Whisper of the Tide

by Sarah Tolcser

Overview

The second book in the immersive Song of the Current fantasy duology, set along the waterways of a magical world, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Victoria Aveyard.

With shipwrecks, lost treasure, old and new enemies, dark magic, and breathtaking romance, Sarah Tolcser weaves another epic story about chasing your fate.

Caro Oresteia spent her life waiting to be called by the river god, as those in her family had been for generations. But when she’s swept away on an adventure to save the Akhaian royal prince, Markos, her destiny is sealed by the sea god instead.

For now, Caro is landlocked, helping Markos reclaim his throne after nearly his entire family was assassinated in a political coup. Without any financial or military support, Markos is desperate for allies, and Caro has fought off more than one attempt on his life. When a powerful Archon offers his army in exchange for Markos’s marriage to his daughter, Caro must choose: her love for Markos, or the fate of Akhaia? And more important: how much is she willing to risk to defy the sea god’s wishes and chart her own course?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781681192994
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	06/05/2018
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.40(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Sarah Tolcser is the author of Song of the Current and lives in New Orleans, where she is an elementary technology teacher. A graduate of St. Lawrence University, she double majored in writing and philosophy. She enjoys video games and NBA basketball. She is married, with two cats.
www.sarahtolcser.com/blog
@SarahTolcser

Editorial Reviews

"Caro's adventures and struggles to change her fate will leave readers on the edges of their seats. . . . A thrilling sequel." - Kirkus Reviews

"A tale of figuring out what it means to have a destiny and what it means to follow your heart." - School Library Journal

"Shipwrecks, sea chases, political intrigue, assassins, and treasure hunts are all part of the mix in this deftly paced sequel to Song of the Current. Focused on adventure, this has just enough romance to appeal to a wide range of tastes." - Booklist

"Tolcser deftly weaves together romance, family, and politics, with a swashbuckling adventure full of twists and turns, narrated in Caro’s distinctive and forceful voice." - BCCB

"Adventurous and dangerous! Fate and fires, pirates and shadowmen, Song of the Current will carry you into a treacherous and fantastic world, which you will not want to leave." - Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of CARAVAL on SONG OF THE CURRENT

"This enticingly written tale will take readers on an adventure and leave them craving more. For fans of titles such as Heidi Heilig’s The Girl from Everywhere or Susan Dennard’s Truthwitch. Highly recommended for all YA collections." - starred review, School Library Journal on SONG OF THE CURRENT

"Caro's description of her boat home, the Cormorant, will make even readers unfamiliar with sailing feel as though they belong on the water with her. Tolcser blends the right amount of epic fantasy, sea voyage, and romance for a rollicking, swashbuckling adventure." - starred review, Kirkus Reviews on SONG OF THE CURRENT

"A fantastical tale of survival and finding one’s place in the world . . . perfect for fans of swashbuckling pirate tales and works by Victoria Aveyard and Leigh Bardugo." - VOYA on SONG OF THE CURRENT

"First-time author Tolcser has created a hearty sea adventure, laced with romance and fantasy." - Booklist on SONG OF THE CURRENT

From the Publisher

03/01/2018
Gr 9 Up—The conclusion of the "Song of the Current" duology begins with Caro Oresteia supporting her paramour Markos's efforts to take back the throne of Akhaia after the brutal murder of his family. Caro is also struggling with what it means to be chosen by the sea god; she feels her loyalties are torn between the sea and Markos. After Markos escapes yet another assassination attempt, the pair is unsure of what to do next. When a proposal of support for the throne in exchange for marriage comes up, Caro wonders if it's an offer they can afford to refuse and takes matters into her own hands. As Caro travels over the open sea, she comes across pirate and enemy Diric Melanos who claims to need her help because she has the sea god's favor. The character of Diric is more deeply explored, making him more than a simple villain despite the misdeeds of his past. For much of the novel, Caro is without her ship, Vix, and feels disconnected from herself and her purpose in life. While this book is slower paced, there are still adventures to be had with stolen treasure and a deeper foray into shadow magic courtesy of Caro's cousin Kenté who has been at school improving her skills. Featuring a diverse cast, this is a tale of figuring out what it means to have a destiny and what it means to follow your heart. VERDICT Fans of the first book are sure to enjoy the continuation of Caro's adventures.—Rebecca Greer, Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, FL

School Library Journal

2018-04-10
Caroline Oresteia, captain of the Vix and chosen of the sea god, is finding revolution boring.Markos Andela (known as Tarquin Meredios in the previous volume) is attempting to get support from Akhaian nobles: His hope is to bring about a bloodless revolution with the help of Antidoros Peregrine. But while Markos recovers after a failed assassination attempt, he receives an offer from the Archon of Eryth to marry his daughter; the Archon will in return support Markos' claim to the Akhaian throne. Thinking of the greater good, Caro decides to break off her relationship with Markos and spurs him to take up the Archon's offer. At Markos' request, Caro delivers a letter of his acceptance of the proposal to the Archon. Caro prepares to return to Markos with his new bride-to-be, Agnes, in tow. However, the sea god demands that Caro make a choice: Break her ties with Markos and serve her…or else. When Caro does not choose in time, the sea god takes revenge. Caro's adventures and struggles to change her fate will leave readers on the edges of their seats. The previous title indicated that auburn-haired, light-brown-skinned Caro is biracial, while Markos is pale-skinned; other characters in this book represent diversity through a variety of skin tones.A thrilling sequel that masterfully expands the world introduced in the previous novel in the series. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews