Changing Tide

by Robert Joncas

Genre: Young Adult / Sci-Fi & Fantasy

ISBN: 9798987150108

Print Length: 260 pages

Nothing is as it seems in Robert Joncas’s Changing Tide, a speculative sci-fi page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Prepare to have your expectations shattered as you embark on a gripping journey through the pages of Robert Joncas’s “Changing Tide.” This speculative sci-fi novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its unexpected twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end.

At first glance, “Changing Tide” appears to be a realistic coming-of-age story, featuring Skye Connor, a young woman confronted with a string of hardships, including multiple deaths, a drug-addicted mother, and doubts about her boyfriend’s fidelity. However, Joncas skillfully weaves elements of sci-fi and fantasy into the narrative, introducing magic seashells and aliens, transforming the story into a thrilling call to adventure. As Skye defies all odds, she must overcome loss and trauma to save the world.

When Skye is uprooted from her comfortable life in Arizona following her father’s tragic demise, she remains skeptical of the supernatural and extraterrestrial. However, everything changes when she stumbles upon a giant conch shell during a walk along the beach near her Nana’s house in Crescent Cove, California. To her surprise, the shell possesses the ability to communicate with her, harboring the soul of an ancient alien with whom she shares a special bond.

Haunted by guilt after her mother’s overdose, Skye finds solace in the arms of Paul, a mysterious character who appears to be hiding something. In a series of astonishing events, Skye, Paul, and Nana find themselves embarking on a mission that takes them to the Grand Canyon, where they must confront a group of malevolent overlords and become the saviors of the world.

Joncas wastes no time in introducing family conflicts and a love interest. Skye’s drugged-out mother engages in constant conflicts with her, while her free-spirited Nana, reminiscent of an old hippie, provides a stark contrast. The initial plot seems straightforward, except for the intriguing existence of the talking conch shell. However, Joncas masterfully subverts expectations, thrusting readers into an alien invasion scenario that necessitates extensive world-building. Skye’s “normal” world undergoes a profound transformation as humans are inhabited by aliens to combat the evil overlords.

The narrative continues to surprise and shock readers with a frequency that can leave them reeling. Characters meet sudden and mysterious deaths, and one character, Karly, even resorts to attempted murder out of jealousy over Paul and Skye’s relationship. However, some of these plot points are left unresolved or dropped after tense confrontations, adding to the constant sense of uncertainty. While the twists keep readers riveted, they also create numerous distractions that make it challenging to anticipate the story’s direction.

Nevertheless, “Changing Tide” is a difficult book to put down. Harsh surprises, such as Skye’s mother’s death, are balanced by humorous asides that momentarily alleviate the tension. In one particularly tense scene, as Skye, Nana, and Paul traverse a narrow tunnel, Skye catches a whiff of sulfurous air, only for Nana to comically admit that she farted. These moments of levity add charm and depth to the narrative.

As a young adult science fiction novel, “Changing Tide” delivers the shock, creativity, and humor that readers seek in a story with memorable characters facing seemingly insurmountable odds. While the story may pull readers in various directions, the focus remains on Skye, a character crafted with care and nuance, compelling readers to follow her through the strange and captivating world Joncas has created. With its distinctive charm and engaging storytelling, “Changing Tide” is an enjoyable and quirky book that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.