Tides of Darkness

I’ll admit, I went into *Tides of Darkness* expecting another by-the-numbers YA fantasy quest, but Fierce subverts that early. The story’s strength lies in its restraint: the Whispering Cliffs aren’t just a destination; they’re a mirror, and Eldwin and Maren’s dynamic crackles with the tension of two people realizing they’ve been lied to—not by others, but by their own expectations. McDermott’s narration is a standout—his voice has the weathered weight of a sailor who’s seen too much, and he nails the book’s shifts between claustrophobic dialogue and sweeping, almost poetic descriptions of the sea. The production is crisp, with subtle soundscaping (distant waves, the groan of timber) that immerses without overpowering. That said, the brevity comes at a cost. The worldbuilding is vivid but sparse; I found myself craving just a little more texture in the lore, especially around the cliffs’ origins. And while the ending lands with emotional punch, the final confrontation feels slightly rushed, as if Fierce prioritized thematic impact over a fully fleshed-out climax. Still, the audiobook’s pacing is relentless in the best way—like a storm that builds faster than you can batten the hatches. If you’re tired of chosen-one tropes and want a dark, introspective adventure that fits into a single commute, this is your port of call.