Curious Tides

At the elite Galathea Academy, magic is tied to the lunar cycles. Emery, a 'Healer' with weak magic, is devastated when her best friend Lily and several others drown in a tragic accident. When Kai, the only survivor, begins showing strange symptoms, Emery teams up with Lily's brother to uncover the truth behind the secret 'Eclipse' society and a forbidden ritual that may have gone wrong. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals heavily with death and grief. The approach is metaphorical through the lens of 'dark magic,' but the emotional impact is very realistic. The resolution is bittersweet and realistic, acknowledging that truth doesn't always bring back what was lost. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story starts in a heavy, grief-stricken place. It builds tension slowly through a noir-like mystery, moving from despair to a place of determined agency. The ending provides closure but maintains a lingering sense of change and growth. IDEAL READER: A high schooler who feels 'average' in a world of high achievers and is currently processing the loss of a peer or a major life transition. They likely enjoy dark academia vibes and complex, slow-burn mysteries. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might see their teen becoming withdrawn or obsessively trying to figure out 'why' something bad happened to a friend. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the darker ritual elements and themes of self-sacrifice. It can be read cold by most teens, but those sensitive to drowning or water-based trauma should be cautioned. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will focus on the magic system and the 'who-done-it' mystery, while older teens will resonate with the pressures of legacy and the moral ambiguity of the characters' choices. DIFFERENTIATOR: Its unique lunar-based magic system and the 'tidal' nature of the prose set it apart from standard magical school tropes, offering a more somber and poetic exploration of teenage mourning.