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Blackwater
There is much to be done when the kingdom isn't looking.
Iona Strider is a ruthless pickpocket cursed with a disobedient shadow. Violent, too. Worse, she can’t remember who cursed her, or why. But she does know one with each passing day, her control of the shadow dwindles.
In her relentless pursuit of answers, she winds up stealing from the wrong Captain Liam Blackwater of the Wraith. A man who, according to legend, might just turn the Silver Seas red.
Blood-bonded together by a dishonest mistake, Iona begrudgingly teams up with the handsome rogue to embark on a bloody, swashbuckling quest in the hopes that she can break the curse of her shadow once and for all.
Alas, it’s never that simple. Especially when Liam and Iona can’t keep their hands off each other.
But as they carve a path through the realm, disastrous secrets of the kingdom are revealed, and when shocking revelations of her true past come to light, Iona must decide whether she is to become the kingdom’s villain, or something else of her own making.
Iona Strider is a ruthless pickpocket cursed with a disobedient shadow. Violent, too. Worse, she can’t remember who cursed her, or why. But she does know one with each passing day, her control of the shadow dwindles.
In her relentless pursuit of answers, she winds up stealing from the wrong Captain Liam Blackwater of the Wraith. A man who, according to legend, might just turn the Silver Seas red.
Blood-bonded together by a dishonest mistake, Iona begrudgingly teams up with the handsome rogue to embark on a bloody, swashbuckling quest in the hopes that she can break the curse of her shadow once and for all.
Alas, it’s never that simple. Especially when Liam and Iona can’t keep their hands off each other.
But as they carve a path through the realm, disastrous secrets of the kingdom are revealed, and when shocking revelations of her true past come to light, Iona must decide whether she is to become the kingdom’s villain, or something else of her own making.
502 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
11 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Emily Blakeney
1 book9 followersBy day, Emily Blakeney is a pharmacist. Later on that same day, she can be found scheming and toiling away at her next book. She enjoys stories featuring (though not limited to) antiheroes, a very cool coat, and heavy themes of debauchery and misconduct.
If your favorite character from Game of Thrones was Jon Snow, turn back.
If your favorite character from Game of Thrones was Jon Snow, turn back.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 14, 2025
Blackwater is making me revisit everything I thought I knew about pirates, romance, and shadows.
I was on the edge of my seat—and occasionally crying—while powering through this book. I fully intended to read at a comfortable pace (and sleep at reasonable hours), but the last three nights have belonged entirely to Blackwater.
Iona is an incredible FMC; I loved her from the very first pages. The mystery surrounding her is delicious to unravel, and Emily has a talent for revealing information in the most gut-wrenching ways.
Liam, the MMC, is just as compelling. I haven’t seen enemies-to-lovers executed this well in a long time. I hated him, feared him, and loved him—sometimes all on the same page.
If this isn’t on your TBR, it better be because it's in your hands.
I was on the edge of my seat—and occasionally crying—while powering through this book. I fully intended to read at a comfortable pace (and sleep at reasonable hours), but the last three nights have belonged entirely to Blackwater.
Iona is an incredible FMC; I loved her from the very first pages. The mystery surrounding her is delicious to unravel, and Emily has a talent for revealing information in the most gut-wrenching ways.
Liam, the MMC, is just as compelling. I haven’t seen enemies-to-lovers executed this well in a long time. I hated him, feared him, and loved him—sometimes all on the same page.
If this isn’t on your TBR, it better be because it's in your hands.
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January 12, 2026Read for SPFBO. Review to come!
November 8, 2025
I. Have. No. Words.
I’ve read close to 250 books this year and this, hands down, is at the top of that list. HOLY COW. I have laughed, I have wept and I have nearly thrown my kindle across the room more times than I can count. Just when you THINK you know- you don’t.
My favorite line, you ask?
“I’d say it was a pleasure, but you’re a horror.”
STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND PREORDER RIGHT NOW.
I’ve read close to 250 books this year and this, hands down, is at the top of that list. HOLY COW. I have laughed, I have wept and I have nearly thrown my kindle across the room more times than I can count. Just when you THINK you know- you don’t.
My favorite line, you ask?
“I’d say it was a pleasure, but you’re a horror.”
STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND PREORDER RIGHT NOW.
November 23, 2025
THIS BOOK!!!! A goddamn MASTERPIECE.
There is so much wit, charm, humor, and heartbreak in this book. I’m already frothing at the mouth for the next one.
Iona Strider is a perfectly written FMC, but Liam Blackwater stole the show for me, he was well written. They both have such vulnerability and emotion, and their depth is incredible.
The magic system itself wasn’t new, but it was done in a clever way. The way the relationships grow and the characters develop is so endearing. The plot twists are immaculate, done in a way that makes sense and adds to the story. The ending??? Phew buddy, I think Emily Blakeney is a genius.
Easily an ♾️⭐️ masterpiece, I’m going to think about this for so long.
There is so much wit, charm, humor, and heartbreak in this book. I’m already frothing at the mouth for the next one.
Iona Strider is a perfectly written FMC, but Liam Blackwater stole the show for me, he was well written. They both have such vulnerability and emotion, and their depth is incredible.
The magic system itself wasn’t new, but it was done in a clever way. The way the relationships grow and the characters develop is so endearing. The plot twists are immaculate, done in a way that makes sense and adds to the story. The ending??? Phew buddy, I think Emily Blakeney is a genius.
Easily an ♾️⭐️ masterpiece, I’m going to think about this for so long.
November 11, 2025
Blackwater is a sexy, fast-paced, swashbuckling adventure that delivers everything a romantasy lover could want! Packed with tension, danger, and irresistible chemistry, this story pulls you in from the very first page and leaves you desperate for more.
Liam and Iona are the epitome of enemies-to-lovers: fierce, stubborn, and constantly clashing in the best possible (and most violent) ways. Their banter is alive with wit and desire, and when sparks finally fly… oh boy, do they explode.
Iona (FMC) is a mysterious badass, while Liam (MMC) is the roguish pirate of your dreams. Together, they’re charming, dangerous, and impossible to resist.
Emily is a master of juicy dialogue and cinematic scenes.
“Must you fight me about everything?”
“You’re the one putting a sword in my hand.”
“Yes, to point at someone else, for devils-sakes.”
Blackwater is absolutely a must-read!
Liam and Iona are the epitome of enemies-to-lovers: fierce, stubborn, and constantly clashing in the best possible (and most violent) ways. Their banter is alive with wit and desire, and when sparks finally fly… oh boy, do they explode.
Iona (FMC) is a mysterious badass, while Liam (MMC) is the roguish pirate of your dreams. Together, they’re charming, dangerous, and impossible to resist.
Emily is a master of juicy dialogue and cinematic scenes.
“Must you fight me about everything?”
“You’re the one putting a sword in my hand.”
“Yes, to point at someone else, for devils-sakes.”
Blackwater is absolutely a must-read!
November 30, 2025
I needed something to pull me out of a book rut and boy did this book do it! Talk about a rollercoaster of feels!! Pirate Romantasy is a trope I never knew I needed until this book. There’s adventure, slow burn, passion, SO MUCH WIT and banter and more. The depth that Iona and Liam have is written so beautifully. For this to be a debut series, I am pacing the room for the next one and honestly will just re read this in the mean time to kill my post Blackwater depression.
December 2, 2025
Blackwater is a wickedly clever, wildly engaging read! The quick wit and inventive twists had me hooked from the very first chapter. The MC is fierce and relentless in her quest to understand the mystery of her shadow, but it was her evolving relationship with Blackwater that I loved most. Their enemies-to-lovers arc unfolds with sharp banter, trust, and genuine support as they face multiple challenges. This was my favorite read of the year. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
November 14, 2025
Blackwater, a riveting and exciting page-turner, is an amazing debut. Emily does a fantastic job creating characters to root for, her dialog is such a treat to read, and the action scenes are truly thrilling. And of course, romance and relationships that are both powerful and emotional.
This is a well-written story, one that I’d highly recommend. I look forward to more in this world!
This is a well-written story, one that I’d highly recommend. I look forward to more in this world!
November 17, 2025
If gritty romantasy is your jam, this is the book for you. This pirate story was full of adventure and mystery with a touching but steamy romance woven in. The intricate world building pays off with a great twist and some truly devastating consequences. I gobbled this book up over a weekend. Can't wait for the next one!
November 30, 2025
Add this one to your TBR! I was instantly hooked by the pirate ship setting, the strong female lead, and a plot that keeps you guessing at every turn. I need the sequel ASAP! If you love Fantasy Romance, this one belongs on your shelf. Come for the plot, the romance, & the world-building, but stay for the enchanting library!
December 3, 2025
I have a personal bone to pick with Emily Blakeney, it begins and ends with Lu and that is all I will say. Please find me on the corner of a really busy pedestrian intersection standing on a make shift stage where I will air my grievances about the torment this book has and will continue to cause me for a minimum of 18 days.
December 20, 2025
The BEST book of 2025!!!!
I was completely captivated from start to finish. This novel is a true masterpiece, blending incredible character depth, a gripping edge-of-your-seat plot, and a perfectly executed enemies-to-lovers romance. Emily has truly outdone herself. Blackwater is an absolute MUST READ!!!
I was completely captivated from start to finish. This novel is a true masterpiece, blending incredible character depth, a gripping edge-of-your-seat plot, and a perfectly executed enemies-to-lovers romance. Emily has truly outdone herself. Blackwater is an absolute MUST READ!!!
January 11, 2026
I loved the plot and the characters, though the pacing of the romance leaves something to be desired. It is far from the worst that I've read, but it was a little off.
I am anxiously awaiting book 2 though after that ending!
I love that there are more than just the fmc and mmc, you also get to see the friendships they have with Luhan and their interactions with the crew.
I am anxiously awaiting book 2 though after that ending!
I love that there are more than just the fmc and mmc, you also get to see the friendships they have with Luhan and their interactions with the crew.
November 11, 2025
*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Oh my godddd, I have just finished this glorious book and now I don’t really know what to do with myself. This was such a wonderful story. I need to collect my thoughts, but a more detailed review will be posted soon.
Oh my godddd, I have just finished this glorious book and now I don’t really know what to do with myself. This was such a wonderful story. I need to collect my thoughts, but a more detailed review will be posted soon.
November 15, 2025
Truly one of the best books I have ever read. This story will take you on a JOURNEY in which you will fall in love with the characters. I could not function after finishing this book and cannot wait to find out what happens next!!
January 2, 2026
Truly a masterpiece!!
Wow. This book is stunning! It truly surpassed any expectations I had going in to reading it. Beautifully written and captivating story line from the very beginning! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!
Wow. This book is stunning! It truly surpassed any expectations I had going in to reading it. Beautifully written and captivating story line from the very beginning! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!
November 24, 2025
Received this as an arc! Very fun book has all the hallmarks of a good romantasy. Especially loved the ending sad I’ll have to wait to see how it ends!!!
January 7, 2026
I haven’t been so invested in a new storyline like this in a minute! Like, I’m itching for the next book!! Also, we LOVE a pirate!! MUST READ!!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews