Reviews

Unearth the Tides by Alissa J. Zavalianos

rr_author's review against another edition

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5.0

Unearth The Tides is the second book I’ve read by Alissa, and I loved it even more than the first!

From the first page, I fell in love with the mysterious nautical atmosphere. The eerie mood and writing style reminded me of the ship in Frankenstein - though I realize that is a strange comparison. But it really drew me into the story, and was my favourite aspect of this book.

Huxley was a great main character, and the friendship between him and Monty brought out the best in both of them. I love mysterious Captains, and Captain Aldo played the role perfectly. He kept me guessing throughout the story. Willa was such a sweet character too!

“It’s a slow kind of fading when you allow your heart to be bought in by the world’s whims. So be careful what voices you heed lest they become yours, too.”

Even though there was a lot of mystery and suspense in this story, it was also gentle. The herb healing was so interesting and mirrored the emotional healing that Huxley went underwent.

I would have liked a few more chapters, as the epilogue tied everything up but felt a bit rushed. But, I really enjoyed the story and it has become my favourite by Zavalianos!

fairytalearista's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious

4.0

tale_of_tales's review

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5.0

I’ve been following the author of this wonderful book on Instagram for a fee months now and I absolutely love her content and worldview!
This book is so well done! It’s less fantasy than I normally read, less romance than usually, but everything is so well balanced that I didn’t even mind the detour I took by reading it.
There are no boring chapters and everything builds up to the climax with absolutely no filler which is awesome and amazing! I read this book in less than 24 hours while on vacation!
It’s also the first five star read in quite a while

katherinebriggs's review against another edition

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5.0

This is a fun and gentle fantasy read.

gloria_peavey's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautiful

This book was a beautiful retelling of 20,000 leagues under the sea. You will find yourself falling in love with the characters and setting. I loved how meaningful the biblical parallels. A beautiful cozy fantasy book.

morgangiesbrecht's review

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5.0

4.5 ⭐️

Where do I start?! I was certain I’d fall in love with this tale long before I ever read it & it’s even better than I imagined!

As a retelling of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, it was original & fresh while still paying a delight homage to Verne’s story.

I grew up beside the ocean & there is a vivid realness to the descriptions, especially of Braka, that reminded me of childhood. I could practically smell the sea spray & feel the breeze in my face.

The characters were enchanting & have my heart!

bethlee's review

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

3.75

I loved and hated this book all at the same time. It wasn't an easy read for me; I had a hard time getting into it. I also had a hard time identifying with the main character. There were also so many questions that were presented then dropped that I had a hard time identifying the intent of the story/goal of the main character. Is Hux trying to find out what happened to his father? Or figuring out who Captain Aldo is? Is he trying to understand what the weird mirror is? Or is he trying to escape to freedom? Is he in love with Willa? Or is he still mad at Lauren (and what exactly happened with her, anyway)?
All that being said, it was a decent read. All the questions are answered in the end, so at least I wasn't left hanging (except for the Lauren thing). I may read this again in a few months and try to sort out the frustrating details. 

ericadansereau's review

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adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced

5.0

Endorsement: “Zavalianos is a storytelling master with her extraordinary ability to create stories that beg to be both savored and devoured. Unearth the Tides is a heartfelt adventure and a fantastic twist on a well-loved classic. Zavalianos puts her signature touch on this magical piece, gently but unwaveringly pointing readers to God and sharing powerful truths within her beautifully written words.” - Erica Dansereau, author of Come Forth as Gold
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