3.5 rounded down

This sadly did not live up to my expectations. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were shorter, it just felt like a drag to get through and the long chapters didn’t help either. There were things I enjoyed though - the magic system with different abilities connected to the phases of the moon, the dark academia university setting with secret societies, and a select few characters.

Baz was probably my favorite character and I’d be tempted to read the sequel just to find out what happens with him and Emory. Things did get interesting at the end and there are a lot of questions I’d like the answers to, so I’ll have to see how I feel when the next one comes around.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the ARC!

WOW. What a stunning fantasy debut—an incredibly fresh magic system, the dark academia atmosphere of your dreams, lush, immersive prose, and romance and friendships that are impossible not to get deeply invested in. A brilliant new talent, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel!

Different and very nice read, enjoyed quite a bit. Definitely one to look out for . Great story and development, like the characters.

An absolutely stunning series opener from a bright new talent. The lyrical prose and detailed worldbuilding will stay with you for a long time.

Curious Tides is ambitious, and for that alone it was a propulsive read as I had to know how it ended. Despite a slow-start, some heavy-handed worldbuilding (lots of Capital Letter Concepts and repeated reminders of what they mean), and a female main character who was a bit too naïve and mean for my liking, this book delivers on dark academia vibes and lush, creepy writing. And there’s one twist at the end that was emotional, shocking, and well-earned. Things I loved in particular: Baz and his background, the idea of “Collapsing,” and moon facts!

Conceptually, I think it’s really interesting. The actual opening was extremely heavy on worldbuilding and exposition, which doesn’t grip me personally, and then we decided to go to a bonfire and that was the end of chapter 1 (5%). I stopped there, but I think this will be a solid three to four stars from those heavily into fantasy and five for the right readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC.

This is an incredibly ambitious debut, with a new magic system for readers to learn as well as keeping track of this world's own mythology and folklore. With two alternating POVs that follow two storylines that barely intersect, this book almost felt like a chore to get through. I'll admit, if it weren't for my investment in Baz's story, I would've DNFed early on.

There are some bright moments throughout as well though, with attention to detail that can really build the atmosphere and setting. However I wish this book had been trimmed up a bit. There are long chapters, an incredibly sloooowww first half, and what I found to be an annoying main character that made it difficult to keep going. But once I hit the halfway point there was a building mystery I just had to get to the bottom of.

Overall, I think this book will find its way to the right readers. I just don't think I'm one of them.

You follow the story of Emory as she maneuvers the world after the presumed death of her best friend, a death that she views as her fault. Emory attends a magical school where the phase of the moon in which you are born under dictates what powers you develop and what house you are placed in at the school. Emory learns so much about herself, her friends, the school, the politics within the book and the hidden themes of elitism and power struggles between houses. I loved the concept of this book and the magic system is just phenomenal. I have never read a book like this before, and I dont ever expect to read a book like this again. I don't want to give anything away but this is a MUST read. I can't wait for the second one and I don't even want to say how many preorders of this book I already have....

Allured by the premise of a magical college, tidal/lunar magics, a secret society, and a mystery to be solved I was very excited to dive into Curious Tides. What I was hoping would be a transfixing story, instead wound up being a never ending trudge. If I had not kindly been given access to an e-ARC by the publisher, I would have thrown in the towel very early on.

With incredibly lengthy chapters, immense description, and a very slow moving story, my interest was never grasped. The magic system while very creative, felt needlessly complex (especially for a YA novel). The book alternates between two POVs, Emory and Baz, though for most of the book they are not in each other’s presence. We then wind up following two different storylines that seldom cross paths. Based on the information given in the blurb, this played out very differently than how the I anticipated Emory enlisting Baz’s help, and thus the story proceeding.

As slow as I found the world building and plot to move, I kept hoping to find something exciting within these pages, but it never came. Our MC was infuriating, the plot twists felt obvious, and it felt like simply too much was trying to be tackled. I think streamlining the ground covered both in side plots and length, would have lended itself greatly.

All in all, this was an ambitious debut. The beauty of books and opinions is that they vary so greatly between readers. It appears from other early reviews that this book is finding, and likely will continue to find its target audience. I, however, am not part of it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Pascale Lacelle's "Curious Tides" embarks on an enthralling journey into a world where magic, mystery, and dark academia converge to create a captivating narrative. This book marks the promising start of a series that promises to delve even deeper into the depths of its enchanting lore.

Set against the backdrop of Aldryn College for Lunar Magics, Emory, a healer with lackluster abilities, finds herself thrust into a perilous mystery when a nightmarish incident in the Dovermere sea caves claims the lives of her classmates, leaving her as the sole survivor. What follows is a tumultuous exploration of newfound powers that could spell her ruin if discovered by the wrong hands. To unlock the secrets of her abilities, Emory forms an unlikely alliance with Baz, the college's enigmatic recluse, and brother to Romie, Emory's best friend and one of the students who perished that fateful night. As Emory investigates the circumstances of the tragedy and the eerie presence of a secret society, she becomes entangled in a web of privilege, power, and dangerous mysteries that lead her back to the foreboding shores of Dovermere.

While the narrative might take some time to fully grip your attention, patience is rewarded as the story progresses. Lacelle skillfully builds the foundations of her magical world, allowing readers to become gradually immersed in the complexities of lunar magic, secret societies, and the enchanting lunar houses that play a pivotal role in the characters' lives. The intricate magic system, based on lunar phases and tides, adds a layer of depth to the narrative, providing both intrigue and complexity.

The alternating perspectives of Emory and Baz offer readers a well-rounded view of the story, and their distinct voices and personalities make them compelling protagonists. Emory's recklessness and Baz's enigmatic demeanor create a dynamic and engaging duo. Their interactions, as well as those with the supporting cast, foster a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that enhances the narrative.

The plot gains momentum as secrets unravel, and the reader is treated to a series of revelations and twists that keep the pages turning. Lacelle's writing is atmospheric and poetic, evoking vivid imagery that enhances the reading experience. The subtleties woven into the world and setting contribute to the story's immersive quality.

Despite its strengths, "Curious Tides" is not without its minor flaws. Some parts of the plot might feel slightly predictable, and the introduction of a "love triangle" element could have been executed with more finesse. Additionally, the initial pacing may require some patience, but once the narrative hits its stride, it becomes difficult to put down.

​In conclusion, "Curious Tides" is a promising beginning to what appears to be an enchanting series. Pascale Lacelle's imaginative storytelling, coupled with a meticulously crafted magical world, lays a strong foundation for future installments. If you're a fan of dark academia, mystery, unique magic systems, and captivating characters, this book is a recommended read. With the potential for deeper exploration in subsequent books, "Curious Tides" earns a solid 4.5-star rating, signaling a bright future for the series.

​ (Note: This review is based on an ARC received from the publisher. All opinions are my own.)

i've finally found the feeling i've been chasing in dark academia books. how do i put into words how ecstatic i was to finally find this gem?? dark and gloomy academy vibes, secret societies, myths & legends, a touch of forbidden magic, immaculate world-building, and sooo much more. this was one of the few books that i fell in love with on the first page.

i love that the chapters alternated between emory and baz (also one of the rare times i enjoyed the love interest's pov more). this book has a love triangle (not a spoiler) but the other dude doesn't even have a pov sooo LMAOOOO i was baffled. so we know who's endgame already ??? :^ (unless the author is trying to bamboozle me...)

at times i thought the world-building was a little repetitive (but i'm also slow so maybe that was a good thing). i also saw part of the ending coming !! which should say a lot since i have two brain cells and foreshadowing isn't a concept it knows. that being said, i was still gasping like a fish out of water in the last ten or so chapters. absolute whiplash.

something about the myths and stories remind me so much of rebecca ross' writing which i LOVED. also the writing was so poetic, reminded me a bit of chloe gong's! ty netgalley for the arc !! i cannot wait for book 2 ♡

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 4.25 (rounded to 4)

I’m not kidding when I say I read 70% of this book in the last 24 hours. This was everything I wanted from a fantasy magic school dark academia mystery novel with a magic system that was so mind-bendingly cool, if a bit too vast at times. Our story follows Emory Ainsleif, the only survivor of a tragic accident that killed 8 students last spring, including her best friend, as she tries to discover what lead them to the caves where they drowned, and if there’s something more sinister at play here.

I’ll start with my few critiques, just to get them out of the way. The beginning of this book was a bit slow. The first 30-40% or so I found somewhat difficult to get through, the thread hadn’t gotten me yet making me desperate to know what happened next. Some of the exposition here did come across as a little info-dumpy, especially the backstory with the book, but I do understand the necessity. In a world so vast and a plot so complicated, the author needed the clearest and fastest way to get the background information to the reader. Also, I’m not sure how much I believed the “love triangle” going on, but that’s another story. Finally, there were a couple twists in this book, but part of the second one (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you get there) I found super predictable. It fell into a bit of a tropey plot line that was easy to see where it was going.

However, I will say that the FIRST plot twist grabbed me by the mfin throat. I should’ve seen it coming, having been so artfully foreshadowed, but I did not and I gasped out loud when I got to that part. When I tell you that as soon as it reveals itself, the plot of this book is GRIPPING. Baz was probably my favorite character, followed by Kai (sorry Emory—she’s a little too oblivious for me) and I just had to know what happened to them. Not to mention, the writing and setting (while difficult to follow at times) was beautiful and incredibly atmospheric. I loved the subtleties built into the world and the setting as well. Now, can we talk about the magic system? At first, I thought it was a bit too complicated for a first book, but as I kept reading, I realized just how creative it was. I’ve truly not seen a magic system this vast and unique and well-executed in some time. Brand me with my house sigil please, I’m moving in.

All this is to say, the way the ending of this is written implies a second book, and I will be anxiously awaiting it.

TL;DR
If you like:
✔️Dark academia
✔️Mystery
✔️Cool and unique magic
✔️Moon phases + tides
✔️Secret societies
✔️Heartbreakingly loveable characters
✔️A gripping plot

Then I highly recommend Curious Tides for your next read

Thank you again to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review

This book is a lushly written, uniquely crafted and intricately developed story! The writing flows effortlessly, the words and phrases paint the world and its inhabitants with strokes that both engage and intrigue. But, those very aspects that enchant a reader, can also really infuriate one, as well.

The world the story is set in is contemporary and easily understood - until the twist of magic turns everything we know on end. Everything from religions to folklore to one’s daily habits revolve around the lunar positions each month and the tides. Anyone holding magic must be included in one of the “houses” of the new moon, waxing moon, full moon, waning moon or, the dreaded eclipse moon. And, that is where the problems come in. Each moon has four sub “tides” that people fall into, as well, and every single one has its own characteristics, folklore and history, which the author takes great effort to explain and develop. This makes for a horribly long stretch of world building with very little actual storyline progression through the entire first half of the book. While incredibly creative, it can also be incredibly boring and quite a drudge for those looking for any forward movement.

At about the halfway point - the story slowly starts to emerge, however, and things start to get interesting. The three main characters of Emory - an incredibly naive and somewhat selfish girl, Baz - a boy who lost his father and sister and has become an introvert almost to the point of reclusive, and Zac - a cocky, confident rich kid from old money and magic. All are tied to the tragic deaths of seven students lost to the tides. As the intrigue and mystery mounts, the story slowly becomes more exciting and by the end it is a true nail-biting page-turner! The question is if one likes the lunar and tides focus enough to persevere to that point.

This story takes readers to a world governed by its moon, the tides, and magic—and to Aldryn University where gifted mages—each with his or her own unique magical skill—learn how to use that skill.

Last semester, a group of students drowned in a cave by the sea while performing a ritual. Emory was the only student to survive the disaster that also took her best friend. Now, still grieving for that friend, she seeks to learn who was responsible for those deaths, why she’s still alive, and the true nature of her magic.

I found this to be a complex, somewhat convoluted story where no one seems very happy. While I was mightily impressed by the author’s powers of imagination and her world-building skills, I had trouble connecting with the characters and the world itself. A quarter of the way through, I found myself not wanting to spend any more time there. And while the author’s writing is very good most of the time, I did encounter sections that I thought were “over-written,” meaning I had trouble grasping what the author was attempting to convey.

So, for me, it’s a DNF. However, I can see lots of quality here and believe that many readers will like this story. It just wasn’t for me.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an electronic ARC. The foregoing is my independent opinion

"Ninth House meets A Deadly Education in this gorgeous dark academia fantasy following a teen mage who must unravel the truth behind the secret society that may have been involved in her classmates' deaths.

Emory might be a student at the prestigious Aldryn College for Lunar Magics, but her healing abilities have always been mediocre at best - until a treacherous night in the Dovermere sea caves leaves a group of her classmates dead and her as the only survivor. Now Emory is plagued by strange, impossible powers that no healer should possess.

Powers that would ruin her life if the wrong person were to discover them.

To gain control of these new abilities, Emory enlists the help of the school's most reclusive student, Baz - a boy already well-versed in the deadly nature of darker magic, whose sister happened to be one of the drowned students and Emory's best friend. Determined to find the truth behind the drownings and the cult-like secret society she's convinced her classmates were involved in, Emory is faced with even more questions when the supposedly drowned students start washing ashore - alive - only for them each immediately to die horrible, magical deaths.

And Emory is not the only one seeking answers. When her new magic captures the society's attention, she finds herself drawn into their world of privilege and power, all while wondering if the truth she's searching for might lead her right back to Dovermere...to face the fate she was never meant to escape."

Dark academia! YAS!

If you are someone who really loves the characters of stories and their personalities and etc. more than the plot itself - and you're a fan of dark academia then I think this book could be for you! Some of the characters you love to love and others you want to jump into the book and shake the nonsense out of them. I'd hardly call the plot twist because it was starting me right in the eyes for the entire book, but again, if you're here for the characters rather than the story then go for it. this was a 3.75 for me.

This is a mess. It's your typical mostly-elite students at magic college, except they mostly act like high-schoolers or even younger. You've got the poor, not-very-smart Chosen One, who has lots of determination but can't think for herself; the Hot Boy, who is, like most Hot Boys in Magic School fiction, also an asshole; the Overlooked Boy, who is wracked with trauma; the Officious Teachers, who are, you know, officious; the One Nonbinary Person; and many more. Although it's set at a school, no one seems to actually go to classes much or do any work; there's Big Evil afoot in an institution nearby; there's a Mystery About a Book; there are shunned classes of people, a weird blend of technology and magic, and lots of Talking Like Jan Austen Characters. Everyone seems to be queer, which is cool, but the chemistry and romance parts are so badly written that I feel bad for the author and the characters. And there are So Many Clichés. Every chapter, apparently, has to end with one, and of course the end of the book is a cliffhanger, although by that point I really could not take much more Fancy Ritual Speaking and any of the characters. There's loads more I could complain about, but instead I will tell you just not to waste your time. Want good magic school stuff? Try Dinana Wynne Jones or Lev Grossman or, I don't know, loads of other things as long as they're not by terrible transphobe.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 5
Pace: 3
Plot development: 3
Characters: 3
Enjoyability: 3
Ease of Reading: 3

Overall rating: 3 out of 5

Curious Tides had me hooked from that very first chapter. I loved this book so much. I loved the magic system and how the moon cycles was woven into the magic. I loved the characters and the mystery. This is one of the most intriguing and haunting dark academia books I’ve ever read. Highly recommend.

An absolutely stunning debut that's perfect for dark academia and fantasy fans. The setting is unique and vivid, the magic is original and well-thought out, and the characters practically walk of the page. I loved everything about this.