Dark Water Daughter

Winter Sea, Book 1

By: H.M. Long

Narrated by: Moira Quirk, Samuel Roukin

Length: 14 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

A stormsinger and pirate hunter join forces against a deathless pirate lord in this swashbuckling Jacobean adventure on the high-seas—launching the Winter Sea series, full of magic, betrayal, redemption and fearsome women, for fans of Adrienne Young, R. J. Barker and Naomi Novik

Mary Firth is a Stormsinger: a woman whose voice can still hurricanes and shatter armadas. Faced with servitude to a deathless pirate lord, Mary offers her skills to his arch-rival in exchange for protection—and, more importantly, his help in sending the pirate to a watery grave.

But Mary's dreams are dark and full of ghistings, spectral creatures who inhabit the ancient forests of her homeland and the figureheads of ships. Her new ally has his own vendetta, complete with revenge and a lost fleet, locked in the eternal ice of the far north, and disgraced pirate hunter Samuel Rosser is close on their trail. Samuel will stop at nothing to restore his good name and claim the only thing that stands between himself and madness: a talisman stolen by Mary herself. Finally, driven into the eternal ice at the limits of their world, Mary and Samuel must choose their loyalties and battle forces older and more powerful than the pirates who would make them slaves.

Come sail the winter sea, for action-packed, high-stakes adventures, rich characterization and epic plots full of intrigue and betrayal.

©2023 H.M. Long (P)2023 Recorded Books

Fantastic Narrators and Entertaining Storyline

I really enjoyed this book. I found it because Moira Quirk is one of the readers and I love listening to her!

While the narrative wasn't hugely original, it was reasonably well paced, set up for sequels, and was entertaining overall. I was a bit sad when it finished because I was curious to see what would happen next.

I do wish there was a bit more world-building, or at least explanations of things, but all in all it was a diverting few hours and I will happily listen a sequels, provided Moira Quirk continues as narrator.

Fantastic narrators, excellent action, and a lot of lovable characters

I genuinely enjoyed this book. The narrators brought it to life, and the writing was superb. I’m also insanely pleased to report that while there is a little romance, it’s believable. No insta love, no forced enemies to lovers, no forsaking cause or power for a romantic relationship. THAT is a breath of fresh air. The main characters were all likable and had their own motivations, relationships (platonic, familial, and romantic), and lives. 10/10 would listen to this book again.

Sing a lovely tune

This was a poetic. story about love, adventure, and travel. This included mystery and an unknown scene of what will happen next. I enjoyed the unique writing style of the author. Great book.

Shadow and Bone meets Pirates of the Caribbean

This is one of my favorite reads so far this year. Reminiscent of Shadow and Bone and Pirates of The Caribbean but also refreshing and compelling. Super interesting magic system, world building, and PIRATES.

Highly, highly recommend the audiobook. Moira Quirk’s performance as Mary’s POV is perfect. Samuel Roukin does an excellent job as well for Samuel’s POV chapters, but I had recently listened to Empire of Silence and had a hard time not hearing Hadrian Marlowe.

Overall just a great listen/read, and I will be grabbing the second book ASAP!

LOVED IT

ABSOLUTELY in love with these characters! I can't wait to see what their next adventure holds for them!

readers fantastic, story unoriginal and boring

This novel was a struggle to finish. it had the potential to be good with my mind in the world of Pirates of Caribbean....then I realized how holy unoriginal this novel felt. It seems like rather than just being in the world of Pirates, it was more regurgitating storylines...and not well.