Book Review: Black Tide Son by H.M. Long

Title: Black Tide Son
Author: H.M. Long
Series: The Winter Sea #2
Pages: 448
Publication Date: July 9, 2024
Publisher: Titan
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Fantasy / Romantasy
Synopsis:

Swashbuckling adventure on the high-seas, full of magic, betrayal, redemption and fearsome women, in the second book of the Winter Sea series, for readers of Adrienne Young and Naomi Novik.

A captured pirate reveals shocking news to Mary and Samuel that sends them in urgent pursuit of Samuel’s twin brother, Benedict, but their search uncovers much more than they bargained for. While evading a cunning new foe, Mary and Samuel must navigate the complexities of their own growing bond as they launch a rescue mission within one of the most secure fortresses on the Mereish Coast.

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Black Tide Son, the second book in The Winter Sea series, begins months after the conclusion of Dark Water Daughter, and it’s a swashbuckling adventure from the start! I love the author’s writing style and how vivid and immersive the story is.  The world-building, the characters, the relationships – all are dynamically developed, much like the first book. 

While the first book focuses more on Mary trying to find her mother, this one focuses more on Samuel and Benedict and their corrupted magic.  Early in the story, Mary and Samuel learn of Benedict’s location and go in search of him.  Their story, especially their past and what led them both to this present, is intriguing.    

The chapters alternate between Mary’s and Samuel’s perspectives. I liked getting into both of their heads, and loved how much they learned and grew over the course of the story.  Ben’s story is really interesting, too, as are the redemption arcs.  I love a good redemption story, and there are two that I found compelling.  And I was really intrigued by the magic system and some of the character’s potential corruption by it.  This is a dark and dangerous world, with magic, political intrigue, terrifying creatures, unique magical beings, and so many unknowns.   

My favorite part, no surprise, is the relationship between Mary and Samuel. They have the best banter and so much chemistry. Samuel is especially determined to preserve their reputations since they are working together, and Mary is the first commissioned Storm Singer ever.  And Mary is fabulous. The way she keeps trying to fluster Samuel cracked me up.  They have a delicious, slow-burn romance, and I was so rooting for them to give in to their feelings!

I thought this was a great sequel to Dark Water Daughter. It’s action-packed and suspenseful, and the world is so fascinating, not to mention the compelling characters and dynamic relationships. I enjoyed it all and am so thankful to Titan Books for sending me a copy of the book.  All thoughts are my own.

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• The writing.
• The romance.
• The world-building.

Hannah (H. M.) Long is a Canadian fantasy author. She inhabits a ramshackle cabin in Ontario with her family, but she can often be spotted snooping about museums or wandering the Alps.

Hannah writes for Titan Books and is the author of the Four Pillars Quartet (Hall of Smoke), the Winter Sea Trilogy (Dark Water Daughter), the Entwined Duology (2025/26), Ashmarked (2026), and more.

For the latest updates, follow Hannah on TikTok (@hmlongbooks), Instagram (@hmlongbooks), and Twitter (@hannah_m_long).

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