“We’re all pirates, lass.”
I’d gone from one ship full of criminals to another. I clutched the rope and murmured a weepy, “Damn.”

Plot: 5/5

Opening chapter gave such hard core pirates of the Caribbean vibes and I was hooked. The plot moves at a very good pacing that didn’t have any lulls, the peaks of action are well spaced.

Characters: 5/5

“I’d won a chance at freedom, but I might be throwing that away, staring into the large, dark eyes of Samuel Rosser.”

I love Mary she’s smart and fierce, eager to learn what she needs to to survive. Her character growth is so well done. She’s already far into her roguish journey at the start of the book but now she has direction.

Samuel is such a complex character. He’s already a very defined character and his growth arc is more about admitting what wants and going for it.

Before Mary and Samuel even really met I was thinking okay now when will they kiss? I love their instinctual care for each other, even when they aren’t on the same sides.

Writing: 5/5

Long has fantastic voice and each POV has distinct personality. There is incredibly strong and unique world building and magic development. Never before have I cared about epigraphs in books but I read every single one of these. They added to the story and world building perfectly.
This story has winter vibes which isn’t something I knew I loved in a book. I am obsessed

Overall: 5/5
The perfect book for every fantasy lover, HM Long has earned a dedicated with this book.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Titan books for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review*

I had already read this book and was thrilled to be able to listen to it again for a long car trip. Both narrators are spot on and really being the story to life.

I am pasting my review of the ebook here:

I have read every book HM Long has written and I have enjoyed every one but this one was truly special. It is the best yet. I don't know if it is because it reminded me of when I was that young girl who loved pirates and the sea (& therefore pirate of the Caribbean) or because HM Long did such wonderful job creating an enchanting tale. I think what makes this read even more special, as a reader, is knowing this story evolved from one she wrote when she was a young girl. The prose was so atmospheric and descriptive, it was almost as if I could feel the cold and the whip of the wind beside the characters or hear the song as Mary sings.

Everything about the storyline feels very rooted in its world (pun intended...you'll catch why when you read). The characters feel fleshed out and so well developed. I love how they interacted with each other.

The alternating POV between Mary and Samuel was well executed. Sometimes with dual POV books I find I prefer one narrator to another but they both were equally as engaging. I absolutely ADORE Mary. She is extremely courageous and cunning despite having grown up sheltered from the world. Samuel really is THE BEST of men. Charles, oh Charles...can't wait to see where your story goes. And Mary's mother and the other pirates were equally as entertaining to read about.

The fantastical element to this story was so original. I will not going into it because you just need to read it. It is hauntingly beautiful.

Overall, this read was fantastical, atmospheric and adventurous. I cannot wait to dive back into this world.
Thank you for sharing your stories with us HM. I love them all.

I really wanted to love this book. It started strong and I enjoyed the worldbuilding and atmosphere. In the end, it fell flat. Most of the characters were pretty bland and the story just went and went and whimpered.
The only reason I finished was the fantastic narration by Moira Quirk.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

You know how with fantasy books you can say, "it's this book plus this other book with a dash of another book".... not with this book.
This book feels truely original.
Yes it has pirates but they are pirates on a winter sea.
Yes it has magic but it is magic unlike anything else I have come across.

This book was interesting, engaging and refreshing.
HM Long's writing is so descriptive without being too much info. It sets the scenes perfectly.

I honestly can't say enough good things about this book but overall, GO READ IT WHEN IT COMES OUT!