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arielthebookgargoyle 's review for:
On Fated Tides
by M.R. Polish
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
First, I would like to thank the author, M.R. Polish for an ARC copy of this book. I signed up through her newsletter and had the fortune of being picked to read. Second, I would like to say that was said for clear disclosure. Even though I read through the ARC format, I try my best to keep my reviews honest. I want them to reflect best my experience of what a story really is.
I would say "On Fated Tides" by M.R. Polish is a 'enemies to lovers' clean romance wrapped in a pirate adventure.
It had a Treasure Island feel with Briar Firethorn, a unwitting thief, the only one that could read a map that is highly sought out by the fae Pirate King, Rhayne Whitehook.
Although there was a lot of back and forth between Briar and Rhayne, suspicion and mistrust, I found their story to be sweet. They worked well in moments of strife and the push and pull felt like it could be a genuine relationship. Their character personalities were well written and believable.
Their relationship did take priority, in my opinion, when it came to the plot. If looking for a fantasy themed clean romance, the story is perfect and I would highly recommend. Even as a stand alone. I was happy, relationship wise, where it was left for Briar.
As for the adventure story, the settings were beautifully described and fitting. Each location had a purpose. I really got the feel of the confusing Mistwood as well as the bloody red sands of Crimson Cove. I pictured the Pirate Kings ship, the Tidecaller, as erie and green hued. Like a ghostly dread ship that although scary, felt comfortable and homely when within its bowels.
The treasure hunt pushed the story forward. Where to next on the map?Opposition to Briar having it provided battles. Battles that made sense. Easy to follow, while upping the stakes.
I did feel some of the fantasy or action elements could have had either better set up or detail added to feel fuller, but overall it did work to be an engaging story for me.
It is also left open at the end for the next book. To what I understand will be a duology. I am hoping with the second, the adventure will take priority and answer any questions I had left about it. There is enough, and I liked the characters well enough, that I would pick it up to satiate my curiosity.
I would say "On Fated Tides" by M.R. Polish is a 'enemies to lovers' clean romance wrapped in a pirate adventure.
It had a Treasure Island feel with Briar Firethorn, a unwitting thief, the only one that could read a map that is highly sought out by the fae Pirate King, Rhayne Whitehook.
Although there was a lot of back and forth between Briar and Rhayne, suspicion and mistrust, I found their story to be sweet. They worked well in moments of strife and the push and pull felt like it could be a genuine relationship. Their character personalities were well written and believable.
Their relationship did take priority, in my opinion, when it came to the plot. If looking for a fantasy themed clean romance, the story is perfect and I would highly recommend. Even as a stand alone. I was happy, relationship wise, where it was left for Briar.
As for the adventure story, the settings were beautifully described and fitting. Each location had a purpose. I really got the feel of the confusing Mistwood as well as the bloody red sands of Crimson Cove. I pictured the Pirate Kings ship, the Tidecaller, as erie and green hued. Like a ghostly dread ship that although scary, felt comfortable and homely when within its bowels.
The treasure hunt pushed the story forward. Where to next on the map?Opposition to Briar having it provided battles. Battles that made sense. Easy to follow, while upping the stakes.
I did feel some of the fantasy or action elements could have had either better set up or detail added to feel fuller, but overall it did work to be an engaging story for me.
It is also left open at the end for the next book. To what I understand will be a duology. I am hoping with the second, the adventure will take priority and answer any questions I had left about it. There is enough, and I liked the characters well enough, that I would pick it up to satiate my curiosity.