WHAT. DO I DO. NOW!!!!

Update: okay I’m done crying
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced e-arc copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Let it be known that I am an absolute sucker for a pretty character and a pretty dress but I must say that the packaging is a mere taste of the story, the writing and the FEELINGS that come inside.
Lore of the Tides is a continuation of Lore’s story as well as the journeys of Asher and Finn, but this time, the stakes are different and much higher.
Spoilers (???) ahead.
This is so far beyond what is written or known as a “love triangle” nor is this story driven by that trope. This story is the growth and the strength of all of its characters as well as a lush, beautifully written fantasy that I absolutely did not want to end. Lore is a well-rounded, thought out character, to the point where I feel like I could talk to her and know how she would respond. I might go ahead and say it (would you be surprised) I would die for her and I know she would do the same for me. Our two male leads, Asher and Finn, could easily be shunted to a background of “which will Lore choose” and let that be that but no. Analeigh Sbrana gave them flaws and gave them room to grow and explore and be led by a strong woman, even when it looked like maybe they shouldn’t (yes, I’m talking about a moment involving a volcano deity).
Analeigh Sbrana is forever an auto-buy author for me, not only for the absolutely STUNNING way she writes, but for the careful plotting and humanity (heh because they’re fae) of her characters.
All of the stars if I could give them.

Much like the first book, I was immediately inspired by the fantastical world that Annaleigh Sbrana has wrought. Her vividly descriptive and lyrical storytelling is so spellbinding that I didn't want the book to end...ever. This book starts out a little slow, giving us time to be mesmerized by the majestical, whimsical world that Sbrana has built. At 65%, I worried that the book would begin to feel rushed because it seemed there was still so much to accomplish, but I think the pacing was good for the most part. I enjoyed that we got a bigger glimpse into the mythology of Lore's people. I also enjoyed the laugh out loud and bashful moments.

("Good girl"=*swoon*)

While I loved this book, I did have a few qualms. One is that this book felt more plot driven than the first and it felt like this was done at the expense of exploring characters and relationships. With the introduction of characters in the first book, we got the chance to learn about them and spend time with them. I didn't feel like we got that this time around. There were moments I forgot the Prince was part of the crew much of the time until he was "needed" and thus mentioned again. The moments with Pytheah were brief and almost inconsequential. I would have liked to have gotten to know them a little better and have them more present. I had also hoped we would get more of an explanation of Ember and her significance.

Another thing that threw me was the final area where Auroradale was. We don't necessarily learn why the books chose Lore. I was also confused why the King would go to great lengths to make the book accessible through trials only to still try to deny someone at the end. I guess I expected more of a "You've-passed-my-tests-you're-clearly-worthy" kind of spiel.

The last thing, though meager, is that I was sad that Finn didn't get the book for Lore from the inn. Once she lamented not getting it, I thought it would've been cute/sweet to have had him do that, almost as a symbology of his love but also the voyage they were already on.

All in all, I enjoyed this book so much and I'm so glad it exists. I love how series makes me feel and I would read it again and again.

Ahhhhh! I loved book 1 and this book was somehow even more magical and even better somehow. I loved this duology. Unapologetically Black, magical, and the perfect fantasy. The FMC is amazing and both MMCs are so different you never know who you are rooting for. Of you were looking for fantasy, romance , heartache, and a fun time, this is the book for you.

don't get me wrong, this was beautiful. lore is a badass who wants nothing more than to make sure the people she loves are safe

i just don't know how i feel. it ended beautifully but what happened to finn? that grumpy man turned into a "yessir" incredibly fast. and don't get me wrong, i love me a man who will do anything for his girl but their friendship seemed to fall to the wayside when they became romantic?

as always, thank you netgalley for the e-arc, i am forever grateful to be apart of having others experience these wonderful stories 💕

The first book, Lore of the Wilds, is one of my favorite reads. I own multiple copies and the beautiful world Analeigh has built has inspired the most beautiful artwork for this story.
To say I was ecstatic for this story is an understatement. The way the first story ended left me dying for more. The expansion of this world in Lore of the Tides was such a pleasure to experience. I loved the nautical vibes, the sirens, the magic of it all.
Easily one of my top reads of the year.

Lore of the Tides is part 2 of the duology the first book is Lore of The Wilds. If you haven’t read Lore of the Wilds you absolutely must do so because you will be completely lost. Lore of the Tides starts right where Lore of the Wilds stops at. Very adventurous, emotional roller coaster, tense. There is some major world building and backstory given in this one. Listen there is some MAJOR back story action happening you get Syrelle and Fins back stories. Everything isn’t what you think is all I will say. Not going to lie tho I was side eyeing EVERYBODY and I legit wanted to throat punch him every single time he said “Mouse” 😡😡😡 Slow burn very slow burn the angst is insane and I found myself screaming at my kindle. It’s giving very much touch her in 💀. An I was here for every minute. Haply Reading 🤸🏾‍♀️🤸🏾‍♀️

+ Fae/Human Romantasy
+ Found Family
+Love Triangle

Sequels make me nervous. You get so invested in the characters, the world, the stakes and you just want the payoff to be worth it. Lore of the Tides not only meets that expectation, it exceeds it.

I reread Lore of the Wild before diving into this sequel, and I’m so glad I did. I jumped into Lore of the Tides eager to see how Syrelle’s betrayal would play out. Thankfully, we pick up right where Book One left off, with Lore seeking the sister grimoire of Deeping Lune, Auroradel, and embarking on a journey filled with danger, growth, and beautifully woven ocean mythology. The expansion of the world is captivating, and the new characters add so much texture to the story without overshadowing the ones we’ve come to love. Seriously, as much as I loved Book One, the sequel takes everything deeper: richer world-building, bolder character arcs, and emotional beats that absolutely deliver.

Lore shines even more brightly in this book. We watch her fully step into her power as both a protector and a person, which is incredibly satisfying. I found myself whispering words of encouragement every few chapters. The relationship between Lore and Finndryl continues to bloom, but what really stood out is how they grow not just together, but also individually. That balance felt so real and so earned.

One of my favorite parts? The themes. Yes, this is fantasy—but it speaks directly to reality. One quote especially resonated with me:

“We cannot be cynical when fighting for justice. When your cause is a worthy one, it is hope that will fuel the fires of change… We deserve to be safe. We deserve to take up space.”

That’s not just powerful, it’s timely. It’s the message I personally needed to hear, and it’s what makes Analeigh Sbrana an author I now consider an auto-buy. Whatever she writes next? I’m in.

Lore of the Tides publishes July 8th and is available for preorder now! Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the eARC.

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of Lore of the Tides by Analeigh Sbrana. It's the second book in the Lore of the Wilds duology, a sweeping fantasy about love, power, and oppression.

All the characters in this story are Black, which is such important representation in a fantasy literature space that is so overwhelmingly dominated by white characters, white authors, and white culture

Lore of the Tides, like its predecessor, is atmospheric, with a gorgeous and compelling vibe. The general mood and feeling of this story is absolutely exceptional, with rich, detailed descriptions to add depth to the feelings the author evokes.

There is a great deal of action and political scheming to keep every kind of reader interested. The romance is very much present, but it's a perfect complement to the plot.

Lore, Finndryl, and Syrelle are no strangers to yearning in this book. There is a lot of unrealized want, especially in the beginning. For much of the book, the dynamic and characters read like a YA fantasy, despite being a little too explicit with the spice to actually qualify as such. This is by no means a bad thing, at least from my perspective, but it may prove a little unexpected for some readers.

I loved Lore of the Tides. The characters are so compelling, the plot is spellbinding, and the overall message of hope and strength is what makes fantasy such a fulfilling genre to read, especially now.

Lore of the Tides swept me away with its rich world building and lyrical writing. The oceanic mythology was unique and beautifully crafted, and I loved how the story wove mystery and magic together. The characters had real depth, especially the protagonist, whose journey of self discovery was emotional and empowering.

The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that the pacing lagged a bit in the middle, some sections felt drawn out and could’ve used a bit more tension or urgency. That said, the ending more than made up for it. It was haunting, hopeful, and stayed with me long after I finished.

Definitely recommend it to fans of fantasy with a strong sense of place and myth!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advance listeners copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

*Lore of the Tides* by Analeigh Sbarna is a riveting, high-stakes sequel that picks up right where book one left off and turns everything up a notch—including the spice (we are *definitely* out of YA territory now). Lore’s character arc is powerful and rewarding as she grows into a total badass, and Finndryl? He’s the deadly cinnamon roll of our dreams—looks like he could kill you, probably would, but also deeply romantic and protective. The romance is intense, the plot is gripping, and the worldbuilding is rich and immersive. This book cements the duology as an unforgettable favorite.

::Spoilers::
‘Lore of the Tides’ was absolutely STUNNING! Analeigh Sbrana can do no wrong. I was stunned when I read ‘Lore of the Wilds’ and as I got into ‘Lore of the Tides’ I was taken upon the ship in which Lore and Finn were captured on as we went on an adventure of a lifetime. Lore is such a strong, head strong woman on a quest to make her people’s life better. She’s battling through the deceptions and lies Syrelle has told and is imprisoned by him all while trying to convince her traitorous heart that she does not love him. Along the way she is captured by Siren and nearly dies (in one of the most amazing scenes in the book). As she’s seeks the sister grimoire of Deeping Luna, Auroradel, she makes unexpected friends along the way. As Lore is on this quest, she and Finn grow closer together. Her love for him grows. You are taken through some INSANE twist of events before reaching Lores end goal of getting to her family once again.

Lore of the Wilds was the first time I ever experienced a book straight from my soul and was super excited for this book too. The romance was everything I needed and the MMCs? So good, we need more Black men as love interest and this really hit that need for me as a Black femme. While I did enjoy myself, I felt like the plot and writing were so clunky. I feel like the romance and the plot felt more disconnected in this book than the last book and occasionally the writing felt so young that I forget the characters are 20+ and not teens. The romance scenes are good by all means but feels out of place with the rest of the writing. Despite how I felt about this book, I loved the first one and I am excited to see where Analeigh Sbrana goes from here!

Im so rabid for this its not even funny. Such a good series, I love analeigh and wil lread her grocery list.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

I was really excited for this book and had really high hopes, but unfortunately it fell very flat for me.

The pacing was SO SLOW at the beginning and then everything rushed to resolve very quickly at the end. I didn't like how anyone's personality developed. One basically turned from charming to cardboard, while the other went from broody to mushy and confident? The FMC honestly became insufferable and the plot armor was *thick*. The spicy scenes felt clunky and forced and extremely out of place.

I'm really disappointed that I didn't love this book more, especially since I really enjoyed book one. Overall, it was a struggle to finish and I was bored or annoyed more than anything else.

Lore of the Tides started of slow and atmospheric. The tone was similar to the start of the first book. But as I continued to read, the pace picked up, and the tone of the story changed. The character development and world building in this book were remarkable. The emotions that shifted and changed as the FMC found her way through difficult situations made me root for her and her people even harder. Lore of the Tides will not be for everyone. But if you love cozy fantasy and you long for an atmospheric story that tugs at your heart-strings... this book is for you.

I received an e-ARC through NetGalley. There were some formatting issues and need for proofreading, but that’s to be expected with an uncorrected ARC and not something to hold against the book itself.

This story is phenomenal and Sbrana is such an amazing storyteller. I enjoy the fact that her story and characters are unique and fully their own. There were moments that I wanted to yell at the characters for choices they made, but also moments that made me kick my feet and giggle. I loved getting to see Lore’s story come to an end along with the characters we met (and meet) along the way.

I did feel that part 1 could have been shortened and part 3 could have been expanded upon a bit more. Part 2 was perfection 😊. I’m so sad this was the end of Lore’s story and this world, but I hope to read more from Sbrana.

If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that Lore of the Wilds is one of my favorite books. Its sequel, Lore of the Tides, was equally, if not exceedingly, as epic, enchanting, and an absolute standout piece of art. The author, Analeigh Sbrana, can sit firmly among my "immediate buy" list perpetually.
The story picks back up perfectly and throws the reader into immediate adventure. From libraries under the sea to desert caves, the magical and varied landscapes never disappoint. Sbrana also weaves a heartfelt, delicious romance arc for the ages! Lore is such a beautifully written character - she's brave and kind, ferocious and intelligent. Her dedication to the liberation of people looses like an arrow from the pages and strikes the reader right in the heart!

This is probably the most magically, well described, lyrically written book I have read in a while. I love how well she painted a picture and the magic was beautiful and gory. I ate it up. I was a little disappointed in how the love triangle worked out, I have mixed feelings. But other than that I thought the story wrapped up pretty well.

⭐️ 4.25 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this conclusion to the Lore of the Wilds duology. It felt like the author leveled up with Lore of the Tides—the writing, the pacing, and the emotional depth all felt stronger this time around. Our FMC comes into her own in such a beautiful way; she’s no longer just surviving—she’s stepping into her power and ready for real adventure. Where Lore of the Wilds had a softer, cozier tone, this sequel gives us richer world-building and deeper stakes.

The banter between the FMC and MMC feels much more intentional in this book, building real chemistry between them in a way that didn’t feel rushed or forced. The romantic and sensual moments are seamlessly integrated into the plot—nothing feels like filler or fan service, which I really appreciated.

We also get a much clearer understanding of the magic system, and the places the FMC travels feel more vivid and alive. One thing that really stood out in the best way? The author’s honest and respectful depiction of the monthly experiences women go through. It was handled so naturally and added to the story’s authenticity.

Overall, Lore of the Tides is a satisfying and empowering end to Lore’s journey. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves diverse fantasy, thoughtful world-building, and a complete series you can fully dive into.

From beginning to the end, Lore of the Tides had my attention. Despite a shocking betrayal at the end of the Lore of the Wilds, Lore never slows down or backs down from her mission to save her people. The book evaluates the concept of belief, resilience, trust, and community wrapped in constant tough decisions.

I loved continuing the journey with Lore and arriving to it's just conclusion. For readers looking for range, love, men supporting their women, community banding together to fight for freedom, this is the book for you.

Hands down. 10 out of 10 no notes!