The Dark Tide

The Dark Tide is a lush, dark YA fairytale that enchants from the first pages. Eva and Lina spring from the page sharp and aching for connection . . . As Eva and Lina grappled with their complex feelings and difficult moral quandaries I really didn’t know if they’d choose their duty or each other, and I was breathless racing to find out. The Dark Tide is for fans of of Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik and A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas.

Books + Publishing

Determined characters and seductive prose are among the strengths of this novel. Jasinska voices the protagonist, her allies, and all shape-shifting villains throughout so sympathetically that readers will not be able to predict any outcome. Cinematic descriptions right out of an epic movie script, such as Lina’s dance with a deadly sea serpent, are as gripping as the sparse moments of melancholy: “No more boys given to the sea. No more glorifying death and striking bloody bargains with the tide.” . . . VERDICT A dark scenic adventure, sensitively written for romantics, Jasinska’s debut novel is a fantasy of promises, betrayal, unrequited love, and black magic.

School Library Journal, starred review

The Dark Tide demands to be read in one held breath as its tide bears down on all.

Foreword Reviews, starred review

Readers of 13 and up who have a passion for dark fairy tales and well-written fantasy are going to love The Dark Tide . . . a compelling, darkly romantic fairy tale that I know I’m going to enjoy going back to again and again.

Emily Clarke, http://readingtime.com.au/the-dark-tide/

[Alicia Jasinska] has created a unique new world and an original story, built upon the timeless themes of love, sacrifice and magic . . .This is a wonderful debut – well written and well-paced, with believable, three-dimensional characters and an intriguing plot . . . Recommended for public and secondary school libraries.

Rebecca Kemble, Magpies

An immersive young adult fantasy debut . . . It was a delight and breath of fresh air to read a fairytale-like story with strong and independent female characters – who aren’t pitted against each other – and with queer representation as well.

Toowoomba Chronicle