Review: Blood Tide by Tess Oliver

Book: Blood Tide by Tess Oliver
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Young Adult
Buy A Copy: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Smashwords
Available Formats: Paperback / Ebook
Publication Date: July 18th, 2011

Edition Reviewed:  Smashwords Ebook Edition

How Did I Get This Book: From Author, For Review.
First Sentence: "The pounding penetrated my dream before yanking me awake."
Description: When four strangers move into Blackpool Cove the same week a tragic shipwreck befalls its shores, Trixie Muldoon waves it off as coincidence. Even the arrival of the appealing, young investigator, David Durham, does not convince her otherwise.

But when a girl disappears, it's obvious something sinister has gripped the quiet, coastal town, and it all leads back to the town's newest inhabitants, including the mysterious Beck Ryker.

Everything about Beck Ryker, his scarred face, his hypnotic gaze, his seemingly tortured past, says heartbreak and regret. Yet Trixie finds herself drawn to him.

But when the tangle of secrets surrounding Beck unravels, Trixie finds herself caught between terror and passion.

Blood Tide is a young adult paranormal romance set in the fictional town of Blackpool Cove in the year 1880. It is approximately 70,000 words.

Blood Tide is the story of a fictional coastal town that is being plagued by some dark and evil. The story is centered around a young girl, Trixie who finds herself in the center of all the drama. With Trixie, Oliver produces a strong and undeniably likable heroine. She’s a bit odd for her time, but readers are sure to delight in her no-nonsense attitude. She is one of those girls who do not wait to be rescued, she has no problem solving her own issues. She’s got strength for sure, but that doesn’t mean she is stand-offish. Trixie is also a warm and caring person that is easy to love.  She also has a paranormal quality of her own; she can see a person’s aura (she calls it their “color”) and can instantly read their personality. I would have liked to see more done with her little talent; it really didn’t play that big of a part in the story. If there is a sequel I would really be interested in learning more about it.

I was rather fond of the majority of the cast; including Piper Louisa (Trixie’s best friend), the mysterious Beck and the sweet and protective David. My only complaint resides in the fact that Piper Louisa was absent from a great deal of the story. She is never present for the paranormal aspects of the book and that really saddened me. I felt like her reaction to this hidden world would have been priceless. Unfortunately, once the paranormal section of the book really takes off, so does Piper.  

Although I wish Piper had more of a presence, Trixie does have the aid of two rather strapping young men, Beck and David. When the book first begins she meets three new young men and I did not really know who would be the major love interest. I kept my fingers crossed it would be Beck and thankfully that was the case. Beck, like Trixie is a likable character. He’s got the whole mysterious thing going for him and Trixie is instantly enamored with him. They clearly have chemistry and it was honestly a pleasure to read their scenes. I wouldn’t say I liked them more than Camille and Strider (from Oliver’s Camille), but they are enjoyable in their own right.

I also harbored a particular fondness for Trixie’s unusual pet, Finley. You see, Finley isn’t your conventional pet; he’s a pelican. But, Trixie is rather unusual herself. 

The villains on the other hand were rather unimpressive. They were clearly evil, but they were also rather one dimensional. We were never really given much insight on them and therefore they are rather forgettable.

The plot held a healthy dose of excitement, love and spunk in Blood Tide and Trixie carries the story well. She’s a charming narrator that makes the story easy to read.  I do not know if Oliver is planning on doing more with these characters, but I for one hope she does. I would love to see the story progress further and learn more about the cast. We meet some new characters towards the end of the book and I would love to see more of them as well. 

On a final side note, I believe that Camille and Blood Tide take place in roughly the same time period. Who else thinks that there should be little crossover action? Believe me a story with Camille, Strider, Trixie and Beck would be phenomenal. Who knows, Camille could roll through Blackpool Cove while tracking down a wayward werewolf. Plus, Strider could totally pull into port. I am telling you it would be awesome. Trixie and Camille would be a rather unstoppable force - a "tiny huntress" and a "wicked genius". Alright, I know, leave the writing to the professionals. I will however keep my fingers crossed. Think about it Ms.Oliver.. that right there is pure gold :)

Favorite Quotes

His voice, which was usually smooth and sweet as a chocolate silk pie, sounded crumbly and bitter as burnt toast. 

He's rich. Rich boys are always handsome.

Sometimes I was convinced that Michael was highly intelligent because he had stolen any brains Piper had while they were in the womb.

His gaze held mine so long it felt as if he would never release it. And something deep inside me did not want him to.

His smile reappeared. It was not large or extraordinary, but it was one I would not soon forget.

A girl doesn't mind a little trouble in her life now and then.

Rinkeni, you could be standing on the other side of the earth, and I would hear you if you needed me.

He would be gone soon, and with all that had happened in Blackpool Cove, I could not afford to send a piece of my heart with him.

Well, if she doesn't like pelicans she must be very disagreeable.

When I'm near you, the air around you vibrates with life, Beck Ryker.

It's like being tethered to an angel. Hell keeps calling me but I can't let go.

It was disgusting and terrific all at the same time.

From the blazing look he gave me, I couldn't decide whether to run from him or jump into his arms.

Don't ever do that again, my intoxicating, wicked genius.

Most people I meet look right through me. But when you look at me I feel real, I feel like flesh, bone and blood.