Orphans of the Tide
by Struan Murray · · 2020
Set in a flooded sanctuary known as the City, young inventor Ellie makes a shocking discovery when a living boy emerges from the belly of a beached whale. As the governing Inquisitors label the mysterious youth a vessel for a destructive entity called the Enemy, Ellie risks everything to shelter him and uncover the truth behind his origins. This atmospheric fantasy weaves themes of sacrifice and loyalty into a world governed by dark supernatural forces and rigid civic authorities.
- Age range
- Ages 12–99
- Category
- High School Reads
- ISBN
worldview score
Content ratings
0 means absent, 5 means heavy and central.
Heads up: magic, scary content feature prominently in this book.
Parent notes
Orphans of the Tide presents a compelling fantasy narrative centered on self-sacrifice and defending the innocent. Parents will want to be aware of the story's dark fantasy elements, including a lore built around an evil god known as the Enemy, possession themes, and a dogmatic inquisitorial order. These themes provide helpful opportunities to talk with young readers about true justice, discernment, and how biblical faith differs from oppressive human systems.
Find the full book
We only publish reviews, never book text. These independent catalogs can help you borrow or buy a copy.
- Open LibraryFree catalog record and borrowing options
- WorldCatFind a copy at a library near you
- Google BooksPreview pages and publisher details
Faith Reads is independent and not affiliated with any author, publisher, retailer, or the services linked above.
Discussion questions
- 1When Seth unexpectedly emerges from the dead whale atop the cathedral, which details made that scene memorable to you, and why did it stand out?
- 2The Inquisitors are quick to condemn Seth to protect the City from the Enemy; do you think their harsh judgment was justified, or should they have shown him mercy until proving his guilt?
- 3What gave Ellie the inner strength to keep defending Seth even as the entire City turned against her and threatened her freedom?
- 4Ellie puts her life on the line to rescue a helpless outsider whom others fear—how does her compassion reflect Christ's call to care for the outcast and forgotten?
- 5If you were in Ellie's shoes upon discovering Seth in her workshop, would you have hidden him from the authorities or sought a different way to seek the truth?
Community reviews
Written by parents and caregivers, not by Faith Reads. Reviews reflect their authors' own families and traditions.
No parent reviews yet — be the first to share how this book landed in your home.
Sign in to add your own review of this book.
![Cover of His Last Bow [8 stories] by Arthur Conan Doyle](https://covers.openlibrary.org/b/id/8243267-L.jpg)
![Cover of Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes [11 stories] by Arthur Conan Doyle](https://covers.openlibrary.org/b/id/9246429-L.jpg)