Tideborn by Eliza Chan is a captivating finale to the Drowned World duology.
Enjoy my 4-star review
Out: March 25, 2025
The people of Tiankawi are irrevocably changed with everyone having gills now, but that has not brought them together. Mira sends Nami on a voyage to find the partner of the Titan that was killed in an attempt to save them from its wrath. Meanwhile the grieving half-siren deals with the aftermath of the tsunami and the obstacles to true peace in a city on the brink of erupting into all-out conflict. Is someone orchestrating the whole thing? Will Kai's sacrifice be for naught?
It starts with a "The Story so Far" which is a recap and this is the second book I've encountered lately to do this. Are authors finally realizing this was needed for series?
Eliza Chan is talentedly descriptive. Her words play harmonies of beautiful imagery, delicate and/or raw sentiments, the overall lyricism fine-tuning a poignant narrative. There is an abundance of details. I really enjoy visiting this world, this city that is restoring itself and embracing this mythology.
Each of the main characters is preoccupied with their own mission. Nami and Mira feel they have something to prove as they try to save the city in different ways. Concurrently, the master manipulator is out for vengeance and as always doing her own thing. They remain wonderfully different from each other. Having Jiang-Li (Kai & Nami's mother) more involved in this installment is a welcome addition and she is a tricky, strict, brazen one. There is insight on the characters' inner selves in a more concise, better displayed manner in the sequel and it is all the better for it.
The narrative breathes, lets itself build, in a slow burn of a tale. You can feel the power rumbling beneath the words, the storyline on its way to explosive events. The promise of this creative premise is realized. You are in awe of all the imaginative things occurring but the author makes it feel simultaneously grounded and realistic. Even with its share of shocking and gut-wrenching scenes, in its heart, it proves optimistic and there are genuine smile-worthy and wanting-to-cheer moments. Jawdropping surprises heighten the intrigue.
Unfortunately, Cordelia's story thread seems to stutter and stumble over her criminal endeavors which should have been mentioned less than her true mission. There is a point but the long way round is taken. There were moments when I got impatient with the otherwise incredible descriptions of surroundings and tales of history wanting it go get to the awaited action. I also did not get the purpose of the chosen scene for the prologue.
Touching the subject of prejudice respectfully, the book shows the dangers of fanatical arrogance. It is about balance, societal and of the world — with nature. About change and accepting its inevitability. An amazing finale full of power games, political adversity, societal turmoil and fighting the unfair status quo, for what is right. Adventurous and exhibiting thunderous action this was a great end to this captivating duology.
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