Fated Winds and Promising Seas had a lot going for it. It was a pirate-y MM romance, with strong mental health rep, and a diverse found family at its heart. At the start, I thought this was on its way to being one of my favourite reads ever, if there is one thing I am a sucker for, it is relationships built on genuine care, but the plot went in a whole lot of directions, and as we neared the mid-way point I found myself increasingly confused.

I do wonder if this book is a victim of the impatience and shortening attention spans of readers everywhere. Black manages to get, into one not especially long book, a series of events that might once had spanned, and sustained, a trilogy. We skip time, loose events of emotional importance and / or plot relevance to glossed over summaries, and manage to wrap up a plot that has gone entirely sideways in the last few pages. I don't want to claim not to have enjoyed some elements of this book. The characters were largely well written, and the relationship between Gabriel and Lucky intense and wonderful, but equally I had a lot of issues with the pacing, and just keeping track of the rapid and sudden changes of direction.

So much happens in this book, and very little of it is predictable. I get the sense that swathes of this were cut out, largely because of the clunky segues, as scenes suddenly morph into something else, and I think that is a real shame. Ultimately this book needed more space, more time, more of a chance to spiral out into a world. Black has clearly put energy into building a universe we only get to see in snatched moments, and must learn to understand as we rocket through literal years of the character's lives.

2.5 stars, rounded up.

I’ve had my eye on this one for ages now as I’m fanatical about anything with queer pirates and I was lucky enough to have been sent an early finished copy by the lovely folks at Hodderscape!

This book was a mix of found family, healing, magic, escapism and good old fashioned fighting against oppression! After being accused of murdering his own mother at aged 14 (something he cannot remember doing) Lucky was imprisoned and has spent years in prison. Now an adult, a freak event gives him a chance to escape and he finds himself on a ship full of misfits and magically enhanced people who can control water.

What follows is a story of healing - understandably Lucky had been damaged from spending his formative years in a cell and it takes time for him to warm up to the crew of The Dreamer. But he is helped by beautiful, smart Gabe… a man who has his own demons to fight and who Lucky thinks he has met somewhere before.

Between them and the crew, they have to fight the all-oppressing control of the church, whilst helping to control leviathans; huge creatures in the sea which pose risks to merchant ships. Lucky and Gabe’s healing is at the forefront, as well as the mystery of who Lucky really is and why he cannot remember his childhood.

I really did want to love this one; the reason that it only gets 3 stars from me is twofold… firstly, the worldbuilding felt rocky to me. A lot of things felt were never really fully explained, such as the existence of the leviathans and the reason for Lucky’s mother’s death - we got some brief deus ex machina style explanations for some key points near the end, but they didn’t really feel particularly fleshed out? The second is that the pacing of this book felt really off… there is a point in the middle where Lucky spends time away from the ship in what should have been a gruelling ordeal, but it was over in a couple of pages. Plus, one of my biggest bugbears, is when an author jumps from location to location with no real explanation of how the characters really got there, and that felt like it happened a lot here. I had to keep checking back to see where the characters were supposed to be geographically!

That being said, it was a solid read and a lot of fun - anyone who enjoys fantasy on the high seas is likely to enjoy it a lot!

Read Fated Winds and Promising Seas for:
✨ Queer normative fantasy world
✨ Mystery and magic on the high seas
✨ Slow burn romance
✨ Touch-averse MC
✨ Agoraphobic MC
✨ Memory loss (think 50 first dates)
✨ Healing after trauma
✨ Found family

Thank you to Hodderscape for the early finished review copy of this book! It’s available on the 19th November 2024 💕

Pirates, found family, adorable romance, D&D-quest-worthy adventure... and did I say pirates already?! This was SUCH a fun read and exactly what I needed to pull me out of an on-coming reading slump. If you need a cosy adventure story during these dark winter months, you absolutley need to pick up Fated Winds and Promising Seas!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the chance to read this book early!

FATED WINDS AND PROMISING SEAS is a high seas tale of promises and fate and fighting to find your own way.

I'm not quite sure I'd call this a cosy fantasy. For one, the stakes are pretty high (religious persecution as a religious order tries to force the world into compliance). For another, the themes and character experiences are quite dark at times.

Lucky and Gabriel have suffered a lot of abuse in their lifetime and have a lot of PTSD to contend with. These topics are given the space they deserve, so it's not a light and breezy fantasy romp with low stakes. Of course, everyone's cosy fantasy definitions vary, so the focus on two people helping each other through life might make it fit the sub-genre for someone else.

It is a very tender relationship all about respecting boundaries and not rushing, giving people the chance to make the moves they are comfortable with. I really liked that neither character pushed the other to take things faster romantically. It's very respectful and a nice change of pace.

This is set in the same world as 'TIL DEATH DO US BARD but reads as a complete standalone. I only realised it was the same world once I spotted that the married captain and first mate had the same names as a very minor couple in the first book. The stories also take part in very different parts of the world with a different focus altogether so you can read them in any order.

An absolute rollercoaster of a read, although there is a romance at the heart of this story, it is far from the cozy romantasy that is the previous book.
I really enjoyed this, but it was darker than I expected. There’s romance and found family, but there’s also having to fight destiny, religious extremism, abuse, imprisonment and sea monsters. The author does an amazing job of conveying the loss of self worth, the self hatred and the sense of confinement that Lucky underwent whilst incarcerated, and also how those feelings were almost like home to him. He struggles to understand his place in the world, and his feelings for the majority of the story.
I’ll definitely be recommending this title, but with a few caveats.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

I completely forgot the synopsis by the time I got around to reading this, so I basically went into this book completely blind, with only the cover to go off on. This was COMPLETELY different from what I expected. I was expecting a cute/whimsical adventure romance and instead I got TRAUMA and ANGST.

Part 1 (the first ~30%) was alright; we meet Lucky, who is deeply traumatised and gradually forming bonds and healing, but part 2 was a huge switch in tone that I did not anticipate or like. This is probably intentional on the author's part, but it was very jarring and took the story in a different direction than what I had expected thus far.

I loved the plot as a whole, but I have a huge gripe with the pacing. The pacing is breakneck fast. Which is a shame, because the plot was so interesting, there's so many different elements involving the conflict between the different religions and the mystery of Lucky's past and how everything ties together, but aside from part 1, the characters don't get to just breathe or linger before getting thrown into another situation. Everything was so fast, I honestly thingk this book could have benefitted with another ~50 or so pages to let the characters just bond or hang out a little in between stuff.

Speaking of the characters bonding, there was not nearly enough of that. Apparently the synopsis promises a found family, and I guess there is one, but I don't think Lucky really bonded with the crew, other than Gabriel and Poe I guess. He does talk to the other crew members but they don't even read as friends, more like, I don't know, reluctant co-workers or something. Some of their dialogue is also kind of awkward too, like they are attempting banter and falling flat.

I do appreciate the romance between Lucky and Gabriel, but I feel like it happened way too quickly. Maybe if their romance started later on, about 50% into the book? As it is, I don't think they had enough build-up. I like their dynamic, and I appreciate how much emphasis was placed on communicating consent, but other than that, I feel like their relationship could have been better developed.

TBH, I would change absolutely nothing about this plot, which was exciting, cohesive and well-developed, but the execution overall leaves something to be desired.

First of all, thank you to Hodderscape, Rose Black and Netgalley for giving me an e-arc to review! 💙

In Fated Winds and Promising Seas, we see someone who was a prisoner for most of his life (and was falsely accused!) ripped out of it, and thrown out into the world. He ends up coming to terms with his own freedom and choices over his own future, as well as finding love and family in a group of people who have all had to give up something to have the ability to control water.

The book is genuinely gripping, and I enjoyed it so much I felt like I had to read it slowly to properly enjoy it (which is always a good thing in my eyes!).

A lot of the book was very much bittersweet, as essentially every choice had <i>some</i> consequences laid out and often times it meant something had to be given up to help others. This led to it being pretty emotional at times.

Both sides of the main relationship are pretty traumatised by their upbringing but while one side was locked up, the other was taken in by the Dreamers and allowed to flourish.

As much as I loved Fated Winds and Promising Seas, I would not call it a flawless book. Most of my criticisms are minor at best, and may be seen as nitpicky.

At the start, Lucky and Gabriel seem to fall in love almost immediately. As you progress through the book it does get more understandable given their history, but I think it could have maybe been further into the book that they fall for each other.

At times, I felt as though the prose was not descriptive enough for some of the settings and as such, I found myself a little lost trying to picture the scene. This is most likely a personal issue and will not affect my review.

I do think that the ending was unfortunately a little rushed, I would have liked to have seen how it would have played out if Lucky and Gabriel were in the castle longer and in a bit more detail.

Despite my criticisms, I very much enjoyed the book as a whole. I feel like while I was harsh it overall did not massively hinder my opinion of the book.

Title: Fated Winds and Promising Seas
Author: Rose Black
Pages: 345
Rating: 3/5

Publish date - 19th November 2024

This was a really sweet book. The characters were endearing and the emotions felt raw and real. The story was dialogue heavy which was a lovely way of reading the progression of the character's relationships. The concept and ideas were interesting. I couldn't predict the storyline which was nice and it was a little darker than the usual cosy fantasy I'm used to.

The found family and tender romance made it incredibly wholesome.

You'll love this book if you like
- found family
- cosy Fantasy
- queer romance
- fated lovers
- happily ever after
- mental health representation

This was an absolutely wonderful read and one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time. I loved these characters and this story so much!

what is the difference between a Promise, and Fate? one you choose, the other is thrust upon you, but both can ruin everything. Does a promise still count if you cannot remember it? the Gods of Fate, Destiny and Promise are all going to ensure they get their dues, and if it breaks the world in the process so be it. follow two very lucky, and very unlucky boys, as they do everything they can to duck fate, keep their promises... and try very hard not to regret what promises they made. this is a bittersweet HEA, with a promise that everything will work out in the end, even if it's not the ways we expect. a beautiful setting on the high seas with amazing worldbuilding and a slow burn romance built on trust, hope, and a promise neither of them can remember.

Fated Winds and Promising Seas is a standalone queer swashbuckling fantasy by Rose Black. After 10 years of imprisonment for a crime he didn’t commit, Lucky takes his chance to escape when a leviathan attacks his castle prison. Thrown into the sea, he is picked up by a ship of leviathan chasers and is taken in by its motley crew that includes Gabriel, a young man who befriends him. But the threads of fate won’t let him go so easily as a murderous church cult chases after him and a series of disasters are harming those around him.

Told in three parts entirely from Lucky’s perspective, I loved the intimacy and melancholia of the first part as he first navigates through his freedom after 10 years of isolated incarceration since he was 14. I always love a contemplative and intrapersonal tone in storytelling even if it is slow and relatively uneventful. As Lucky struggles with agoraphobia and the aftereffects of trauma, he is supported by Gabriel who has issues of his own. Their relationship felt honest and authentic in their development from friendship to romance.

While the book has some cozy elements, I would never consider this book a cozy read. It is a relatively dark book full of trauma and sadness. The found family, romance, and hopeful ending does help soften it, but it is never an easy breezy read despite its short length. One thing that bothered me about the book though is that there seems to be some leaps taken in the storytelling where the turns taken don’t quite make sense given the given information. Same goes for the timing. I think a bit more work on worldbuilding and setting up would have gone a long way.

I liked Fated Winds and Promising Seas (and its whole vibe), but it is not without its issues.

*Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for the eARC via NetGalley

The story promised a blend of magic, adventure, and love on the high seas. However, despite its intriguing premise, the execution falls short in several key areas.

The writing style, particularly the narrative approach, didn’t resonate with me. The storytelling felt somewhat detached and lacking warmth. The premise for the world-building was really interesting, but I would have loved a little bit more development. Regarding the plot, the storyline followed a too linear progression, in which each event was a direct consequence or follow up of the one before. This made the book predictable and lacking tension.

The characters presented the biggest issue, though. I found it difficult to visualize them, struggling to form a complete picture of them. The characterization was inconsistent throughout the story. Lucky, initially portrayed as deeply traumatized, underwent drastic changes within just two chapters, to then shift again a few more chapters later. Gabriel, the love interest, also lacked a stable personality. Their relationship dynamics changed with the plot, often in ways that didn't align with their established characterization. The side characters were superficially written—I could barely remember their names while reading. Moreover, the interactions between characters often didn't make sense, and the dialogues felt forced and awkward at times.

In conclusion, while the book had potential, it ultimately falls short due to disengaging writing style, too linear plot and inconsistent characterization. The lack of depth in both main and side characters makes it difficult for readers to form connections or invest in their journeys.

Thanking NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

"Fated Winds and Promising Seas" (how beautiful is this title? And the cover too) tells about Lucky, whose fate is a rollercoaster ride and his promise takes him to unexpected persons and places. Ever since he escapes from a leviathan-attacked prison, he meets all kinds of people—his soulmate, his chosen family, his enemies, himself. And so his adventure begins.

I was taken aback at how fast-paced it was from the beginning. The action-packed scenes were enthralling, but they were also so jumpy that I needed to flip the previous page just to make sure I didn't miss something, and it wasn't there. The story was often driven by dialogue, so the characters tend to explicitly express their intentions and feelings, and it left very little room for immersive description. It was pretty much go-go-go (A blinding flash. Lucky covered his eyes. Silence. (pg. 302)) that other things like Lucky's mental health, skill development, and romance between him and Gabriel ran rapidly too.

Perhaps I would have more enjoyed it if it was a fanfiction from a fandom I'm familiar with. I feel there are more backstory from Lucky, Gabriel, Sienna and Yale's dynamics than what's already given. Lucky and Gabriel feel like an OTP, Sienna is their tsundere friend, and Yale is their ultimate rival. But that's just me, and I in no way mean it bad because I love fanfiction and this book is definitely professional-looking. But I missed the slow moments to get to know them better, to root for Lucky and Gabriel better, to explore the nautical-themed world better. It puts me on a backseat of a race car while what I want is a sleigh.

2.5 stars rounded up.

Fated Winds and Promising Seas is a fast-paced adventurous epic by Rose Black that follows our main character Lucky in his journey to finding himself. Convicted for the murder of his mother, we follow Lucky along in the strange world of the novel as he experiences everything for the first time. With a dash of mystery, a hearty dose of romance, and a warming tale of identity, Black's novel feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

The story starts surprisingly quickly as it kicks off with a shocking bang. That is much of what happens in the book, everything is fast and rushed and paced at a level you have to catch up to at all times. It feels like there is no time to sit in the moment and bask in the small wins that Lucky experiences or the moments that make up the heart of the book. Even the worldbuilding fell flat at times because of all the potential that was thrown in but not utilized -- especially for the aspect of religion in the book.

But even through this, the book was still an enjoyable read with enough mystery to keep you flipping to the next page. The characters were inviting and felt welcoming in a sense. This applies to the character of Gabe especially who is caring and empathetic and guides Lucky out of the four walls of his cell and into the wide world beyond. The romance that blooms between these two characters is heartwarming and charming especially in the face of the struggles that they have to face during the course of the story.

I would say that the strong point of Black's novel is the ever-present theme of choosing who you want to be and not letting your past or your destiny define you. Lucky's journey toward finding out who he is outside of who people want him to be is definitely this novel's anchor and it did well in settling itself within the story.

Overall, I would say that 'Fated Winds and Promising Seas' is a cozy and adventurous romp that is good for rainy days when you are cuddled up with your favorite fuzzy blanket and drink of choice. It emits the feeling of comfort and warmth within its pages, and it is something that I consider striking.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the E-ARC!

This was a fun, quick and cosy read that had a lot about it that I enjoyed. Lucky's character development is great, the relationships he forms with people are lovely and the religion of fate and promises was super interesting.

While the quick pacing meant that you got to the action quickly, it also meant that the action was over far too quickly. The result was that there was always a new dilemma to be solved but no real time to get to grips with what was happening.

It felt like far too much had been crammed into the book so there was no real time to breathe and just enjoy Lucky and Gabrielle falling for each other. The plot could have benefited from the book being longer or a couple of things could have been taken out. I'm all for a fast pace but I want to enjoy the important moments rather than have them be over in a few paragraphs.

I feel like the story has a lot of potential but it needed more space to develop.

This was such a sweet tale of lost love and remembering who you are as a person. I read the authors debut novel and knew I had to read this one.

I loved Lucky/Rob and Gabriel so much and the found family aspect was so well done. If I could live on the dreamer I would.

I did find the ending to be slightly rushed with trying to sum everything up quickly. But overall I did enjoy this book.

FATED WINDS AND PROMISING SEAS - ROSE BLACK

A pirate fantasy with elements of cosy fantasy while still having high stakes? This book ticked so many boxes for me. Here's a quick synopsis:

When a promise is made, a fate is woven. Imprisoned for a crime he cannot remember committing, Lucky is more comfortable with the four walls of his cell than the world outside. That is until he's ripped free from his prison and swept out into the ocean. . . and rescued by The Dreamer.

Yes, this is a pirate fantasy, but it felt completely unique in so many ways. While the stakes are definitely high, there are many elements that I'd associate with cosy fantasy, like the idea of found family, sweet romance and an underdog hero trying to find their way in the world.

But there's also so much more: there are the mysterious leviathans, an intricate magic system, impressive magic powers, a focus on mental health and an extremely eerie mystery to solve at the heart of this story. And the characters are all believable and endearing - so much so that I desperately wanted to become a crew member of The Dreamer too.

There were moments when I felt like I didn't fully understand the different systems at play, but I still thoroughly enjoyed every single page of this book. And I can't tell you how satisfying it was when all the different pieces started to fit together - it's SO GOOD.

Thank you to Rose Black, NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Release date: 19 November 2024

Review score: 4/5

TWs: memory loss, violence, d*ath, gore

I love these standalone so much!!!! Both of them so far have been so cozy and warming and have also made me emotional. The author makes these characters so easy to connect with and I want another one straight away !!!

A very sweet love story (romantic love, but also friendships and chosen family and self love) mixed with a seafaring adventure, some beautiful mental health rep, and even some commentary about religion, and how we treat wild animals. A bit of everything. The main character has a complete change of personality around the 30% mark; that part was a bit clumsy and almost lost me. Fortunately, I hung on and he quickly reverts back to his true self and the story picks up at a better pace after that. I've seen it described as a cosy fantasy but I'm not sure I agree with cosy. It is sweet, yes, but it's not super low stakes and the characters go through really tough times. Abuse and how one can overcome it is a theme throughout a lot of the book. I think I saw somewhere that someone described the book as a warm hug, and the author said it was more like holding your loved one's hand during a rollercoaster. That's an apt description. It was pretty eventful, and I'd suggest checking the content warnings at the beginning of the book, but yes, through it all is one of the sweetest love stories I've read recently. I do wish the supporting characters had been more developed, and I would especially have loved to know more about Gabriel's mothers and Sienna. I also wish the magic system had been explained and used more in depth. But overall, I loved this and read it super quickly because I couldn't put it down. If you want a heartwarming queer love story with protagonists who are learning to navigate their trauma, found family, good mental health rep and a medium stakes adventure, I would 100% recommend this!

DNF at 59%.

The first 20% of this book was great with its mental health rep, soft queer friends to lovers, and an adventure on the seas. The characters showed promise and I was hoping this would be the perfect cozy queer fantasy.

But as the story went on, the characters started making rash decisions and personality changes that didn’t feel well developed at all. The plot also started to meander a bit and I felt that the pacing was starting to get too fast. And while I was interested in what happens next, I knew I was no longer invested in the book as a whole.

Finally, the world building was very lacking, which was unfortunate because at the beginning of the book I was excited to get to know this space and the culture of the people. But even at 59% of the way through didn’t really know much more about the world.