This is a wonderfully moody fantasy that explores difficult choices, living with consequences, family ties, and love. The magic system is interesting and the characters are compelling. I love a story where the characters have to question their worldviews and reexamine their assumptions, and The Dark Tide has a lot of that as the main characters learn more about each other's pasts. I listened to the audiobook, and thought it generally strong, though I found Eva's voice slightly dull. <Spoiler>However, any book where a girl starts out in love with a man and ends up kissing another woman is generally alright by me. :) </Spoiler>