The Rising Tide

Island Book #3

by Evan Dahm

Set sail with Island The Rising Tide , the third and final graphic novel in an epic fantasy trilogy.

Alef has planted his flag on the Infinite Land and built an enormous citadel along the coastline―but it’s not enough. He is preparing to venture inland and wage war against the Continent’s native population. Hunder, now Chief in name only, doesn't have the courage to stop him.

Suddenly, Wick returns from the sea with an urgent Sola, the cursed girl who was lost at sea, may still be alive! Hunder and Wick set sail on the Star once more in hopes of finding their old friend―and with her, the Continent’s last chance for peace.

Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics, Middle Grade, Childrens, Kids, Fiction

282 pages, Hardcover

First published June 7, 2022

About the author

Evan Dahm is an artist who is currently living in New York City.

Reviews

[Salamah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to finish the trilogy since I read the first two books in this series which I really liked. As usual Dahm's artwork is beautiful making the story come to life in a fun but serious kind of way. You know you are entering another world when gazing at the characters and seeing that time has past as they have aged. I was happy to see Sola alive and well but for me this story line, plot just didn't do it. I felt that the story had too many unanswered questions as well as too tidy an ending. I would have liked to get deeper into the characters and their reasoning for their actions. I am still glad I read the series.

[Jaime Dear · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE ARE ALL EQUAL IN THE OCEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

loved to see where this went. cool to see something that is both so Vibes but really grows and grows and makes you go AUUuguhghhguguhh

[hauntedandholierthanthou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ending was a tad flat but I still liked it

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stole this part of my review from Melchior, "Obviously anyone reading the third book in the Island Book trilogy already knows by now but Evan Dahm's art style is so perfectly suited" for this theme. However, I did not realize it was book three! I had a "wiggle" in the back of my brain, but it was not until I was halfway through that I realized my goof. Yet, for the most part, things flow perfectly. There are a few things such as characters saying things like "we tried to stop him from making that kind of world and here you made it" and a few characters that have backstories, but even kids could jump in. The story is familiar (the world is being destroyed by the rising ocean, war is happening, and friendships are not always straightforward) but it is the art that grabs you. Some of the least complicated work I have seen is also some of the most amazing strong storytelling I have seen. It is practically a wordless book, but text is where it is needed. In many ways, adults will see below the surface and honestly, you probably should be scared, but there is hope, and kids will enjoy the action story. However, no matter how good the book is, it probably would have been better to read books one and two first.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t tell if this book was meant to be allegory or if it’s so simplistic that I am looking for meaning where there is none. The characters are some years later, but still no substance and not much of a conclusion.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Elle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not having read the other two books in the series, it was difficult to invest in the characters and their journey. The illustrations of the ocean and its waves throughout the book were stunning.

[Sarah Schanze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read anything by Evan Dahm in a while and I almost forgot about his lovely dialogue both lyrical and blunt. The art is as strong as ever and I'm glad to see Sola find peace.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and strange. I am thoroughly confused but I think it was a happy ending? Beautiful artwork

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

if only I could give this 10 stars!

[David H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I liked it.

[D.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series from beginning to end with its themes and characters. Here, we have a bit of a time skip and the fallout after Alef colonized most of the world.

The only thing that stopped me short of 5 stars was the ending got slightly confusing. Did they meet God at the end? And I can’t take Sola’s adorable child acting so mature at the end. They didn’t place him at an age, but I was thinking 5 – 10ish years old. His little red dino-self was so cute! I'm glad Hunder saw the error of his ways. Still, the ending was mostly fitting.

These worlds that Dahm builds are so enthralling.

4.5