ksm's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
athenaevarinya's review against another edition
5.0
I always enjoy Keri Arthur's books although sometimes the endings aren't exactly enough for me. This was one of them. There were some loose ends that I felt weren't tied up and I wanted more for the conclusion then what she gave us.
wetdryvac's review against another edition
5.0
I'm enjoying the world building, but staying for the character building.
annahlee's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
4.0
The Black Tide is the third (and sadly final) novel in the Outcast series. If you’ve read any of Keri Arthur’s other works (I’ll confess that I absolutely need to read more of her writing) then you already have a good idea of what her style is. For those that haven’t read this series yet, I strongly advise that you go back to the first novel (City of Light), as reading them out of order will not make a lot of sense (I’m sure this is probably pretty obvious for most though).
What I love in particular about the Outcast series is that it’s a blend of both science fiction and fantasy. Sure at times it’ll lean more one way than the other, but the final outcome is a pleasant mixture that’ll keep you on your toes throughout the whole series.
Warnings first: As with the first two novels there are instances where children are being experimented on in labs. Like before, Tiger does everything she can to help find and rescue these kids, but there are limits. Some children (both named and unnamed characters) do not survive the process that was done to them.
I can’t get over everything that happened in this novel, which for the record was quite a lot. The entire plot that’s been building up for the past two books got fully resolved, as did most, if not all of the subplots that came up in that time. It was a fast paced ride and I’m sad to see it end, and not because I was disappointed in the way it ended, more the fact that there isn’t any more for me to read.
The Black Tide wastes no time throwing you right into the thick of things; with Tiger already on a dangerous mission within the first paragraph of the book. From there Tiger gets very little time to rest and us along with her (who can put down a book when the scenes are that intense, knowing full well there’s another scene like that on the horizon). I honestly read this entire book in one sitting, as I couldn’t put it down, I just had to see what happened next (trust me, I tried to take a break and I found myself thinking about it again and again until I caved and picked it right back up).
It was interesting seeing how everything folded together in the end, and the solutions the characters came up with the counter the villains. I can honestly say that while I loved the solution, I sincerely wasn’t expecting what happened. While there are a couple of named character deaths (I won’t say which ones, that’s on you to read and find out), I actually understand and even agree with the reasons for them; they’re not the “rocks fall and everyone dies” sort of deaths that can happen at the end of a series. These deaths carry weight and give the ending that much more meaning.
I have to say that I’m actually really sad to see this series end. While I appreciate that Keri Arthur didn’t drag the plot out further than necessary, I would have been happy to see another novel or two for this series. Perhaps we’ll luck out and get a spin off or two? In the meantime I suppose I should go ahead and read through the rest of Keri Arthur’s series, as I’m sure I’m missing out on quite a lot.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
What I love in particular about the Outcast series is that it’s a blend of both science fiction and fantasy. Sure at times it’ll lean more one way than the other, but the final outcome is a pleasant mixture that’ll keep you on your toes throughout the whole series.
Spoiler
Warnings first: As with the first two novels there are instances where children are being experimented on in labs. Like before, Tiger does everything she can to help find and rescue these kids, but there are limits. Some children (both named and unnamed characters) do not survive the process that was done to them.
I can’t get over everything that happened in this novel, which for the record was quite a lot. The entire plot that’s been building up for the past two books got fully resolved, as did most, if not all of the subplots that came up in that time. It was a fast paced ride and I’m sad to see it end, and not because I was disappointed in the way it ended, more the fact that there isn’t any more for me to read.
The Black Tide wastes no time throwing you right into the thick of things; with Tiger already on a dangerous mission within the first paragraph of the book. From there Tiger gets very little time to rest and us along with her (who can put down a book when the scenes are that intense, knowing full well there’s another scene like that on the horizon). I honestly read this entire book in one sitting, as I couldn’t put it down, I just had to see what happened next (trust me, I tried to take a break and I found myself thinking about it again and again until I caved and picked it right back up).
It was interesting seeing how everything folded together in the end, and the solutions the characters came up with the counter the villains. I can honestly say that while I loved the solution, I sincerely wasn’t expecting what happened. While there are a couple of named character deaths (I won’t say which ones, that’s on you to read and find out), I actually understand and even agree with the reasons for them; they’re not the “rocks fall and everyone dies” sort of deaths that can happen at the end of a series. These deaths carry weight and give the ending that much more meaning.
I have to say that I’m actually really sad to see this series end. While I appreciate that Keri Arthur didn’t drag the plot out further than necessary, I would have been happy to see another novel or two for this series. Perhaps we’ll luck out and get a spin off or two? In the meantime I suppose I should go ahead and read through the rest of Keri Arthur’s series, as I’m sure I’m missing out on quite a lot.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
This book was so amazing! I do wish the beginning was a little earlier, because it's been awhile since I read the first two books, so I don't remember too much about them, but yeah, really enjoyed this book!
laurla's review
"...generals during the war... they'd been so single-mindedly focused on one definitive outcome that they were blinded to the true cost of that action or to other, better means of achieving it."
brsrhr's review
5.0
WOW WOW WOW
Words cannot truly express how much I loved this world and how devastated I am that it was the last in the series,
The world is fantastic a apocalyptic/paranormal story involving truly unique characters it’s fantastically written with characters that suck you in and don’t let go even after the last page has turned.
Keri Arthur has definitely saved the best to last with pulse pounding action from the very first page right up till in end you will not be disappointed with this fast paced conclusion to a remarkable series and I sincerely hope there is a spin off in the works
Words cannot truly express how much I loved this world and how devastated I am that it was the last in the series,
The world is fantastic a apocalyptic/paranormal story involving truly unique characters it’s fantastically written with characters that suck you in and don’t let go even after the last page has turned.
Keri Arthur has definitely saved the best to last with pulse pounding action from the very first page right up till in end you will not be disappointed with this fast paced conclusion to a remarkable series and I sincerely hope there is a spin off in the works
cynsworkshop's review
4.0
A Page-Turning Conclusion | Review of ‘The Black Tide’ (Outcast #3)
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
What a grand finale, absolutely riveting, Tiger remains an enigmatic character. She is a strong-willed woman who takes pride in her sexuality using it to her advantage. It is not limiting, vulgar or diminishing to her character but in fact, is empowering how she uses her sexuality the way she wants to. Tiger is empowering, but she is also perfectly balanced in the way that the author utilizes her softer side. She is kind, thoughtful, considerate while always remaining a powerful, formidable character. Even in the scenes where is she is weak and does not know how she is going to survive, she uses her brain, her wit, her cleverness in order to turn triumph. It is not without a challenge, creating excellent tension in the story. She never losses agency over her body never loses control over herself. That is what makes her such an empowering character and a compelling one as well. Tiger has a great personality and drive to keep the story moving forward.
As a very action-packed story, the pace never falters. The momentum that follows Tiger around grips the reader, luring them in. The length of the book is quickly forgotten as the reader is sucked into the story and the character development. There is so much tension within the narrative, both external and internal as well as twists and turns that keep the reader glued to the edge of their seats.
The Black Tide is an exhausting novel, but only because the reader feels Tiger’s exhaustion. It bleeds off the reader, and the adrenaline is what keeps it from dragging on or putting the reader off. It feeds the reader the energy of the story, making it a truly compelling read from start to finish. (★★★★☆ | A)
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | | Google+ | LinkedIn
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
What a grand finale, absolutely riveting, Tiger remains an enigmatic character. She is a strong-willed woman who takes pride in her sexuality using it to her advantage. It is not limiting, vulgar or diminishing to her character but in fact, is empowering how she uses her sexuality the way she wants to. Tiger is empowering, but she is also perfectly balanced in the way that the author utilizes her softer side. She is kind, thoughtful, considerate while always remaining a powerful, formidable character. Even in the scenes where is she is weak and does not know how she is going to survive, she uses her brain, her wit, her cleverness in order to turn triumph. It is not without a challenge, creating excellent tension in the story. She never losses agency over her body never loses control over herself. That is what makes her such an empowering character and a compelling one as well. Tiger has a great personality and drive to keep the story moving forward.
As a very action-packed story, the pace never falters. The momentum that follows Tiger around grips the reader, luring them in. The length of the book is quickly forgotten as the reader is sucked into the story and the character development. There is so much tension within the narrative, both external and internal as well as twists and turns that keep the reader glued to the edge of their seats.
The Black Tide is an exhausting novel, but only because the reader feels Tiger’s exhaustion. It bleeds off the reader, and the adrenaline is what keeps it from dragging on or putting the reader off. It feeds the reader the energy of the story, making it a truly compelling read from start to finish. (★★★★☆ | A)
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | | Google+ | LinkedIn
suzjustsuz's review
4.0
4+ stars
I know many will not agree with me, but I do believe this is the best of Arthur's stories. The world is original, the way it straddles multiple genres and defies being categorized is exceptional, the characters were likeable, the infuriating tropes were minimal, the angst was minimal.
It's an excellent trilogy. If Arthur decided to continue the series I would certainly read them.
I know many will not agree with me, but I do believe this is the best of Arthur's stories. The world is original, the way it straddles multiple genres and defies being categorized is exceptional, the characters were likeable, the infuriating tropes were minimal, the angst was minimal.
It's an excellent trilogy. If Arthur decided to continue the series I would certainly read them.