A dark and atmospheric, plot-based fantasy. Mysterious and magical. This book is filled with diverse characters, human machinations, and monsters. There is even a nod towards the corruption present in politics.

Ista’s father is missing. As she scours the city for clues, she discovers that people are disappearing. While searching for her father, she meets a magician and thief who says she has a rare talent he can help her harness. She can change her face to look like other people. But that those whose appearance she uses, disappear after. She meets Nat and Ruby, two kids also looking for their loved ones. Together, they will have to use their magic to infiltrate society’s elite circles. Along the way, they encounter monsters, thieves, and more. Will they find the missing people? Why are they disappearing?

The plot is engaging and mysterious. The characters are likable and unique. Readers who like mystery, fantasy, and books with kids who have magic will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where fantasy mysteries are popular. Grades 4-8.

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.

Tidemagic has a great magic system and I loved the worldbuilding around it. Young readers will enjoy this fantasy story!

Usually illustrations within a book are something I just pass right over, but the ones in this book were really high quality. I took a moment between chapters to take in all the little details in them.

What would you do if your only parent disappears without a trace? Would you remain with your appointed guardian or try to discover exactly what happened? Ista Flit decides to try to find out what happened to her father when he is taken by a creature during the night. Along the way Ista enters bargains with questionable people, finds friends in unexpected places, and learns more about herself and the people around her.

This is a great middle school read for fans of fantasy and mysteries. I would recommend the book to grades 5 through 7. The story is very well written and keeps the reader pulled into the story while trying to discover exactly what is going on in the magical town and why. The book does end with a possible sequel to follow, and I hope it does.

Tidemagic is a fun and engaging fantasy. Clare Harlow has created diverse characters worthy of caring about. It is a bit of an update on Pippi Longstocking with a magical twist.
I will not only be purchasing a copy for my library collection, but I will also be purchasing copies of this title for the children of my friends.

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's through NetGalley.
Ista arrives in a new town looking for her father. He vanished and she has little to go on to find him. Her first night, she is rescued by an unusual man and begins working for him to retrieve something of her dad's. Ista is a shape changer and can assume any person's body. This skill is useful to Alexo and he has her take items while in another's shape. While this is happening, other community members are disappearing due to monster attacks. Together with two new friends, Ista works to solve this mystery and find the missing people. The culmination includes mistaken theories and a villain hiding in plain sight. The launch to the next book will leave readers waiting eagerly for more if Ista's story.
Harlow weaves fantasy with real life. Her characters are multidimensional, and she reveals more about them as the story progresses. Beautiful illustrations accompany the writing.