Tidemagic: The Many Faces of Ista Flit

This is a surprising and intriguing novel. Ista Flit has a tide blessing that allows her to “wear” another person, especially when tide magic is at its strongest. It also allows her to borrow their blessing giving her deep insight into who people are and how they have been blessed.

Ista is ultimately searching for her Pa, who went missing many months ago. Lodging with Giddon and Padley, she works for Alexo on errands. Errands she completes to win back her most prized possession, her PA’s clarinet.

The city is being plagued by grilks, scary creatures that steal people away, never to be seen again. Having met Nat and Ruby, Ista feels this new trio can actually do something to figure out who is behind the attacks, and why.

With plenty of twists and turns, I guarantee you a brilliant time of reading this. Like me, you may need only an afternoon as it was so compelling, different and fascinating.

A brilliant book

For the people of Shelwich, magic and mystery are a daily occurrence. Disappearances, however, not so much. But recently more people have been taken into the shadows than ever before, never to be seen again. ☠️

Tide-blessings are bestowed upon all those lucky enough to receive it, but Ista Flit has an extraordinary one: the gift of changing her appearance ✨This comes in handy when she learns her father has disappeared too.

But she isn’t the only person to have lost someone they love, she meets Nat and Ruby, who have lost someone too. 🔍 Together, they form a friendship and use all their skills (magical or otherwise) to dive into the secrets of the town to uncover the truth. 🎭

🪷Review:🪷
Oh my gosh! So rarely do I sink into a story as quickly as I did this one! The world-buildings and ‘Tide-blessings’ are so cleverly thought through and seamlessly create the most unique story.

I absolutely loved everything about this book - it was a pleasure to read! 🙌🤩 Ultimately, if I had to put my finger on it, the writing itself was just amazing. It’s the kind of writing style that both adults and children can sink into. 😌 The pacing was perfect, the descriptions and personalities of all the characters worked so well, I blasted through this book because I couldn’t put it down. 🤪

This author is definitely one for me to watch! I truly encourage you to pick up this brilliant book once it hits the shelves, and I can’t wait to see the wider opinion after publication day! Best of luck, Clare Harlow, I wish your story every success. 🙏

One thing to add, I was thinking of the River Thames as I read this book, and was delighted to read at the end it was an inspiration for the author! 🦆

I loved this book. The estuary town of Shelwich is vividly brought to life, I understood the streets in relation to each other and all the sights and smells, thanks to the clear descriptions that were woven through the story. At its heart is a genuine mystery with lots of twists and turns - at least three different plots come together.

The story involves political intrigue, missing people, and lots of magic. It is full of interesting characters - adults with secrets as well as brave and resourceful children.

I don’t often say this, but this book really will appeal to all ages - there’s something timeless in the writing, like a C.S Lewis novel.

The world building is truly unique and imaginative and the writing is excellent. I was immersed in the town of Shelwich and I want to live there.