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A review by roxxie
Tides of Torment by Elle Beaumont
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5-Star Review: Tides of Torment by Elle Beaumont & Christis Christie
Tides of Torment, the second installment in the Immortal Realms trilogy, picks up two months after the near-destruction of Midniva. While the first book was a thrilling mix of emotional depth and gripping suspense, this sequel, unfortunately, doesn't quite reach the same heights. Despite strong character development and an engaging central mystery, the novel’s execution left something to be desired, ultimately making it a somewhat frustrating read.
Tides of Torment ♦ Elle Beaumont, Christis Christie - A Review
Opinion
One of the novel's strongest aspects is the growth of its main characters, Travion and Sereia. Travion, the King of Midniva, is burdened with duty, attempting to restore order to his country while facing an increasing danger from horrific sea creatures. Sereia, a furious pirate captain, is an intriguing contrast, her free-spirited personality conflicting with Travion's duty-bound lifestyle. Their relationship is captivating, especially as their paths meet once more, reigniting both passion and old wounds. Their personal challenges and past traumas lend levels of nuance to their interactions, making them well-rounded and interesting characters.
Furthermore, the mystery underlying the gigantic sea creatures' attacks and the force driving them is well-constructed, kept me interested. The building tension and looming peril create a sense of suspense that propels the narrative along, promising a thrilling conclusion. However, despite the dramatic buildup, the reward is not as satisfying as it could have been.
One of my biggest criticisms is the novel's pace. The execution feels needlessly extended, with several scenes dragging rather than moving the plot ahead. While world-building and character analysis are important, there were times when the tale appeared to stall, making it tough to stay totally involved. This problem gets worse by the resolution, which felt overly basic and childish for a book marketed as a (new) adult fantasy tale. After such an emotional buildup, the conclusion lacked the weight and impact it should have had, leaving me unsatisfied.
However, one component that helped me get through was the author duo's writing style. Their style, like that of the first book, is smooth and interesting, making it simple to read even in slow moments. Their ability to produce vivid visuals and emotional depth continues to impress me, and I enjoy how they bring Midniva's world to life.
Conclusion
Overall, Tides of Torment is an enjoyable but flawed sequel. While it succeeds at character development and a compelling underlying mystery, its crawling pace and unsatisfying resolution keep it from reaching full potential. Fans of the first novel and readers who enjoy sea-faring fantasy with a dash of romance may still find something to like, although it may not have the lasting impact they had hoped for.