Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thoughtful, magic tale tackles immigration and prejudice.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE DEMON TIDE, as Vogel's power rises and all non-Mages face persecution, a wave of immigrants travels toward the Eastern Realm. The journey is harrowing and at the end of it, they are met with wariness instead of compassion. The Amaz decide to stay in the Western Realm, however, in their domed city of Cyme. It's only a matter of time before Vogel breaks through the ruins of protection that hold the dome in place. Some of his insectile Alfsigr Elves have already begun to amass just outside. Meanwhile, Lukas Grey continues to be held captive by Vogel. He's bait to draw his wife Elloren and her coveted Black Witch power. Vogel tortures Lukas and taunts him, claiming that Yvan, Elloren's first love, is still alive. Elloren suddenly knows Yvan is alive, too. When she reaches the forest in the Eastern Realm, she feels his power calling to her. She should go to him, she knows. Together Elloren and Yvan are the most vital part of the prophecy that has foretold the destruction of all Erthia, the prophecy they desperately want to subvert. But Elloren can't bear to leave Lukas in the hands of her enemy. She must go back and face Vogel in order to save him.
Is It Any Good?
Though this fourth long installment has far too many storylines and narrators, the depth and thoughtfulness of this fantasy series continues to evolve in wonderful ways. In The Demon Tide, the focus is heavily on immigration and division. Immigrants cross from the Western to Eastern Realm and have all the same challenges immigrants on Earth do: dangerous journeys, predatory coyotes, disease and squalor in camps… and they are met with social campaigns in the East that discriminate against them. The hate and division carry through to the Mages who have defected and want to train with soldiers in the East, teach them how to fight Mage power. The racism they face despite how clearly they've shown their allegiance may remind readers of real discrimination minorities can face in armed forces everywhere. The story of Trystan, the Black Witch Elloren's brother, is particularly poignant because he's arrived in the East where he can finally be open about being a gay man and now he's persecuted for his Gardnerian/Mage ancestry. His relationship with Voth, his Vu Trin guard, is the most memorable of the many relationships featured because of the layers of prejudice they must both navigate.
Yes, there are many relationships featured. And so many points of view that are mined, so many that it feels like The Demon Tide stops and starts and threads are left hanging for far too long. It's clear with the countdown to the night of the romantic, purple Xishlon moon festival that sparks will fly for all of them, and it's a lovely payoff for romance fans, after all the work put in to keep all the characters straight. But when the dragons hit the skies and the battle begins, it's chaos and many of these threads are left hanging yet again for the next installment. Also, Elloren's coveted Black Witch powers change abruptly very late in the game, in mysterious ways, maybe too mysterious. It's hard to see where Book 5 is headed, but based on past experience with the Black Witch Chronicles, it will pull readers in a number of thought-provoking directions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about immigrants in The Demon Tide. What kinds of hardships do they face on the journey and when they arrive at their destination? Why do some in the East reject them? Why do some try to rescue and help them? Which person would you be in that situation?
Are there other fantasy books that you've read that deal with the immigrant experience? Is it easier to read about this tough topic when the characters aren't human?
What do you think is next for Elloren and her friends? Who survived the battle and who didn't? Whose power do you think is the most important in fighting against the shadow wand and all its power?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Activism , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Inkyard Press
- Publication date : March 1, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 672
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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