What do you think?
Rate this book
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 man: 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 man: 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
About the author
Emily Blakeney
1 book14 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 2, 2026
*I read this book as a judge for Fanfiaddict for SPFBO XI. These are my personal thoughts and do not represent the thoughts of the whole team!* https://fanfiaddict.com/spfbo-review-...
Blackwater by Emily Blakeny is a romantic dark fantasy with action, thrills, and romantic tension. This was a really fun read that I’d say is perfect for fans of R.A. Sandpiper’s Amefyre trilogy and Carissa Broadbent’s novels.
We follow Iona Strider, a loner and a thief who has some serious anger issues! Iona comes across Liam Blackwater, Captain of the sentient pirate ship The Wraith, and the two of them find they are blood-bonded together. Iona absolutely hates Liam, so this is the worst possible news for her.
The opening scene is visceral and sets on a breakneck course for the rest of the novel. I was immediately hooked! Blakely’s writing is excellent and there’s some fantastic banter between characters, something that’s always a plus for me. I thought I knew the way things were going to play out, and several times, Blakeney surprised me, which is always something I enjoy! This is not your typical romantic fantasy! Sure, there’s romance, but this is a fantasy-first story with some fantastic character work. The romance enhances the story, rather than becoming the story.
Liam is a well done male lead–this is an enemies to lovers story, but he is very much a normal person with trauma, and he knows how to communicate. I always love that in a story with romance! The real MVP character is probably Luhan, the ship’s healer who has a tragic backstory of his own. Iona is certainly not always likeable, but she has her moments, and I enjoyed following her!
The world here is really cool, with all sorts of different fantasy creatures–dragons, mermaids, etc. I’m a sucker for a pirate adventure, and setting most of the adventure at sea really worked for me. There are different types of soldiers–Greys and Reds, who fulfill different roles for the enemy, and I found that an interesting tidbit. Greys function more as guards/cannon fodder, while Reds have more skills. Then there are Rooks, who are magically enhanced elite soldiers for the King, and they’re absolutely crazy! The magic here is also well-thought out and fun–for example, one character can heal anything, but in doing so, that means he cannot heal himself of that same injury in the future.
I did feel like the pacing was sometimes slightly too fast at times, especially during some of the subplots in the middle. There was a really cool sidequest in the middle that I loved—dragons, y’all—but I wanted that section to go on a little longer and feel a bit more connected to the forward movement of the main plot. There were also some other major plot twists that seemed to come a bit out of nowhere, especially one concerned a former enemy of Liam, and a section with a witch, which did slightly pull me out of the story. I’d say that in all of the different subplots of the middle, I sort of lost track of the original conflict, though Blakeny does a good job in bringing that back to focus and has a killer conclusion! The set up for book two is fantastic, and I will definitely be on board!
Blackwater by Emily Blakeny is a romantic dark fantasy with action, thrills, and romantic tension. This was a really fun read that I’d say is perfect for fans of R.A. Sandpiper’s Amefyre trilogy and Carissa Broadbent’s novels.
We follow Iona Strider, a loner and a thief who has some serious anger issues! Iona comes across Liam Blackwater, Captain of the sentient pirate ship The Wraith, and the two of them find they are blood-bonded together. Iona absolutely hates Liam, so this is the worst possible news for her.
The opening scene is visceral and sets on a breakneck course for the rest of the novel. I was immediately hooked! Blakely’s writing is excellent and there’s some fantastic banter between characters, something that’s always a plus for me. I thought I knew the way things were going to play out, and several times, Blakeney surprised me, which is always something I enjoy! This is not your typical romantic fantasy! Sure, there’s romance, but this is a fantasy-first story with some fantastic character work. The romance enhances the story, rather than becoming the story.
Liam is a well done male lead–this is an enemies to lovers story, but he is very much a normal person with trauma, and he knows how to communicate. I always love that in a story with romance! The real MVP character is probably Luhan, the ship’s healer who has a tragic backstory of his own. Iona is certainly not always likeable, but she has her moments, and I enjoyed following her!
The world here is really cool, with all sorts of different fantasy creatures–dragons, mermaids, etc. I’m a sucker for a pirate adventure, and setting most of the adventure at sea really worked for me. There are different types of soldiers–Greys and Reds, who fulfill different roles for the enemy, and I found that an interesting tidbit. Greys function more as guards/cannon fodder, while Reds have more skills. Then there are Rooks, who are magically enhanced elite soldiers for the King, and they’re absolutely crazy! The magic here is also well-thought out and fun–for example, one character can heal anything, but in doing so, that means he cannot heal himself of that same injury in the future.
I did feel like the pacing was sometimes slightly too fast at times, especially during some of the subplots in the middle. There was a really cool sidequest in the middle that I loved—dragons, y’all—but I wanted that section to go on a little longer and feel a bit more connected to the forward movement of the main plot. There were also some other major plot twists that seemed to come a bit out of nowhere, especially one concerned a former enemy of Liam, and a section with a witch, which did slightly pull me out of the story. I’d say that in all of the different subplots of the middle, I sort of lost track of the original conflict, though Blakeny does a good job in bringing that back to focus and has a killer conclusion! The set up for book two is fantastic, and I will definitely be on board!
March 24, 2026
“Welcome to The Wraith, darling.”
I was not in a good headspace when I started this book, but I had agreed to being part of this team so I would make sure to read all the books assigned to me. The cover didn’t give me much in terms of expectations and I don’t read descriptions for competition books, so I went in mostly blind aside from expecting part of the book to take place at sea.
But oh man, this has been so fun. I was immediately hooked after the prologue. Well, that’s a lie. The dedication already had me on board. I’m a sucker for dedications. But really though, the beginning of this book was exactly what I needed on a really dark day. I immediately liked the “odious little goblin” that’s our fMC and the first impressions of Blackwater had me giggling as well. These two promised so much fun right from the start.
“I’d say it was a pleasure, but you’re a horror.”
The story is mostly told from the same POV and I really enjoyed seeing the character growth for it. It was visible not just in her actions but also in how she perceived the people around her, including the sexy pirate. Though he never really seemed as dark as the beginning of the book had me expect, I still loved him from the start. Their banter and their chemistry were great, even if the slow burn had me groaning at times.
“And for the second time tonight, Liam Blackwater finds a very good reason to put his mouth on me.”
Though the writing felt a little bit choppy in some sections, overall it was a pretty smooth read. Though I would’ve loved a little more world building (I’m just a sucker for that), I enjoyed the plot, the side characters were fun to get to know (Luhannnn), and the pacing was good for that length. I honestly read the whole book much more quickly than I’d expected. I almost managed to devour it in two days. I WISH the next book was already available. I would’ve jumped into it immediately.
“Every time, in every life, I love you.”
I was not in a good headspace when I started this book, but I had agreed to being part of this team so I would make sure to read all the books assigned to me. The cover didn’t give me much in terms of expectations and I don’t read descriptions for competition books, so I went in mostly blind aside from expecting part of the book to take place at sea.
But oh man, this has been so fun. I was immediately hooked after the prologue. Well, that’s a lie. The dedication already had me on board. I’m a sucker for dedications. But really though, the beginning of this book was exactly what I needed on a really dark day. I immediately liked the “odious little goblin” that’s our fMC and the first impressions of Blackwater had me giggling as well. These two promised so much fun right from the start.
“I’d say it was a pleasure, but you’re a horror.”
The story is mostly told from the same POV and I really enjoyed seeing the character growth for it. It was visible not just in her actions but also in how she perceived the people around her, including the sexy pirate. Though he never really seemed as dark as the beginning of the book had me expect, I still loved him from the start. Their banter and their chemistry were great, even if the slow burn had me groaning at times.
“And for the second time tonight, Liam Blackwater finds a very good reason to put his mouth on me.”
Though the writing felt a little bit choppy in some sections, overall it was a pretty smooth read. Though I would’ve loved a little more world building (I’m just a sucker for that), I enjoyed the plot, the side characters were fun to get to know (Luhannnn), and the pacing was good for that length. I honestly read the whole book much more quickly than I’d expected. I almost managed to devour it in two days. I WISH the next book was already available. I would’ve jumped into it immediately.
“Every time, in every life, I love you.”
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.
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.
January 27, 2026
I do not write book reviews, but this book came recommended by a friend who is a friend of the author’s. I was initially hesitant to read it for that reason, but I decided to give it a shot, and I am so thankful that I did. This book was truly an adventure that elicited a variety of emotions—joy, suspense, excitement, shock, disgust, love, anger, and heartbreak. I laughed out loud and gasped audibly in shock. I could not put it down, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
January 27, 2026
I am in love with a pirate named Liam Blackwater 😂💖
The ONLY reason I give this 4 stars is because the ending is a cliffhanger & my favorite character had a sad ending. I am going to emotionally heal while the second book is being written. So thankful a sweet friend, who knows the author, recommended this to our book club.
The ONLY reason I give this 4 stars is because the ending is a cliffhanger & my favorite character had a sad ending. I am going to emotionally heal while the second book is being written. So thankful a sweet friend, who knows the author, recommended this to our book club.
March 7, 2026
I was so pleasantly surprised by this book and can’t wait for this to become a series!
As someone who approaches popular romantasy novels with guarded expectations, this book was impressive and I’d highly recommend it! I’ve read a few of the currently popular fantasy series such as Throne of Glass or ACOTAR, and while there are similarities, I find this book was much better! I want to compliment that it was more articulate and a much preferred writing style for me! I would find myself lost in the author’s descriptions and metaphors, and at times the story almost feeling palpable. Even better, her style of writing was perfectly balanced with a mesmerizing plot you just couldn’t put down. I loved the character building and loved to see Iona slowly let go of her need for control and emotional regulation. This is my biggest props to the author. She conveyed this internal struggle so well that I could relate to a young woman living in a world far removed from my own, filled with unfamiliar magic and curses
My critique of the novel would have to be some of the fast pacing during subplots, such as the first quest they face. I read another review that mentioned this but also stated that some of the subplots felt distracting - I did not find these distracting though and have to disagree there! I think these were intentionally added for character building, but I do think more time could have been spent on some of them. I also found that all the characters released their backstories to one another at once at one point in the book and while perhaps this is a thing that happens naturally in some friendships or relationships, I think some of it could have been spaced out more. It was alot to have Iona tell her backstory, followed immediately by Liam and then Luhan.
My biggest suggestion to the author going forward (if I have any sort of say) is to continue the series with your unique perspective and prose! I think it has so much potential going forward and hope that it does not fall into the some of the predictable stylistic phrases and cliches I see in so many romantasy novels out right now! Keep up the good work!! Can’t wait for book 2!
As someone who approaches popular romantasy novels with guarded expectations, this book was impressive and I’d highly recommend it! I’ve read a few of the currently popular fantasy series such as Throne of Glass or ACOTAR, and while there are similarities, I find this book was much better! I want to compliment that it was more articulate and a much preferred writing style for me! I would find myself lost in the author’s descriptions and metaphors, and at times the story almost feeling palpable. Even better, her style of writing was perfectly balanced with a mesmerizing plot you just couldn’t put down. I loved the character building and loved to see Iona slowly let go of her need for control and emotional regulation. This is my biggest props to the author. She conveyed this internal struggle so well that I could relate to a young woman living in a world far removed from my own, filled with unfamiliar magic and curses
My critique of the novel would have to be some of the fast pacing during subplots, such as the first quest they face. I read another review that mentioned this but also stated that some of the subplots felt distracting - I did not find these distracting though and have to disagree there! I think these were intentionally added for character building, but I do think more time could have been spent on some of them. I also found that all the characters released their backstories to one another at once at one point in the book and while perhaps this is a thing that happens naturally in some friendships or relationships, I think some of it could have been spaced out more. It was alot to have Iona tell her backstory, followed immediately by Liam and then Luhan.
My biggest suggestion to the author going forward (if I have any sort of say) is to continue the series with your unique perspective and prose! I think it has so much potential going forward and hope that it does not fall into the some of the predictable stylistic phrases and cliches I see in so many romantasy novels out right now! Keep up the good work!! Can’t wait for book 2!
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.
May 17, 2026
tldr; Better than A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. 5 stars.
A note on bias: (1) This novel is a semi-finalist in SPFBO XI (the fantasy contest by Mark Lawrence), as is my own book. We are also in the same judging group. I only have good things to say about Blackwater, so I don’t think this bias matters much. If anything, you should take the good things I say even more seriously! Regardless, the fact still warrants a mention. I have avoided reviewing books in my judging group until now because of this bias, however, when this book was chosen for the book club on the SPFBO Community discord server, I wanted to check it out. (2) I typically avoid romantasy books. I’ve read maybe a single handful, ever, and most noteworthy among them was ACOTAR (only book 1) by Sarah J. Maas. Much of my comparison of Blackwater is measured against that, and I’ll explain below why I enjoyed Blackwater more.
The Story:
Iona Strider (aka The Ghost) is a simple thief in Marrin, where the gradual starvation of magic has transformed the area into one of poverty and desperation. Iona has a wiped memory and a dark secret: her shadow is alive, and prone to slip its leash and enact great violence. After pickpocketing a pirate named Liam Blackwater, she acquires a magical invite to a secret event with the king. This is a problem because now Blackwater needs her for his own machinations, and he goes to great lengths to chase her down, even purchasing her with gold from the local enforcers called “The Grays”. After being brutally beaten within an inch of her life by the Grays, Iona awakens on Blackwater’s ship where his first mate nurses her back to health and her relationship with the various crewmembers begins.
This story is an enemies-to-lovers romantasy with a self-loathing female MC in a world of perpetual grimdark violence. The prose is punchy and flawlessly edited, with short chapters and pages that practically turn themselves. First-person past-tense for the first few chapters before settling into first-person present-tense for most of the rest.
My Review:
This is a great read. Within the first couple chapters, I was enamoured with Blakeney’s writing style. Within the first five, I was hooked by the story.
There’s a ton of action and magic. Some scenes have almost hyper-violent gore to them. In one memorable beat, a witch rips out a soldier’s larynx with her bare fingers and his blood gushes onto her face. There’s a lot of that kind of thing.
The action quietens down between the 65% to 80% mark when the romance dials up, culminating in a chapter-long sex scene. It seemed very explicit to me, but again, I’m not an expert here. It was certainly more explicit than I remember ACOTAR being. Honestly, I would’ve preferred constant action rather than this slowdown, but I think this is my bias talking. I imagine most romantasy fans would probably recognize this part of the book as being a very deliberate mechanic and like it even more as a result.
I thought the scathing back-and-forth between Iona and Blackwater as enemies was highly believable. The slow burn of them becoming attracted was convincing. The book’s finale has a big reveal plus a twist, which again, I think plays into the formula of successful romantasies (and great stories, in general).
All in all, exceedingly well done. From the very first page, the quality was indistinguishable from a novel written by a wildly-successful commercial author, which is why I think it’s entirely appropriate to compare this work with Sarah J Maas. The reason I think this is *better* than ACOTAR is several-fold: The action and story, particularly the first 60% and last 10%, kept my attention far better than what I remember from ACOTAR. The ending of Blackwater has a bigger reveal and a bigger twist. The last measure is subjective: The spice level of Blackwater is higher, so if you’re into that, you’ll like this more.
If this novel can get some good attention, I can see it becoming *extremely* popular. Romantasy fans will eat this up. Very, very well done, and cheers to your success, Emily Blakeney!
A note on bias: (1) This novel is a semi-finalist in SPFBO XI (the fantasy contest by Mark Lawrence), as is my own book. We are also in the same judging group. I only have good things to say about Blackwater, so I don’t think this bias matters much. If anything, you should take the good things I say even more seriously! Regardless, the fact still warrants a mention. I have avoided reviewing books in my judging group until now because of this bias, however, when this book was chosen for the book club on the SPFBO Community discord server, I wanted to check it out. (2) I typically avoid romantasy books. I’ve read maybe a single handful, ever, and most noteworthy among them was ACOTAR (only book 1) by Sarah J. Maas. Much of my comparison of Blackwater is measured against that, and I’ll explain below why I enjoyed Blackwater more.
The Story:
Iona Strider (aka The Ghost) is a simple thief in Marrin, where the gradual starvation of magic has transformed the area into one of poverty and desperation. Iona has a wiped memory and a dark secret: her shadow is alive, and prone to slip its leash and enact great violence. After pickpocketing a pirate named Liam Blackwater, she acquires a magical invite to a secret event with the king. This is a problem because now Blackwater needs her for his own machinations, and he goes to great lengths to chase her down, even purchasing her with gold from the local enforcers called “The Grays”. After being brutally beaten within an inch of her life by the Grays, Iona awakens on Blackwater’s ship where his first mate nurses her back to health and her relationship with the various crewmembers begins.
This story is an enemies-to-lovers romantasy with a self-loathing female MC in a world of perpetual grimdark violence. The prose is punchy and flawlessly edited, with short chapters and pages that practically turn themselves. First-person past-tense for the first few chapters before settling into first-person present-tense for most of the rest.
My Review:
This is a great read. Within the first couple chapters, I was enamoured with Blakeney’s writing style. Within the first five, I was hooked by the story.
There’s a ton of action and magic. Some scenes have almost hyper-violent gore to them. In one memorable beat, a witch rips out a soldier’s larynx with her bare fingers and his blood gushes onto her face. There’s a lot of that kind of thing.
The action quietens down between the 65% to 80% mark when the romance dials up, culminating in a chapter-long sex scene. It seemed very explicit to me, but again, I’m not an expert here. It was certainly more explicit than I remember ACOTAR being. Honestly, I would’ve preferred constant action rather than this slowdown, but I think this is my bias talking. I imagine most romantasy fans would probably recognize this part of the book as being a very deliberate mechanic and like it even more as a result.
I thought the scathing back-and-forth between Iona and Blackwater as enemies was highly believable. The slow burn of them becoming attracted was convincing. The book’s finale has a big reveal plus a twist, which again, I think plays into the formula of successful romantasies (and great stories, in general).
All in all, exceedingly well done. From the very first page, the quality was indistinguishable from a novel written by a wildly-successful commercial author, which is why I think it’s entirely appropriate to compare this work with Sarah J Maas. The reason I think this is *better* than ACOTAR is several-fold: The action and story, particularly the first 60% and last 10%, kept my attention far better than what I remember from ACOTAR. The ending of Blackwater has a bigger reveal and a bigger twist. The last measure is subjective: The spice level of Blackwater is higher, so if you’re into that, you’ll like this more.
If this novel can get some good attention, I can see it becoming *extremely* popular. Romantasy fans will eat this up. Very, very well done, and cheers to your success, Emily Blakeney!
April 17, 2026
This review was originally posted on FanFiAddict: https://fanfiaddict.com/spfbo-xi-revi...
Blackwater opens with a punch to the gut. Visceral, fast-paced, and immediately gripping. Iona Strider is a ruthless pickpocket with a disobedient shadow she can’t control and a past she can’t remember, and from page one, Blakeney makes you want to know why. It’s one of the strongest openings I’ve read in a while, and it sets the tone for a book that knows exactly what it wants to be: fantasy first, romance a very close second.
The banter between Iona and Captain Liam Blackwater is a genuine highlight. Sharp, fun, and usually a joy to read. It can lean a little heavy-handed at times, but the chemistry between them carries it. The side characters are also a treat, each one interesting and well-drawn enough to make the world feel populated by real people rather than set dressing. Where the character work loses me slightly is in the classic “we can’t be together for reasons” trope. The fear-driven hesitation, the assumption that once the quest is over they’ll part ways… it’s a well-worn device, and while I understand it’s part of the genre’s DNA, it can feel thin when the reader sees so clearly what the characters won’t admit to themselves.
The middle of the story settles into side-quest territory while the relationship builds, which slows the pace a bit. But Blakeney rewards your patience with a genuinely good reveal later on. Original, interesting, and the kind of twist that elevated the entire story for me.
The world itself is rich with magic, leaning more toward fairy tale and folklore logic than hard systems. There are internal rules, but they can feel a little arbitrary at times. That said, the magic is fun, and the worldbuilding is engaging enough that the open questions never bothered me. None of them get in the way of the plot, and they leave room for more stories in this world.
The prose is strong, full of clever lines that made me smile, and there’s a sultry undercurrent running through the descriptions and action (even the violent ones) that fits the tone perfectly. Blakeney handles that balance well, keeping it entertaining without letting it overtake the story.
Blackwater is a really fun read. It’s swashbuckling fantasy with genuine teeth, a romance that simmers nicely beneath the surface, and a world that sparkles with magic and mystery. If you’re looking for something sharp, sultry, and satisfying with a fantastic opening and a reveal that genuinely surprised me, this one’s well worth your time.
Blackwater opens with a punch to the gut. Visceral, fast-paced, and immediately gripping. Iona Strider is a ruthless pickpocket with a disobedient shadow she can’t control and a past she can’t remember, and from page one, Blakeney makes you want to know why. It’s one of the strongest openings I’ve read in a while, and it sets the tone for a book that knows exactly what it wants to be: fantasy first, romance a very close second.
The banter between Iona and Captain Liam Blackwater is a genuine highlight. Sharp, fun, and usually a joy to read. It can lean a little heavy-handed at times, but the chemistry between them carries it. The side characters are also a treat, each one interesting and well-drawn enough to make the world feel populated by real people rather than set dressing. Where the character work loses me slightly is in the classic “we can’t be together for reasons” trope. The fear-driven hesitation, the assumption that once the quest is over they’ll part ways… it’s a well-worn device, and while I understand it’s part of the genre’s DNA, it can feel thin when the reader sees so clearly what the characters won’t admit to themselves.
The middle of the story settles into side-quest territory while the relationship builds, which slows the pace a bit. But Blakeney rewards your patience with a genuinely good reveal later on. Original, interesting, and the kind of twist that elevated the entire story for me.
The world itself is rich with magic, leaning more toward fairy tale and folklore logic than hard systems. There are internal rules, but they can feel a little arbitrary at times. That said, the magic is fun, and the worldbuilding is engaging enough that the open questions never bothered me. None of them get in the way of the plot, and they leave room for more stories in this world.
The prose is strong, full of clever lines that made me smile, and there’s a sultry undercurrent running through the descriptions and action (even the violent ones) that fits the tone perfectly. Blakeney handles that balance well, keeping it entertaining without letting it overtake the story.
Blackwater is a really fun read. It’s swashbuckling fantasy with genuine teeth, a romance that simmers nicely beneath the surface, and a world that sparkles with magic and mystery. If you’re looking for something sharp, sultry, and satisfying with a fantastic opening and a reveal that genuinely surprised me, this one’s well worth your time.
March 18, 2026
This is a masterpiece of a book. An unbelievably incredible debut novel.
This book was AMAZING, outstanding, fantastic. A super fun adventure full of magic and drama and, of course, pirates. There's a brilliant level of intrigue and mystery as we explore the secret behind Iona's shadow as well as why we get a few POV chapters from a girl named Artemesia that just kept me hooked.
This book has everything, to be honest. The battles are awesome, the villains are awesome, the characters and their development are awesome. I loveddd the captain Liam Blackwater. His character was just SO COOL. So well-written. Honestly, I just loved everything about this world. The worldbuilding is expansive and organically given to you. Ugh, it was all just so good. I can't wait to reread this, to be honest.
Rolling from one adventure to the next, with funny and clever banter and a whole crew of characters that you'll love, this book will not fail to entertain and enthrall you.
A couple of fairly vivid spice scenes, for those on the lookout, but I thought they were pretty well placed in the story.
This book was AMAZING, outstanding, fantastic. A super fun adventure full of magic and drama and, of course, pirates. There's a brilliant level of intrigue and mystery as we explore the secret behind Iona's shadow as well as why we get a few POV chapters from a girl named Artemesia that just kept me hooked.
This book has everything, to be honest. The battles are awesome, the villains are awesome, the characters and their development are awesome. I loveddd the captain Liam Blackwater. His character was just SO COOL. So well-written. Honestly, I just loved everything about this world. The worldbuilding is expansive and organically given to you. Ugh, it was all just so good. I can't wait to reread this, to be honest.
Rolling from one adventure to the next, with funny and clever banter and a whole crew of characters that you'll love, this book will not fail to entertain and enthrall you.
A couple of fairly vivid spice scenes, for those on the lookout, but I thought they were pretty well placed in the story.
January 27, 2026
Blackwater is a captivating pirate romantasy that gripped me from the very first page. The mix of adventure, humor, heartbreak, and suspense worked perfectly for me, especially the genuine slow burn and the brilliantly executed enemies-to-lovers trope, which totally hooked me. Iona is such a strong, multi-layered FMC, I grew fond of her instantly, and I loved her character growth. Liam Blackwater is a charismatic, dangerous pirate who definitely stayed with me. Their dynamic thrives on sharp wit, intense chemistry, and a tangible emotional depth. The dialogue often had me smiling, while the action and twists kept me constantly on the edge of my seat. The world-building was good, and the crew and side characters added even more depth to the story. For me, Blackwater is an absolute page-turner, addictive and making me crave the sequel!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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!
February 7, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for a gifted copy of this book. When I received it I knew it wouldn’t disappoint and I was right.
This book was actually incredible. I felt every emotion under the sun while reading and not once wanted to put it down. It was probably the most quotable book I’ve read in a long time. So many good underlying life lessons worked into this epic Romantasy!!
The characters were so fun with witty banter, fun accents, and strong wills. Blakeney builds a strong world with many creatures but also a unique magic system. I had the best time exploring it and honestly can’t wait to get back in it when book 2 releases.
Most of all I will not get over the amazing moments the characters share and the depth that they have from their pasts that leads us to so many good scenes. More than once I was tearing up… and at another point I was outright sobbing.
This book was actually incredible. I felt every emotion under the sun while reading and not once wanted to put it down. It was probably the most quotable book I’ve read in a long time. So many good underlying life lessons worked into this epic Romantasy!!
The characters were so fun with witty banter, fun accents, and strong wills. Blakeney builds a strong world with many creatures but also a unique magic system. I had the best time exploring it and honestly can’t wait to get back in it when book 2 releases.
Most of all I will not get over the amazing moments the characters share and the depth that they have from their pasts that leads us to so many good scenes. More than once I was tearing up… and at another point I was outright sobbing.
April 28, 2026
There is nothing better than a good pirate story especially when you have a bad ass female character like Iona Strider! My favorite line was in Chapter 60:
“I lurch forward to my knees, our face is close, the blade even closer. It’s funny. All of this. No matter what I do, I’m some sort of a bitch. I punch back, and I’m a mad bitch. I say no to your putrid advances, and I’m a cold bitch. Feral bitch. Abominable bitch. But it doesn’t bother me. Not anymore. You know why?
His eyes are too unapologetic pits, and I feel nowhere remorse for what happens next. I’m the bitch holding the blade now.”
Total badass bitch!!!
And the build up to the hot interludes with Iona & Liam!!! 🔥🥵
I am not usually a fan of Fantasy but boy am I hooked now! I’m ready for Book 2!!! I can’t wait to see her make them run!
“I lurch forward to my knees, our face is close, the blade even closer. It’s funny. All of this. No matter what I do, I’m some sort of a bitch. I punch back, and I’m a mad bitch. I say no to your putrid advances, and I’m a cold bitch. Feral bitch. Abominable bitch. But it doesn’t bother me. Not anymore. You know why?
His eyes are too unapologetic pits, and I feel nowhere remorse for what happens next. I’m the bitch holding the blade now.”
Total badass bitch!!!
And the build up to the hot interludes with Iona & Liam!!! 🔥🥵
I am not usually a fan of Fantasy but boy am I hooked now! I’m ready for Book 2!!! I can’t wait to see her make them run!
March 23, 2026
I laughed , I cried, I felt all the emotions reading this one! Definitely one of those books I didnt want to put down and didn't want it to end. The characters are loveable and hate able depending on who it is. Loving OUAT and Pirates of the Caribbean this book felt like a mesh of both but different and more also, if that makes to anyone else. I LOVED that! I NEED more! The twists and turns definitely twisted and turned my heart, this was such a well rounded story in my opinion! Cant wait for book 2!!
April 3, 2026
This is a bloody book.
Really fun though. Excellent pacing. It is a bit of a quest story. Interesting world building. Love how it is a fantasy pirate book set on a different world than ours.
Queer normative world but the main romance is heterosexual. As a romance reader I loved that part of the story, but it is a subplot not the main point of the book.
If you are familiar with this type of story then you will know were it is going, but the journey has some very unique aspects to it.
Really fun though. Excellent pacing. It is a bit of a quest story. Interesting world building. Love how it is a fantasy pirate book set on a different world than ours.
Queer normative world but the main romance is heterosexual. As a romance reader I loved that part of the story, but it is a subplot not the main point of the book.
If you are familiar with this type of story then you will know were it is going, but the journey has some very unique aspects to it.
April 6, 2026
I loved this book!! I felt like the MCs and the side characters were really well developed. I love a good pirate romance and this did not disappoint! You can feel the yearning and tension between them and it is EVERYTHING. The action sequences were riveting and it really moved the plot forward. My only slight issue was that the last 50 pages felt a little rushed. There was a lot packed into those pages and I had to reread it to make sure I was following. That being said, I can’t wait for book 2!!
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.
April 12, 2026
BLACKWATER by: Emily Blakeney
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
I had so much fun reading this book! I loved the truly feral FMC and the tension between Iona and Liam was *chefs kiss*. I cannot wait to see where book 2 goes! The ending definitely leaves you reaching for the next book (which I will be patiently waiting for). One of the standouts in this book for me were the characters. Iona is gritty and flawed, but in the best way. This just shows that some of the best gems are from debut authors 💙
✨Pirate Romantasy
✨Feral FMC
✨Quest/ Reluctantly working together
✨Memory Loss
✨Loveable Side Characters
✨Curses
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
I had so much fun reading this book! I loved the truly feral FMC and the tension between Iona and Liam was *chefs kiss*. I cannot wait to see where book 2 goes! The ending definitely leaves you reaching for the next book (which I will be patiently waiting for). One of the standouts in this book for me were the characters. Iona is gritty and flawed, but in the best way. This just shows that some of the best gems are from debut authors 💙
✨Pirate Romantasy
✨Feral FMC
✨Quest/ Reluctantly working together
✨Memory Loss
✨Loveable Side Characters
✨Curses
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!!!
February 27, 2026
Truly no words. One of the best books I have ever read. The author is a genius. Her writing and character development is 10/10. The only question I have is when the heck is the next book coming out?! Dying to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews