Lore of the Tides Summary, Characters and Themes

Lore of the Tides by Analeigh Sbrana is a captivating tale set in a world filled with powerful magic, betrayal, and a quest for survival.  The story follows Lore, a young woman whose world is turned upside down after she is betrayed by the one she trusted.

Stripped of her magic and kidnapped, Lore is forced to confront her enemies, including the dark fae Syrelle, while also navigating the complex relationships with her allies, like Finndryl.  The quest for two magical grimoires, Deeping Lune and Auroradel, becomes a race against time to save her people and restore magic to her land. Amidst intense physical and emotional struggles, Lore must decide whom to trust and how far she is willing to go to reclaim her power and fulfill her destiny. It is the 2nd book in the Lore of the Wilds series by the author.

Summary

Lore wakes up in a dark, unfamiliar room on a ship, confused and disoriented.  Her memories of betrayal by Syrelle, a dark fae and a commander in the service of the king, flood her mind.

She realizes she is without her grimoire, which limits her ability to use magic.  Her mind races with thoughts of the women and children she failed to protect, the kidnapping, and the deep sense of betrayal she feels.

She struggles to light a lamp, confirming that she is alone, surrounded by the endless sea with no land in sight.

Syrelle enters the room, and Lore confronts him.  He reveals that her grimoire is in his possession and that she is being taken on a mission to find another powerful book, Auroradel.

The king has promised not to attack Duskmere until this grimoire is found, but Lore refuses to trust Syrelle.  She demands to know the fate of Finndryl and the others.

Syrelle informs her that Finndryl is also aboard the ship, but they are both captives.

The conversation shifts as Syrelle tries to manipulate Lore into using her magic to locate Auroradel.  Lore resists, still reeling from the betrayal, but refuses to cooperate until she sees that Finndryl is safe.

Syrelle’s cousin, Coretha, a sadistic fae, enters, threatening Lore.  Syrelle steps in to protect Lore, though it is clear that he is also under pressure from the king and Coretha.

Despite the tension, Lore remains resolute in her refusal to help unless she has confirmation that Finndryl is unharmed.

Lore later uses her magic to communicate with Finndryl through scrying, confirming he is alive but imprisoned.  Their conversation reveals that Finndryl and Isla’s family are cursed, unable to use magic, and they are searching for a way to break the curse.

Syrelle grows frustrated with Lore’s resistance and becomes more demanding, threatening her with violence.  Still, Lore holds firm.

In another scrying attempt, Lore is pulled into a dangerous vision where she encounters a riddle and a mysterious voice.  She is overwhelmed by the dark forces surrounding her, realizing that finding Auroradel is not only about obtaining a book, but also about survival, vengeance, and freeing her people.

With Syrelle’s true nature becoming more apparent, Lore resolves to use her magic to outsmart those who want to control her, even if it costs her personal safety.

Lore is shaken awake by Syrelle after nearly dying from a scrying trance.  Her heartbeat slowed to a dangerously low level during her attempt to contact a mysterious being.

Syrelle scolds her for putting herself at risk but also seems concerned.  Lore, despite her exhaustion, remains determined to locate Auroradel and fulfill her mission.

They step onto the ship’s deck, and Lore tries to distance herself from Syrelle, wary of his manipulation.  Despite this, he offers her a cloak for warmth and suggests she get fresh air.

Lore reluctantly agrees, knowing it will help her focus on her task.

On the deck, Lore notices the sailors, including the first mate, Old Salt, who shows her kindness.  However, Lore remains wary of the people around her.

Syrelle spends time with Old Salt, and Lore reflects on her situation, trying to understand how much of it is under Syrelle’s control.  She returns to her room and begins studying maps Syrelle had arranged for her, hoping they will help her locate the grimoire.

She requests books on geography and ecology to help her solve the riddle.

The next day, Lore communicates with Finndryl again, telling him about the progress she’s made and the riddle that suggests Auroradel is buried underground.  She expresses doubt about being able to outmaneuver Syrelle.

Finndryl reassures her, but Lore decides to wait for more clues before attempting another scrying session.  In Syrelle’s office, she learns more about his family’s involvement with the cursed library and the grimoire Deeping Lune.

Syrelle reveals that his grandfather, a shapeshifter and alchemist, had hidden the grimoire to protect it from the empress of Ma Serach, who wanted its power for herself.  Syrelle also mentions the deep ties his family has with the Alytherian fae, increasing Lore’s suspicion about his motivations.

When they arrive in Galjien, Lore is introduced to Syrelle’s family, including his cousin Maple, a painter.  Lore learns about Syrelle’s strained relationship with his father and the family legacy that shaped him.

Despite her animosity toward him, Lore begins to understand Syrelle’s emotional burdens.  However, she remains determined to obtain the grimoire for herself.

The situation turns darker when the sailors accuse Lore of being a demon, believing she is using magic to manipulate Syrelle.  Thadrik, one of the guards, leads the mob against her, and they try to force a confession from her.

Lore is tied up and brought to the deck, where they threaten to throw her overboard.  In a desperate act of self-defense, Lore unleashes her magic, stunning the sailors and forcing them to back off.

Syrelle intervenes, stopping Lore from killing them, but the tension between them grows.  Lore realizes she is still under Syrelle’s control and wonders how much longer she can endure his manipulation.

Lore embarks on a journey to find Mount Vatraol, a volcano that could restore life and magic to Lapis Deep.  Despite her suspicions about Syrelle’s true intentions, he is allowed to join the expedition to protect Prince Hazen.

As they approach the volcano, Lore is haunted by the danger surrounding them, particularly the presence of the Nikoryxia, a terrifying creature that has been following them.

As they reach the volcano’s core, Lore steps into the river of Source, a powerful force tied to the volcano.  The intensity of the magic overwhelms her, causing her excruciating pain.

In a desperate attempt to control the magic, Lore shares the burden with Finndryl and Syrelle, though it causes all three of them pain.  Lore uses the magic to heal Finndryl, who has been cursed for generations.

The curse is purged from his body, but the process leaves him weak.  Lore feels deep guilt and fear for his safety, but Syrelle helps stabilize him.

The group returns to the palace, and Lore reflects on the journey and the challenges ahead.  The queen acknowledges Lore’s role in saving her people, and Lore is gifted a satchel to carry Deeping Lune, a powerful magical book.

However, there are more dangers on the horizon, especially with Syrelle’s secrets and the unresolved threat of the king.

In the final moments of their stay, Prince Hazen decides to join Lore and her companions in the quest for Auroradel.  Lore’s resolve strengthens, knowing that the path ahead is filled with danger, but she is ready to face whatever challenges await.

The story ends with Lore and her companions leaving Lapis Deep, determined to continue their journey and rebuild their lives.

Characters

Lore

Lore, the protagonist of Lore of the Tides, is a strong-willed, complex character who faces immense emotional and physical challenges throughout the narrative.  At the start of the story, she wakes up in a foreign, disorienting environment, a captive aboard a ship, with no access to her magical powers due to the absence of her grimoire.

Lore’s main driving force is her desire to protect her people and avenge the betrayal she has suffered, particularly from Syrelle, a dark fae who was once her ally.  Despite the profound sense of betrayal and the crushing guilt over the lives she failed to save, Lore remains determined to navigate through the various threats she faces, including her struggle to regain control of her magic and her mission to find the powerful book Auroradel.

Lore’s internal conflict is central to her character development—she grapples with trust issues, especially regarding Syrelle, who repeatedly manipulates her into furthering his own agenda.  Yet, despite her skepticism, Lore cannot fully sever her emotional ties with him, and their complicated relationship becomes a focal point of her emotional and psychological growth.

Her resilience is put to the test when she taps into the deep, raw power of the Source, attempting to heal her allies and fight off dark forces.  Over time, Lore learns to balance her emotions and responsibilities, realizing that the survival of her people—and her own—relies on mastering both her magical powers and her personal resolve.

Syrelle

Syrelle, a dark fae and the story’s central antagonist, is a character cloaked in mystery and moral ambiguity.  Initially introduced as a betrayer who has joined forces with the king, Syrelle’s motivations are far more complex than they first appear.

His relationship with Lore is fraught with tension, as he is the catalyst for her betrayal and abduction.  He manipulates her into helping him locate the Auroradel book while also claiming to protect her from harm.

Despite his cold, calculating nature, there are moments where Syrelle’s true feelings are revealed, particularly in his protectiveness over Lore, despite his underlying ulterior motives.

Syrelle is torn between his loyalty to the king and his genuine affection for Lore, which complicates his decision-making and adds depth to his character.  His past, particularly his connection to his grandfather, a shapeshifter and alchemist, is also explored, revealing the weight of his family’s legacy and the personal conflict that accompanies his choices.

Though he appears cruel at times, Syrelle is a character who is constantly at war with himself—seeking power while also attempting to care for those he once held dear.  His involvement in Lore’s journey is not only one of control but also one of trying to resolve the internal tug-of-war between love, duty, and manipulation.

Finndryl

Finndryl, Lore’s trusted ally and close companion, represents loyalty and the moral compass that often guides Lore through her darkest moments.  A complex character himself, Finndryl is cursed with a bloodline blight that inhibits his magic, which he desperately seeks to break.

Despite his debilitating condition, Finndryl remains steadfast and supportive of Lore, aiding her in various magical endeavors.  His bond with Lore is deep, forged in shared history and mutual respect.

Throughout the story, Finndryl becomes an emotional anchor for Lore, as their connection extends beyond mere friendship into something more profound.  His curse is a constant reminder of the stakes at hand and the sacrifices made in the quest for survival.

Finndryl’s own internal battle with his curse contrasts with Lore’s growing sense of responsibility, making his eventual healing an emotional and physical turning point in the story.  His ability to help Lore without drawing attention to his own pain highlights his selflessness and dedication to their cause.

Coretha

Coretha, Syrelle’s cousin, is a cruel and sadistic fae whose primary role is to intensify the emotional and physical pressure on Lore.  As a character, Coretha embodies the darker side of the fae world—one that is marked by manipulation, violence, and a thirst for power.

Her appearance in the story is a constant reminder to Lore that there are forces far more dangerous than the immediate threat of the king.  Coretha’s sadism is both a personal challenge for Lore and a reflection of the toxic relationships that exist within the fae hierarchy.

While Syrelle often protects Lore from Coretha’s malicious tendencies, his inability to fully shield her from Coretha’s cruelty reveals the vulnerability in Syrelle’s attempts to control the situation.

Isla

Isla, another key figure in Lore’s circle, is a character whose presence brings a sense of stability and hope amidst the chaos.  Though Isla’s main role is to break her own curse, her relationship with Lore remains important throughout the story.

Isla’s struggle with her curse and the eventual ritual to break it is a pivotal moment that showcases Lore’s magical prowess and determination to help those she cares about.  Isla’s growth throughout the narrative is significant because it demonstrates the power of friendship and the importance of supporting one another in the face of overwhelming odds.

She represents the possibility of overcoming darkness and the burden of the past, offering Lore not just companionship but a sense of hope for what lies ahead.

Hazen

Prince Hazen begins his journey with Lore as a somewhat enigmatic figure, whose initial purpose seems to be simply accompanying her on her mission.  However, his eventual decision to join Lore and her companions on their quest adds layers of complexity to his character.

Hazen’s presence challenges Lore’s trust in others, especially as she remains suspicious of his true motives.  His journey with Lore forces him to confront his own vulnerabilities, especially as the group faces dangers that test their resolve.

Hazen’s gradual development throughout the narrative is one of growth, as he comes to terms with his role in the group and the part he plays in the broader battle against the king.

Thadrik

Thadrik, one of the guards, serves as both an antagonist and a tool used by the king to manipulate the narrative.  His role in the story initially presents him as a passive figure, but his actions against Lore and his involvement in the mob scene show that he is more than just a mere soldier.

Thadrik’s actions against Lore make him a character that Lore must overcome—not just physically but also emotionally, as it represents yet another betrayal by someone who is supposed to protect her.  Despite this, Thadrik’s character is a necessary antagonist in the larger battle Lore faces, representing the oppressive forces that she must fight against.

Old Salt

Old Salt, the first mate aboard the ship, is a grizzled, welcoming figure who represents a source of comfort and trust amidst the uncertainty and tension that pervades Lore’s journey.  He provides a stabilizing presence, offering Lore a brief respite from the storm of manipulations and betrayal around her.

Though his role is more peripheral than other characters, Old Salt’s kindness and understanding are significant in giving Lore a sense of normalcy and warmth in a world that feels increasingly hostile.

These characters, each with their own strengths, flaws, and complex motivations, contribute to the depth of Lore of the Tides.  Their interactions with Lore, the protagonist, and each other drive the narrative forward, adding layers of emotional conflict, growth, and resolution.

Themes

Betrayal and Trust

Betrayal plays a critical role in shaping the emotional and psychological landscape of Lore of the Tides.  Lore’s experience with betrayal by Asher, who later turns out to be Syrelle, a dark fae and commander in service of the king, sets the tone for her internal struggle.

This betrayal is not merely a personal hurt but deeply affects her sense of trust in others, especially those she must rely on during her journey.  Lore initially feels isolated, unable to call on her magic without her grimoire, and the betrayal only intensifies her sense of vulnerability.

As Syrelle reveals his own hidden motives, the tension between him and Lore grows, with her mistrust simmering beneath her actions.  Despite the complex, sometimes manipulative nature of Syrelle’s behavior, Lore finds herself wrestling with her feelings toward him—she wants to believe in his concern for her well-being, but his betrayal clouds her judgment.

The theme of betrayal pushes Lore toward personal growth, as she must learn to navigate this broken trust while still achieving her mission.  Her evolving relationship with Syrelle reveals the struggle between loyalty to her people and the need for personal integrity.

Ultimately, Lore’s journey illustrates how betrayal, even when deeply painful, can catalyze growth, resilience, and a reassessment of one’s beliefs and allegiances.

Power and Control

The theme of power is central to Lore of the Tides, as Lore’s struggle for control over her own life and magic becomes intertwined with the forces of manipulation and dominance exerted by other characters.  Lore’s magic, represented by her grimoire, symbolizes not only her strength but also her potential to free her people.

The absence of her grimoire at the start of her captivity signifies her initial powerlessness, but it also serves as a metaphor for the greater struggle over control between her and those who wish to use her magic for their own gain, particularly Syrelle and the king.  Syrelle’s attempts to manipulate Lore into finding the powerful grimoire Auroradel showcase the exploitative nature of power.

His control over her is both emotional and magical, as he uses her guilt and desperation to coerce her into cooperating.  Yet, Lore’s resistance is a reflection of her desire to retain autonomy over her abilities and choices.

Her efforts to reclaim control, especially in moments of magic use, demonstrate a constant internal battle between being used as a pawn and achieving freedom.  By the end of the story, Lore’s ability to wield her magic for the greater good, including the healing of Finndryl and the battle against the king, represents the shift in control—from being a victim of manipulation to a leader who takes ownership of her power and destiny.

The theme of power also plays out in the hierarchical dynamics between characters, especially between Lore and Syrelle, and underscores the consequences of its abuse when placed in the wrong hands.

Identity and Self-Discovery

Throughout Lore of the Tides, Lore’s journey is not only physical but also deeply introspective as she grapples with her identity and what it means to be true to herself.  Her connection to magic, her people, and her past, all serve as sources of internal conflict as Lore struggles to reconcile her role in the world with her personal desires.

The trauma of betrayal and the uncertainty of her magical abilities cause Lore to question who she truly is, particularly as her relationships with others shift.  Syrelle’s presence and his constant manipulation force Lore to confront aspects of herself she would rather ignore, particularly her need to trust others and the emotional walls she has built around herself.

As Lore’s journey progresses, she begins to uncover the truth about her own capabilities, as well as the depth of her responsibility to her people.  The struggle for self-discovery is not just about reconciling the magic within her but also understanding her emotional and moral compass.

She starts to redefine what it means to be a leader, especially in a world where deception and manipulation are constant threats.  Through these experiences, Lore slowly transforms from a character driven by fear and self-doubt into someone who embraces her identity with clarity and strength.

Her final decisions, such as her determination to leave Syrelle behind and chart a new course for her people, reflect her hard-earned self-realization and the acceptance of her own role in shaping the future.

Sacrifice and Survival

Sacrifice is an integral theme in Lore of the Tides, particularly as Lore’s journey forces her to make difficult decisions in order to protect her people and secure their survival.  Her path is marked by personal and emotional sacrifices, from her willingness to endure physical pain during her use of magic to her decision to risk her life for the greater good.

Lore’s journey is one where the cost of survival often involves giving up personal desires or safety.  The most prominent example of sacrifice is seen in the struggle to break Isla’s curse, which requires Lore to draw upon her magic at great personal risk.

Similarly, during the journey to Mount Vatraol, Lore shares the burden of immense magical energy with Finndryl and Syrelle, enduring excruciating pain in the process to restore Lapis Deep.  These moments highlight the harsh reality that survival often demands not only physical endurance but emotional fortitude as well.

Lore’s sacrifice is further complicated by her emotional ties to the people around her, especially Finndryl, whose curse she works to break despite her fears of inadvertently causing harm.  The theme of survival is intertwined with the idea that each action, each choice, carries a cost.

By the end of the novel, Lore’s ultimate sacrifice comes in the form of her emotional distancing from Syrelle, even though their bond remains complex.  Her determination to lead her people toward a new beginning in Ziara showcases that survival, in its purest form, is not just about staying alive but about creating a new life in the face of adversity.