The Tide Runners
Tidepost Chronicles Book 1
Cedar Sanderson (Illustrator)
ISBN 9798253036358
ASIN B0GWTWMC87
ASIN B0GV2D351P
Prior to reading this novel I have read one offering from Lebeault in the anthology Alien Family Traditions, that story still resonates with me today, but I only realized that when I went to research for this review. With how much I read I am surprised I have not encountered the author previously. Many of the book and series titles have intrigued my interest. But back to the work at hand.
The description of this volume states:
“In Tidemark Harbor, silver tidegates open to the Thousand Worlds and swallow those who misjudge them. Twelve-year-old Beck North wears his missing father’s tideclock, a bronze heirloom that tastes danger before it strikes. On Oath Day, it thrums against his chest like a heartbeat out of rhythm.
His first run should be simple: three sealed dispatches through the Breathing Reefs, a living coral maze that inhales and exhales with crushing force. But the passages are stuttering. Fresh spiral symbols glow in the shadows. Voices whisper of stolen satchels and no survivors. Every time the clock skips, Beck feels the same dread that claimed his father in the Far Reaches.
With quick-witted Tack and razor-sharp Zuri at his side, Beck races to deliver the truth before something ancient and patient tears the gate network apart and their names are already on its list.
The Tide Runners: One wrong current could sever every world forever.”
About the author we are informed:
“Marie-Hélène Lebeault is a celebrated Canadian Speculative Fiction author. Specializing in young adult novels, her works are imbued with themes of magic, fantasy, and time-travel, paired with vital coming-of-age narratives. Beyond her passion for crafting captivating stories, Marie-Hélène enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, as well as unwinding on the beach with a book. A retired educator, she has enriched the literary landscape with over 30 young adult titles, including the acclaimed Evers Series, Blood Magick Trilogy, Defenders of the Realm, and the Chronicles of the Starborne Cadets, alongside a charming series of picture books aimed at younger readers. Residing in Quebec with her adult children, Marie-Hélène continues to inspire readers with tales of adventure and the magic of discovery, leaving a lasting impact on the world of young adult and children’s literature.”
The chapters in this volume are:
1. Oath Day
2. First Assignment
3. Breathing Coral
4. The Drowned Market
5. Symbols on the Shore
6. Shortcut Temptation
7. Rival Ambush
8. Sky-Reef Crossing
9. Edge of the Ribs
10. Friendly Cultists
11. Hollow Mast Traverse
12. Clock Trouble
13. Graveyard Shadows
14. Gate Thinning
15. Ferry Cove Arrival
This was an addictive read from the first paragraph to the last. It was so hard to put down when work or family commitments came up. I devoured this volume in a few sittings over 2 days. From the very beginning in draws the reader in and keeps them hooked. The concept is intriguing, and the execution wonderfully done. There are 11 full page illustrations by the amazing Cedar Sanders and a few smaller illustrations as well.
In a realm where worlds are connected by gates, and those who navigate these gates are Tide Runners the sands seem to be shifting. People have gone missing, rumours abound. Sometimes truth is stranger than what is believed to be reality. And at the heart of the turmoil is young Beck North and his running mates Tack and Zuri. But will their adventures lead them to the truth about Beck’s father or be their and possibly the inter-world transport systems destruction? To find out read this beginning of what looks like an amazing new series.
The characters are wonderfully written and not just our main trio, Beck’s mom, the harbour master and many they encounter along the way. The pace is excellent, and the descriptions of the process and method of using the gates and pathways is thrilling! As mentioned very, very, very hard to put down.
This is an excellent story, and is great on its own. Knowing it is the start of the series is awesome! I look forward to other stories in this series and other stories by the author. A great read for tweens, teen, young adults and even adults.
Books by Marie-Hélène Lebeault:
Evers Series:
1. The Ancestors' Key (2020)
2. The Academy (2020)
3. The Time Walker (2020)
4. The World Jumper (2020)
The Traveler's Handbook (2024)
The Lost Key (2024)
…
Blood Magick Trilogy
1. The Blood Mage (2021)
2. Blood Magick (2022)
3. Blood Legacy (2022)
…
What Happens Next Series:
What Happens Next? (2021)
Utopia (2024)
…
Fairy Grandmother Series:
Millie Goes to Antarctica (2021)
Millie Goes to the North Pole (2021)
Millie Goes to China (2022)
Millie Goes to Africa (2022)
…
Chronicles of the Starborne Cadets
0.5. Confluence of Destinies (2024)
1.0 Stars Beyond Realms (2023)
2.0 Shadows of Orion (2024)
3.0 Echoes of the Void (2024)
4.0 The Nebula's Heart (2024)
5.0 The Starborne Paradox (2024)
…
Defenders of the Realm Series:
0.5. A Journey to Power (2023)
1.0 The Quest for the Emerald Rattleback (2023)
1.5. A Summer of Discovery (2023)
2.0 The Quest for the Sacred Tree (2023)
2.5. A Summer of Opposites (2023)
3.0 The Quest for the Phantom Feather (2023)
3.5. A Summer of Courage (2023)
4.0 The Quest for the Kraken's Ink (2023)
4.5. A Summer of Destiny (2023)
5.0 The Quest for the Cursed Mirrors (2023)
5.5. A Summer of Unity (2024)
…
Legends Reborn Series:
1. A Curse of Snow and Ash (2024)
2. A Curse of Thorns and Slumber (2025)
3. A Curse of Glass and Shadows (2025)
4. A Curse of Silver and Scars (2025)
…
North Pole University Series:
1. Holiday Shifters (2024)
2. Freshman Frost (2025)
3. Sophomore Solstice (2025)
4. Junior Jinx (2025)
5. Senior Spark (2025)
6. Wedded Bliss (2026)
7. Mistletoe Misfits (2026)
…
Tidepost Chronicles:
1. The Tide Runners (2026)
…
Other Works:
Clarity Castle (2021)
Ghost Stories: Stories to Keep you up at Night (2022)
Echoes of Tomorrow (2023)
Novellas and Short Stories
Under the Ice (2021)
…
Contributed to:
It Takes A Village (2024)
The Expanding Universe 10 (2024)
Alien Family Traditions (2025)
The Expanding Universe 11 (2025)
Behind the Revolving Door (2025)
Search for the Any Key (2026)
…
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