I would like to thank the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for the ARC of this book. I read an advanced copy of this book, so the final edition of the book might be slightly different. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.

This is my second book by H.M. Long, and those two books have already been enough to mark Long as an author to watch out for. There’s just something so unique about her prose, world-building, and use of magic and mythology that makes her stories feel so utterly immersive. 

This is especially true for Dark Water Daughter. The setting was so detailed and well-written. You can tell just how much time was spent crafting the world the story takes place in, and this care comes through in Long’s descriptive writing throughout. She also does a fantastic job of describing the weather and more physical aspects of a setting as well, meaning that I felt the cold rains of every storm that Mary summoned. This is incredibly important for a book like Dark Water Daughter because so much time is spent outside and on ships. It makes the entire book feel incredibly atmospheric, which always makes the book easier to fall into.

This strong descriptive writing only enhances an already strong magic system. This system felt so incredibly unique, and I loved how literal Stormsinger was as a title. I felt like the magic had so many layers to it, and I loved slowly peeling them back as the book continued. Magic also came with a cost, though, which is something I always really appreciate in books. It makes the magic feel less limitless, and forces characters to make difficult choices regarding their use of it. There were also plenty of magical and mythical creatures and beings woven throughout the story, which only further deepened the magic and history of the story. It really felt like everything clicked together like a satisfying puzzle, even if we couldn’t always see the full image it was slowly piecing together.

The characterization in this book is incredibly strong as well. I was swept up in Mary and Samuel’s stories and found myself rooting for both even when they were on opposing sides. I loved finding out more about their pasts and what drove them, and getting to see the plot shape and change them was a joy. I can’t wait to see how their story continues in Black Tide Son!

Lastly, I can’t wrap up this review before commending the narrators of the audiobook. While Moira Quirk is a narrator I’ve listened to before, Samuel Rokin was new to me. Both did a fantastic job at bringing Long’s writing to life, and this already immersive book was somehow made even more so by their narration of the characters. I will definitely be listening to the sequel, and seeking out more audiobooks narrated by them!