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Daughter of the Dark Sea
Her past was taken from her. Remembering it will set her free...
Captain Kora Cadell survived death, only to lose her life to the shadows, and ten years on from a brutal attack that resulted in her memory being stolen, she’s closer than ever to achieving her dreams of eradicating the pirates that plague the Azarian Islands.
When Kora unknowingly allows a rebel leader to board her ship, her crew descends into chaos after a shuddering death, awakening a forbidden power in her veins. Now, she must hide in plain sight from the Talmon Empire she works for, and her beloved first mate, Blake Marwood.
But, when the outlawed magic growing inside her causes a web of secrets to unravel, and enemies start closing in at every turn, Kora must fight for survival once more.
She’s tangling with death, and secrets are a deadly game, in this dark, swashbuckling romantic fantasy that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Captain Kora Cadell survived death, only to lose her life to the shadows, and ten years on from a brutal attack that resulted in her memory being stolen, she’s closer than ever to achieving her dreams of eradicating the pirates that plague the Azarian Islands.
When Kora unknowingly allows a rebel leader to board her ship, her crew descends into chaos after a shuddering death, awakening a forbidden power in her veins. Now, she must hide in plain sight from the Talmon Empire she works for, and her beloved first mate, Blake Marwood.
But, when the outlawed magic growing inside her causes a web of secrets to unravel, and enemies start closing in at every turn, Kora must fight for survival once more.
She’s tangling with death, and secrets are a deadly game, in this dark, swashbuckling romantic fantasy that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2025
11 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 21, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
📚Daughter of the Dark Sea by G.E. Smith📚
🗓️Release Date September 4th🗓️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off, can someone please tell me why we don’t have more pirate books going around?! I am 1000% here for it 😍
Holy smokes, this book was amazing! I haven’t been this excited about a book in a hot minute! I literally could not put it down…especially the last like 80% 🙈 When a book can grab (and KEEP) my attention from the FIRST page, it gets 6 stars from me. I read for a good time, and a good time was had, reading Daughter of the Dark Sea 😍
The storyline was so good! I loved the magic system, the world building, the mystery and so many plot twists I got a little dizzy.🤣
Nothing makes me happier as a reader, than to have amazing side characters, and this book had just that! We had the fun characters that broke up the tension/seriousness of the book and made me laugh.
This book kept me on my toes and had my mouth hanging wide open at the end 😅 I had suspicions about some things…and I ended up being half right, but still didn’t have it completely figured out 😂
The FMC is so great! She didn’t whine all the time (which is always a huge plus for me), she is strong, fierce and just a badass 😏
I loved this book a lot and for sure recommend it for all my fantasy girlies! Mark your calendars for September 4th! You do not want to miss this one!!
Thank you GE Smith for letting me be apart of your ARC team! You have a winner with this one!
📚Daughter of the Dark Sea by G.E. Smith📚
🗓️Release Date September 4th🗓️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off, can someone please tell me why we don’t have more pirate books going around?! I am 1000% here for it 😍
Holy smokes, this book was amazing! I haven’t been this excited about a book in a hot minute! I literally could not put it down…especially the last like 80% 🙈 When a book can grab (and KEEP) my attention from the FIRST page, it gets 6 stars from me. I read for a good time, and a good time was had, reading Daughter of the Dark Sea 😍
The storyline was so good! I loved the magic system, the world building, the mystery and so many plot twists I got a little dizzy.🤣
Nothing makes me happier as a reader, than to have amazing side characters, and this book had just that! We had the fun characters that broke up the tension/seriousness of the book and made me laugh.
This book kept me on my toes and had my mouth hanging wide open at the end 😅 I had suspicions about some things…and I ended up being half right, but still didn’t have it completely figured out 😂
The FMC is so great! She didn’t whine all the time (which is always a huge plus for me), she is strong, fierce and just a badass 😏
I loved this book a lot and for sure recommend it for all my fantasy girlies! Mark your calendars for September 4th! You do not want to miss this one!!
Thank you GE Smith for letting me be apart of your ARC team! You have a winner with this one!
August 31, 2025
4.75 ⭐️ ARC Review 🏴☠️
Well damn, I need the next book immediately!
The vibes were immaculate, the imagery was so well done I could visualize the whole book and it made me want to read more pirate books. The pacing was great with so much action and well done world building that grew as the book went on and delved me deeper into the world.
Kora as our FMC is a badass with some interesting side characters you follow through the book. I also thought it was such a well done amnesia trope! All I’ll say is that you can’t always trust what you think you know 🫢
Interesting and unique magic system, a host of betrayals, adventure and battle - a truly awesome fantasy read!
Well damn, I need the next book immediately!
The vibes were immaculate, the imagery was so well done I could visualize the whole book and it made me want to read more pirate books. The pacing was great with so much action and well done world building that grew as the book went on and delved me deeper into the world.
Kora as our FMC is a badass with some interesting side characters you follow through the book. I also thought it was such a well done amnesia trope! All I’ll say is that you can’t always trust what you think you know 🫢
Interesting and unique magic system, a host of betrayals, adventure and battle - a truly awesome fantasy read!
September 2, 2025
First of all I would like the thank Torch lit ink and the author for the ARC🫶🏼
I don’t think I have ever felt so much rage reading a book in my life 😂 while simultaneously being so intrigued I could not stop turning the pages.
I was interested in this story from the jump and did think the plot and the private hunting was very interesting and engaging. Also the fact that our FMC has no memory of her life prior to 10 years ago when she was found by her adoptive father, and this entire time she has had a voice in her head guiding her. I was also very interested in the rebel groups and her slowly coming into her powers and trying to figure everything out about her past and who she could trust.
There was some world building in this one forsure with the territories and the past war as well as all the different rulers. And I do feel like she did explain this and the war well in the beginning but as I was reading I did find myself confused a little confused, but that also may have been because I was just reading it so fast lol.
As for the characters I did like quite a few of the side characters. As for the FMC… I did like her in the beginning when she really felt like a bad ass captain. But as the story went on she infuriated me more and more with her decision making. He blinding trust she has in the men around her who were clearly manipulating her sent me into a rage spiral lol. I honestly felt like at times this book was made just to rage bait me 😅 and she would think something sort of logically or be skeptical then donate exact opposite of that and just made gos awful decisions most of the time. And as for the MMC I don’t want to say a single thing because I’ll ruin it but I knew from the jump who he was and what kind of person he was lol. Also my God can this woman write a good villain because whew I about threw my kindle multiple times (like her “bestie”???? Bffr)
With all this being said I desperately need the next book and also need the FMC to get her shit together in the next one.
I don’t think I have ever felt so much rage reading a book in my life 😂 while simultaneously being so intrigued I could not stop turning the pages.
I was interested in this story from the jump and did think the plot and the private hunting was very interesting and engaging. Also the fact that our FMC has no memory of her life prior to 10 years ago when she was found by her adoptive father, and this entire time she has had a voice in her head guiding her. I was also very interested in the rebel groups and her slowly coming into her powers and trying to figure everything out about her past and who she could trust.
There was some world building in this one forsure with the territories and the past war as well as all the different rulers. And I do feel like she did explain this and the war well in the beginning but as I was reading I did find myself confused a little confused, but that also may have been because I was just reading it so fast lol.
As for the characters I did like quite a few of the side characters. As for the FMC… I did like her in the beginning when she really felt like a bad ass captain. But as the story went on she infuriated me more and more with her decision making. He blinding trust she has in the men around her who were clearly manipulating her sent me into a rage spiral lol. I honestly felt like at times this book was made just to rage bait me 😅 and she would think something sort of logically or be skeptical then donate exact opposite of that and just made gos awful decisions most of the time. And as for the MMC I don’t want to say a single thing because I’ll ruin it but I knew from the jump who he was and what kind of person he was lol. Also my God can this woman write a good villain because whew I about threw my kindle multiple times (like her “bestie”???? Bffr)
With all this being said I desperately need the next book and also need the FMC to get her shit together in the next one.
August 18, 2025
Daughter of the Dark Sea is a much needed, refreshing story in the fantasy world. The story is new and unique. Smith builds a unique world for us to get lost in, and I was sucked in from the start. I loved the layers of complexity to this story. The politics, the magic, the mystery and intrigue! I couldn't put it down. Needless to say, I am HOOKED and will desperately be waiting for the next book in this series! Thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read.
September 3, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
𝓓𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓢𝓮𝓪 By @gesmithauthor
Tropes:
• Dark romantasy
• Pirates
• Amnesia
• Revenge quests
• Morally grey characters
• Battles/sword fights
• Magic, darkness and emotional themes
Triggers:
• Blood/Gore
• Violence
• Death
• Sexual themes
check full trigger list
Just finished Daughter of the Dark Sea by @gesmithauthor, and my heart still feels like it’s riding waves~ dark, brutal, and strangely beautiful ones. This book doesn’t ask you to fall in love with its world…it dares you to survive it.
From first page, I was pulled into the raw, salt-soaked life of Kora, a pirate hunter haunted by a past she can’t remember. She’s sharp edges and aching wounds, wrapped in secrets she doesn’t yet understand. Her journey isn’t about glory or romance, though both linger at the edges, it’s about survival, power, memory, and revenge.
The romance simmers beneath every tense interaction, forbidden and electric, but it never overshadows the heart of the story. The bond between Kora and her first mate is complex and heavy with history, most of it unspoken. It’s the kind of tension that makes you hold your breath every time they share the page.
This isn’t a gentle book. It’s violent, emotional, and unflinching in how it handles trauma and vengeance. The writing is lyrical and cinematic, like reading a storm, and the world feels massive yet claustrophobic - politics, rebellion, ancient powers, all pressing in at once. There were scenes I had to pause and sit with, not because they were slow, but because they hit too hard too fast.
It’s not for the faint of heart, and I’d strongly recommend checking content warnings before diving in. But if you love your fantasy brutal, honest, and just a little bit unhinged…if you’re drawn to women who burn down the world before letting it take them again, then this one belongs on your shelf.
Daughter of the Dark Sea isn’t here to coddle you. It’s here to challenge you. And maybe, to remind you that even in the darkest waters, there’s a strange kind of light. 🌊
𝓓𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓢𝓮𝓪 By @gesmithauthor
Tropes:
• Dark romantasy
• Pirates
• Amnesia
• Revenge quests
• Morally grey characters
• Battles/sword fights
• Magic, darkness and emotional themes
Triggers:
• Blood/Gore
• Violence
• Death
• Sexual themes
check full trigger list
Just finished Daughter of the Dark Sea by @gesmithauthor, and my heart still feels like it’s riding waves~ dark, brutal, and strangely beautiful ones. This book doesn’t ask you to fall in love with its world…it dares you to survive it.
From first page, I was pulled into the raw, salt-soaked life of Kora, a pirate hunter haunted by a past she can’t remember. She’s sharp edges and aching wounds, wrapped in secrets she doesn’t yet understand. Her journey isn’t about glory or romance, though both linger at the edges, it’s about survival, power, memory, and revenge.
The romance simmers beneath every tense interaction, forbidden and electric, but it never overshadows the heart of the story. The bond between Kora and her first mate is complex and heavy with history, most of it unspoken. It’s the kind of tension that makes you hold your breath every time they share the page.
This isn’t a gentle book. It’s violent, emotional, and unflinching in how it handles trauma and vengeance. The writing is lyrical and cinematic, like reading a storm, and the world feels massive yet claustrophobic - politics, rebellion, ancient powers, all pressing in at once. There were scenes I had to pause and sit with, not because they were slow, but because they hit too hard too fast.
It’s not for the faint of heart, and I’d strongly recommend checking content warnings before diving in. But if you love your fantasy brutal, honest, and just a little bit unhinged…if you’re drawn to women who burn down the world before letting it take them again, then this one belongs on your shelf.
Daughter of the Dark Sea isn’t here to coddle you. It’s here to challenge you. And maybe, to remind you that even in the darkest waters, there’s a strange kind of light. 🌊
September 2, 2025
okay first of all, WHAT THE FUCK 😭 okay not gonna say anymore to avoid spoiling the book. but this deserves ALL the stars!!!!!
i have been a big fan of pirate movies and stories since i was a kid, especially with the PoC series and Treasure Planet. but when you combine a FEMALE captain who's badass with powers AND piracy? THIS is the result. an AMAZING book!
i swear we need more badass FMC that are also captains of a ship who can wield powers. and i just hated how most of my guesses were right, with my gut telling me about certain things and actually being right about them. i only did not expect the twist that happened in the last chapters.
and the portrayal of amnesia? *chef's kiss*
all i can say is this, once you start reading it, you'll have a hard time putting it down. so you better be ready to be seated for the duration of reading this book. (oh and you might need a pillow or a corner of a room to scream in and a sofa or bed to rest in after the adrenaline rush, because i sure did)
please do be mindful of the tags/triggers. keep yourself safe at all times 🫶
SO EXCITED FOR THIS RELEASE!!! and i'm so nervous and excited on what might happen in book 2 🥹😭
i have been a big fan of pirate movies and stories since i was a kid, especially with the PoC series and Treasure Planet. but when you combine a FEMALE captain who's badass with powers AND piracy? THIS is the result. an AMAZING book!
i swear we need more badass FMC that are also captains of a ship who can wield powers. and i just hated how most of my guesses were right, with my gut telling me about certain things and actually being right about them. i only did not expect the twist that happened in the last chapters.
and the portrayal of amnesia? *chef's kiss*
all i can say is this, once you start reading it, you'll have a hard time putting it down. so you better be ready to be seated for the duration of reading this book. (oh and you might need a pillow or a corner of a room to scream in and a sofa or bed to rest in after the adrenaline rush, because i sure did)
please do be mindful of the tags/triggers. keep yourself safe at all times 🫶
SO EXCITED FOR THIS RELEASE!!! and i'm so nervous and excited on what might happen in book 2 🥹😭
September 4, 2025
It took me a little time to get into the story,
but when I got there, this was an amazing
read. I always marvel at how people can
keep a book that's set in one place, like a
ship, for a lot of the time interesting. But I
liked the history, magic system and world
building of this place.
The ship lore really spoke to me, the
names and descriptions of figurehead
dragged me right in.
But G.E. Smith definitely manages to keep
this interesting, with a great FMC and
wonderful side characters to keep us
entertained and on our toes.
The twists that I didn't see coming twisted
like a ship on a wild ocean, but in a
mindblowing way, instead of causing
nauseating sea sickness.
Nothing and no one is exactly what they
seem, and kudos to this writer who keeps
it entertaining and me on the edge of my
seat. It's always a gamble reading a book
for a new (to me) writer, but this gamble
paid off.
This book will keep my mind busy for a
few days yet and I can't wait to see what
happens next.
but when I got there, this was an amazing
read. I always marvel at how people can
keep a book that's set in one place, like a
ship, for a lot of the time interesting. But I
liked the history, magic system and world
building of this place.
The ship lore really spoke to me, the
names and descriptions of figurehead
dragged me right in.
But G.E. Smith definitely manages to keep
this interesting, with a great FMC and
wonderful side characters to keep us
entertained and on our toes.
The twists that I didn't see coming twisted
like a ship on a wild ocean, but in a
mindblowing way, instead of causing
nauseating sea sickness.
Nothing and no one is exactly what they
seem, and kudos to this writer who keeps
it entertaining and me on the edge of my
seat. It's always a gamble reading a book
for a new (to me) writer, but this gamble
paid off.
This book will keep my mind busy for a
few days yet and I can't wait to see what
happens next.
September 24, 2025
3.75 stars ⭐
I spent so much of this book confused but also wanting more.
Sometimes there was just random pieces of lore dropped that felt so unnecessary, or plot convenient.
At points I found things really frustrating and felt like I was going through whiplash with Kora - but I suppose it reflected well on the confusion she is experiencing.
The last 15% though? I woke up this morning, planning to go gym after reading 1 chapter. But then I couldn’t put my kindle down 😭 Thanks for giving me an excuse to not go gym <3
I am really intrigued by Raiden’s character, I’m disappointed he was only introduced at the end.
I’ll be needing a sequel now to see how this continues.
Thanks!
I spent so much of this book confused but also wanting more.
Sometimes there was just random pieces of lore dropped that felt so unnecessary, or plot convenient.
At points I found things really frustrating and felt like I was going through whiplash with Kora - but I suppose it reflected well on the confusion she is experiencing.
The last 15% though? I woke up this morning, planning to go gym after reading 1 chapter. But then I couldn’t put my kindle down 😭 Thanks for giving me an excuse to not go gym <3
I am really intrigued by Raiden’s character, I’m disappointed he was only introduced at the end.
I’ll be needing a sequel now to see how this continues.
Thanks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2025
Daughter of the Dark Sea is a dark romantic fantasy set in a world of pirates and forbidden magic. The story starts 10 years after a brutal accident that left our FMC Kora with no memories of her past. This story is immersive, has pirates, gods, mages, morally gray characters, violence, and gore. You can expect a slow burn, with low spice, although this does not need it, there is plenty of adventure and suspense. This ends on a cliffhanger, I am more than anxious to see what happens next.
September 22, 2025
This story was utterly incredible. Intricately woven, fast-paced and plenty of action. It was so beautifully written it’s hard to believe this is a debut!!
And that ending… I need more immediately!
And that ending… I need more immediately!
November 13, 2025
✨ Update ✨
Time has flown since I got to read an early copy of Daughter of the Dark Sea! It’s been amazing seeing all the reviews and support for this book,and now so many people finally get to dive into Kora’s story.
There’s so much depth, humour, and brooding need in this world that it was impossible to put down, even back when it was still in its early stages.
If you are wanting a pirate fantasy with GORGEOUS characters, world building, deceit, MAGIC, forbidden romance there is soooo much to discover and we are just getting started. Honestly can’t wait to read book two.
Review – 1st April 2025
Finished reading draft 2 of Daughter of the Dark Sea and I can already tell people are going to love it — the story and characters pull you right in. Annoyingly, now I have to wait foreverrrr for book 2!
Here’s hoping this incredible indie author gets published soon so even more readers can enjoy the tales of Kora. 💙🌊
Time has flown since I got to read an early copy of Daughter of the Dark Sea! It’s been amazing seeing all the reviews and support for this book,and now so many people finally get to dive into Kora’s story.
There’s so much depth, humour, and brooding need in this world that it was impossible to put down, even back when it was still in its early stages.
If you are wanting a pirate fantasy with GORGEOUS characters, world building, deceit, MAGIC, forbidden romance there is soooo much to discover and we are just getting started. Honestly can’t wait to read book two.
Review – 1st April 2025
Finished reading draft 2 of Daughter of the Dark Sea and I can already tell people are going to love it — the story and characters pull you right in. Annoyingly, now I have to wait foreverrrr for book 2!
Here’s hoping this incredible indie author gets published soon so even more readers can enjoy the tales of Kora. 💙🌊
September 4, 2025
Daughter of the Dark Sea by G E Smith 🌊 🏴☠️
ARC copy kindly gifted via Torch Lit Ink 📚 🖊️
***Her past was taken from her. Remembering it will set her free...
Captain Kora Cadell survived death, only to lose her life to the shadows, and ten years on from a brutal attack that resulted in her memory being stolen, she’s closer than ever to achieving her dreams of eradicating the pirates that plague the Azarian Islands.
When Kora unknowingly allows a rebel leader to board her ship, her crew descends into chaos after a shuddering death, awakening a forbidden power in her veins. Now, she must hide in plain sight from the Talmon Empire she works for, and her beloved first mate, Blake Marwood.
But, when the outlawed magic growing inside her causes a web of secrets to unravel, and enemies start closing in at every turn, Kora must fight for survival once more.
She’s tangling with death, and secrets are a deadly game, in this dark, swashbuckling romantic fantasy that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.***
🏴☠️ Pirates ✅
✨ Magic ✅
💖 Forbidden Romance ✅
💁🏻♀️ Strong Female Lead ✅
🌪️ Plot Twists ✅
So I started this and it was fine.. it was a good read.. didn’t absolutely love it, didn’t dislike it and then at about 20% in, it was all systems go and 👀
This book had a lot of twists and I really couldn’t work anything out that was going to happen! I suspected a couple of things but about 1 of those actually was right.
The story is good, the characters were likeable (except Blake, he just came across as a tool 🪚), and the twists were twisting 👀
My only issue with this book is the MAJOR plot twist it ended on 😩 so many unanswered questions to wait for the second book! 🤣
Available from today and definitely recommend!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
ARC copy kindly gifted via Torch Lit Ink 📚 🖊️
***Her past was taken from her. Remembering it will set her free...
Captain Kora Cadell survived death, only to lose her life to the shadows, and ten years on from a brutal attack that resulted in her memory being stolen, she’s closer than ever to achieving her dreams of eradicating the pirates that plague the Azarian Islands.
When Kora unknowingly allows a rebel leader to board her ship, her crew descends into chaos after a shuddering death, awakening a forbidden power in her veins. Now, she must hide in plain sight from the Talmon Empire she works for, and her beloved first mate, Blake Marwood.
But, when the outlawed magic growing inside her causes a web of secrets to unravel, and enemies start closing in at every turn, Kora must fight for survival once more.
She’s tangling with death, and secrets are a deadly game, in this dark, swashbuckling romantic fantasy that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.***
🏴☠️ Pirates ✅
✨ Magic ✅
💖 Forbidden Romance ✅
💁🏻♀️ Strong Female Lead ✅
🌪️ Plot Twists ✅
So I started this and it was fine.. it was a good read.. didn’t absolutely love it, didn’t dislike it and then at about 20% in, it was all systems go and 👀
This book had a lot of twists and I really couldn’t work anything out that was going to happen! I suspected a couple of things but about 1 of those actually was right.
The story is good, the characters were likeable (except Blake, he just came across as a tool 🪚), and the twists were twisting 👀
My only issue with this book is the MAJOR plot twist it ended on 😩 so many unanswered questions to wait for the second book! 🤣
Available from today and definitely recommend!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
September 8, 2025
Tropes:
She has amnesia
Forbidden Romance
Pirates
She wants revenge
Secrets & Rebellions
Everyone's morally grey 😈
Naval battles
Sword fights
Found Family
Hunter becomes hunted
Complex magic system
Her past was taken from her. Remembering it will set her free...She’s tangling with death, and secrets are a deadly game,
in this dark, swashbuckling romantic fantasy that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Daughter of the Dark Sea is here and it features a forbidden romance with pirates, rebellions, and everyone is morally grey. 😈
REVIEW:
I absolutely love anything that has to do with pirates. This book is even better because it is dark piracy at its best. Not only do we have our amazing main female character, Kora but, we have a host of side characters that really bring the story to life.
The writing in this book was phenomenal and I could picture everything because it was written so vividly. With that said definitely be prepared for some serious violence and death. I loved the goriness of certain parts, but that's just me, so definitely check your triggers.
I love how well written and thought out the amnesia aspect of the story was. It felt very authentic and I also feel that it was written with a level of finesse in dealing with that topic.
This book definitely shows that deception is always around the corner. It also shows that you can't always trust what you think to be true. Sometimes the truth is simply just not the truth.
This was 110% a 5 star read for me. If feel like if I could give it ten stars I would. This is definitely one to add to your must read list.
She has amnesia
Forbidden Romance
Pirates
She wants revenge
Secrets & Rebellions
Everyone's morally grey 😈
Naval battles
Sword fights
Found Family
Hunter becomes hunted
Complex magic system
Her past was taken from her. Remembering it will set her free...She’s tangling with death, and secrets are a deadly game,
in this dark, swashbuckling romantic fantasy that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Daughter of the Dark Sea is here and it features a forbidden romance with pirates, rebellions, and everyone is morally grey. 😈
REVIEW:
I absolutely love anything that has to do with pirates. This book is even better because it is dark piracy at its best. Not only do we have our amazing main female character, Kora but, we have a host of side characters that really bring the story to life.
The writing in this book was phenomenal and I could picture everything because it was written so vividly. With that said definitely be prepared for some serious violence and death. I loved the goriness of certain parts, but that's just me, so definitely check your triggers.
I love how well written and thought out the amnesia aspect of the story was. It felt very authentic and I also feel that it was written with a level of finesse in dealing with that topic.
This book definitely shows that deception is always around the corner. It also shows that you can't always trust what you think to be true. Sometimes the truth is simply just not the truth.
This was 110% a 5 star read for me. If feel like if I could give it ten stars I would. This is definitely one to add to your must read list.
September 3, 2025
4.5*
This book was such a trip! From the very first chapter we’re thrown straight into the action—a naval battle, some sword fights, and even a clash with pirates, all packed into just the opening chapters.
One of the highlights for me was the main character, Captain Kora Cadell. I always enjoy reading about strong, complex female leads, and Kora definitely delivers. She’s driven by a thirst for revenge, tied to a forgotten past she’s still trying to uncover. The mysterious voice she keeps hearing only adds to the tension, and as the story unfolds, she begins to realize that what she’s been told since losing her memory may not be the entire truth.
The pacing was fantastic—fast, action-filled, and never dragging. The author weaves in intrigue and betrayal beautifully, keeping me guessing right until the very end about who could be trusted, who was really good, and who was the bad ones ! Kora’s character arc stood out as well; it was satisfying to watch her grow as she pieced together fragments of her past while facing defeat, betrayal, and impossible choices.
Overall, this was an exciting and well-written adventure that kept me hooked. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next and where Kora’s journey will take her.
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC, and I want to thanks G.E Smith and her team for the opportunity.
This book was such a trip! From the very first chapter we’re thrown straight into the action—a naval battle, some sword fights, and even a clash with pirates, all packed into just the opening chapters.
One of the highlights for me was the main character, Captain Kora Cadell. I always enjoy reading about strong, complex female leads, and Kora definitely delivers. She’s driven by a thirst for revenge, tied to a forgotten past she’s still trying to uncover. The mysterious voice she keeps hearing only adds to the tension, and as the story unfolds, she begins to realize that what she’s been told since losing her memory may not be the entire truth.
The pacing was fantastic—fast, action-filled, and never dragging. The author weaves in intrigue and betrayal beautifully, keeping me guessing right until the very end about who could be trusted, who was really good, and who was the bad ones ! Kora’s character arc stood out as well; it was satisfying to watch her grow as she pieced together fragments of her past while facing defeat, betrayal, and impossible choices.
Overall, this was an exciting and well-written adventure that kept me hooked. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what comes next and where Kora’s journey will take her.
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC, and I want to thanks G.E Smith and her team for the opportunity.
September 5, 2025
Kora Cadell is such an interesting woman — determined, fierce, and begins absolutely dedicated to her mission of hunting pirates and avenging her family. I really enjoyed how the book throws her into circumstances where this certainty begins to falter after a pirate lord hints that not everything she’s believed is true. Add to that a forbidden romance, an unexpected alliance with a rebel leader, and secrets held far too tightly by those closest to her connected to her lack of memory of her past, and you’ve got a story packed with tension and intrigue.
The setting is wonderfully atmospheric — the Azarian Islands feel dangerous and alive, and the mix of politics, rebellion, and outlawed magic gave a great sense of where it was set as well as the context around the events Kora sees unfold. It really felt like a fantasy version of the Carribbean and is such a beautiful backdrop!
Daughter of the Sea is very much a swashbuckling romantasy, with morally grey choices and high emotional stakes which made my heart ache for Kora and the unfairness she has been forced into. Not to give away spoilers, but also is absolutely not as it seems!!
Overall, this was a strong, atmospheric debut that blended pirates, rsistance, betrayal, secrets and a tinge of hope. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for book two!
The setting is wonderfully atmospheric — the Azarian Islands feel dangerous and alive, and the mix of politics, rebellion, and outlawed magic gave a great sense of where it was set as well as the context around the events Kora sees unfold. It really felt like a fantasy version of the Carribbean and is such a beautiful backdrop!
Daughter of the Sea is very much a swashbuckling romantasy, with morally grey choices and high emotional stakes which made my heart ache for Kora and the unfairness she has been forced into. Not to give away spoilers, but also is absolutely not as it seems!!
Overall, this was a strong, atmospheric debut that blended pirates, rsistance, betrayal, secrets and a tinge of hope. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for book two!
September 5, 2025
"Her past was taken from her. Remembering will set her free."
Oh. My. God. What a journey.. literally ❤️🔥
I can't believe this book! And I need the next one immediately! This was an amazing adventure, and so much was happening: so many secrets, so many betrayals and so many enemies!
I love Kora, she was a force of her own and never took NO for an answer. She was trying to make her own path, as Captain of The Hell's Serpent, following her new-father's footsteps and seeking vengeance against the pirates who destroyed her true family.. or so she thought. ☠️
This book has it all: romance, battles, friendship, pirates, royalty and gore. So much gore.. And everything truly was happening all at once. It was epic and intense from beginning to end. AND I LOVED IT 🔥
If you like this tropes, you'll love this book:
❤️🩹 Amnesia
🏴☠️ Pirates
⚔️ Epic Battles & Wars
💫 Gods & Goddesses
🔥 Forbidden Love
💔 Secrets & Betrayals
🍃 Elemental Magic
🖤 Hidden Identities
Amazing quote: "She'd been lied to. She'd been betrayed. She'd been abused, locked up, and chained. And Captain Kora Cadell had had enough. Now it was time to break free. She would not be conquered."
Thank you G.E.Smith for letting me be part of your ARC Team, and I absolutely loved your story ❤️🔥
Oh. My. God. What a journey.. literally ❤️🔥
I can't believe this book! And I need the next one immediately! This was an amazing adventure, and so much was happening: so many secrets, so many betrayals and so many enemies!
I love Kora, she was a force of her own and never took NO for an answer. She was trying to make her own path, as Captain of The Hell's Serpent, following her new-father's footsteps and seeking vengeance against the pirates who destroyed her true family.. or so she thought. ☠️
This book has it all: romance, battles, friendship, pirates, royalty and gore. So much gore.. And everything truly was happening all at once. It was epic and intense from beginning to end. AND I LOVED IT 🔥
If you like this tropes, you'll love this book:
❤️🩹 Amnesia
🏴☠️ Pirates
⚔️ Epic Battles & Wars
💫 Gods & Goddesses
🔥 Forbidden Love
💔 Secrets & Betrayals
🍃 Elemental Magic
🖤 Hidden Identities
Amazing quote: "She'd been lied to. She'd been betrayed. She'd been abused, locked up, and chained. And Captain Kora Cadell had had enough. Now it was time to break free. She would not be conquered."
Thank you G.E.Smith for letting me be part of your ARC Team, and I absolutely loved your story ❤️🔥
August 18, 2025
4.25⭐️
this book was truly such an amazing experience. as someone who has been obsessed with pirates their whole life (yes i’m autistic why do you ask), and now reads primarily books about fantasy and magic, this was such a perfect blend of the two.
the fmc, kora, is the only female captain of the empire. already, we know that means we have to deal with the bs of nearly every single man around her (trust me, you will be screaming at them). she has no memory of her past and spends her days hunting pirates with her crew. but everything changes as the idea that perhaps magic hasn’t been lost from the world and maybe, just maybe, you’re not always on the right side of a war.
for people who love gritty worlds, the struggles of being a woman in a male dominated world, elemental magic, forbidden love, and a story that builds slowly until a final crescendo in the end that leaves you begging for the next book.
thank you endlessly for the arc!
this book was truly such an amazing experience. as someone who has been obsessed with pirates their whole life (yes i’m autistic why do you ask), and now reads primarily books about fantasy and magic, this was such a perfect blend of the two.
the fmc, kora, is the only female captain of the empire. already, we know that means we have to deal with the bs of nearly every single man around her (trust me, you will be screaming at them). she has no memory of her past and spends her days hunting pirates with her crew. but everything changes as the idea that perhaps magic hasn’t been lost from the world and maybe, just maybe, you’re not always on the right side of a war.
for people who love gritty worlds, the struggles of being a woman in a male dominated world, elemental magic, forbidden love, and a story that builds slowly until a final crescendo in the end that leaves you begging for the next book.
thank you endlessly for the arc!
August 25, 2025
4⭐️ 📚ARC Review📚
While learning sailing and reading a book with naval warfare I realized I NEEDED more of that vibe. Then I found Daughter of the Dark Sea and it did not disappoint.
We got:
- pirates and beautiful sailing ships
- an unique magic system which I am pretty sure will be further discovered in the next book
- politics (but not the boring way)
- a strong fmc with daggers
- every character is important and most of them not who you think they are
- plot twists, some predictable if you read a lot of fantasy, some shocking
I needed around 30% to get into the story because the setting on the ships was completely different to my standard reads but after that it was so capturing and I did not wanted to put it down. Around the middle I was very confused but not that type of confusion where you just don’t get it but where you are supposed to be confused and everything makes perfectly sense if you continue the story.
Can’t wait to return to the seas with Captain Kora Cadell🌊
While learning sailing and reading a book with naval warfare I realized I NEEDED more of that vibe. Then I found Daughter of the Dark Sea and it did not disappoint.
We got:
- pirates and beautiful sailing ships
- an unique magic system which I am pretty sure will be further discovered in the next book
- politics (but not the boring way)
- a strong fmc with daggers
- every character is important and most of them not who you think they are
- plot twists, some predictable if you read a lot of fantasy, some shocking
I needed around 30% to get into the story because the setting on the ships was completely different to my standard reads but after that it was so capturing and I did not wanted to put it down. Around the middle I was very confused but not that type of confusion where you just don’t get it but where you are supposed to be confused and everything makes perfectly sense if you continue the story.
Can’t wait to return to the seas with Captain Kora Cadell🌊
August 18, 2025
Captain Kora Cadell is the only female captain in the navy. Honed by her adopted father and the deadly trials into a living weapon, she has made it her life’s mission to hunt down all pirates. Pirates whom she blames for taking her memory and presumably her family.
Beside her beloved first mate, Blake Marwood, they’ve been capturing and killing pirates for years. But when they interrupt a meeting between the pirate lords, a powerful magic is awoken in her veins in the aftermath. In a country where magic is outlawed, she must now attempt to survive as she has to work out who she can truly trust in this dark, swashbuckling fantasy world.
This is the 2nd pirate romantasy I’ve read this year and I’m genuinely all for it. This book was BRILLIANT. It’s sexy, suspenseful and filled with so much excitement. There’s pirates, mages, secrets, war, and so much sexual tension. The plot twist at the end made my jaw drop and I’m counting down the days until a sequel is announced and out.
Beside her beloved first mate, Blake Marwood, they’ve been capturing and killing pirates for years. But when they interrupt a meeting between the pirate lords, a powerful magic is awoken in her veins in the aftermath. In a country where magic is outlawed, she must now attempt to survive as she has to work out who she can truly trust in this dark, swashbuckling fantasy world.
This is the 2nd pirate romantasy I’ve read this year and I’m genuinely all for it. This book was BRILLIANT. It’s sexy, suspenseful and filled with so much excitement. There’s pirates, mages, secrets, war, and so much sexual tension. The plot twist at the end made my jaw drop and I’m counting down the days until a sequel is announced and out.
August 22, 2025
Kora Cadell - the only female captain in the armada with a personal mission to eradicate all pirates.
This book was a 5 star read for me, and I suspected as much from the very beginning. I was hooked and I couldn’t put this story down.
This truly had me on the edge of my seat - while I predicted some things, there were a lot of surprises for me.
I am SO excited for this series.
This book was a 5 star read for me, and I suspected as much from the very beginning. I was hooked and I couldn’t put this story down.
This truly had me on the edge of my seat - while I predicted some things, there were a lot of surprises for me.
I am SO excited for this series.
August 30, 2025
Please can we have more pirate fiction, since reading this all I have had going around in my head is the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song!
Kora Cadell is the only female Captain in the armada. With a passion for killing pirates and lost past, Cadell must battle through the present to illuminate her own past. When an ancient talisman awakens a power in her, Kora begins to question everything she has worked for.
This was such a different read for me!! It includes piracy, naval systems, elemental powers (which are never not cool), a badass FMC and beautiful settings!
I really enjoyed the ever evolving roles of the side characters in this story! It really added depth to the plot as the book progressed.
Intrigued to see what Kora will face next!
This books is being released next week for anyone looking for a pirate fantasy to kick start their autumn 🏴☠️🗡️✨
Kora Cadell is the only female Captain in the armada. With a passion for killing pirates and lost past, Cadell must battle through the present to illuminate her own past. When an ancient talisman awakens a power in her, Kora begins to question everything she has worked for.
This was such a different read for me!! It includes piracy, naval systems, elemental powers (which are never not cool), a badass FMC and beautiful settings!
I really enjoyed the ever evolving roles of the side characters in this story! It really added depth to the plot as the book progressed.
Intrigued to see what Kora will face next!
This books is being released next week for anyone looking for a pirate fantasy to kick start their autumn 🏴☠️🗡️✨
September 5, 2025
Just finished my first pirate themed read, and wow it was such a fun change of pace! The story had adventure on the high seas, betrayal, and treasure hunts, but what really stood out was the fierce female lead. She wasn’t just surviving in a world ruled by men she was commanding it with wit, strength, and heart. It felt fresh and exciting, and I loved diving into something totally new for me.
September 9, 2025
A fabulous book from a fresh new voice! I’ve never left my pirate era and this is just proof that the song of the sea is for life 🌊
The atmosphere was salty, the prose was singing, and the romance…👀💙 Really excited for more!
The atmosphere was salty, the prose was singing, and the romance…👀💙 Really excited for more!
September 7, 2025
I’m a little late on my ARC review but I’m obsessed! Loved this book and I think it’s officially ended my slump! Dark romantasy and pirates what more could a girl ask for!
November 27, 2025
I walked in front of a car and just kept reading
September 5, 2025
I received a free ARC of this book. This was such a great read! I can’t wait for book two! The Fmc and the side characters were so fun!
August 30, 2025
This book was great. You have pirates, you have a strong FMC, you have a unique magic system. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat with sword fighting and some twists. Highly recommend!
dnf
November 30, 2025Couldn’t handle the way the dialogue was written. Some use of action tags being treated as dialogue tags and actively avoiding using “said” (to the point of writing “spoke” instead). If you’re not a dialogue fiend like me you might enjoy it.
September 28, 2025
Daughter of the Dark Sea Review - Little to No Spoiler Review;
🤍 Arc Review
🤍 Rating: 3/5
🤍 Genre: Dark Pirate Fantasy
🤍 Single POV, Third Person
🤍 Book 1 - The Azarian Saga
"No one would save her in this world. She would have to save herself."
-
Captain Kora Cadell is a pirate hunter who doesn't remember the last 10 years of her life, she has had her memories stolen and isn't sure of who she is. A rebel boards her ship and sends her world into pure chaos which leads to her chasing the truth of what is happening and of who she really is. A forbidden magic is unlocked and she slowly is coming to terms with it but still trying to hide it from the empire she works for and her first mate, Blake. Secrets start to get revealed and a lot of what she thought was true, actually isn't. There are many secrets and betrayals and people aren't who they seem.
Tropes & Key Elements:
🤍 Pirates x Pirate Hunters
🤍 Elemental Magic System
🤍 FMC Has Amnesia
🤍 Morally Grey Characters
🤍 Hunter becomes Hunted
🤍 Forbidden Romances
🤍 Secrets & Betrayals
🤍 Battles & Fights
The premise of this book really intrigued me as I saw it was described as being similar to pirates of the Caribbean, which is why I applied for the arc. I feel really bad it's taken me so long to get my review up however I've been slowly reading it throughout the month and wanted to do it justice as this is a debut novel. I feel it did take me a while longer to get through for me just as it was quite slow paced to get to the "trigger point" of the story but once we got there it was all systems go whereas if it was a bit more fast paced throughout I wouldn't have wanted to put it down. I really liked Kora's character and wanted to know more of her story as we of course go into it knowing she has amnesia and isn't aware of her true identity. Having said that, I loved her strength and she has been through a lot. I respect this is book one in a series and we had to get a lot of world building but maybe if it was just a little bit more fast paced it would have dragged me in a bit more like the last 10-15% did.
Some of the plot did feel a bit confusing at times and I wasn't 100% sure what was happening but it was still an enjoyable read besides this. I did enjoy some of the side characters but I did struggle to emotionally connect with them but I think maybe as I sensed the plot twist a bit early on for some of them so I was preparing myself for the worst to come! The magic system was really fun, and I want to know more about it. I really liked Agatha and would have loved to see more of her.
One of the scenes was extremely tough to read so please make sure to check all the trigger warnings on G's website as they aren't all listed in the book but note there is an on page rape attempt which I wasn't aware of going into it however it is listed on her website.
A lot of the male characters infuriated me because they believed they could take what wasn't theres (like a lot of men!) however I really like Aryn and there were some new characters near the end that seemed like they will have good character arcs in book two.
Something I personally struggle with (and know other readers do too) is when people of colour's skin colour is associated with food/drinks and there were a few cases with characters in DotDS where chocolate was used - I may have got this wrong and it just meant the colour but to me it felt like the food chocolate and I just feel there are other ways that you could describe skin colour!
Overall this was a great debut novel and it left me wanting to know what come's next. Thank you to G.E. Smith and Torchlight for sending me a copy of the arc! I always try to be honest in my reviews and although I do have some critiques I did still enjoy it and it was a good debut. Although it wasn't a 5 star for me there are so many amazing reviews of people who devoured it which I love to see. I think book 2 will be a lot more fast paced as we have unlocked a new side to the story and lots of new characters!
🤍 Arc Review
🤍 Rating: 3/5
🤍 Genre: Dark Pirate Fantasy
🤍 Single POV, Third Person
🤍 Book 1 - The Azarian Saga
"No one would save her in this world. She would have to save herself."
-
Captain Kora Cadell is a pirate hunter who doesn't remember the last 10 years of her life, she has had her memories stolen and isn't sure of who she is. A rebel boards her ship and sends her world into pure chaos which leads to her chasing the truth of what is happening and of who she really is. A forbidden magic is unlocked and she slowly is coming to terms with it but still trying to hide it from the empire she works for and her first mate, Blake. Secrets start to get revealed and a lot of what she thought was true, actually isn't. There are many secrets and betrayals and people aren't who they seem.
Tropes & Key Elements:
🤍 Pirates x Pirate Hunters
🤍 Elemental Magic System
🤍 FMC Has Amnesia
🤍 Morally Grey Characters
🤍 Hunter becomes Hunted
🤍 Forbidden Romances
🤍 Secrets & Betrayals
🤍 Battles & Fights
The premise of this book really intrigued me as I saw it was described as being similar to pirates of the Caribbean, which is why I applied for the arc. I feel really bad it's taken me so long to get my review up however I've been slowly reading it throughout the month and wanted to do it justice as this is a debut novel. I feel it did take me a while longer to get through for me just as it was quite slow paced to get to the "trigger point" of the story but once we got there it was all systems go whereas if it was a bit more fast paced throughout I wouldn't have wanted to put it down. I really liked Kora's character and wanted to know more of her story as we of course go into it knowing she has amnesia and isn't aware of her true identity. Having said that, I loved her strength and she has been through a lot. I respect this is book one in a series and we had to get a lot of world building but maybe if it was just a little bit more fast paced it would have dragged me in a bit more like the last 10-15% did.
Some of the plot did feel a bit confusing at times and I wasn't 100% sure what was happening but it was still an enjoyable read besides this. I did enjoy some of the side characters but I did struggle to emotionally connect with them but I think maybe as I sensed the plot twist a bit early on for some of them so I was preparing myself for the worst to come! The magic system was really fun, and I want to know more about it. I really liked Agatha and would have loved to see more of her.
One of the scenes was extremely tough to read so please make sure to check all the trigger warnings on G's website as they aren't all listed in the book but note there is an on page rape attempt which I wasn't aware of going into it however it is listed on her website.
A lot of the male characters infuriated me because they believed they could take what wasn't theres (like a lot of men!) however I really like Aryn and there were some new characters near the end that seemed like they will have good character arcs in book two.
Something I personally struggle with (and know other readers do too) is when people of colour's skin colour is associated with food/drinks and there were a few cases with characters in DotDS where chocolate was used - I may have got this wrong and it just meant the colour but to me it felt like the food chocolate and I just feel there are other ways that you could describe skin colour!
Overall this was a great debut novel and it left me wanting to know what come's next. Thank you to G.E. Smith and Torchlight for sending me a copy of the arc! I always try to be honest in my reviews and although I do have some critiques I did still enjoy it and it was a good debut. Although it wasn't a 5 star for me there are so many amazing reviews of people who devoured it which I love to see. I think book 2 will be a lot more fast paced as we have unlocked a new side to the story and lots of new characters!
September 20, 2025
3.5⭐️ I am always down for a pirate adventure and I enjoyed this one! It took me some time to get into and to make sure I was following everything. I really liked the FMC, Kora and the fact she was the only female captain in the empire. All the ships’ names and different lore about each ship was fun to read about. The world building, the pirates, the elemental magic added such intrigue to the story and the twists that I kept happening, I like Kora didn’t know who should she trust! Can’t wait to read more adventures and battles for this series!
Thank you to Torch Lit for an eARC of this book
Thank you to Torch Lit for an eARC of this book
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