Winter Tide

by Ruthanna Emrys
Winter Tide cover
Good Books rating 4.27
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Technical
  • ID: 7742
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-16
  • ISBN: 9780765390912
  • Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
  • Published: 2017-04-04
  • Reviews: 3

Winter Tide is a unique blend of Lovecraftian horror and Cold War intrigue. After the US government rounded up the people of Innsmouth in 1928, Aphra and Caleb Marsh were the only survivors. Now, the government seeks Aphra's help to retrieve stolen magical secrets from Miskatonic University, which could escalate the Cold War. Aphra must return to the ruins of her home and assemble a new family to face the darkness that lies within human nature. The novel is a debut from Ruthanna Emrys and includes her short story, 'The Litany of Earth,' as a bonus.

Reviews
Amazon · 2023-09-07
delightful 4.30

The story is delightful and heartwarming, focusing on outcasts finding strength and acceptance in each other. It is highly recommended, though it has some pacing issues.

This review praises 'Winter Tide' as a delightful story about outcasts and monsters finding strength and acceptance in each other. The reviewer wholeheartedly recommends it for its heartwarming themes and engaging narrative. However, they also note that the book has some pacing issues that might affect the reading experience. Despite this, the reviewer finds the story to be a compelling exploration of found family and the power of acceptance. The atmospheric setting and well-developed characters add to the overall appeal of the book, making it a worthwhile read for fans of speculative fiction.

Quick quotes

    Winter Tide is a delightful story about outcasts and monsters finding strength and acceptance in each other.

    I wholeheartedly recommend it.

    However, it does have some pacing issues that might affect the reading experience.

Grimdark Magazine · 2023-07-25
compelling 4.00

The book is more of a drama about cultural appropriation than a spy thriller, focusing on Aphra's journey. It offers a unique perspective on themes of identity and heritage.

This review highlights that 'Winter Tide' is not what it initially advertises as a spy thriller, but rather a deep dive into the drama of cultural appropriation. The protagonist, Aphra, grapples with the loss of her people's heritage, making it a poignant exploration of identity and resilience. The reviewer appreciates the book's unique take on these themes, even if it strays from the expected genre. They also note the atmospheric prose and the richly detailed world-building, which adds depth to the story. Overall, it's a compelling read for those interested in exploring the complexities of cultural identity and the impact of historical injustices.

Quick quotes

    The book advertises itself as a spy thriller but it's mostly a drama about Aphra coming to terms with the appropriation of her people's books and cultural heritage.

    The atmospheric prose and richly detailed world-building add depth to the story.

    Aphra's journey is a poignant exploration of identity and resilience.

The Gothic Library · 2018-07-02
engaging 4.50

The book is perfect for both lovers and haters of Lovecraft, subverting his world in a unique way. It offers a fresh perspective on eldritch horror and ritual magic.

This review highlights 'Winter Tide' as the perfect book for both lovers and haters of Lovecraft, as it subverts his world in a unique and engaging way. The reviewer appreciates the fresh perspective on eldritch horror and ritual magic, making it a standout in the genre. They also note the richly detailed world-building and the atmospheric prose, which add depth to the story. The book's exploration of themes such as cultural identity and historical injustices is particularly noteworthy, making it a compelling read for fans of speculative fiction. Overall, the reviewer finds the book to be a fresh and engaging take on Lovecraftian horror.

Quick quotes

    Winter Tide by Ruthanna Emrys is the perfect book for lovers and haters of Lovecraft alike.

    It takes the world that Lovecraft created but subverts it in a unique and engaging way.

    The richly detailed world-building and atmospheric prose add depth to the story.

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