Hunt on Dark Waters

September 11, 2023
With this delightful series opener, bestseller Robert (Neon Gods) throws together a fun mishmash of tropes to deliver a swashbuckling romantasy that both embraces and subverts expectations. After witch pickpocket Evelyn is unceremoniously dumped by her vampire friend-with-benefits, Lizzie, she steals some of Lizzie’s family heirlooms and flees through a magic portal—only to wind up stranded in the middle of the sea in Threshold, a watery realm that connects to myriad other worlds. She’s rescued by Bowen, telekinetic captain of the pirate vessel Crimson Hag. He gives her the standard offer: join his crew, the fearsome Cŵn Annwn, or be thrown back into the water to die. Reluctantly, Evelyn swears the required loyalty oath, though she’s still determined to find her way home, vows be damned. The initial friction between stubborn witch and resolute captain grows into mutual attraction, but it’s not until they’re stranded alone on an island that they explore this desire. Evelyn and Bowen have considerable chemistry, leading to both entertaining conflict between them and spicy intimate interludes that put Bowen’s telekinesis to good use. Though the worldbuilding occasionally feels a bit thin, the plot is fraught with danger and treachery, keeping the pages turning. This promises more good things to come in future installments. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary.

September 15, 2023
In this fun and exciting first book of a pirate-themed series, skilled pickpocket Evelyn has recently called off her situationship with a hot vampire by stealing her ex's jewels and escaping through a portal, only to find herself stranded in the middle of an unfamiliar ocean with Bowen, a brooding captain who informs her she's now a member of his pirate crew. Bowen has served the Cŵn Annwn since he was a boy and has strict views both on how a ship is run and how a monster is hunted. As he realizes the other sailors don't share his moral compass, Bowen can't help but find himself drawn to Evelyn. Though Evelyn is focused on getting home and hiding from her vampire ex, who is intent on hunting her down and killing her, she just can't ignore the appeal of the sexy pirate captain with a heart of gold. Robert fans will enjoy this fresh, new setting on the high seas, as well as the enticing spice.

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September 1, 2023

The first novel in Robert's (Electric Idol) magical "Crimson Sails" series follows a feisty, thieving witch who is saved from drowning only to be held captive on a pirate ship. After making the rash decision to steal from a dangerous ex, Evelyn jumps through a portal to escape and finds herself in the middle of the sea. She is rescued by Captain Bowen of the Crimson Hag and is forced to choose between death or conscription to the Cŵn Annwn, protectors of Threshold realm, the gateway to the rest of the realms in the universe. Evelyn has every intention of escaping back to her home realm, and her irreverent attitude forces Bowen to question his role with the Cŵn Annwn. The couple's immediate attraction only grows, and they find themselves courting love and tempting danger in their adventures across the open seas. The worldbuilding and mix of mythologies feel a little jumbled at times, but Robert continues to shine with their inclusive characters and flawlessly executed romance tropes. VERDICT A clever-witch-meets-stern-pirate, open-door, one-bed delight.--Maria Martin

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2023
A chaotic, thieving witch finds herself stuck in a multiverse purgatory with a mysterious and stalwart pirate captain. Evelyn has a penchant for courting disaster, especially when her latest friends-with-benefits situation has gone sour. Seeking to needle her vampire ex-girlfriend, Lizzie, Evelyn makes off with some of Lizzie's precious heirlooms. Escaping from her angry ex, Evelyn takes the only way out: a magic portal that literally dumps her directly into unfamiliar waters. Her saving grace comes from the crew of the Crimson Hag, led by its telekinetic captain, Bowen. Evelyn learns that she's in Threshold, a realm connected to every other realm in existence. Bowen and his crew patrol its waters, fighting off all manner of frightening creatures that seek to make their way into other worlds. Bowen offers Evelyn a deal: She can join his crew or be tossed back into the sea, because becoming a resident of Threshold is permanent, one way or another. Though Evelyn agrees to his terms, she has no intention of upholding them and plans to return to her own world at the first chance she gets. Evelyn and Bowen are delightful opposites. She is cheeky, flirtatious, and has no problem inviting in a bit of trouble. Her attitude often chafes against Bowen's; he adheres to rules and laws to a stubborn degree. Their banter is fun, but Evelyn adopts a "here for a good time, not a long time" mentality that doesn't promise the romance a lasting foundation; it seems more likely that Bowen will become another temporary, no-strings-attached escapade for Evelyn than that they'll have a happily-ever-after. The action and adventure are where things really shine. Seeing Evelyn, Bowen, and the rest of the crew tackle insurmountable odds and dangerous monsters makes this magical, high-seas romp a quick read, even if the romance feels underutilized. The adventure is more engaging than the romance, which is sexy but shallow.

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