Three women. One cursed treasure. And an ocean between them.
For Riley, the Moonshadow was supposed to be a quick score—a chance to steal its cursed treasure and move on. Instead, she’s found something she never expected: acceptance among its crew, a place she might finally belong in the arms of their first mate, Sable. And when the chance came to repay that kindness, all Riley wanted was to free captain Calla Nymeris from her demons. Give her the same acceptance she’d shown Riley by welcoming her aboard. But her wish backfired, and Riley made herself the last person Calla will ever trust. And she lost Sable. She’ll do anything to make it right… if she can figure out how.
Calla is now the embodiment of her worst nightmare. Webbed fingers, salt-scoured skin, resurfacing instincts she’d spent a lifetime learning how to keep hidden even from herself. And Sable, the first mate who had always been steady by her side, has vanished with the very Heart they bled to win. Despite years of keeping Sable at arms’ length, the loss is a wound that won’t close.
Bound together by the one person they can’t lose, Calla has no choice but to keep Riley in arms’ reach while they follow Sable into seas that feel wrong, as if the water itself resents their passage. And with every league, Calla and Riley are forced to face the truth: the only way they’ll make it to the end of this hunt is by learning to trust each other.
At the edge of the map, the Heart is waiting. And so is the choice that could drown them all.
Early on, Vivien Nash took one long look at reality and decided she did not like it. The solution? Build her own queernormative stories where all genders stand equal and the morally grey rogue always gets her hard-earned happily ever after—no matter how much she insists she doesn’t need one.
When she’s not writing queer fantasy adventures packed with tension, tenderness, and just enough heat to keep things fun, Vivien disappears into other people’s stories, experiments in the kitchen (good food fixes most things), and works out purely because she thinks muscles are cool (some of her stories might or might not include a muscle mommy ready to crush you between her thighs). She does not enjoy being perceived, but she is more than happy to share her fictional worlds with you.
If you’re looking for dark sapphic fantasy, soft-for-her romance, found family, and heroines who learn that needing someone doesn’t make them weak, welcome. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Eeeeeeeww... feelings! hahahaha Damn, I had a blast here, said feelings notwithstanding. I have come to realize lately that I like a lot stories where characters grow. Slowly. Painfully. More so, the messy kind of queers that leave you wanting to throw the book to the wall in frustration (not recommended, electronics are so delicate nowadays), but in a delightful way.
I missed more of Sable of course, but I understand her path was like that. Riley and Calla was something beautiful, I am deeply satisfied how carefully their stories are developing.
Awesome second book, I was biting my nails at the end and now I am going to have to chill a bit while waiting for the next book.
Closure is difficult. The many ways it can be reached make it something not everyone gets. Vivien's pirates travel onwards from where they left off in the hoard, separated and shaken by the ordeal. The characters are each a wonderful tapestry stitching together the next part of the Moonshadow's Crew's journey. At every turn, there is danger of emotional and extant kinds.
I am absolutely floored by how Vivien dabs bits of lore here and there enriching the world wonderfully while keeping the pace of the narrative.
If you read one sapphic pirate series in your life? Choose this one.
If you loved Virelai's Hoard, you will definitely love The Selkie's Curse. Book two continues the story with the same amazing quality of writing, but with a shift in tone: instead of hunting treasure, our protagonists are now hunting down the self-sacrificing heroic third in their romance. With more at stake and a lot of raw emotions in play, Nash pulls us along on an adventure that both lays foundations for the next book in the series while giving us even more interesting lore to chew on and giving us some quality time with Captain Calla and Riley that we didn't get in the first book. The dynamic between the two of them is totally different from what we saw between Riley and Sabine- watching them fall in love was unbelievably sweet.
By the end of the book, the relationship between Calla, Riley and Sabine is really starting to take shape - it's a satisfyingly slow burn, like puzzle pieces slowly coming together, and the author has done a great job of managing the pacing of the romance. Although this book really shined the spotlight on Captain Calla and Riley, because their connection was unique to them and their personalities it left me feeling like there was still very much room for Sabine once she returned.
Overall, I loved The Selkie's Curse and am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the story. I especially think it's worth highlighting the time this book dedicated to Captain Calla learning to live with and accept the new changes to her body that I felt was handled really well.
A more than worthy continuation of an excellent series. If you liked the first book, don't hesitate to pick this one up!
First of all, thank you, Vivien Nash, for providing me with an e-arc of this book.
I was obsessed with the first book, Virelai's Hoard, and this second instalment in the trilogy only made me love these books more. In this thrilling return to the high seas, the stakes are higher whilst slowly unravelling the mysterious elements previously mentioned alongside a high dose of sizzling tension.
Concentrating on the points of view of our three female leads, Riley, Calla, and Sable, their characters only grow and form stronger relationships. Riley and Calla really transformed in this novel as they had more on the page time together to see their most vulnerable qualities and understand one another. The way these two became a comforting reassurance for one another was beautifully developed. Yet, their was always a piece missing ‐ Sable. The way her presence was laced into the other POVs was beautiful and emotional. It is so clear how important her place is in the relationship between the three women. ____________________ Favourite Quotes:
And Riley saw it now, in the way her eyes were searching hers, pleading. The way she was holding her in front of the whole crew, uncaring of what anyone would say or think. Calla was scared. Of losing her.
She’d nearly lost Riley today, and she’d never known such abject fear. The more she was giving into her feelings, the more terrifying they grew in their intensity, the more consuming.
The earth wasn’t forced to yield. People learned what it offered and tended it in return. Caretakers, not masters. ____________________ 🌶🌶🌶/5
Gorgeously written, fast-paced, but never rushed, this novel just promises that the story is going to get better and better. I loved every minute and never wanted the story to end. Starting with some happy surprises, I instantly was hooked and couldn't put the book down.The finale was unexpected and literally had my head spinning - I really need the next book.
Illegal cliffhanger!!! Nash is great at writing books with endings that make me itch for the next one. I already can’t wait for the story to continue.
I fell in love with the setting, plot, and characters from the first book and its accompanying novella. The Selkie’s Curse was a wonderful follow up. I fell more deeply in love with Riley, Calla, and Sable. Watching the bond grow between Riley and Calla, until they snapped together, was perfect.
Both of them grew as characters separately and together. Their struggles with loving themselves ring so true for myself and people I know.
I can’t help but love self-sacrificing sapphics, too. And this book is plenty full of it. The new twists introduced had me on the edge of my seat, too!
My only “ehhs” come from a bit of the organization. It seems like some side plots are not followed all the way through, or fleshed fully out. Like Neera, Pip, and some of the villainous creatures. This book doesn’t feel as cohesive as the first one did, but the emotions are worth it.
Thank you to Vivien Nash for allowing me to continue to read this amazing story as an ARC reader. I was a bit late this time because of personal life plans, but I came back to it every second I got!
Thank you to Vivian Nash for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review!
I loved this book! If you liked the first in the series you will like the second instalment! I loved the developing dynamics between Sable, Calla and Riley- where their dynamics and bonds are strengthening throughout the narrative. This book gives more time to Calla and Riley which is very intriguing and moves the plot along very nicely. This is well paced with plenty of action alongside tender moments, danger and swimming lessons! I liked Sable and Kitterage’s adventures and the rest of the crew also have a decent amount of page time to bond with them as a whole. I loved the sapphic storytelling and the setting up of the triad (I’d love to see more of this in the next book!). The whole magic/potion/selkie plot was interesting and kept me hooked throughout! I’d really recommend this to anyone who loves pirates, fantasy and sapphic relationships!
The only thing I’d like to add is a ‘previously on’ or a dramatis personae at the start for people like me who’ve had life and academic reading intervene since reading the first book just to refresh who the characters are and where they are!
The second book in the Dagger & Tide trilogy is full of sapphic sweetness and spice. The crew of the Moonshadow is the epitome of found family. But don't get me wrong, you'll still find adventure, pirate drinking games, and world-building tales in The Selkie's Curse. Plus an interesting twist to leave you on a cliffhanger for Book 3.
I can't say I enjoyed The Selkie's Curse as much as I did Virelai's Hoard. I needed a bit more character development with my action. Some of the ties between key characters didn't fully make sense to me until about 46% of the way through the book when we got more of a peek into their emotions. But I did appreciate the story overall. The depth and variety to the characters makes each one so endearing. I can't wait to get to know more about Eryx's eerie way of knowing the future, and seeing where Riley, Sable, and Calla go from here.
The quality of writing, the pacing of the story, and the fact that I never got bored while reading are why I will keep going in this trilogy and why I am such a fan of Nash's work. If you wish Pirates of the Caribbean had been more queer, this series is for you.
This pirate fantasy book, carried on from where book 1 (Virelai's Hoard) left off. Following it's strong & stubborn leading FMCs.
Calla & Riley work around each other figuring things out as they are trailing Sable & Kittredge across the seas in search of the heart.
I loved that Calla, Riley & Sable were all working on fighting their inner demons & thought Calla's journey to self acceptance in particular was very good. This book is definitely focused on self development & acceptance & building relationships with those you love.
Vivien again delivers with that cliffhanger, I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!
I previously read the novella, Storm Shelter, a fun short story based on Kittredge, and it really feeds into the main story with Rowe joining the pirate crew. It came as a free download when signing up to Vivien's newsletter.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC. I loved the first book in the series and was so glad to be chosen to read the second book early. I was so excited and was not disappointed at any point. The fast paced action, developing relationships, and eagerness to find out what happened next made this a read impossible to put down. It was like seeing the story unfold in my mind. I loved the time that was devoted to the development in Riley and Calla’s relationship, plus learning more about Sable on her own along with the rest of the crew. The ending is going to sit with me for a while and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. This is a story that will occupy my mind long after reading. If you like sapphic romance, fast paced action, and pirates this a great book to pickup.
“The Selkie’s Curse” is the newest sapphic fantasy from author Vivien Nash. It’s book two in The Dagger & Tide Trilogy and is as good as “Virelai’s Hoard.” That book set the stage and introduced the players and villain; this one takes off like a shot and weaves an intricate web of honor, betrayal, trust, adventure, and a host of others. Sable and Kittredge have taken off with the Heart of the Abyss leaving the Moonshadow and the rest of the crew behind. Captain Calla and Riley take it upon themselves to find and retrieve the missing. Their pirate crew is along for the ride, and it’s quite a ride. Storms and monsters, hallucinations and more monsters! It’s a wild and fascinating journey for all.
Some books in a series can be read alone but this one is not the case. I started it without reading the first one and it is like dropped in the middle of an exciting adventure on the sea, having to try very hard to guess the characters' history, and their mission. But still I enjoyed it very much, the love and devotion between the impressive ice queen captain Calla, her loyal first mate Sable and the lovely formal thief Riley are enjoyable and worth rooting for, the dramas on the pirate boat are intense and interesting, the underwater explore vivid and exciting. It ends with a cliff hanger, now I have to read the next one as soon as it comes out!
Have you ever watched a TV show you loved so much that you suddenly realised you had watched an entire season and it was somehow 1am before you even noticed. That is exactly how this trilogy has felt for me so far.
I have finished the first two books and I was completely immersed from the first chapter. I did not want to put them down. The world, the characters, the emotion, and the writing all pulled me in so strongly that time just slipped away. This is the first time I have read anything by Vivien Nash and I am now committed to reading whatever she writes next.
I recommend these books to anyone who loves sapphic fantasy. They are captivating, heartfelt, and beautifully written.
i think this book had some excellent character development continuation from the first, and really explored how vulnerability affected our protagonists and the way that trauma formulated their expression of emotion. HOWEVER, as much as i enjoyed it, sometimes reading certain characters from the other's perspective made them come across as exceptionally annoying and i was like urgh just stop being a twat already. for a not so famous author, vivien nash is an exceptional writer and i reckon the fantasy girlies would absolutely eat her up
So if you read book 1 you’ll def understand book 2 and I promise you’re gonna need your rum and captain jack sparrow emotional support because the things I went thru and the fact that it’s not over?!
Will always need more and will always recommend but read for yourself!
This story is really good. I am liking this series. I can't wait for the third book to come out. I will not give out any spoilers. You just need to read it.😉 Thank you very much for writing this series. Kandib
I really enjoyed the second installment of The Dagger and Tide Trilogy, the stakes are higher and I love the relationship that grows stronger between Riley, Calla, and Sable.
The way Vivien writes is so smooth and addicting, this one was hard to put down! I can't wait for what comes next!
A great second installment that's yet again left me needing the next one! I love seeing how the characters are developing and reading their risky adventures on the sea. huge thanks to the author for the arc ebook
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a great follow on from Virelai’s Hoard. You are drawn into the story so much so you can feel the wind on your face and the storm swells beneath your feet. Do yourself a favour and dive into this series. I, for one, can’t wait for the third installment!
The Selkie’s Curse is a wild, emotional sea-soaked adventure that blends fantasy, sapphic romance, and high-stakes mythic mystery into a story that’s equal parts gritty sea quest and deeply personal journey. It follows Riley, a thief whose plan to snag cursed treasure goes sideways when she becomes part of something much bigger — and much more emotional — than she ever expected. 
The heart of the story lies in its characters. Riley is tough yet vulnerable, haunted by her mistakes and desperate to make things right. Calla, once Riley’s ally, finds herself transformed — both physically and emotionally — into something monstrous, and the way Nash writes her struggle is surprisingly rich and empathetic. There’s a real sense of loss, identity, and the cost of trust woven into their arcs that elevates the book beyond a simple treasure hunt. 
One of the strongest parts of The Selkie’s Curse is how it uses myth and environment as more than just setting. The sea feels dangerous and sentient, and the folklore around selkies and cursed hearts adds a lyrical, almost melancholic weight to the story. The text doesn’t shy away from the emotional aftermath of mistakes — and the difficult work of forgiving yourself and others. 
The pacing can be uneven at times, and there’s a lot going on — it’s very much a transitional second-book experience — but if you enjoy character-driven fantasy with complex emotional stakes, sapphic romance, and oceanic myth, this hits the sweet spot. The ending sets up excitement for the next installment, and the emotional threads are compelling enough that you’ll want to see where it goes.
A hefty, heartfelt fantasy with fierce characters, deep emotional currents, and seas that feel alive.
Second part of the story lived up to the first but omg the ending *cries* my poor ladies I want them to have a Happy Ending and its another cliffhanger, already cant wait for the final part
This was such a fantastic sequel! I loved how much character growth we saw and as with the first book it was a great adventure. I stayed up way past my bedtime multiple nights in a row.
The Selkies Curse: A Sapphic Pirate Fantasy has been an absolutely amazing sapphic pirate series that I can't wait to continue reading next to find out what happens. it's a Nonstop adventure, unforgettable page turner.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC! This review is voluntary and all opinions stated are my own.
This was a great sequel that delved deeper into the characters and mythology of the world! I’m really fascinated by how this world works and the stories that inform how the characters react to their surroundings.
I’m interested in what the author does in the next installment and will be picking it up for sure to see how it ends. Give me that sweet sweet poly relationship ☺️