4.5/5.0

Dark Water Daughter is everything I dreamed my first voyage into the world of pirate fantasy books would be.

The storm magic, the character development, the world building, the action ?!

First of all… that cover art? Stunning. Simply stunning. I am a total judge a book by its cover person. I will make exceptions but none were needed for this one.
Second of all… the magic system? So unique. So cool. I was obsessed with it. I loved the fact that Nature was so intertwined and a crucial part to how the magic worked. Long did a good job sprinkling in necessary information about the magic and world so that it never felt like we were bombarded and learned as we read.
Ho boy. I love when an author can make me fall in love, hate/despise, root for a character. Sometimes I find it very hard to get behind the characters, and sometimes I just hate how a character is written. I can't even enjoy the dislike for them. Bonus for making it so that I didn’t want to root for the villain of this tale and found nothing redeemable about him.
It was very easy to fall in love with most of the characters. I think James and Fisher were probably my favorite characters. I loved their interactions with Mary and Sam and how their relationships grew throughout the story.
I don’t think I have previously read a seafaring fantasy/adventure story? And even if I had, they got nothing on Dark Water Daughter. The description and imagery Long creates sucked me. To the point where I felt seasick at points. Simply incredible.
This was a solid five star fantasy read and I don’t know what will top it next. I am looking forward to book two in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the eARC for an honest review.

A stormsinger and pirate hunter join forces against a deathless pirate lord in this swashbuckling Jacobean adventure on the high-seas.

H.M. Long is a master of her craft and has, once again, delivered a delightful story. I look forward to the rest of the series.

This book shot its way up to easily being one of the best books I've read all year. I can't imagine this not being in my Top 5 by the end of 2023.

The world building, the storm magic, both the ship combat and the on land action, the CHARACTERS...Dark Water Daughter does everything right. No notes. Not a suggestion or a complaint to be had.

Chapter one immediately hits you and sucks you in so well and the book manages to keep that energy going. I never wanted to put it down. Which is not to say that it's non-stop, fast-paced, action and adventure; the pacing in this book is impeccable, like everything else.

And if I haven't made it clear enough how much I LOVE this book, let me tell you that it completely took over my life because for about two weeks straight I listened to nothing but the Assassin's Creed: Black Flag (the pirate one) soundtrack* and when I finished the book I immediately reinstalled the game because I desperately needed to keep the pirate vibes going.

I cannot wait for this series to continue. Book 2 has immediately become one of my most anticipated releases of 2024. In the meantime I guess it's time to go through H.M Long's backlist to keep me busy.


*Listening to the AC: Black Flag soundtrack in the background is the objectively correct way to read this book. As someone who generally needs either complete silence or plain white noise to read, when I decided to pop that soundtrack on in the background it changed the game. 10/10 cannot recommend enough.

This was such...an incredibly cool book. A fantasy pirate adventure story? It's not normally something I would gravitate towards, but a lot of people I trust have been talking about this nonstop and I had to give it a try and I'm so glad I did.

Our POV characters are Mary, a stormsinger whose voice can control the weather and Samuel, a disgraced Naval officer who are thrown into each other's paths in a rich fantasy world with echoes of the best parts of Pirates of the Caribbean.

The magic system was just so fun to discover while I was reading but I just love a great story that melds personal character stakes so well with harrowing physical challenges. The writing was fantastic and visceral and I felt like I was on these ships as they raced in the perilous winter sea in order to achieve their various goals. There are betrayals I legitimately gasped over and some beautiful scenes I'm still thinking about.

I have to say, this is very much NOT a romance...BUT my romance-loving heart was very much into the very longing looks that Mary and Samuel give each other even when they are at cross purposes. I feel like we are in for the juiciest of slow burns and I am ready.

I recommend anyone who loves high-stakes adventure and whose heart rate still picks up when they hear that Hans Zimmer Pirates' score gives this book a chance. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you SO much to Titan books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dark Water Daughter did a good job of pulling me in with a combination of classic pirate story tropes and more unique worldbuilding elements. Both Mary and Sam have interesting narratives that tie into the magic, and there are some suitably sinister antagonists. I didn't find the climax as exciting as I was hoping - maybe just a little chaotic and drawn out - and it wraps up far neater than I expected for what I understand to be just the first instalment. Also, H M Long seems to have a consistent reluctance to depict queerness in her books - I'm not asking for in-depth representation, but I do expect modern fantasy (particularly second-world) to do a bit better than absence. So not quite as good as it was shaping up to be, but still an compelling nautical adventure.

If you like Pirates of the Caribbean and City of Brass, you might want to pick up Dark Water Daughter.

This is a swashbuckling pirate fantasy set in an arctic landscape. The style of world-building reminded me of City of Brass, even though the worlds in the two novels couldn't be more different. Dark Water Daughter is very atmospheric with a cool magic system and forest spirits.

Our two main POV characters are a Stormsinger (basically a weather witch) and a Sooth (basically a mage who has visions), and they come together to hunt down a deathless pirate on icy seas. There's a touch of romance that will probably develop more in the sequel.

As much as I enjoyed the sense of adventure, the writing style, and the world, I didn't feel like I knew the characters well until near the end. There's a lot of ship hopping and minor crises throughout the middle of the book, which made the characters feel disconnected from each other and any sense of place. However, Long is clearly setting up a complex, richly layered world in this book and I expect there to be more character development as the story progresses in future book(s).

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read! If you like adventure fantasy, solid lore and proper character growth and a proper progressing plot with a tint of romance, this is one to read.

The plot is well planned even if it seemly like it was randomly jumping at first (but trust me it all comes together so well planned), and the little inserts felt like a puzzle until I realised what they were, which was really fun for me. The pirate theme isn't altogether overbearing (which I am glad of), meanwhile, THE FEAS!!!! I love the whole ghistings and the adjacent theme going on <3

The writing style is smooth, and the lore is solid. It's told as the book progresses and not word vomited at you. I loved how Mary and Samuel transformed through the story, they both started so unsure of themselves but grew as their travels unfold. I am quite curious about Benedict and Charlie - would love to see more of their background/inner dialogue! Ben could be so emo it'd be intriguing to see how he turns out!

Looking forward to the next book!

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley (thank you!), and this is my honest review.

This was a really great book! The action starts on page one and never really stops, all while developing an interesting world and fascinating uses of magic. The main characters are pirates and weather witches and pirate hunters and there’s a complicated web of revenge stories and grudges.
The setting is very piratey and oceany and it’s awesome.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that the pacing was really fast so I didn’t have time to fully connect to the characters. I wanted it to slow down a little bit so I could spend more time understanding the details and nuances of the characters. If you generally like faster paced books, this won’t be an issue for you.
I think the next book will be a wild ride and I’m looking forward to it!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Dark Water Daughter by HM Long is a gripping and unique high seas adventure that combines a captivating premise, a colorful cast of characters (both human and mystical), and a touch of magic to create an enthralling tale. The story weaves together elements of romance, peril, and the struggle for identity in a way that kept me engaged from start to finish.

One of the standout features of Dark Water Daughter is its premise, which takes the high seas adventure to new heights. The story follows two characters, Mary and Samuel, who manage to find each other in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Their journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty, but their connection remains steadfast and provides a heartwarming core to the narrative.

The world-building in the book is intriguing, with a magic system rooted in another world. The author has created a richly imagined setting that adds depth and excitement to the story. The action scenes are well-paced and the author's ability to sprinkle little revelations here and there along the way make for an exciting climax at the end.

Mary, our leading lady, is a steadfast and enjoyable character to follow. Her determination and resilience make her easy to root for, and readers will find themselves invested in her journey. Samuel, on the other hand, brings a sense of complexity to the story. Bound by honor and struggling to maintain his grip on reality, his internal struggles add depth and tension to the narrative.

The developing romance between Mary and Samuel is a sweet and compelling aspect of the story. Their connection grows amidst the perils they face, providing a tender and heartfelt element to the narrative but never overwhelming it. This is a fantasy story, first and foremost, with a dash of romance added in for a bit of flavor.

If you enjoy tales of adventure, peril, and a touch of romance, this book is definitely worth a read.

Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

A stormsinger and a pirate hunter who find themselves intertwined as they face off against a deadly deathless pirate lord hell bent on finding treasure and becoming more powerful. Mary Firth is a Stormsinger, her voice has the ability to calm sails, create disasters and shatter armadas. Stormsingers are captured and used as slaves or indentured servants to pirates and Mary finds herself being auctioned off but this is only the begin of her journey as what she is truly after is finding her mother, another Stormsinger. Mary finds herself being hunted by Lirr, a deathless pirate lord who is somehow connected to both Mary and her mother. Then there is samuel Rosser, a disgraced naval officer who is also a Sooth, someone who can catch glimpses of the future and travel into the Other. In this world there are creatures known as ghistens who are made from wood and are essentially attached to ships and they protect and act as a guardian of the ship. Samuel is also hunting down Lirr, as he is commissioned to bring Lirr to justice yet the moment he meets Mary at the auction he can't seem to get her out of his head, especially because she steals his coat and his special talisman that is the only thing keeping him from slipping into madness. Soon both Mary and Samuel find themselves constantly running into one another as they both go after Lirr, deal with pirates and gun fights, betrayals, and the very complicated feelings growing between them. This is a great read for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean! Its the first book in the series and I am excited to see where the next book goes. This book was a bit slow but did pick up by the end so hopefully the next one is better, it did feel like it dragged at some moments but I did enjoy the world that was created in the stories. I am excited to see Samuel and Mary's relationship in the next book and how they grow. Overall if you are looking for a pirate book with a slow burn romance, action, betrayal, and magic then give this one a go!

*Thanks Netgalley and Titan Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

An adventure set on the high seas, where stormsingers and pirate hunters collide in a battle against a seemingly immortal pirate lord.

The author's childhood inspiration for the story adds an extra layer of charm. The world-building is exceptional, immersing readers in a vivid and captivating setting with fascinating magic. From the ancient forests inhabited by spirits and spectral creatures to the perilous sea voyages, Long brings these elements to life with her usual skill.

While the world and plot are incredibly engaging, the main characters of Mary Firth and Samuel Rosser felt somewhat flat for me. They lack the depth and agency that would have made them more compelling. The secondary characters, on the other hand, shine brightly and steal the spotlight. The relationships between these supporting characters and the main characters are much more captivating. The romance between Mary and Samuel feels underdeveloped, lacking the necessary build-up and emotional connection. It is the secondary characters who showcase more chemistry and draw the reader's attention. Furthermore, the story progresses from one problem to the next without much anticipation or buildup, which diminishes the sense of excitement.

Still, anyone whose focus is on the world-building and story beats will find much to love in this book. The book's incredible strengths lie in its rich setting, intriguing secondary characters, the mysterious and almost folksy magic system, and the cozy familiarity of the pirate genre.

Thank you to Titan Books and Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved this book. As a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Dark Water Daughter filled a hole in my heart I didn't know I had. The magic system in the book is unlike anything I've read, and as an avid fantasy reader, this was refreshing. The romance had me swooning, although it was very light. I can't wait to see where this series goes!!

As a girl who grew up obsessed with all things Pirates of the Caribbean, this book was an utter joy to read. The nautical atmosphere, the world-building, the banter, the clever use of the epigraphs as foreshadowing -- it was a fantastic read from start to finish. Mary is a wonderfully crafted heroine, relatable yet flawed, powerful but not invincible, with tense stakes and fast-paced action that kept me turning pages long into the night. Highly recommend!

First and foremost, thank you to Charlotte and Titan books for providing me with an ARC of this book.

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 & 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬: Adult fantasy, Georgian inspired fantasy, pirates and highwaymen, weather mages, sentient figureheads, subtle slow burn romantic elements, dry humour, stormy and wintery atmosphere

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
Set in a Nordic world full of mysteries, Dark Water Daughter was a wonderfully pirate-y and nautical adult fantasy book. Within it, H.M Long sent the reader on an old-school treasure hunt and rescue mission across dangerous icy waters full of danger, battels, and betrayal.

Whilst the worldbuilding in this novel, had a distinct historical essence to it, it also featured some incredible fantasy elements. From unique ship spirits emerging from a fascinating magical parallel world to Storm mages, with the ability to control wind and water, and Sooth´s who have the ability to glimpse into the past, present and future. Just to name a few. Given its Georgian era setting, the beautiful and accurate notes and mentions of historical clothing and its various layers and structural elements, was something that really stood out to me in this novel as well. All of these elements also worked perfectly together with the overall icy and wintery atmosphere of the world this story is set in.
In terms of the characters, I really enjoyed the sense of secrecy and mystery surrounding Mary, which ultimately connected several other characters and their individual storylines. Alongside that, it had a great fast pacing and the flashbacks to Mary´s past gave the book and its story a well-balanced character. Furthermore, Samuel´s storyline and perspective in this novel also provided the main story with a great amount of details and insights into the roughness that prevails in the life of a pirate (hunter). Apart from that, I also loved how this book was full of fearless female pirates, captains, and crew members.

Whilst I highly encourage everyone to pick this book up as soon as you see it in the bookstore, I would also recommend saving it for your winter tbr pile, because it is without a doubt the perfect book for a cold, stormy winters day. Preferably with a hot cup of tea and a knitted cardigan.
Lastly, my only point of “criticism” and I explicitly say this in quotations, because I feel like it was solemnly a me problem, was that whilst reading the book I got very easily distracted by everything and nothing, which made it difficult for me to fully emerge myself into the story.

Dark Water Daughter is a high stakes Jacobean inspired pirate fantasy full of action, adventure and magic on the high seas. It’s dark and gritty, rich and vibrant and the writing and world building is superb. The characters are incredible with fascinating backstories, particularly the main characters Mary and Sam. The magic system is unique and I enjoyed learning about the Ghistings, Stormsingers, Sooths and the ‘Other’ world which I hope this is elaborated upon more in the next book.

The pacing is a little slow here and there so it did take me a long time to read, but nevertheless it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. This is a well written and well crafted pirate adventure which is not to be missed.

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC via Netgalley.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I really enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of the Bone ships by R.J.Barker you will likely enjoy this too. The two are similar in quite a few aspects, but this does manage to stand out with the strength and originality of its fantasy elements and likeable characters. The world building was handled very well, with lore snippets at the start of each chapter building it up over time rather than relying on heavy handed info dumping. I also found this a big lighter to read/faster paced compared to the Bone Ships. Overall very impressive, and I am very much looking forward to the next book.

Thank you netgalley for providing this arc. This was really fun. It was chaotic as hell, and fast paced. The plot was well written and I liked Mary a lot. It took a bit for Samuel to grow on me, but he eventually did. Benedict can go fuck himself and rot, though🥰. I need Samuel to kill him (I’m begging). Also Grant 🫨🫨 bruh. Anyways, I loved the piratey aspect and the world building was so good. The magic system is so interesting and I love the way it works. I need more info on that cause 🫶🫶🙏🙏. I don’t know where the story is going to go from here, but now that my girl and Samuel are back together I’m excited.

[This title was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review]

3 stars

Flintlock fantasy on the high seas! I cut my teeth on <i> Pirates of the Caribbean, </i> so a magical age-of-sail adventure sounded right up my alley. And, for the most part, this multi-perspective treasure hunt worked for me.

While we have two point-of-view narrators, this is really Mary’s story. Mary is a Stormsinger, a woman with the ability to sing the weather under her control. Stormsingers are regularly pressed into slavery or indentured servitude for pirates and the navy alike, so she’s on the run to ensure her freedom—and also to find her mother, another Stormsinger, who disappeared many years ago. Our other narrator, Samuel, is a privateer who has another type of magic. He is a Sooth, someone who can see glimpses of possible futures, and also astral-project into the Other, a kind of parallel universe separated from this one by a veil, from which magical creatures and possibly magic itself come. Both Mary and Samuel ultimately need to find and thwart the pirate captain Lirr, both to rescue Mary’s mother and to stop him from amassing unthinkable power.

The coolest part of the story, to me, was the interactions between humans and Ghistings, magical creatures or spirits that grow from the Other into the human world through trees, and can inhabit the ships made from those trees. The Ghistings and their lore play a large role in the plot, and it’s a fun journey of discovery for the reader to follow along with. The rest of the worldbuilding, unfortunately, fell flat to me. I felt like the different nations of the Winter Sea were only vaguely sketched-in, more two- than three-dimensional, and I struggled to picture the societies that inhabited them. I also felt a little weird about cultural specifics from our history (like redcoats) inhabiting this fantasy world that is clearly not Earth, with different cultures and geographies to our Earth. I did, however, like the close attention and care paid toward the fashion in this book, so if you like that attention to sartorial detail, this may be the historically-inspired fantasy for you.

The book reads like a standalone, but is evidently meant to be a series. I don’t think I’ll be continuing in the series, as, while fun, the book didn’t grip me with the desire to see more of the world and characters. It is, however, a fun romp through treacherous seas, filled with magic and mayhem alike, sure to entertain any adventure fantasy junkie.

If you follow me on any platform, you'll have seen my June was a bit overtaken with nautical themed books, so this early review copy of Dark Water Daughter could not have come at a better time - thank you Titan!

We join Mary, a Stormsinger. People with her ability are normally taken captive by Pirates to use on their ships. Mary does not want this to be her fate, so attempts to ally herself with someone who can offer a better deal.

Along the way, she meets various people some who wish to help her, and some who wish to harm... and some whose intentions aren't so clear.

And one of these people is Samuel, their paths crossed unintentially and now Mary has custody of something Samual desperately needs to keep his focus and track down his target... the notorious Pirate Lirr.. who also happens to be Mary's focus too!

If this story wasn't enough, it also takes place in a world where there are ghost like spectral creatures, that Mary knows from her homeland. They are also in a type of servitude where they are tied to the figureheads of ships to protect them

Beautifully painted world, and a high stakes pirate adventure. Very reminiscent of say Pirates of the Carribean, Black Sails ( especially at its darker tones) or even Assassins Creed Black Flag.

Morally Grey is the colour of choice for most of our crew, but we wouldn't have them any other way! Can't wait to see what comes next in this world

I read as a physical book for the most part but dipped into the audio as well, loved the dual narrators for this medium!