Barclay and his friends are heading to the sea to figure out why another legendary beast is attacking various islands. They go with two guardian keepers who can not stand each other. Runa and Cyril have hated each other for years, and Cyril tells him his apprentices it is due to a murder, and the whole story comes tumbling out by the end of the book. This one is more intense than book one, and Barclay has many obstacles he has to overcome as he learns more about his lore and his bond with root. I love the way this series pulls you in, and you are constantly learning more about the world right along with Barclay. I wonder can we all be guardian keepers when we get done reading? A tremendous middle-grade series.

I think I said this with the first book, but (to me) it's basically Pokémon meets Harry Potter and I adore the heckin' heck out of this series. In the time before we knew JK was an a-hole, the similarities to Harry Potter may have irked me, but now I just revel in them.

The book has charm and wit, inclusivity and extremely important message of self worth, etc. It has a decent pace and the right amount of action, though the ending was a little strange. Not enough to lose a star or turn me off the series, but enough to slightly confuse me with the abruptness of it all. The writing level isn't too simple, nor overly difficult, making the middle-grade label accurate.

Still recommend both books, still plan on buying the box set.

P.S. If there isn't a Toadles Funko POP! or plushie at some point, I'll riot.

The Weeping Tide is the action-packed sequel to The Accidental Apprentice by Amanda Foody. Amanda Foody is one of my favorite authors, across all genres, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC of her latest! The Wilderlore series is a charming and lovable series that readers of all ages would enjoy, especially middle grade.

In this book, Violet and Tadg’s backgrounds are explored and Barclay meets new apprentices as well. Some of those apprentices are friendlier than others as they all work together to figure out why Lochmordra, the legendary beast of the sea, is so agitated. I absolutely loved the marine setting! Foody creates a new and imaginative range of beasts specific to the Sea, with interesting details. All of the apprentices experience significant character growth and bonding as they learn to work together in a competitive atmosphere.

This series would be perfect for fans of Fablehaven, How To Train Your Dragon, and the manga Fairy Tail. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues! The Weeping Tide releases February 1, 2022. Thank you so much to Amanda Foody, Margaret K. McElderberry, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on the publication date and I will publish it on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc

Amanda Foody welcomes readers back to the Wilderlands with mystery, magic and a sprinkling of mayhem. With the return of favorite characters and the introduction of new ones, the call of the sea will draw you in and leave you turning page after page to race toward answers buried in lost islands and the past.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon Kids for the gifted book.

I wasn't sure where Foody was going to take this series in book 2, but let me tell you, everywhere it needed to go with doors open to discover more exciting adventures, Lore, Beasts, and relationships in the upcoming books!

In this one we move to a new land and a new threat. Barclay continues to learn more about himself and his Lore as well as the history and present day status and functions of this world he is just getting to know. We also get to meet a wide new array of characters who add such verve and interest to this already colorful cast. Foody writes with an adept hand in creating a world that is so different from our own but also feels like a place you know.

I cannot wait to see where Barclay and gang adventure next and how Foody continues to flesh out these characters and this world.

This is a solid sequel to a really great first book! Not as five stars as the first but still a good time. Middle grade readers will love.

I am LOVING these books! They remind me of so many of my favorite children's fantasies, and these kids are adorable. Sometimes too reckless, sometimes too stubborn. But they just want to do what's right, and to help people. I loved the newest apprentices, as well as the fact that this was set in the Sea and not the Woods, and I can't wait for the next book. And the next. I hope there's a long, long series ahead. I NEED.

rating: 4.5

This is the second book in a middle grade fantasy series. Both girl and boy readers will enjoy it. The main characters must save the sea.