Overview

The Winter Sea: Black Tide Son is the second book in H. M. Long’s Winter Sea series. We return to the open water with privateer Samuel and his partner Mary as they attempt a dangerous rescue. Benedict has been taken prisoner, and freeing him means sailing straight into hostile territory. What begins as a focused mission quickly expands into political conflict, shifting alliances, and the growing threat of the Black Tide. The sea is no longer just a setting. It is part of the war itself.

Writing & Voice

We found Long’s writing vivid and easy to follow. The ships, the weather, and the magic all feel physical and present. Action scenes move quickly without becoming confusing, and the wider plot grows naturally from the events of the first book. Even as the world expands, the story remains clear and grounded in character choices.

Characters

Samuel is driven by duty and shaped by loss, often forced to act before he has time to question the cost. Mary stands beside him with equal resolve, guided by a strong sense of right and wrong. Benedict’s imprisonment adds urgency and emotional weight, pushing the story beyond revenge toward something more principled. The wider crew also steps forward in this book, giving the journey a stronger sense of shared risk.

Themes

This book is about freedom and loyalty, and what it takes to survive when power is shifting. Magic and politics are tightly linked, and every victory comes with consequences. The story keeps asking who truly controls the tides, both on the sea and in the wider world.

What Worked

• Expanding world: the stakes grow larger without losing focus.
• Naval action: sea battles and chases are tense and well paced.
• Character growth: familiar faces change in believable ways.

Minor Quibbles

• Some recap is needed for readers who have not read the first book.
• The larger cast occasionally pulls attention away from the central pair.

Final Thoughts

The Winter Sea: Black Tide Son is a confident and exciting sequel that leans fully into its high seas fantasy roots. It builds on the first book with bigger risks, deeper magic, and a strong emotional core.

Rating: ★★★★½☆ (4.5 / 5)