Moon gods incarnated as humans in a murder mystery to uncover a plot threatening the heart of creation, the Impossible City. The story intertwines folklore, mythology, and alchemy, with a focus on character-driven narratives and intricate worldbuilding.

Reader Review Summary

Tidal Creatures is a triumphant return to the imaginative and richly-conceptual world that Seanan McGuire first introduced readers to in her masterpiece Middlegame. While the second book Seasonal Fears felt like somewhat of a letdown, Tidal Creatures recaptures the sense of awe and fascination that made the series opener so spellbinding.

The book delves into captivating new mythological territory by exploring the lore and deities surrounding the moon across cultures. At its heart is a gripping murder mystery, as incarnations of moon goddesses and gods are being systematically killed off. McGuire's seamless blending of this setup with the expansive alchemical mythology she has constructed results in a riveting and thought-provoking tale.

Two new protagonists, Judy/Chang'e and the enigmatic Kelpie, make for compelling guides through this labyrinthine narrative. While they may not reach the iconic heights of Middlegame's Rodger and Dodger, they are still deftly crafted and emotionally resonant characters. Their arcs and personal journeys of discovery intertwine brilliantly with the central mysteries.

And speaking of Rodger and Dodger, fans will be overjoyed that the beloved duo from Middlegame play a substantial role once again. Their reunion with Erin and continued exploration of their place in this mythic cosmos is an absolute treat. McGuire strikes a perfect balance in servicing their storyline while still forging ahead with new concepts and characters.

On that note, the worldbuilding is spectacular as always. The logistics and metaphysics of the moon god incarnations are painstakingly fleshed out with McGuire's trademark clarity and creativity. At the same time, she continues layering in elements from prior books, allowing the broader alchemical mythos to expand ever richer and more cohesive. The sheer densityof imagination on display is staggering.

Crucially, the book retains a strong forward momentum even when dealing with such heady subject matter. While some readers took issue with pacing lulls for exposition, I found the distribution of revelations and action finely calibrated to retain a palpable sense of tension and mystery. The finale is perhaps a tad anticlimactic, but it resolves personal arcs satisfyingly while leaving cosmological doors wide open for more exploration to come.

With Tidal Creatures, Seanan McGuire has well and truly course-corrected after Seasonal Fears. This installment recaptures the depth, ingenuity, and capacity for sense-of-wonder that made Middlegame an instant classic. It not only reinvigorates the series but tantalizes with hints of even greater revelations and adventures lying ahead. Ambitious, enthralling, and unabashedly brilliant - Tidal Creatures is a resounding success and an absolute must-read for fans of quintessential McGuire.