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The Selkie's Curse: A Sapphic Pirate Fantasy
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.
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.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2026
7 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Vivien Nash
4 books14 followersLover of dogs, spices and everything queer. She's spent so long wondering where all the sapphic-focused stories are that she decided to make her own contribution to the world.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 21, 2025
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
January 9, 2026
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.
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.
January 13, 2026
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!
4.5-4.75 stars rounded up.
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!
4.5-4.75 stars rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
January 15, 2026
“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.
January 12, 2026
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!
January 11, 2026
Pirates? Yes pirates
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!
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!
January 14, 2026
This is intense
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
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
January 16, 2026
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!
The way Vivien writes is so smooth and addicting, this one was hard to put down! I can't wait for what comes next!
January 10, 2026
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!
Do yourself a favour and dive into this series.
I, for one, can’t wait for the third installment!
January 14, 2026
3.5
second book separation because how else would you write a second book
second book separation because how else would you write a second book
January 16, 2026
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
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews