THE WEEPING TIDE

Barclay Thorne’s mystical journey continues in an oceanic setting.

Several months after the end of The Accidental Apprentice (2021), readers encounter 11-year-old Barclay, a promising Lore Keeper apprentice, in the middle of a class he’s taking with renowned Guardian Keeper Runa Rasgar. Along with shaggy beast Root, close friend Viola Dumont, and frenemy Tadg Murdock, Barclay has traveled to the Sea, one of many Wilderlands that make up this fantasy world. This area is struggling—Beasts are increasingly posing a threat, including Lochmordra, the Legendary Beast of the Sea, who is capable of great destruction. As the Lore Keepers and Masters alike try to understand what’s causing this rise in aggressive Beast behavior, Barclay’s circle of friends deals with a rival group of apprentices who are seeking to prove their superiority. Barclay must come to terms with his identity as a former Elsie, or nonmagical person, while also struggling to tame his wild wind Lore. This outing is certainly engaging, expanding upon many of the same playful elements and worldbuilding of the first book, although it doesn’t quite reach the same heights of joy that came with the initial discovery of the magic of Wilderlore. As before, characters have a range of skin tones in this naturally diverse world.

A charming and earnest sequel that will please series fans.