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A review by nclcaitlin
Black Tide Son by H.M. Long
3.25
Slightly let down, but still addictive.
Mary Firth, Stormsinger, and Captain Samuel Rosser of Hart, privateer and a South, are under commission of the Usti Crown.
On the side, they are searching for Samuel’s twin Benedict who is a Magni who can control the minds and actions of others. However, both brothers’ ability to manipulate the Other is corrupted and could easily lead to their death without a cure.
They are also being hunted by the Ess Noti who are willing to kill for the knowledge and skills mages have.
And the division between worlds is at its thinnest during the Black Tides.
The wind did not care for distant threats— it cared only for swiftness and freedom. "Part of me is ready for a new adventure."
Samuel and Mary’s relationship must be carefully drawn as the Captain and Stormsinger is a relationship traditionally fraught with abuse and Mary is the first contracted Stormsinger in centuries. They had to be different to set an example to the world.
We do see more tension and development between them and their characters are fleshed out, especially Samuel’s through flashbacks to his and Ben’s past.
”We are the sum of our choices, and what are we to do when all those choices are evil? When the powers who govern us push us away from peace, and into further violence?"
“We heed our consciences," I replied.
The writing is fast paced and very accessible. This might be an adult fantasy, but the writing makes it easy to understand and gripping for all.
I did find that the characters still lacked that depth I want to latch on and despite the promising and tease of great worldbuilding, it feels like a lot of it happens in the author’s head rather than being shown on the page.
I felt freezing cold and wet throughout this book. The Black waters are encroaching and I’m surprised our characters haven’t caught frostbite yet.
Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with the physical arc!
Mary Firth, Stormsinger, and Captain Samuel Rosser of Hart, privateer and a South, are under commission of the Usti Crown.
On the side, they are searching for Samuel’s twin Benedict who is a Magni who can control the minds and actions of others. However, both brothers’ ability to manipulate the Other is corrupted and could easily lead to their death without a cure.
They are also being hunted by the Ess Noti who are willing to kill for the knowledge and skills mages have.
And the division between worlds is at its thinnest during the Black Tides.
The wind did not care for distant threats— it cared only for swiftness and freedom. "Part of me is ready for a new adventure."
Samuel and Mary’s relationship must be carefully drawn as the Captain and Stormsinger is a relationship traditionally fraught with abuse and Mary is the first contracted Stormsinger in centuries. They had to be different to set an example to the world.
We do see more tension and development between them and their characters are fleshed out, especially Samuel’s through flashbacks to his and Ben’s past.
”We are the sum of our choices, and what are we to do when all those choices are evil? When the powers who govern us push us away from peace, and into further violence?"
“We heed our consciences," I replied.
The writing is fast paced and very accessible. This might be an adult fantasy, but the writing makes it easy to understand and gripping for all.
I did find that the characters still lacked that depth I want to latch on and despite the promising and tease of great worldbuilding, it feels like a lot of it happens in the author’s head rather than being shown on the page.
I felt freezing cold and wet throughout this book. The Black waters are encroaching and I’m surprised our characters haven’t caught frostbite yet.
Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with the physical arc!