Hold Back the Tide was different than I expected it to be – in the best way! I recommend going into this book blind, so I’ll keep my review short and sweet.
In a small mountain village in the Scottish Highlands, Alva lives with her father, the protector of the loch (a.k.a lake). But she lives in fear, because she secretly heard him murder her mother 7 years ago. When strange things start to happen, Alva soon realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know, and that the entire village might be at risk.
*I received this book for free from the publisher (Scholastic Press) in exchange for an honest review.
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Hold Back the Tide: My Thoughts
This dark, atmospheric book transported me to a remote mountain village in the Scottish Highlands. Right away, I felt immersed in the culture, and I could practically taste the mountain breeze. I absolutely loved the setting, including Alva and her father’s homey cottage and the quaint village at the base of the mountain.
The story itself definitely grabs you from the beginning. It’s very atmospheric, with a subtle (but steadily growing) creep factor – slightly reminiscent of the first part of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village.
I loved Alva’s fierce heart and determination, and her relationship with her childhood friend Ren was everything. I read this in a couple sittings – it was tough to put down. Definitely recommended if you’re looking for an immersive & suspenseful YA read!
Rating: 4.25 (out of 5) stars
Publication date: January 5th, 2021
Looking for more great book recommendations? Check out my list of most-anticipated book releases in January 2021!
