Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Black Waters

Rate this book
August 1862. Amelia’s promise to help Sehnaz in releasing her lover General Rupen from the dreaded Black Waters prison of Andaman Islands is already 5 years old, but not forgotten. Concocting a plan to work as undercover schoolteacher in Andaman, both women jump onto a ship at Calcutta’s Hooghly port, only to find Sehnaz in the most wanted list for her role in 1857 great rebel against the British that could attract prison for life. Soon the expedition to free Rupen takes a twist. Survival instinct makes Sehnaz run away when the ship halts at Coco Islands, leaving Amelia alone to complete the task. But not before teaching her how to exploit the secrets of the ship’s captain and his wife, both of whom lead a double life.

Andaman Islands welcomes Amelia with its army of malaria, disgruntled guards and tribals who hate anything from outside.

Will Amelia make her way to reach Rupen and help him flee? Even if he could break the shackles, how would he travel 800 miles of vast ocean to the mainland India?

The Black Waters is a sweeping novel that stunningly brings to life the remote Andaman Islands and the people who lived through it -the harsh realities when the notorious prison housed India’s freedom fighters. This is a testament of hope, resilience, love and strength of the human to survive the adversity.

If you like rich settings, spicy sex scenes, and explorations of nineteenth-century gender politics, then you’ll love A E Spencer’s suspense-laden tale.

Buy The Black Waters to race to survival today!

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2022

17 people are currently reading
23 people want to read

About the author

A.E. Spencer

4 books14 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
15 (37%)
4 stars
21 (52%)
3 stars
3 (7%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
March 13, 2022
Sink💀 or Swim 🏊
ADULT Historical Victorian Adventure💀⛵ and Romance💕. Circa 1857.
This is a continuation of the first novel, "The Pink Mutiny". The novel chronicles the diary of an English woman during and after the native uprising in India against British rule. The novels should be read in order.
India 1862
Having escaped her cruel British Officer husband👺💪🔪, former courtesan Amelia💃💋 finds herself on a large ship being taken 800 miles offshore to a prison island, along with hundreds of arrested Indian patriots.

Wrapped up in the politics of the day, Amelia💃💋 and her Indian friend Shenaz, pose as school teachers in a desperate attempt to free Shenaz's husband, Rupen🐺, an Indian General, now on the Andaman prison island for the last five years as a political prisoner.

Mishap after mishap occurs. Amelia💃💋 seems to lead a cursed life. So many cruel and downright awful and criminal people exist in her world 🌎

ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with Amazon Free $0!

Readers must remember this book is written as a diary, so it's in the words of Amelia💃💋, through the author. Wonderful world 🌎building!
Profile Image for Karyn H.
568 reviews10 followers
March 29, 2022
Saving a Freedom Fighter

Review: The book is about a certain freedom fighter named General Rupen. He has been imprisoned wrongly for about five years now. His imprisonment was a result of his stand against the cruel British government around the 19th century in India. His lover, Senaz, finds a way to convince the protagonist, Amelia, to help her rescue her lover, General Rupen, from the Black Water Prison on Andaman Island. Amelia eventually discovers how dangerous the mission is when she discovers how much of a wanted woman Senaz is.
Senaz upon reaching Coco islands, runs away, leaving Amelia alone to face the journey and adventure that awaits her. The journey itself on the sea counts as part of a turbulent adventure.
Eventually, after a series of trying conditions, from tribesmen to the soldiers, to illnesses, Senaz is able to accomplish her mission, ultimately rejecting her ex-husband’s name.
The book, The Black Waters by A E Spencer, is an eye opener into the world of slavery, and the cruel truth behind the injustice placed on women, and people of color.
Profile Image for JT.
467 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2022
The Black Waters continues the journey started by Sez and Amelia in Pink Mutiny. I was so excited to receive and ARC of this book from the A.E. Spencer. I think one of the best things about this journey is the format it is written in. I enjoyed how the diary entries made it clear who the active character was in the moment. I found the vast diversity of relationships and the angst involved among them al0ng with the love and protection made this a historical journey with lots of feelings attached. Reading these two books has caused me to go back an look more at the history between Britain and India. That alone made this a great read for me. If I can learn something new even through a fictitious work that is a plus. I can add that this book was one I will retain in my ereader as a reread. I so enjoyed the meandering and strife that befell the travelers and the ultimate closing of the journey while a bit expected was so much more than I thought it would be. If you are totally confused now take the leap and read The Black Waters but may I suggest that you read The Pink Mutiny first.
Profile Image for Pancha Mantilla.
163 reviews13 followers
May 9, 2023
This book follows the story of the Amelia and Sehnaz after the events of the pink mutiny. This time around they use their friendship and trust to embark in an adventure to free Rupen from jail. Amalia is now a visionary and helps women in any way she can find with Sehnaz help. Yet they still think they need to help their friend. They connect with new people and characters we already know. The book once again gets invested on the cultural deferences of the space. The role and place of women in society is once again one of the main topics of the book. The sorority they find is remarcable. How they overcome differences to help one another is simply incredible.
An interesting read to see how the characters find each-other and their places after everything that already happened to them. A necessary closure and interesting new topics and scenes.
Profile Image for Celeste.
995 reviews26 followers
March 2, 2022
The Black Waters written by A.E. Spencer is a gripping and thought-provoking novel which addresses controversial topics in a way that makes it unputdownable. The story is set in the remote Andaman Islands in the 1860s when the islands were the location of the Black Water prison, a harsh place that housed India’s freedom fighters. The book presents Amelia who embarks in a dangerous adventure to release General Rupen from the infamous prison.
In this fantastic novel, the author skillfully depicts historical events not many people are aware of and mixes them with action and romance creating a fascinating tale. The action in the plot is described through the eyes of real, colorful and likeable characters. The vivid depictions of landscapes and events aid in making this book a masterpiece.
The author’s writing style is clear and straightforward and it has the ability of conveying deep emotions and feelings in simple words. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Shrikanth Venne.
289 reviews17 followers
November 14, 2022
Another Mutiny

This book is about another Mutiny which is taken place in Andaman and Nicobar Island story starting after the 5 years of pink Mutiny where Amelia has become a school teacher and Shenaz her helper. They both go to Andaman Nicobar that is kala Pani or black waters to save Shenaz one time lover Rupen the general of Awadh army. Rupen was being help as a political prisoner in Andaman

How these two ladies go against the British Empire to save Rupen. Whereas Shenaz who was her partner leaves her Mid way due to the unavoidable circumstances. Morticia is the antagonist is the book. How Amelia and her group get separated and again regroup with both Shenaz and Rupen is the story of the book. Overall this is really a very good Goodreads....🙂
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 25 books371 followers
May 11, 2025
This tumultuous 1860s story has an unusual setting, the Bay of Bengal. Two women fleeing from a series of crimes and mutiny, take ship. The story of the friendship between an English wife and her Indian companion was told in The Pink Mutiny, and it explains why the unpleasant husband of the Englishwoman is dead. Before too long, a few more people will be dead.

The story twines around women mainly, including a slavegirl from Africa, a women-loving self-styled queen in the Andeman islands, and various minor characters. But we are in no doubt that men at this time still control the ships and soldiers and businesses. A prison island known as the Black Waters and a rising wave of local mutinies add drama.

Some readers will have a chuckle at the non-gay wife pretending to be gay to further her links with the 'queen'. I thought there was rather too much of references to bodies and lust, and I liked it better when we were shown the quarters for Indian sailors on board a steamship. For readers new to the scene, this adventure could prove a culture shock. I recommend reading the first book to get to know the characters and situations. The crimes and tribulations are many in the Black Waters, plenty of action and confusion in the ranks.

I read an e-ARC. This is an unbiased review.

Profile Image for Michael Heidle.
349 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2025
Circa 1857.
The novel chronicles the diary of an English woman during and after the native uprising in India against British rule.
India 1862
Having escaped her cruel British Officer husband, former courtesan Amelia finds herself on a large ship being taken 800 miles offshore to a prison island, along with hundreds of arrested Indian patriots.
Wrapped up in the politics of the day, Amelia and her Indian friend Shenaz, pose as school teachers in a desperate attempt to free Shenaz's husband, Rupen, an Indian General, now on the Andaman prison island for the last five years as a political prisoner.

All that is the pretense of a setting, however; the real story here is that women are far more attracted and fixated on other women's "bubbies" and genitalia than men are (I did not think that possible until this novel; and given any chance, any excuse, any opportunity, or any whim even a woman desperate to find and rescue her husband will take all the time in the world for lesbian encounters along the way!!
612 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2022
There were times I became a little frustrated with this book. I was not able to sit and read it non-stop, and sometimes when I picked it up and went to the next chapter, I had trouble remembering what I had read immediately before it. But that is my fault. Each chapter focuses on a different main character in the book and in a different location. Plus, I am not at all familiar with that part of the world where the story unfolds, and names and places were difficult to keep straight.

But the character development is wonderful. I couls feel the joys and heartache of each of them as they faced triumph or tragedy in their lives. Amelia, the main character, is strong and resilient. She is loving and compassionate, a true friend to everyone she meets. Following her life's journey is fun and rewarding. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history and wants to witness things first hand. The book is beautifully written.
Profile Image for Juan.
425 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2022
This is a fantastic book, beautifully written, with palpable characters and a great backdrop. The story is set in the remote Andaman Islands. It tells the story of Amelia, a strong and brave woman whose lover is in prison. She faces very difficult situations to help him to be released from that awful place.
The language used in the book is perhaps one of the most important bits; it is written with such rich, descriptive and lively details that at times, I could almost see myself in places where the protagonists were. This was, in my opinion, one of the most brilliant things about the novel.
Although it is the first piece I read from this great author, it will undoubtedly not be the last one.
Profile Image for Liz.
1,392 reviews32 followers
March 2, 2022
"The Black Waters" is an interesting book written by A E Spencer, where thriller and romance come together in a unique way, to create this work. In this story, we get to know Amelia, who is willing to help Sehnaz free her lover, General Rupen, from the dreaded Black Waters prison.
One of the things that I liked the most, apart from the reading itself, was that the maps of the Andaman and Coco islands which were included. This helps readers to position themselves in time and space and makes reading more agile.
I certainly encourage all lovers of this kind of stories to read this fascinating book.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,332 reviews23 followers
March 2, 2022
Daring rescue

Captain Ruben is sitting in an Indian prison and has no hope. Amelia teams up with Sehnaz a tenacious local woman, to rescue her friend. The two are determined to not only evade the authorities, but to pull off this daring rescue and subsequently escape. Full of wit, wry humor and intelligent female lead characters, this novel will transport you to a India that is under British rule, vicious pirates, unforgiving seas and dashing rakes and gentlemen alike who are ready to show some ladies some pleasure. I enjoyed this book very much and welcome more adventures from this author.
Profile Image for Ivan M.
838 reviews22 followers
April 9, 2022
Amelia and Sehnaz embark on a difficult mission to rescue Sehnaz's lover, General Rupen Naik, from a remote island in the middle of the ocean, far away from civilization. It's an island with a one-way ticket, a ruthless prison where people with life sentences are sent to spend the last years of their life.

The difficulty of the mission is extreme. The year is 1862 and it looks impossible to travel to that island, sneak into the prison and then make it back to land, but Amelia is willing to keep her promise to Sehnaz and rescue Rupen.

"The Black Waters" by A. E. Spencer has a lot of twists and turns, well-rounded characters, and a compelling story.
871 reviews28 followers
April 12, 2022
The Black Water by A E Spencer is the second book in the saga and a good adult historical novel, specially thought for those readers who enjoy psychological thrillers as well as stories with hope messages. In this case, it is a plot about resilience, love and strength of Humanity in the adversity.

Since it is told in the first person, in the voice of Amelia, it was easy for me to empathize with her and her experiences and feelings, in her adventure to rescue Rupen Naik from the Black Water prison of Andaman Islands. Also, the maps certainly helped me to get familiar to the area of those remote Indian Islands.

All in all, I liked this tale and will certainly recommend this read.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,349 reviews25 followers
April 14, 2022
The story is about a strong woman with a will to change the world inspired by her personality of embracing whatever comes in her way. I have to say novels like this are my personal favorites, where strong female characters lead us into a really good historical book.

Another thing I want to add is that I think this is my first historical read about India, and I loved it. Absorbing new cultures through a book is also something that enriches us on so many levels.

Overall, "The Black Waters" is a great read to enjoy and to give, I highly recommend this read.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,370 reviews13 followers
June 1, 2022
I enjoyed this Historical fiction story. Amelia is a strong woman who will stop at nothing to rescue her love from prison. The wonderful details and descriptions made me feel like I was right there to witness what was happening. The story is written in the first person , so we can understand and empathize with Amelia. If you like historical fiction, you will like The Black Waters. I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
473 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2022
a potboiler

I enjoyed the first book 8n this series much more. It had directoion and a historical event to hang the storyline on. This in contrast was much more arbitrary. ,
It still had some important social comment to make, and the narrative is absorbing. I lined a lot about Bay of Bengal culture.
Profile Image for Roy.
6 reviews
March 29, 2025
Interesting book. I wish I had read the previous book in the series first, which I plan to do. It would have helped to have some context about the main characters in the series. However, when I got the free copy to read I did not realize it was the 2nd in a series -- that's my bad. I normally prefer to read series books in the proper order.

Roy
9 reviews
August 24, 2022
Every bit as exciting and suspenseful as her previous book. Amelia continues her adventures, using her abilities to escape danger and make new friends along the way. We meet characters from her previous adventure. A great read.
12 reviews
September 28, 2023
The Andaman Islands and isolated prison life came alive with this sequel to the Pink Mutiny and the Sepoy Mutiny and its awful consequences for both India and Great Britain. Intriguing reading and a great page turner.
118 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much Amelia,Sehnaz,Ruben I so happy that they had a very happy ending, shame Amelia and Nick never managed to stay together but that’s life sometimes great book well done.
433 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2024
An interesting read not my usual type of book but once I got into the storyline I quite enjoyed it .
Profile Image for Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews).
1,313 reviews24 followers
April 23, 2024
An entertaining historical tale full of larger than life characters and interesting settings. Told from multiple view points each with their own individual charm.

A tale of rescue, betrayal and hidden treasure that made for a fun read
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.