Tidemagic: The many faces of Ista Flit by Clare Harlow

This is UK-based actor turned author Clare Harlow's first book and it is an absolutely cracking read that will be devoured by Harry Potter and Nevermoor fans. Like many good fantasy series, it takes a little while to understand the magic and the world of the main character, but the effort to get through the first couple of chapters is worthwhile, as Harlow's writing is rich with imagery and the right blend of both cosiness and discomforting suspense. And, in saying that, once you get a grip on who is who and the world-specific terms, the narrative is rather straightforward. In addition, it's easy to trust Harlow as she leads us, drip feeding small bits of information, on an intriguing journey. Ista Flit has come to Shelwich, a strange town where magic rises and falls with the tide. Most people in Ista's world have a Tide-blessing (a magical power that is strongest when the tide is high) and hers is particularly special; she can take on the appearance of anyone she has ever seen and use their magic. She's there searching for her Pa, but instead of finding him she finds herself doing errands for the mysterious Alexo. There are also some dragon-like beasts called Grilks that leave people in fear and the town deserted after sunset. They sound Harry Potter dementor-like, but is there a more human evil at work and could they be responsible for her father's disappearance? Throughout her observational detective work, Ista makes two allies who have also had family members go missing. Wonderful suspense builds over the course of the story; as the tide magic gets stronger, people's gifts are getting greater and the grilks are getting gamer. 

Hallmarks of many good fantasy stories are found in Tidemagic but the story-telling is also refreshingly modern. Shelwich is a ramshackle, rustic seaside town filled with interesting and diverse characters. Ista works and lives at the Fletwin restaurant run by a male-male couple (there is also a non-binary person spoken about with 'they' pronouns).  It's a cosy place with delicious, comforting food and drink, narrow cobbled streets and cosy buildings that shelter you from the salt-spray and bitter cold. There are buried tunnels and secret entrances. Short chapters, superb character development and well-written dialogue combined with these comforting touches make this an absolute joy of a world to enter. The next book in the series will be highly anticipated. 

Themes: Magic, Fantasy, Mystery.

Nicole Nelson