Reviews with content warning for Death - Hunt on Dark Waters

Reviews tagging 'Death'

Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert

11 reviews

grace_b_3's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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harperhoney's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.25

If you are a big fan of One Piece, Dungeons and Dragons, and multiverses, you will love this book. This book reads like anime, and it's great but also not quite my thing, and I review based on personal enjoyment. The book is fun and we love an anti-c*pag@nda story!! We love many characters with neopronouns!!

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chainsiren's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced

3.5

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jlaz_13's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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just_one_more_paige's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

So, I've been low key making my way through Robert's Dark Olympus series... I haven't officially shared reviews for this series on my blog yet, because I was going to kinda of just speak to them all together in one big post when I finish the series. That's how I found out about this new one from her. I wouldn't normally start another series like this while simultaneously mid-another one, BUT the end of the year, cold weather vibes made this pirate/vampire/witch magical fantasy romance situation exactly what I was looking for. And it was available at the library, so, I went for it.

Evelyn is a witch, and even though she knows it's a bad idea, she's dating a vampire. A very powerful, scary one. When their relationship takes a turn for the...not good, she steals some important jewels from her (now) ex on the way out, barely escaping through a portal to another realm: Threshold. Rescued from the water by Bowen, a noble captain of the Cŵn Annwn, tasked with protecting the world(s) from monsters. He remembers nothing from his life before the Cŵn Annwn and, following their laws, offers Evelyn a choice: join the crew or die. Obviously, Evelyn isn't here for those options and wants to get back home, while her many attempts to do so (and her questioning of everything about the Cŵn Annwn in the process), are deeply antagonizing to Bowen. But where there is tension...there is also tension. And Evelyn and Bowen's attraction to each other, against both their better judgements, is going to change everything for them both.

Look, this was exceptionally cheesy, hitting on all the notes of magic and witches and vampires and portals and the Wild Hunt and pirates and romance tropes. (Plus, the reference to Supernatural dropped in there in an #iykyk way gave me full on "I love when nerds write books!" feels.) Normally, I’m not even sorry about reading cheesy books like this. And I'm not sorry I picked this one up with that goal in mind. But, unfortunately, this one just wasn't it for me. It definitely doesn't hold a candle (at least so far) to the Dark Olympus series. And while it had so much promise, the quality of the writing and execution of the plot and character development just didn't deliver. Also, if I'm being honest, I was just not impressed with the steamy scenes (which sucks, as they are a primary aspect/pull of this book). They were really stereotype-y and fell into the "orgasming so many times and no need for breaks” trap. I mean, both participants are supernatural so mayyybe you could look past it if the general writing of them worked for you. But that wasn't the case for me. They just seemed uninspired (especially, again, compared to what I've read in Dark Olympus, which has been fire) and for real, the way Bowen's telekinetic power is used creeped me out more than anything.

One of the primary themes of this story, monsters and what makes them, is a common one as well (nature and survival instinct of animals versus purposeful violence/power-grabbing of humans/higher brain species). Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing. But this was pretty par for the course as far as the related "lessons" to the reader. However, I do want to give a nod to the way Bowen was written. He was faced with mounting evidence of his own "evil," compliance with a governing body that is not, in fact, as pure in intentions as advertised; usually (naturally - as no one wants to think of themselves as the bad guy, especially if that was not your intent) that causes a person to react with defensiveness and entrenchment. Bowen chooses instead to face down the cognitive dissonance and learn and grow from it. Faster than is, in all likelihood realistic, but still...a pervasive and incredibly important character theme throughout the novel.

I'd also like to recognize how much I appreciated the casual inclusion of myriad pronoun options. I love the way fantasy can be used as a driver for those kinds of accustomizations. And there was element-based magic and that's always a favorite of mine as well.

Look, I didn't hate this read, and the “unlikely compatriots” turn the ending took (small spoiler: when Evelyn's ex shows back up) was actually quite entertaining (and it set up a "what comes next" for the series that has potential). But overall, I don't think it was quite different or intriguing enough to make me want to actually keep reading. I'll keep it on the back burner though, I suppose...

“I won’t pretend there aren’t monsters lurking in plenty of shadows, but a lot of people look at something Other and decide it's monstrous simply because they don't see themselves reflected back.”

“Anytime there’s power to be had, there's power to be misused. [...] Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and all that.”

“I never wanted to hurt anyone. I only wanted to protect them. But what the fuck do my intentions matter when I'm serving and unjust system?”

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thethingwithfeathers's review against another edition

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adventurous funny reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

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nikogatts's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

1.75

Like a few books I've read this year, this had an amazing premise but fell well short of expectations when it came to worldbuilding, character arcs, and the development of the main characters' relationship. The romantic leads were instantly and wildly attracted to each other and the sex scenes veered between generic and absurd.

Rounded up to just under 2 stars, since the plot involved the characters questioning authority and fighting a corrupt system, and at least the book synopsis actually matched the contents of the book.

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kleinepanda's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A story worth being told, and read, for numerous reasons. Told in a duel POV: a golden retriever MMC that has deep dedication and loyalty to a system that he follows without question and a black cat FMC that questions absolutely everything, even direct orders meant to keep her safe. The underlying narratives of attachment and creating your found family are there while the open door bedroom scenes are spicy, but also very true to the characters. Intimacy and sexual tension not just to have it but because it makes sense to their nature.

Highly recommend this book both because it's otherworldly and I could feel the salt water on my face but also because it's well grounded and easy to connect with.

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bangiebangs's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

4*
- Ends on a soft cliffhanger (ie the story isn't finished, this is only book 1, but it has a finished first arc and doesn't end mid scene or on some huge emotional open question).
- spice 4/5 (lots and detailed)

I've read quite a lot by Katee Robert so far (Bloodline Vampires, Wicked Villains, Dark Olympus, and some I'm probably forgetting now) and really love their writing style. This book didn't disappoint: the story flows well, the POVs are well done (and we love a plucky heroine). The love story could have been more drawn out, I do like a bit of a slow burn, but it does work like this as well.

I did think that it felt a tad abrupt in some places, for both of them. Lust, yes, but the sudden love admissions were a tad sudden and I don't think it suits the characters, especially as they both have so much else to deal with.

The world-building here is really enjoyable (kinda-pirates, portals) and I'm looking forward to more. Plus, the overarching arc is set up now as well

- so we can wonder, who is the rebellion group, who is the leader, will the Council fall or be defeated?

.

So to sum up:
A feel-good book, easy to get into and fast-paced, driven by a (slightly chaotic) love story and spiiiice, with interesting world-building and a lighthearted vibe. Much lighter and less serious than Dark Olympus, so if you want intricate politics then you might be disappointed. If you want to feel good and read about ships, the sea, a dashing captain, with dragons and vampires and witches.. then you'll have a good time reading this!

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tostita's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I really enjoyed this high seas paranormal romance. Witch and amateur thief Evelyn finds herself on the run from her powerful vampire ex and accidentally-on-purpose falls through a mysterious portal to escape, only to find herself tumbling through the air and landing in the open ocean. Fortunately, she quickly gets scooped up by a nearby ship; unfortunately, that ship is part of the Cwn Annwn, the feared fleet of pirates that fight monsters and conscript any hapless individuals they rescue into their ranks. Evelyn is given the choice to join up or die by the surprisingly idealistic captain Bowen and takes the oath, but with no intention of actually following through. Shenanigans ensue. Evil organizations are exposed, depths of character are revealed, and, oh yeah, true love just might be discovered. I eagerly look forward to the murderous ex’s story in book 2.

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