A review by just_one_more_paige
Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert

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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