Lore of the Tides (Lore of the Wilds #2)

by Analeigh Sbrana

“There are things in play you cannot fathom, things I couldn’t share with you as Asher, because Asher wouldn’t have known them.”

If ONLY this had been carried out, that we could have seen MORE of Asher's backstory!! One of the big disappointments of this sequel.

She would not cry for Asher—for Syrelle. She would not mourn his death. For that’s what it felt like. Like her friend was dead. And in his place was a shape-shifting demon from the old tales.

Where griffin cries pierce the sky, and shadows strike the mountain’s heart, here I lie, an earthen hold, in slumber deep, a hidden spark awaits one who dares to seek.

“One day, Lore,” he rasped, his voice thick with emotion, “I will lay myself bare before you. I will reveal every harsh truth, every revolting action I’ve been forced to take to mend the destruction my great-uncle’s unnaturally long reign has wrought upon Alytheria. You will understand that my hands have been tied, bound by duty.”

I wanted sooo much more!! 😫 He shared his background, but not his choices.

when it comes to you, I am engulfed in a constant battle to stay the course, to continue what I have worked toward for a decade.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “When it comes to you, Lore, I am utterly lost.”

“What matters more than my feelings, more than how you feel about me, is that no matter how much magic you acquire, even if you find Auroradel, it won’t be enough; my uncle’s source of magic is too powerful.” His voice cracked. “Promise me, Lore. Promise me that no matter what happens, you will never confront him.”

I know this his his real fear talking, but seriously...guys. 😒 Why do they always say it'll be too much for you, you can't handle it? I hate that underestimating every time.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice how often you ‘visited’ during my strength training.” Lore sputtered. “That was not on purpose—you’re, for some reason, always training!” “How else am I supposed to carry your books and make it look this easy?” He flexed, his muscles straining the seam of his cuffed sleeves.

I’ll never stop you from diving headfirst into danger.” He placed a hand on the shelf beside her, his grip tight, and leaned forward until their faces were mere inches apart. “As long as I’m there to dive with you.”

“You think you are too messy, your circumstances too . . . much. You think I want a butterfly flitting from flower to flower in the sunshine without a care in the world?”

“I try to live my life as if nothing is impossible.

“I guess we’ll have to write a new book.” “Alemeyu, our book would be one for the ages.” “We could call it Is This a Prison or Just a Room, Surprise—I Broke Your Blood Curse, and Other Tales from the Deep.” Through a grin, Finn said, “For a companion novel . . . something along the lines of How Many Times Is Too Many When Running Headfirst into Peril?”

“But know this, Lore. If you ever need me, all you must do is ask.” His voice wavered, and he gazed upward for a moment, collecting himself. “You won’t believe me, you can’t believe me, and that’s my fault . . . but I will always choose you.”

SEE?! SEE?! Lore can't see it. Refuses to.

“I am yours until the seas run dry and the earth dissolves to dust.”

“Remember, Lore. The grimoires did not give you their magic; they were simply the key that unlocked the magic within you. You are magic, Lore. You can harness the power of a million stars in the sky, a million suns. Craft your own paradise.”

WHAT?! After 2 books and all that traveling everything she's been through we get a "you had the power the whole time?"

“I knew not of hope, until I met you, Mouse. You are hope. All our hopes reside within you.”

“Even now, you burn with hope. They tried to take it from you, but I can see it kindled within you. Let it burn, Lore.”

“Hope for what?” Lore wiped at her eyes. She’d been full of false hope before. But there was only darkness within her now. It whispered at her to give up. She wasn’t enough.

Syrelle, his voice catching in his throat, whispered, “I will love you until they put me in the ground, and even then, my love will endure.”