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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
This was an interesting read.. I usually read fantasy novels that focus on action with/without a romantic subplot and rarely include horror aspects. Tidepool is different, it's a gothic horror reminiscent of Lovecraft, atmospheric and sinister enough to make your skin crawl.
The writing is fluid, easy to read, and evocative creating the creepy vibe specific to gothic horror. I liked that a lot.
Characterwise, I like Sorrow for the most part. She’s a strong female character who won’t submit to what society expects of her. There are some fun interactions with the folks of Tidepool about that. So I love that she has agency but throughout the story her behavior is inconsistent. And there were some aspects that seemed far-fetched.
Another thing that I found off-putting was the indecision of the characters. Do we leave? Do we stay? They’re never on the same page and the story drags a bit waiting for them to make up their mind.
All things considered, the storyline is engrossing even though a bit predictable, and the mystery is revealed too early. Nevertheless, it was a page-turner and I recommend Tidepool to fantasy/horror readers.
The writing is fluid, easy to read, and evocative creating the creepy vibe specific to gothic horror. I liked that a lot.
Characterwise, I like Sorrow for the most part. She’s a strong female character who won’t submit to what society expects of her. There are some fun interactions with the folks of Tidepool about that. So I love that she has agency but throughout the story her behavior is inconsistent. And there were some aspects that seemed far-fetched.
Another thing that I found off-putting was the indecision of the characters. Do we leave? Do we stay? They’re never on the same page and the story drags a bit waiting for them to make up their mind.
All things considered, the storyline is engrossing even though a bit predictable, and the mystery is revealed too early. Nevertheless, it was a page-turner and I recommend Tidepool to fantasy/horror readers.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I wanted to love it but... it didn't really work out for me, in the end. The premise is really good: marine creatures, creepy town, mysterious deaths, a sister who is trying to find her brother. Unfortunately, it kind of fell apart.
The main character felt like a sketch, lacking in depth, I couldn't relate to her, didn't really like her. Also, I had a problem with the repetition of her name ( in the beginning, on a single page, you will read "Sorrow" at least six times). Charlie is extremely annoying, especially his language (I get it was during the 20th century, but when you have only one character who is "speaking" like 20th century men would speak, it doesn't really work out). Actually, to me, all the characters felt off. The only real character was Ada (although, the scene with her resurrection and her husband's murder was too weird and not in a good way). Unfortunately, there were only one or two chapters from her POV. Maybe the story would have been more interesting if she were the only narrator.
The ending was very disappointing. Why didn't she just die? Why go to all the trouble with killing everyone, destroy the entire town, summon three waves of sea creatures, just to resurrect her again because that stupid detective tossed her body in the ocean. And why was she resurrected again, if the pact was broken? And why the Lords Bellow allowed her to become their priestess again?
It should have ended there, with Sorrow, finally leaving Tidepool and the wrath unleashed. I didn't get the extra chapters with her father, her book and Quentin's obsession with her over the years.
It could have been great, it was ok. I enjoyed reading it for the most part, but I was a little disappointed in the end.
However, I would recommend it and will read more of the author's books.
The main character felt like a sketch, lacking in depth, I couldn't relate to her, didn't really like her. Also, I had a problem with the repetition of her name ( in the beginning, on a single page, you will read "Sorrow" at least six times). Charlie is extremely annoying, especially his language (I get it was during the 20th century, but when you have only one character who is "speaking" like 20th century men would speak, it doesn't really work out). Actually, to me, all the characters felt off. The only real character was Ada (although, the scene with her resurrection and her husband's murder was too weird and not in a good way). Unfortunately, there were only one or two chapters from her POV. Maybe the story would have been more interesting if she were the only narrator.
The ending was very disappointing. Why didn't she just die? Why go to all the trouble with killing everyone, destroy the entire town, summon three waves of sea creatures, just to resurrect her again because that stupid detective tossed her body in the ocean. And why was she resurrected again, if the pact was broken? And why the Lords Bellow allowed her to become their priestess again?
It should have ended there, with Sorrow, finally leaving Tidepool and the wrath unleashed. I didn't get the extra chapters with her father, her book and Quentin's obsession with her over the years.
It could have been great, it was ok. I enjoyed reading it for the most part, but I was a little disappointed in the end.
However, I would recommend it and will read more of the author's books.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Great Lovecraftian fiction, and goes places and does things I did not expect.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Lovecraftian eldritch tale set by the water, the atmosphere is salty, chilling and gorgeous. It’s one of those books you will find yourself thinking about the world after, and wanting to step into again for a day or two.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is an example of telling, not showing. It's fine but clunky, and the characters feel like cardboard cut outs. The responsibility to make the book feel atmospheric is left to the reader.
dark
emotional
Esta historia tiene tintes de terror victoriano. Es una historia de las que asustan por que, a pesar de su fantasía, tiene algo que no deja de ser realmente inquietante.
Los personajes, incluso a los que en un primer momento temes y odias, están muy bien dibujados, con sus motivaciones y explicaciones, con sus fortalezas y debilidades. Tristeza es un personaje maravilloso y se queda contigo, como se queda con Quentin -otro protagonista-, pero también Ada Oliver con todo su dolor y cargas.
Me ha gustado mucho el desarrollo de la historia, sin concesiones a lo edulcorado.
Si eres fan de las historias de misterio y terror, es un libro con el que disfrutaras.
La pregunta del libro es ¿qué estamos dispuestos a sacrificar para vivir en un lugar seguro?
Los personajes, incluso a los que en un primer momento temes y odias, están muy bien dibujados, con sus motivaciones y explicaciones, con sus fortalezas y debilidades. Tristeza es un personaje maravilloso y se queda contigo, como se queda con Quentin -otro protagonista-, pero también Ada Oliver con todo su dolor y cargas.
Me ha gustado mucho el desarrollo de la historia, sin concesiones a lo edulcorado.
Si eres fan de las historias de misterio y terror, es un libro con el que disfrutaras.
La pregunta del libro es ¿qué estamos dispuestos a sacrificar para vivir en un lugar seguro?
dark
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No