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The Saga of Arthios · Book 1

Tidestep

The Water Anchor

by F.A. Calder
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What if one stolen relic could unravel the fate of an entire world?

When eighteen-year-old blacksmith's apprentice Zaphiel is entrusted with delivering a simple message, he expects little more than a journey beyond the only home he has ever known. Instead, he discovers poisoned waters, a stolen ancient artifact, and a deadly corruption spreading across the land.

Joined by an unlikely band of companions, including a mysterious dog whose appearance defies explanation, Zaphiel is drawn into a perilous quest that reaches far beyond the borders of his quiet village.

As buried secrets emerge and powerful enemies close in, they must confront forces that have shaped Arthios for ages and uncover secrets others have killed to protect.

But they have no idea another voice is woven through the quest: a secret journal spanning fifteen thousand years, written by someone who has seen this story play out before, and may even know how it's supposed to end.

Rich with unforgettable characters, immersive world-building, ancient mysteries, and relentless adventure, Tidestep is an epic fantasy that blends the wonder of classic heroic quests with the depth and intrigue of high-concept fantasy storytelling.

Perfect for readers who love sweeping fantasy series, memorable companions, stories that reward close attention, and heroes who discover that courage is forged one impossible choice at a time.

One quest. One stolen relic. One hidden journal. One unforgettable adventure.

Type
Novel
Format
Ebook, Paperback, Hardcover
Published
Aug 2026
Pages
462
Language
EN
ISBN
ISBN 978-1-971673
Publisher
Cauldron Books LC

Content rating

Author-supplied. Hover a meter for the rubric.

Language
1/4

rare, soft words

Violence
2/4

limited injury detail

Romance / Sex
0/4

None

Biblical Themes
0/4

None

Author note: There is no sex or romance. There are some instances of violence that would be typical in a medieval fantasy but they are not dwelt upon. They are plot and/or character driven. The 2-3 instances of profanity/crude language are peripheral characters making comments.

Vibe & themes

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Tone

Epic

Tropes

Found Family
Quest
Secret Identity
Character-driven

Themes

Coming of Age
Good vs Evil

Setting

Medieval European

Pace

Fast-Paced

Point-of-View

close 3rd person
2-5 POV characters

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