novel takes a dramatic turn as the protagonist grapples with the responsibilities of their unique connection to both land and sea. The discovery of the Tide Knot, a powerful and ancient underwater force, sets the stage for a thrilling narrative that explores themes of balance, power, and the delicate relationship between humans and nature.

Dunmore's gift for creating a vivid and immersive world shines once again throughout the novel. The detailed descriptions of Ingo's underwater landscape are breathtaking, providing a rich backdrop to the story's events. Themes of environmental stewardship and the consequences of human actions on nature are woven seamlessly into the narrative, giving the book a timely and poignant resonance. Dunmore is a master at presenting such complex and important themes in narratives that children can read and understand.

I was particularly impressed by the depth of character development in this sequel. Sapphire’s inner conflicts and growth are portrayed with sensitivity and insight, making their journey both compelling and relatable. The balance between the world of Ingo and the human world is maintained with skill, keeping the reader captivated by the interplay of these two realms.

While "The Tide Knot" is a strong follow-up to "Ingo," some readers may find the pacing in the middle sections a bit slow, as they were in Ingo. Additionally, those new to the series might struggle with certain references to events from the previous book. However, these minor issues do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.

Compared to other young adult fantasy novels, "The Tide Knot" stands out for its unique setting and its exploration of ecological themes. Dunmore’s work can be favourably compared to Eva Ibbotson or Cornelia Funke, yet it carves its own niche with its distinctive blend of myth, magic, and environmental consciousness.

"The Tide Knot" is highly recommended for fans of the Ingo series and newcomers to Dunmore's work who enjoy fantasy with a strong sense of place and nuanced themes. It's a captivating read for anyone, from children to young adults and adults alike, who are drawn to stories that blend the magical with the ecological.

In "The Tide Knot," Helen Dunmore has crafted a mesmerising tale that builds on the strengths of its predecessor while charting new depths of imagination and insight. This novel is not just a journey into the heart of an enchanting underwater world, but also a thought-provoking exploration of the ties that bind us to the natural world. A thoroughly engaging read that deserves its four stars.

tatianab's review

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5.0

There were parts in this book where i considered stopping reading as i didnt want to know the outcome. But luckily it ended well. I felt that sapphire was more involved with ingo than conor as he seems to be able to move on. Sapphire is the one who wants to see Faro and visit Ingo. I felt sorry for her dog in this book and was so upset when she left it alone on the beach. I also didnt want conor to see Elvira.. I grew to dislike her in this book and the following ones.

rayj11's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

5.0

I read this book for the first time in grade five, and have read it way too many times since. It really got my love for reading going, and whenever I’m in a slump this book always gets me up and running! I try to get into the other books in the series, but this was the first one I picked up in my school library and was the best book ever. 

honeywhiskey's review

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3.0

This was good in the same way that Ingo was. I enjoyed reading it, especially becasue I hadn't read any quick reads in a while. Since I read The Deep first, I read The Tide Knot with that in mind, trying to realize how everything fits together. Reading this makes me want to go back to the beach; it's been so long since I have!