Overview

In Dark Water Daughter, H. M. Long drops us straight into the brutal waters of the Winter Sea. Mary Firth is a Stormsinger, born with a voice that can bend wind and waves, but raised without training or safety. When her path crosses with Samuel Rosser, a disgraced naval officer carrying his own shame, the two are pulled into a dangerous chase across icy seas. Pirate lords, living magic and deadly storms shape every decision as survival becomes a daily fight.

Writing & Voice

We found Long’s writing clear, sharp and easy to sink into. The world-building feels confident without slowing the story, and the sea is ever-present, cold, violent and alive. The pacing is strong overall, though the split viewpoints sometimes soften the emotional impact in the middle sections.

Characters

Mary is a compelling lead, defined by both her power and her lack of control over it. Samuel offers a steadier counterbalance, shaped by loss and regret. We enjoyed how their journeys overlap without losing their individual stakes. The wider cast of pirates and sailors adds colour, even if not everyone receives equal depth.

Themes

The novel explores freedom, ownership of power and what it costs to survive in a world that sees people as tools. Mary’s voice is both a gift and a danger, raising questions about control and autonomy. At sea, loyalty shifts as fast as the weather.

What Worked

• Inventive magic: storm-singing feels fresh and well grounded in the setting.
• Strong sense of place: the frozen seas and ships feel real and threatening.
• Immediate stakes: danger is present from the opening chapters.

Minor Quibbles

• The middle of the book slows as storylines split apart.
• Mary’s inner voice can feel less defined than Samuel’s at times.

Final Thoughts

Dark Water Daughter is an exciting and imaginative start to a nautical fantasy series. While not flawless, it offers strong characters, vivid magic and a world that feels dangerous and alive. We came away eager to see where the next tide carries these characters.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5