4.5/5 stars — a darkly magical, subversively queer story

The Dark Tide explores themes of love and sacrifice against the backdrop of a small and stormy island. I enjoyed how character-driven this book was. The interplay between the two main characters’ points of view followed their relationship through enmity to fascination even as each pursued her own goals, often at the cost of the other.

I recommend The Dark Tide to readers looking for one or more of the following: a bi protagonist; an enemies-to-lovers(ish) wlw relationship; a queernorm world; an atmospheric small island setting around the 1920s or ’30s; complex family relationships; bittersweet but hopeful endings. This is a fairly quick read, tightly plotted and easy to devour in a couple of sittings. It will likely appeal particularly to fans of Strange Grace by Tessa Gratton.

Content warnings: family member with anger issues, plot revolving around human sacrifice; smoking (cigarettes)