Time of Tides
A family flees a global storm to the Norfolk Broads, only to find supernatural terror awaits.
Time of Tides operates as a dual-purpose horror collection, merging a central novel with two distinct short stories. Mark Woods utilizes the setting of the Norfolk Broads not merely as scenery but as a character in its own right, one that turns hostile alongside the weather. The narrative suggests that global warming is symptomatic of something more ancient and malevolent. By including Night Swimming and The Last Staff Party, Woods broadens the thematic range beyond the immediate family drama. These additional pieces allow for varied explorations of fear, ensuring the collection does not rely solely on the central plot's momentum. The structure demands attention to both the macro-level catastrophe and the micro-level personal terrors. This approach creates a cohesive reading experience that feels both urgent and deeply unsettling.
Published in 2020 by Independently Published, this work reflects contemporary anxieties about environmental collapse. It sits within the tradition of gothic fiction where nature acts as a hostile force. The Norfolk Broads setting grounds the supernatural elements in a specific, recognizable landscape.
📝 Description: Time of Tides
💎 Our verdict on Time of Tides
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers who appreciate atmospheric dread and domestic vulnerability against overwhelming odds will find this collection compelling. It appeals to those interested in gothic fiction where nature itself becomes an antagonist, offering a visceral experience rather than scientific exposition. The structure demands attention to both macro-level catastrophe and micro-level personal terrors, creating a cohesive reading experience that feels urgent and deeply unsettling. Fans of slow-burn horror will appreciate the gradual unraveling of fear, while the inclusion of short stories provides broader context for thematic exploration. Those seeking straightforward disaster fiction may find the supernatural elements jarring, but enthusiasts of psychological and cosmic horror will welcome the intersection of environmental collapse with unseen forces lurking within the storm.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Mark Woods crafts a chilling narrative in Time of Tides, effectively merging environmental collapse with supernatural horror. The Norfolk Broads serve as a hostile character, turning against the protagonists alongside the weather. By framing climate change as symptomatic of ancient evils, Woods moves beyond mere disaster fiction into deeper psychological terror. The inclusion of Night Swimming and The Last Staff Party broadens the thematic scope, preventing reliance on the central plot alone. This approach creates immediate, visceral danger without complex exposition. The volume suits those who enjoy atmospheric dread and tales of domestic vulnerability. It is a cohesive work that balances physical storms with metaphysical threats, offering a slow-burn experience for readers ready to confront the intersection of nature and the unknown.
