3 stars

Fated Winds and Promising Seas is a fantasy romance novel about adventure and found family. The story follows Lucky, a guy imprisoned for a crime he can’t recall committing, whose life takes a turn when he is freed during an attack. He is rescued a magical ship crewed by outcasts with unique abilities. Lucky's journey entwines with Gabriel, a sailor with connections to his forgotten past, as they navigate the mysteries of this fantasy world, confront trauma, and challenge ideas of fate and identity.

The story includes a romance between Lucky and Gabriel, who share a healing sort of relationship. It also emphasizes themes of mental health, self-discovery, and freedom. I did notice though that the pacing was a bit off around the halfway mark, especially as Lucky struggled emotionally, and the world building could’ve been more thought-out. But if you enjoy a cozy, heartfelt story, this could be a great read!

“𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵.”

Thank you to NetGalley for this early copy to read and review!

I read Til Death Do Us Bard earlier this year, which was why I was excited to see this one pop up on NetGalley. I have been loving the kind of silly, adventurous, emotional beats in stories that feel akin to DND. ‘Bard’ was a story I found fit the bill pretty well. Fated Winds and Promising Seas was good, though didn’t quite live up to what I was expecting after Bard.

This book gives an aura of cozy fantasy with found family and some deep seated trauma in our characters. I’d say we got this in spades, with varying degrees of success in execution.

It’s hard to go wrong with found family and I think it was sweet here. The relationship between Lucky and Gabriel was sweet. They care for each other and you see them develop and help each other grow. Parts of this felt rushed, like a lot of it was fast moving or the character changed or developed quicker than you’d expect. This didn’t hamper my enjoyment too much. Once again, I love a traumatized sad boy. And I got two?? Thank you. The story is very much about finding yourself and choosing who you want to be. You don’t have to let your past dictate who you’ve become. Lucky spends a good chunk of the story healing himself and then in turn helping those around him.

It’s definitely more of a character driven story with vague worldbuilding that has the potential to be very cool. I think leviathans are always a really interesting creature to throw into a story. Even if we don’t know where they came from, they’re awesome to see on paper. I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for monster books in this vein.

⭐️ Tropes ⭐️
(Vague spoilers)
-found family
-monster hunting
-pirate adjacent
-deep trauma
-queer normative
-cozy-esque fantasy
-slow burn
-hurt/comfort

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, I DNF'd at 40% after struggling to engage in the story.

This book is about Lucky who has been imprisoned for the murder of his mother. He doesn't remember committing the murder or even his real name. After 10 years of imprisonment, Lucky takes the chance to escape when a leviathan attacks the prison and is taken aboard the Dreamer where he's taken in by the ship's motley crew and meets Gabriel. I adore cosy fantasy and based on the beautiful cover, tropes and intriguing plot, I really expected to love this. However, the book was darker and focussed more on trauma and sadness (not a bad thing in a different type of book) but it wasn't what I was expecting. The writing was simple and easy to follow; however the pacing of the book felt too fast-paced and disjointed.

I did enjoy the characters and would have loved to have seen their relationships develop on a deeper level through a slower timeline. The author has created a really interesting fantastical world which could have flourished in either a longer book or a series of books.

Overall, I think anyone who is look for a quick and easy read adventurous read would enjoy this.

Whilst this story did have cosy fantasy aspects, it also dealt with darker subjects so please be aware going into this that it's not all light-hearted fun.
I enjoyed the fast paced nature of the story and the pirates! Who doesn't love pirates??
I loved the characters and the overall vibes were great!

I loved this book so much! It was a quick and cosy read but it was also a rollercoaster of emotions that felt so raw , delicate and vulnerable! I loved the way The characters have grown on me and the found family that they’ve created has made my heart ache!

After loving Til Death Do Us Bard, I was so excited to read more in this world. Fated Winds and Promising Seas is a great addition, though darker than the more cozy / comedic debut. The characters are one again well fleshed or and you root for them throughout, and the supporting cast brings depth and fun. But it's Lucky and Gabe as the main couple that really shine. Precious softs boys! I love them so much. I knocked a star off only because the ending seemed rushed. Maybe it'd work as a duology? Still loved it though

I loved ‘Til Death Do Us Bard so when I saw Fated Winds And Promising Seas on Netgalley I requested it IMMEDIATELY. A huge thanks to Hodderscape for the approval - it has not affected my opinion.

Bard was a fuzzy warm hug with hilarity and pinch of insanity with a drizzle of necromanctic nonsense, Seas is darker. Lucky and Gabe are damaged by the traumas they have suffered in life and their PTSD responses are crippling at times, but what I love it the way Black has that inform how they show such gentle compassion for one another. Lucky is a hollow shell after 10 years of imprisonment and brutality from guards who resented his existence and they way Gabe gently coaxes him helps him face his terror of people, his unfamiliarity with everything, and his crippling acrophobia. I love the way he slowly learns who he is and the way his relationship with Gabe grows gently as he works past his issues and tries to place how he knows him. The adventure rattles along with the same dnd influences as Bard with leviathan sea monsters, religious tensions, and bad bargains.

The supporting cast is brilliantly colourful, and I love the grumpy sunshine duo that are Gabe’s mothers, Sienna’s abrasive nature but fierce loyalty and Poe’s gruff compassion. The world building gleams from the dark foreboding of the Church of Fate and Ciatherme, and the bright vibrancy of Sea Hall and the life aboard the Dancer were so vivid I was entranced.

Rose Black is a definite auto buy author now!

Thanks NetGalley for the arc, all thought are mine.



Well. This was a rollercoaster. If you want a fast paced book about pirate, fate and love I have very good news for you.

I’ve read the author debut last year and I highly enjoyed it, but this one might be better.

Fated winds and promising seas, is at its core a storm. Let me explain: there is no quiet time here, we don’t have the time to breathe and everything is fast approaching. Including giant sea serpent, also called leviathan.

The characters are so freaking precious, I need everyone to know that Lucky and Gabe are the softest couple ever. They literally went through hell, and yet they’re doing their best to be kind. Maybe we should all learn from them.

Anyway, I loved reading their tale, i couldn’t put it down and I’m so glad I’ve picked it up. And I can’t wait to buy the book itself because LOOK AT THIS COVER. Stunning.


If you like pirates, traumatised characters, fucked up church and worse deities, maybe this is the book for you.

This book is well written and packed full of fascinating characters and magic, but I was left feeling a bit mixed on it.
The first troublesome part for me was that I thought this would be more cozy fantasy like the previous book (same world, but not a series), and this is very much not a cozy fantasy but there are so many layers of trauma which was unfortunately the exact opposite of what I wanted to read. This is mostly a marketing issue to make sure the right expectations are offered so the book can find the right readers.
The second trouble was the pacing. There is enough plot packed into this book that it could be multiple books. Once I finished I thought over the entirety of the plot and I am amazed it was all in one book. Cramming all this into one book left me feeling at times rushed and at times dragged (I felt like they were always walking to somewhere - the fantasy version of a walk-and-talk). It also made getting connecting with the characters more difficult because there was just so much going on. To me this feels like a more plot-heavy book than character focused book.
To me, both of these are just not the right audience/expectation problems. If someone goes into this book looking for a queer high fantasy book that is packing with drama and trauma I think they are going to love this. The author does a great job in creating a fascinating world and the plots are twisty.

3.5 stars

Part romance, part magical adventure, Fated Winds and Promising Seas has a big story to tell - what happens when a world dictated by the tapestry of Fate suddenly is faced with branching paths? Lucky, an escaped/rescued prisoner is about to find out as he embarks on a journey filled with leviathans, self discovery, and danger...

I mostly enjoyed this book, as it was packed full of excitement, charming characters, and hidden secrets. It felt like the next big reveal was always waiting on the next page which meant the story never felt stale and was really fast paced. Unfortunately, this also meant it was hard to always feel connected as it goes through so many events that there never was a lot of time to just let it all sink in.

My favourite moments were on board the Dreamer - I loved seeing Lucky slowly learn how to live again and to understand that the world wasn't just suffering and cruelty. I loved all the little bonding moments between him and Poe, Gabriel, and even Sienna. The romance itself was a bit thin, but the friendships were so lovely. I wish there were more slower sections like this as this is really where the story shined most for me.

The ending felt rushed, and again I felt like I didn't have time to process the heartbreaking situation Gabriel and Lucky were in. That being said, I liked how things came together - it made sense and I appreciated the continuity from all the facts we learned throughout the book.

Overall, a fun read. It has a more high octane feel than Til Death Do Us Bard, so if you like fast paced stories filled to the brim with action and new twists, this is a romantic fantasy adventure to check out.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I think there were some elements which were really interesting, I liked Lucky’s backstory and I feel like it was handled well, I also enjoyed the dynamics of the relationship he had with Gabriel, although at times I feel like a lot of the story and plot came through character dialogue instead of it being written through the words outside of it. The writing was very strong when it came to dialogue, but just needed a little bit of fine tuning when it came to the other parts.

The world building could have been executed stronger, and I feel like more of the lore came out in the last section of the book, as opposed to emerging ourselves in it at the very start. The pacing of the story seemed a little bit off to me as there were a lot of points where this sort of lulled for me.

I liked the found family aspect of this book, especially when we take in to account the backgrounds of the characters which are involved. I also found the last few pages to be quite endearing.

This book is cute and sad at the same time. It's about defying fate and choosing your own path, about how fate can feel like a guidance, a control but also a prison.
I love how the characters fight with everyone and everything to earn freedom and life.
The love story is very cute, both Lucky and Gabriel are adorable, we see them being separated by destiny but always coming back to each other. The growth, the healing journey is beautiful and inspiring.

I will not be sharing feedback on socials.

This book is NOT what is was marketed as. I requested and went into this read ready for a cozy fantasy and was instead hit with a bunch of trauma. 0/10 do better when marketing

In Fated Winds and Promising Seas, Rose Black crafts a mesmerizing tale of adventure, mystery, and the unbreakable bonds of fate. The story follows Lucky, a young man imprisoned for a crime he can’t remember. His world is upended when he is unexpectedly freed and swept into the arms of the sea aboard the enigmatic ship, The Dreamer.

From the very first page, Black immerses readers in a richly imagined world where the ocean is as treacherous as it is beautiful. The Dreamer and its crew of outcasts, each with their unique abilities to manipulate water, create a vibrant backdrop for Lucky’s journey. The dynamic among the crew members, particularly the bond that develops between Lucky and the sailor Gabriel, adds emotional depth to the narrative. Gabriel’s protective nature and mysterious past intrigue Lucky, sparking questions about their shared history and the twists of fate that have led them to this moment.

The pacing of the novel is expertly balanced, seamlessly blending action-packed sequences with quieter, introspective moments that allow readers to explore Lucky’s character and his quest for self-discovery. As they navigate perilous waters, face off against formidable Leviathans, and evade those determined to recapture Lucky, the stakes rise, drawing readers deeper into the story.

Black’s writing is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid imagery of the ocean’s vastness and the challenges the characters face. The themes of memory, identity, and the impact of choices resonate throughout the novel, compelling Lucky to confront not only his past but also the nature of fate itself.

Fated Winds and Promising Seas is an exhilarating journey that masterfully combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance. Lucky’s quest for freedom and understanding is not just a battle against external forces but also an exploration of his own identity and the ties that bind him to others.

For fans of adventurous tales with richly developed characters and intricate world-building, Rose Black’s debut novel is a captivating read. This story promises to sweep you away on the tides of emotion and discovery, leaving you eager for more.

Recommendations: If you enjoyed Fated Winds and Promising Seas, you might also like The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. This cozy fantasy novel features a heartwarming story about found family, acceptance, and magical adventures, all set in a whimsical world that captures the imagination. For a movie that captures the spirit of adventure on the high seas, Pirates of the Caribbean is a perfect match. Its blend of swashbuckling action, humor, and supernatural elements aligns beautifully with Lucky’s journey aboard The Dreamer.

First of all: Warning, this book is not the sweet cosy book the blurbs make look out to be, as they are for Rose Black's other work, Till Death Do Us Bard. This story on the other hand is about characters that are deeply traumatised and experience a few more traumatic events during the book itself.

Although I love the idea of some sea-fearing, traumatised characters with a fantasy religion and a found family that chases giant leviathans... the story didn't work for me. Oddly enough my main criticism is that I wished that it was told in first person, which is something I'm normally not picky about at all. I just wish we could have gotten closer to the characters, especially Lucky, and get a good grasp of his feelings. Now the story left me a little numb and I didn't care enough to be fully engaged with it.

Thank you NetGalley and Hodderscape for giving me access to an e-arc for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This had a different feel from book 1, less cosy fantasy and more dark. It was a brilliant book, just not what I expected from the cover and reading book 1. I enjoyed this and wish there had been some more details at certain points throughout the story. Found family will always suck me in and I enjoyed this one immensely.

This is my second book by Rose Black and I enjoyed Til Death Do Us Bard when I read it even if a few things about the execution didn't work for me. This time, I had a similar experience, except I liked this one a little less. So it feels like a 2.5 to 2.75-star book for me.

The main difference between the two books is the coziness. Til Death Do Us Bard is, indeed, cozy. It felt like a side quest in a game, so it was engaging enough, and I liked the characters and their relationship.

Fated Winds and Promising Seas isn't cozy. At least I don't think that a story where the characters go through so much trauma and pain could be considered cozy, and I think that's something readers should know beforehand. The description also says this provides mental health rep, and it does, but it also explores those mental health issues at kind of a surface level.

It didn't feel to me that the characters had a proper healing journey. Things happened to them and while they did help each other, and I think the relationship between the MMCs is sweet, they change kind of drastically from one part of the book to the other, and we don't really see the process.

I liked a lot of aspects of the story; the characters were likable, the setting was cool, the romance and found family aspects were lovely, and the premise was interesting. But the execution fell short for me, especially when it comes to depth and worldbuilding (the foundations are there, it was just a little surface-level and I think the ideas were cool enough to explore a little more). The writing was also a bit repetitive around certain issues.

The words "wasted potential" feel a little harsh, but they did cross my mind at some points of the story, so I have to mention that. Overall, it wasn't a great book but it also wasn't awful. I see a lot of people enjoying this more than I did, so it's one of those books that you just have to check out for yourself if anything about it calls to you.

This would have made an incredible trilogy, and I say that because it's an outstanding book. I loved everything about this story, but at times I wish there had been more details in certain places. That said the book has unpredictable twists and turns, and it's definitely one of my favs.

While this book sounds incredibly interesting and I was really excited to read this, the formatting through Netgalley made it unreadable for me - I could not change my settings in a way that made it easier to follow, so I will be getting this from the library or purchasing this book instead once it is released

🌊 Fated Winds & Promising Seas • Rose Black 🌊
★★★.5

Read if you enjoy:
🌊 Fantasy romance
🌊 LGBT relationships but make the main one fated
🌊 Sea monsters
🌊 A found family on a ship of sea monster chasers
🌊 People with water powers
🌊 Prophecies
🌊 Religious cults

All Lucky remembers is his name and the cruel smile of the girl who killed his mother. This begins to change when a Leviathan crashes into the prison, where he is serving time for the crime he did not commit. Lucky is literally flushed out of captivity and picked up by Gabriel, who hauls him into a boat of people who needed a place of safety, even if they’re going straight after that Leviathan.

This was a good queer fantasy with amazing nautical themes. I loved the idea of the leviathan chasers protecting the monsters and the shores. I wish there was more of that to be honest. But I did enjoy what I read immensely. I love a prophecy in a book and teamed with a dangerous religious cult made this book exciting! I was really intrigued by the world building, though the plot felt slightly fragmented as not enough plot threads were fully explored and explained. I wasn’t a huge fan of the romance, to be honest. I love the idea of fated soulmates, but the love arc between Lucky and Gabriel has too much angst to settle into it. I also didn’t like how Lucky’s mental health trauma was simply healed by love. But overall, this is a really fun story.

‘I think it’s important to be kind. Not enough people are kind, and I want to make up for it.’