Name: Katie Allard's review of Black Tide Son by HM Long
Item: Black Tide Son
Rating: 3
Author: Katie Allard

HM Long

Following the events of Dark Water Daughter, Sam and Mary are thriving as privateers on the Winter Seas. As they navigate the complexities of their growing bond, in a world that would see Mary as chattels to be traded, the pair are forging a new, better way to live, under the sails of Hart.

But when their latest capture brings tales of Benedict’s capture by Mereish forces, they must make an impossible choice – to serve their nations, or save Sam’s brother.

Thrust into a mission of intrigue and infiltration, they seek to break into the most secure prison on the Mereish Coast. But as they sail deep into enemy territory they find themselves hunted by a cunning and mysterious new foe. An enemy who seems to know their every secret, and who will kill to keep their own.

As the Black Tide rises, and fleets take to the water, Sam, Mary and Benedict are on a desperate race for survival – both their own, and the free nations of the Winter Seas.

The Winter Sea #2

Black Tide Son

Katie Allard

I wasn’t going to continue this series because I found the first book extremely underwhelming but decided to give the second one a chance. I think parts of it are marginally better, but overall I just don’t find myself drawn in by anything here - not the characters, the world, or the plot. It took me MONTHS to read this book, mainly because I never gravitated to it and had to force myself to read it at times. Just a meh book for me. 

The Winter Sea hides a multitude of dangers for our seafaring crew.

Mary and Sam are still recovering from all the magical shenanigans from book 1 but they do not get much of a reprieve before they are locked into a new adventure.  This time Sam and Ben are the focus of the storyline as the crew of the Hart attempt to find a way to stop Sam slipping into the Other permanently and Ben from becoming a complete unemotional shell.

We set sail to far distant shores and learn more about the wider world this time around.  Chunks of the story take place when the crew are separated, incarcerates or otherwise alone and I felt that really helped amp up the danger they were in as they rarely had anyone they could count on. 

Politics are again a big motivation for a lot of the plot and sadly the Navy do not paint themselves in a good light, they were willing to ride roughshod over everyone to win.

There is lots of redemption going on too.  Charles continues to grow a character, lol and I even began to empathise with Ben.  He's not quite likable yet, but he's growing in the right direction.  Mary finally takes things into her own hands and ensures that Sam sees that their love is not a power structure and that they could actually be a powerhouse and a formidable team.

There are some interesting new additions to the cast, including an Usti spy and I'm still not sure if she's on the right side yet!

A great mix of action and adventure with Regency/Privateer vibes and a collop of dry humour!

Nicola Sarah Brooks

The Winter Sea hides a multitude of dangers for our seafaring crew.

Mary and Sam are still recovering from all the magical shenanigans from book 1 but they do not get much of a reprieve before they are locked into a new adventure.  This time Sam and Ben are the focus of the storyline as the crew of the Hart attempt to find a way to stop Sam slipping into the Other permanently and Ben from becoming a complete unemotional shell.

We set sail to far distant shores and learn more about the wider world this time around.  Chunks of the story take place when the crew are separated, incarcerates or otherwise alone and I felt that really helped amp up the danger they were in as they rarely had anyone they could count on. 

Politics are again a big motivation for a lot of the plot and sadly the Navy do not paint themselves in a good light, they were willing to ride roughshod over everyone to win.

There is lots of redemption going on too.  Charles continues to grow a character, lol and I even began to empathise with Ben.  He's not quite likable yet, but he's growing in the right direction.  Mary finally takes things into her own hands and ensures that Sam sees that their love is not a power structure and that they could actually be a powerhouse and a formidable team.

There are some interesting new additions to the cast, including an Usti spy and I'm still not sure if she's on the right side yet!

A great mix of action and adventure with Regency/Privateer vibes and a collop of dry humour!

Katie Allard &
Black Tide Son by HM Long

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Katie Allard &Black Tide Son by HM Long

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Katie Allard &
Black Tide Son by HM Long