Wicked Tides by Courtney Leigh is a gripping tale that plunges readers into a world where the sea is both a source of life and a harbinger of death. The novel's blurb sets the stage for a high-stakes adventure filled with vengeance, love, and the haunting allure of the ocean's most dangerous creatures—sirens. Leigh crafts a narrative that is as tumultuous as the waters it describes, weaving together themes of revenge, redemption, and the complex interplay between hunter and hunted.

At the heart of the story is Vidar “Bone Heart” Woelfson, a character whose very name evokes a sense of foreboding and ruthlessness. Vidar is not just a hunter of sirens; he is a man driven by a deep-seated need for vengeance, stemming from traumatic events in his childhood. His ship, the Burning Rose, with its blood-red sails, is a symbol of his relentless pursuit of these mythical creatures. Vidar's character is a study in contrasts—his brutality is matched only by his haunted past, making him a compelling anti-hero. Leigh does an excellent job of peeling back the layers of Vidar's psyche, revealing a man who is as much a victim of his past as he is a perpetrator of violence.

Opposite Vidar stands Dahlia, a siren with her own vendetta against the captain of the Burning Rose. Dahlia is a character of strength and resilience, driven by her desire to avenge the wrongs done to her. Her relationship with Vidar is complex, marked by a shared history of pain and loss. Leigh skillfully navigates their dynamic, creating a tension that is palpable and electrifying. The evolution of their relationship—from adversaries to reluctant allies—is one of the novel's most intriguing aspects. It is a testament to Leigh's ability to craft characters who are deeply flawed yet undeniably human.

Thematically, Wicked Tides explores the destructive nature of vengeance and the possibility of redemption. Both Vidar and Dahlia are characters trapped by their pasts, and their journey is one of self-discovery and healing. The novel raises questions about the cost of revenge and whether it is ever truly satisfying. Leigh does not shy away from the darker aspects of her characters' motivations, instead embracing them to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

The setting of Wicked Tides is as much a character as Vidar and Dahlia. The sea, with its beauty and danger, is vividly brought to life through Leigh's descriptive prose. The ocean is a place of mystery and terror, a fitting backdrop for a story that delves into the unknown depths of human emotion. The sirens, with their terrifying beauty, are emblematic of the duality of the sea—both alluring and deadly. Leigh's portrayal of these creatures is both imaginative and chilling, adding an element of supernatural horror to the narrative.

In terms of style, Leigh's writing is both lyrical and gritty, capturing the raw emotions of her characters and the harsh realities of their world. The novel's pacing is well-executed, with moments of intense action balanced by quieter, introspective scenes. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with tension, reflecting the fraught relationships between characters. Leigh's use of language is particularly effective in conveying the visceral nature of the story, from the violence of the hunts to the intimacy of the characters' interactions.

Wicked Tides can be compared to other works in the fantasy and adventure genres, such as Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series or Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows duology. Like these authors, Leigh creates a richly detailed world populated by complex characters and driven by high-stakes conflict. However, Wicked Tides distinguishes itself through its focus on the sea and its creatures, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre.

Overall, Wicked Tides is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy and adventure. Courtney Leigh has crafted a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, with characters who linger in the mind long after the final page is turned. The novel's exploration of themes such as vengeance, redemption, and the power of the past makes it a compelling addition to the genre. For readers seeking a tale of love, loss, and the relentless pull of the sea, Wicked Tides is a journey worth embarking on.