MS Review – Demon Tide – middle school dystopian fantasy

Hooker, Troy. Demon Tide. Byron Center, MI: Descendant Publishing, 2025.

Demon Tide, Book 1

Guide to Categories – MS Review – review of books for older elementary-aged and middle school-aged children

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Summary

When a new government tracking program threatens their safety, Matt’s family joins three other families in leaving their old lives behind. Their destination is a secluded mansion in the mountains that once belonged to Matt’s grandfather, Elias—a place they hope will provide refuge from the growing unrest.

It doesn’t take long for Matt and his friends Luca, Bennet, and Nolan to realize the mansion holds much more than they expected. As they explore the sprawling house, they uncover secrets Elias left behind and clues suggesting he knew something dangerous was coming. The mansion wasn’t simply meant to keep them hidden; it was designed to prepare them for what lies ahead.

Soon, the friends face dangers far beyond an oppressive government. A supernatural threat known as the Demon Tide is approaching, and the boys must learn what Elias was preparing them for before it is too late.

Blending science fiction, mystery, supernatural danger, and adventure, the story follows four ordinary friends as they are forced to become braver than they ever imagined and discover how much they can accomplish when they face frightening circumstances together.

Purchase Demon Tide on Amazon – https://link.amazon/B0ePGFqii

My MS Review

Troy Hooker’s writing in Demon Tide reminded me of Brandon Mull’s and Brett Salter’s fantasy books. The story is engaging and pulls the reader in. The plot is intense at times, making me wonder whether it truly is a middle-grade novel. It might be more appropriate for the young adult audience, although the characters are middle-school and high-school aged. 

The opening chapter of Demon Tide sets the stage for this dystopian story as two families flee their homes when the government shuts down borders. The epilogue sets the stage for a more intense second book (which I look forward to reading). 

Four families with children of similar ages converge on an out-of-the-way off-grid mansion/castle in Idaho to escape the overreaching government. After a short time settling into a routine, the adults leave to have their tracking devices removed. Soon after the parents leave, strange creatures begin attacking the home, and the only other adults on the property disappear. The parents’ return is delayed (possibly permanently), and the children face many dangers on their own. 

If I added Demon Tide to a K-12 Christian school library, I would place it in the young adult section, not the middle-grade section of the library. I recommend parental discretion for younger readers. 

I received a complimentary copy of Demon Tide. This is my honest review.

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