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Beneath Black Sails #2
Against Dark Tides
Enemies. Lovers. Enemies once more. Now they must work together to survive.
Notorious pirate Lady Vice has lost everything: ship, crew, and friends. Even her body has betrayed her, leaving her magic weak. To make matters worse, she’s stuck at sea with the man who stabbed her in the back.
Knigh Blackwood is no longer a captain, no longer a pirate-hunter, no longer … anything. All he has left is the woman he betrayed, and she’d rather cut out his tongue with his own dagger than forgive him.
There’s just one thing that might make up for what they’ve lost: Drake’s treasure.
But they’re not the only ones searching for clues and the elusive X that marks the spot. Between them and the treasure stand a scheming duke, a former lover, and a sea monster thought the stuff of legends – not to mention Vice and Knigh’s complicated feelings for each other.
If you love the scheming of Black Sails, the high seas adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean, and the romance of Holly Black, you won’t want to miss this heart-pounding new series.
Buy AGAINST DARK TIDES now and escape to a magical world where enemies become allies and even the closest lovers can become the worst foes.
As you might expect from pirates, these stories include mild cussing and steamy scenes.
Prequel – Across Dark Seas
Book 1 – Beneath Black Sails
Book 2 – Against Dark Tides
Book 3 – Under Black Skies
Book 4 – Through Dark Storms
Notorious pirate Lady Vice has lost everything: ship, crew, and friends. Even her body has betrayed her, leaving her magic weak. To make matters worse, she’s stuck at sea with the man who stabbed her in the back.
Knigh Blackwood is no longer a captain, no longer a pirate-hunter, no longer … anything. All he has left is the woman he betrayed, and she’d rather cut out his tongue with his own dagger than forgive him.
There’s just one thing that might make up for what they’ve lost: Drake’s treasure.
But they’re not the only ones searching for clues and the elusive X that marks the spot. Between them and the treasure stand a scheming duke, a former lover, and a sea monster thought the stuff of legends – not to mention Vice and Knigh’s complicated feelings for each other.
If you love the scheming of Black Sails, the high seas adventure of Pirates of the Caribbean, and the romance of Holly Black, you won’t want to miss this heart-pounding new series.
Buy AGAINST DARK TIDES now and escape to a magical world where enemies become allies and even the closest lovers can become the worst foes.
As you might expect from pirates, these stories include mild cussing and steamy scenes.
Prequel – Across Dark Seas
Book 1 – Beneath Black Sails
Book 2 – Against Dark Tides
Book 3 – Under Black Skies
Book 4 – Through Dark Storms
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2020
505 people are currently reading
2696 people want to read
About the author
Clare Sager
22 books1,880 followersClare Sager writes darkly addictive romantasy full of slow-burn steam, gut-wrenching conflict, and morally grey *everybody*. Dubbed the Queen of Edging by readers, she takes no responsibility for lost sleep or therapy bills.
When she’s not breaking hearts with her Shadows of the Tenebris Court series, Clare can usually be found drinking coffee, lifting weights, or impulse-buying stationery.
She lives in Nottingham, Robin Hood country, so it’s no surprise she writes about characters who don’t always play by the rules.
When she’s not breaking hearts with her Shadows of the Tenebris Court series, Clare can usually be found drinking coffee, lifting weights, or impulse-buying stationery.
She lives in Nottingham, Robin Hood country, so it’s no surprise she writes about characters who don’t always play by the rules.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
February 11, 2026
✅ Pirates
✅ World-building and descriptions
✅ Character growth
✅ Sexual tension and hate/love relationship
✅ Treasure hunt
✅ Magic and fights
✅ The Kraken
✅ Pace and plot
✅ Intriguing villain
✅ BARNACLE HAS KITTENS!!!
❗️❗️Trigger warnings:
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️ / 5
_______________________
Second read:
_______________________
4.5 stars
This book is even better than the first one! The stakes are higher; there are more fights, more scheming, and complex feelings... Get ready to become addicted and fall in love with Knigh Blackwood.
After escaping right before her execution, Vice is now left without a ship, a crew, and far away from her friends. She is also stuck with Knigh because he feels guilty for his part in her capture and is determined to gain her forgiveness, which is no easy thing. After all, Vice knows how to hold a grudge (and she did almost die because Knigh betrayal after all). Vice's plan is simple: Knigh will help her find her friends and Drake's treasure, and he will get a part of it to help his family, and then they will part ways and never see each other again. But of course, everything does not go according to their plan (because when does it ever?).
The world-building is simple, yet well done, and it expands in this second book. The descriptions are very detailed and vivid, from the spray of salty water on Knigh's face to the ringing sound of Vice's saber crossing another one. The author uses accurate naval terms, and I actually had to go check some words because I was not sure which part of a ship they referred to, but it made it all more immersive.
This is a real pirate series. Most of the book happens at sea, there is a hunt for a treasure, betrayals, sabre fights, and we keep the pirate vibe from beginning to end. The descriptions and action scenes are immersive, and we did get to see more magic, too, in this sequel. This is shaping up to be one of my favorite pirate series, and I hope it continues to be this amazing.
Vice is weak at the beginning of the book, because of the week she spent in the iron cage. She can barely access her magic, and she needs to get stronger as soon as possible. She still has that reckless streak that we saw in the first book, and she gets pissed whenever someone tries to explain to her that she might not be ready to be a captain yet because of her recklessness and the fact that she refuses to rely on others. I have to say, though, that she matures near the end of the book, and I like her self-reflection and personal growth. She is still feisty, especially when Knigh is involved, but she was more mature at the end of the book than she was at the beginning of this adventure, which makes her more likable and relatable. She went through some ordeal, but it was needed for her to realize how impulsive and reckless she was, with her life and her crewmates’.
Vice has to rely on Knigh, at least until she gets stronger and is fit to travel on her own, and it drives her crazy. She is ready to crush him with cruel words at the slightest gesture or comment she doesn't like, and poor Blackwood is so full of guilt that he cannot let Vice alone. He also obviously has feelings for her, which makes it all the more difficult because she hates him with a burning passion (or does she really? You know what they say: there is a very fine line between hate and love...).
I liked Knigh in the first book, but I didn’t fall in love with him. In this sequel, though? He was amazing. Groveling and willing to do anything to earn Vice’s forgiveness, yet also able to put his foot down and let her know when she was being an ass and when he was done with her jabs and cruel words. I loved this mix of guilt and self-respect, and I am glad he was able to talk some sense into Vice and was brave enough to say what needed to be said, even though it hurt her.
Those two drive each other mad. Vice is cruel with her words, Knigh is full of guilt, and he loves Vice, while Vice also lusts after Knigh, but denies any romantic feeling whatsoever. This push-and-pull game was well done and just long enough to be entertaining without getting boring and repetitive. Their relationship is rocky and intense, but I loved it… I hope it will progress in the next book, though, because the slow-burn and push and push-and-pull is only enjoyable for so long before it becomes annoying.
Knigh also gets extra awesomeness points just because he's so cute with Barnacle and her kittens. I mean, he went back to get them all, even if it was kind of a life-or-death situation. He just couldn't even think about leaving them behind.
Perry is the MVP, the voice of reason. She is a great secondary character. She is calm and levelheaded and always seems to know what to say to everyone. I also absolutely ADORE how she just took the time to talk to Knigh to let him know that he needed to talk about his burdens and emotions, even though he was a "tough man". She just listens to him and encourages him to talk and question himself like a normal adult, and I am saying Amen to that! Counselor Perry has a lot of work to do with Vice and Knigh though; she'd better be ready.
This sequel is part treasure hunt and booby traps, and part high sea adventure, and battles. There is scheming and magic, pirate fights, and intense feelings, and it was hard to put it down once I got into the story.
0.5 Across Dark Seas ⭐⭐⭐.5
1. Beneath Black Sails ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ World-building and descriptions
✅ Character growth
✅ Sexual tension and hate/love relationship
✅ Treasure hunt
✅ Magic and fights
✅ The Kraken
✅ Pace and plot
✅ Intriguing villain
✅ BARNACLE HAS KITTENS!!!
❗️❗️Trigger warnings:
🔥 Spice level : 🌶️ / 5
_______________________
Second read:
_______________________
4.5 stars
This book is even better than the first one! The stakes are higher; there are more fights, more scheming, and complex feelings... Get ready to become addicted and fall in love with Knigh Blackwood.
After escaping right before her execution, Vice is now left without a ship, a crew, and far away from her friends. She is also stuck with Knigh because he feels guilty for his part in her capture and is determined to gain her forgiveness, which is no easy thing. After all, Vice knows how to hold a grudge (and she did almost die because Knigh betrayal after all). Vice's plan is simple: Knigh will help her find her friends and Drake's treasure, and he will get a part of it to help his family, and then they will part ways and never see each other again. But of course, everything does not go according to their plan (because when does it ever?).
The world-building is simple, yet well done, and it expands in this second book. The descriptions are very detailed and vivid, from the spray of salty water on Knigh's face to the ringing sound of Vice's saber crossing another one. The author uses accurate naval terms, and I actually had to go check some words because I was not sure which part of a ship they referred to, but it made it all more immersive.
This is a real pirate series. Most of the book happens at sea, there is a hunt for a treasure, betrayals, sabre fights, and we keep the pirate vibe from beginning to end. The descriptions and action scenes are immersive, and we did get to see more magic, too, in this sequel. This is shaping up to be one of my favorite pirate series, and I hope it continues to be this amazing.
“The most important task for a captain is relying on others,” Perry went on. “It’s about placing people in positions where they can use their skills. Where they can excel. It’s about trusting them to do their jobs and, in turn, making them confident of their own strengths and competency.
Vice is weak at the beginning of the book, because of the week she spent in the iron cage. She can barely access her magic, and she needs to get stronger as soon as possible. She still has that reckless streak that we saw in the first book, and she gets pissed whenever someone tries to explain to her that she might not be ready to be a captain yet because of her recklessness and the fact that she refuses to rely on others. I have to say, though, that she matures near the end of the book, and I like her self-reflection and personal growth. She is still feisty, especially when Knigh is involved, but she was more mature at the end of the book than she was at the beginning of this adventure, which makes her more likable and relatable. She went through some ordeal, but it was needed for her to realize how impulsive and reckless she was, with her life and her crewmates’.
“I knew what I’d do and how I’d do it. I made all the arrangements, contacted FitzRoy and Bricus. I had back-up plans and safety nets. I planned for every eventuality. Except you.”
"You came."
"Of course I did," he murmured, voice rumbling through her, grey eyes more intense, more vulnerable than their steely colour.
"I'll always come for you."
Vice has to rely on Knigh, at least until she gets stronger and is fit to travel on her own, and it drives her crazy. She is ready to crush him with cruel words at the slightest gesture or comment she doesn't like, and poor Blackwood is so full of guilt that he cannot let Vice alone. He also obviously has feelings for her, which makes it all the more difficult because she hates him with a burning passion (or does she really? You know what they say: there is a very fine line between hate and love...).
I liked Knigh in the first book, but I didn’t fall in love with him. In this sequel, though? He was amazing. Groveling and willing to do anything to earn Vice’s forgiveness, yet also able to put his foot down and let her know when she was being an ass and when he was done with her jabs and cruel words. I loved this mix of guilt and self-respect, and I am glad he was able to talk some sense into Vice and was brave enough to say what needed to be said, even though it hurt her.
Those two drive each other mad. Vice is cruel with her words, Knigh is full of guilt, and he loves Vice, while Vice also lusts after Knigh, but denies any romantic feeling whatsoever. This push-and-pull game was well done and just long enough to be entertaining without getting boring and repetitive. Their relationship is rocky and intense, but I loved it… I hope it will progress in the next book, though, because the slow-burn and push and push-and-pull is only enjoyable for so long before it becomes annoying.
Knigh also gets extra awesomeness points just because he's so cute with Barnacle and her kittens. I mean, he went back to get them all, even if it was kind of a life-or-death situation. He just couldn't even think about leaving them behind.
“So,” he said, a half-smile tugging on his lips, “you guess your way through life?”
She grinned and shrugged. “An educated guess, sometimes. An informed guess, most of the time. But I can’t know everything, I can’t have every piece of information or predict every possibility.” Her expression grew gentler. “You have to do the best with what you’ve got. That’s all anyone can do.”
Perry is the MVP, the voice of reason. She is a great secondary character. She is calm and levelheaded and always seems to know what to say to everyone. I also absolutely ADORE how she just took the time to talk to Knigh to let him know that he needed to talk about his burdens and emotions, even though he was a "tough man". She just listens to him and encourages him to talk and question himself like a normal adult, and I am saying Amen to that! Counselor Perry has a lot of work to do with Vice and Knigh though; she'd better be ready.
This sequel is part treasure hunt and booby traps, and part high sea adventure, and battles. There is scheming and magic, pirate fights, and intense feelings, and it was hard to put it down once I got into the story.
0.5 Across Dark Seas ⭐⭐⭐.5
1. Beneath Black Sails ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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January 5, 2023
2.5 stars
book two annoyed me a lot :((
More than half the book Vice(h) was mad at Knigh(H), which to be fair, she had a RIGHT to be because he almost got her killed for no reason. But like the level of petty this girl was on is just crazy. At first I felt bad for him but I was like yea you deserve that lowkey, but after a while it just got tiring and I was begging them both to let it go and move on.
Eventually they did, but I was already annoyed with them and I couldn't bounce back from it 🫥
book two annoyed me a lot :((
More than half the book Vice(h) was mad at Knigh(H), which to be fair, she had a RIGHT to be because he almost got her killed for no reason. But like the level of petty this girl was on is just crazy. At first I felt bad for him but I was like yea you deserve that lowkey, but after a while it just got tiring and I was begging them both to let it go and move on.
Eventually they did, but I was already annoyed with them and I couldn't bounce back from it 🫥
March 7, 2021
"You came."
"Of course I did," he murmured, voice rumbling through her, grey eyes more intense, more vulnerable than their steely colour.
"I'll always come for you."
Damn! Can I get a Knigh Blackwood of my own please! (*dreamy sigh*)
I loved Beneath Black Sails but this sequel is even better!
Notorious pirate Lady Vice has lost everything: ship, crew, and friends. Even her body has betrayed her, leaving her magic weak. To make matters worse, she’s stuck at sea with the man who stabbed her in the back.
Knigh Blackwood is no longer a captain, no longer a pirate-hunter, no longer … anything. All he has left is the woman he betrayed, and she’d rather cut out his tongue with his own dagger than forgive him.
It should all be plain and simple. He'll help her find Drake's treasure, she'll help his family and they'll be on their merry separate ways. It should be! Except that it isn't.
Vice has to get stronger and get her magic back, but until that happens she'll have to rely on Knigh's help. And that is something she cannot stand. Something that turns her into a hissy hellcat and sets her off like ill-treated gunpowder even at the slightest gesture or word. And Blackwood himself is so consumed by guilt and conflicted about his choices that he can't even think straight.
The two of them drive each other mad, but also burn for each other. And they are both so broken and in so much pain!! A twisted and chocked kind of pain, near physical in its ferocity! One that's bound to make any reader feel!
The search for the treasure they've lost should provide enough distraction for their hearts, especially since they're not the only ones looking for it. From scheming dukes, a former lover, and even a fabled sea monster, dark storms and pirate skirmishes, they all stand in between our duo and their treasure. All that and the feelings! Unwanted, complicated and intense!
Of course Vice has a plan, even weakened as she is! A plan just as ballsy and daring as herself. One that involves a lot of scheming, heart-pounding high seas adventure and a lot of grit and guts.
What that involves, I'll leave for you to find out. But know that it's one heck of a ride!
Great action and adventure, wonderful wordbuilding, vivid first-class descriptions and fabulous character development - this book has it all!
And don't even let me get started on the feelings. Masterfully dealt with! This author gives us here the whole array of them. From fear to anger, hope and despair, jealousy and desire, loyalty and betrayal, trust, friendship, longing and love, she deals with each and every one of them and does it remarkably well.
If you're on the lookout for a pirate romantic fantasy with all the feels make sure you grab this one here.
It's fabulous if you ask me!
"Of course I did," he murmured, voice rumbling through her, grey eyes more intense, more vulnerable than their steely colour.
"I'll always come for you."
Damn! Can I get a Knigh Blackwood of my own please! (*dreamy sigh*)
I loved Beneath Black Sails but this sequel is even better!
Notorious pirate Lady Vice has lost everything: ship, crew, and friends. Even her body has betrayed her, leaving her magic weak. To make matters worse, she’s stuck at sea with the man who stabbed her in the back.
Knigh Blackwood is no longer a captain, no longer a pirate-hunter, no longer … anything. All he has left is the woman he betrayed, and she’d rather cut out his tongue with his own dagger than forgive him.
It should all be plain and simple. He'll help her find Drake's treasure, she'll help his family and they'll be on their merry separate ways. It should be! Except that it isn't.
Vice has to get stronger and get her magic back, but until that happens she'll have to rely on Knigh's help. And that is something she cannot stand. Something that turns her into a hissy hellcat and sets her off like ill-treated gunpowder even at the slightest gesture or word. And Blackwood himself is so consumed by guilt and conflicted about his choices that he can't even think straight.
The two of them drive each other mad, but also burn for each other. And they are both so broken and in so much pain!! A twisted and chocked kind of pain, near physical in its ferocity! One that's bound to make any reader feel!
The search for the treasure they've lost should provide enough distraction for their hearts, especially since they're not the only ones looking for it. From scheming dukes, a former lover, and even a fabled sea monster, dark storms and pirate skirmishes, they all stand in between our duo and their treasure. All that and the feelings! Unwanted, complicated and intense!
Of course Vice has a plan, even weakened as she is! A plan just as ballsy and daring as herself. One that involves a lot of scheming, heart-pounding high seas adventure and a lot of grit and guts.
What that involves, I'll leave for you to find out. But know that it's one heck of a ride!
Great action and adventure, wonderful wordbuilding, vivid first-class descriptions and fabulous character development - this book has it all!
And don't even let me get started on the feelings. Masterfully dealt with! This author gives us here the whole array of them. From fear to anger, hope and despair, jealousy and desire, loyalty and betrayal, trust, friendship, longing and love, she deals with each and every one of them and does it remarkably well.
If you're on the lookout for a pirate romantic fantasy with all the feels make sure you grab this one here.
It's fabulous if you ask me!
June 3, 2021
Clare Sager deserves more recognition.
Everything was so well done and written. Clare has managed to keep me at the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. This was packed with action, love, friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, cunning manipulation and mystical adventure.
The ending went like:
Vee: Friends.
Knigh: Friends.
Me: FRIENDS ???????
Yall wanna tell me that I've spent 455 pages crying and in constant pain FOR THEM TO BE JUST FRIENDS.
I'm jumping straight to book 3.
Everything was so well done and written. Clare has managed to keep me at the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. This was packed with action, love, friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, cunning manipulation and mystical adventure.
The ending went like:
Vee: Friends.
Knigh: Friends.
Me: FRIENDS ???????
Yall wanna tell me that I've spent 455 pages crying and in constant pain FOR THEM TO BE JUST FRIENDS.
I'm jumping straight to book 3.
October 18, 2021
1.5
With how little there were going on for world building or plot, this novel relied heavily on the characters to make the story worth reading. I expected lots of angst with the way book 1 ended. But the endless cycle of Vice punishing/ blaming Knigh and Knigh begging for forgiveness ultimately felt tedious and redundant. The whole play dragged out too long. Vice constantly acted like a petulant child. As a main character, this made the book very hard to stomach. I guess enough is enough, I've lost all interest in the series.
With how little there were going on for world building or plot, this novel relied heavily on the characters to make the story worth reading. I expected lots of angst with the way book 1 ended. But the endless cycle of Vice punishing/ blaming Knigh and Knigh begging for forgiveness ultimately felt tedious and redundant. The whole play dragged out too long. Vice constantly acted like a petulant child. As a main character, this made the book very hard to stomach. I guess enough is enough, I've lost all interest in the series.
July 13, 2023
She's learning! Vice is learning! I feel like a proud parent.
In Against Dark Tides, we catch up with Vice and Ni after their dramatic escape. Needless to say, Vice is pissed. All she wants is to find Perry and her crew, ditch Ni, and get on with her life. Yet, Vice is still magically and physically weak from iron. And those feelings she had for Ni she desperately tried to deny? They're still there. But how are Vice and Ni supposed to go from enemies, to lovers, back to enemies, and then land anywhere else? Especially when hidden treasure is on the line.
You know, second half of the novel Vice really impressed me. I thought her typical anger and emotional constipation from Beneath Black Sails and the first half of Against Dark Tides was just going to propel her through the rest of the series. Yet, Vice surprised me. She still struggles with the whole feeling thing, but she is learning other lessons. She is learning what it actually takes to be a captain. She's learning she can't do everything by herself, and it doesn't make her weak to depend on other people. She's also letting herself regret her decisions and actions, which was one of the things that bothered me most about Vice in Beneath Black Sails. Overall, go Vice.
Moving onto plot and arcs, I really tip my hat to Clare. She talked about trying to figure out how to navigate Vice and Ni through season 2 enemies into forgiveness in her author's note, and I think she did it flawlessly. That with any character is a hard act to accomplish, but when you have someone as volatile and sensitive as Vice? That is a feet of genius. I bow. I also love how some much of this plot revolves around classic pirate treasure hunting, maps, and codes that need to be broken. The latter point especially was so creatively done, I love it.
Oh, and Ni? Still love him. Just in case you were wondering. His arc was just as good, if not better, than Vices. Forgiveness is such a tricky topic, especially self forgiveness. Overall? It's just so good, man.
Across Dark Seas review - 4
Beneath Black Sails review - 3.5
Under Black Skies review - 4.5
Through Dark Storms review - 5
In Against Dark Tides, we catch up with Vice and Ni after their dramatic escape. Needless to say, Vice is pissed. All she wants is to find Perry and her crew, ditch Ni, and get on with her life. Yet, Vice is still magically and physically weak from iron. And those feelings she had for Ni she desperately tried to deny? They're still there. But how are Vice and Ni supposed to go from enemies, to lovers, back to enemies, and then land anywhere else? Especially when hidden treasure is on the line.
You know, second half of the novel Vice really impressed me. I thought her typical anger and emotional constipation from Beneath Black Sails and the first half of Against Dark Tides was just going to propel her through the rest of the series. Yet, Vice surprised me. She still struggles with the whole feeling thing, but she is learning other lessons. She is learning what it actually takes to be a captain. She's learning she can't do everything by herself, and it doesn't make her weak to depend on other people. She's also letting herself regret her decisions and actions, which was one of the things that bothered me most about Vice in Beneath Black Sails. Overall, go Vice.
Moving onto plot and arcs, I really tip my hat to Clare. She talked about trying to figure out how to navigate Vice and Ni through season 2 enemies into forgiveness in her author's note, and I think she did it flawlessly. That with any character is a hard act to accomplish, but when you have someone as volatile and sensitive as Vice? That is a feet of genius. I bow. I also love how some much of this plot revolves around classic pirate treasure hunting, maps, and codes that need to be broken. The latter point especially was so creatively done, I love it.
Oh, and Ni? Still love him. Just in case you were wondering. His arc was just as good, if not better, than Vices. Forgiveness is such a tricky topic, especially self forgiveness. Overall? It's just so good, man.
Across Dark Seas review - 4
Beneath Black Sails review - 3.5
Under Black Skies review - 4.5
Through Dark Storms review - 5
October 27, 2020
Okay, so... WOW, Vice made it really really really difficult for me to love this book. Like,
really difficult.
Although she redeemed herself in my eyes by the end of the book one, I was up to my eyeballs and drowning in frustration with her character's naivete and petulance in this book and it really took the enjoyment out of the story for me. I think my actual rating would be 2.75 stars but I'm rounding it up to 3 stars. Judging by the ratings I've seen so far mine is definitely an unpopular opinion!
With the way book one ends, it's no surprise that there would be a good dose of angst in book two--I just didn't expect so much of it. I honestly feel as if the angst and the "will they/won't they" dance that Vice and Knigh engaged in throughout the book, took away from the more serious but also the more fun aspects of the story. While Vice was the worst, Knigh also got on my nerves a bit because of how willfully blind he was to the situation around him. I understand that for years he has been living with grief, guilt and regret, and showing his experience with that and how he's learning to forgive himself would've been fine if it wasn't so repetitive. I think that's the thing with this story is that while the characters come to these "realisations" about the wrong they've done, they don't grow at all. They just repeat on this cycle of anger, realisation, sadness, and they don't learn until it's either too late or the very end of the story. It quite quickly became redundant (maybe like this review is becoming LOL 😂).
The only character who saved the book for me was Perry. She's not only a great trustworthy captain but an amazing friend. I respect her love and adoration for Vice, but I also loved how she realised and accepted her own flaws and immediately took steps to grow and do better from there. We get to see a strong friendship grow between Perry and Knigh in this book and her influence on him was not only soothing, but I thought she also really brought out the best in him. She's all around such a great comforting presence in the story--I really wanted more of her on the page rather than Vice! 😂
In terms of the romance, I honestly felt Knigh deserved so much better. There's no denying that what he did was completely messed up and if I'm being honest, probably unforgivable if I didn't want to forgive him. But the way Vice toys around with him in this book was frustrating, to say the least. As the old saying goes, you can't have your cake and eat it too, especially when you continuously stomp on it and repeatedly grind it down to mush beneath your boots! 🤷🏻♀️
We get more high-seas adventures with a treasure hunt and even the Kraken. We also see plenty more fae magic being used and we spend time with Mercia, a despicable creature who grosses me out but also incites my curiosity. He's so evil, and quite possibly a sociopath or megalomaniac, but we get glimpses of vulnerability that make me wonder what's really going on. I wanted to know how he became the way he is! There's certainly a lot of interesting bits and pieces we learn about this world and the new characters we're introduced to, but unfortunately, bits and pieces are all we continue to get.
TL;DR: This was sadly a disappointing second book for me. I was so ready to enjoy where the story would go after speeding through book one, but the disappointing and frustrating character arcs really took the enjoyment away from me. If only this book could've been about Perry instead 😂 Still, it serves a good dose of pirate adventure on the high-seas, an intense treasure hunt, and a very intriguing and likely sociopathic nemesis. Am I going to continue on with the series? I think I'll pick up book three and see how I feel about it but I won't push myself to read it if it ends up being like this one!
With the way book one ends, it's no surprise that there would be a good dose of angst in book two--I just didn't expect so much of it. I honestly feel as if the angst and the "will they/won't they" dance that Vice and Knigh engaged in throughout the book, took away from the more serious but also the more fun aspects of the story. While Vice was the worst, Knigh also got on my nerves a bit because of how willfully blind he was to the situation around him. I understand that for years he has been living with grief, guilt and regret, and showing his experience with that and how he's learning to forgive himself would've been fine if it wasn't so repetitive. I think that's the thing with this story is that while the characters come to these "realisations" about the wrong they've done, they don't grow at all. They just repeat on this cycle of anger, realisation, sadness, and they don't learn until it's either too late or the very end of the story. It quite quickly became redundant (maybe like this review is becoming LOL 😂).
The only character who saved the book for me was Perry. She's not only a great trustworthy captain but an amazing friend. I respect her love and adoration for Vice, but I also loved how she realised and accepted her own flaws and immediately took steps to grow and do better from there. We get to see a strong friendship grow between Perry and Knigh in this book and her influence on him was not only soothing, but I thought she also really brought out the best in him. She's all around such a great comforting presence in the story--I really wanted more of her on the page rather than Vice! 😂
In terms of the romance, I honestly felt Knigh deserved so much better. There's no denying that what he did was completely messed up and if I'm being honest, probably unforgivable if I didn't want to forgive him. But the way Vice toys around with him in this book was frustrating, to say the least. As the old saying goes, you can't have your cake and eat it too, especially when you continuously stomp on it and repeatedly grind it down to mush beneath your boots! 🤷🏻♀️
We get more high-seas adventures with a treasure hunt and even the Kraken. We also see plenty more fae magic being used and we spend time with Mercia, a despicable creature who grosses me out but also incites my curiosity. He's so evil, and quite possibly a sociopath or megalomaniac, but we get glimpses of vulnerability that make me wonder what's really going on. I wanted to know how he became the way he is! There's certainly a lot of interesting bits and pieces we learn about this world and the new characters we're introduced to, but unfortunately, bits and pieces are all we continue to get.
TL;DR: This was sadly a disappointing second book for me. I was so ready to enjoy where the story would go after speeding through book one, but the disappointing and frustrating character arcs really took the enjoyment away from me. If only this book could've been about Perry instead 😂 Still, it serves a good dose of pirate adventure on the high-seas, an intense treasure hunt, and a very intriguing and likely sociopathic nemesis. Am I going to continue on with the series? I think I'll pick up book three and see how I feel about it but I won't push myself to read it if it ends up being like this one!
April 23, 2022
Ok 4 ⭐️
Idk, I'm conflicted about this one. I really like the theme, the story is going great but, man, this book did not hit like the first one. I'm a little mad too at how things "ended".
Just like I say to myself "this could've been an email" after unnecessary face-to-face work meetings, a lot of these chapters could've been condensed and given us a little more ✨flavor✨ instead.
Yeah, ok, y'all fighting, I get it. I, myself, like to fight too. But baby, take it out and what do we have left? A little of the plot here and there. AND THEN, JUST FRIENDS????!!!!!!! Come on.
I'm still reading the next books tho.
P.S.: I'm a little tipsy (from a drink I made like 5 hours ago, shit was STRONG ok?) so if this is not making sense to you, I feel you because I can't understand myself either.
Idk, I'm conflicted about this one. I really like the theme, the story is going great but, man, this book did not hit like the first one. I'm a little mad too at how things "ended".
Just like I say to myself "this could've been an email" after unnecessary face-to-face work meetings, a lot of these chapters could've been condensed and given us a little more ✨flavor✨ instead.
Yeah, ok, y'all fighting, I get it. I, myself, like to fight too. But baby, take it out and what do we have left? A little of the plot here and there. AND THEN, JUST FRIENDS????!!!!!!! Come on.
I'm still reading the next books tho.
P.S.: I'm a little tipsy (from a drink I made like 5 hours ago, shit was STRONG ok?) so if this is not making sense to you, I feel you because I can't understand myself either.
September 11, 2020
Oh. Oooh. Now that was an adventure. A mid-series part of one, but dang did it fulfil my needs for some pirates and treasure and the peeerfect setup for the backstabbing that's to come. Because pirates and ambitious people of power mixed with magic. You know there will be some.
I'm gonna put it to you straight as I don't lie about these things: at first, I wondered if this book was going to be for me. Yes, pirates, fae magic, Knigh and Vee back on the high seas with a little bit of daring do and drama, but... There felt to be a bit of an emotional doldrums going on. Our tormented romantic heroes stew a lot in their own musings about life, love and their own questionable decisions. They snipe and snip at each other. The usual romantic tensions type things come up - can I trust him/her/myself? - and there are a lot of emotion talks as they try to work out their issues (like adults, thank the Lords and Ladies; no hormonal rages here). I got a little saddened that the more hopeful tone from the end of book one had completely evaporated, and, well, a long spell on a reef of misunderstandings, back-and-forth decision making that I didn't always understand (I think it's a romance trope thing, and I'm terrible with getting them), and second-guessing each other's motives felt a bit heavy, with or without the dependable side character Perry to play relationship councillor.
But. Pirates don't just mooch about pondering the matters of the heart. You remember those themes from book one? Hidden treasure? Mysterious pasts? Unusual magic? Complex enemies? Friendship? Ambition? They all come into play here. Gosh darn it, when they do we get a wonderful action-adventure story full of Pirates of the Caribbean-esque treasure hunting and sea battles that more than outweigh the moodiness in the romance story. Also: the kraken.
Cannons booming, sabres rattling, salt spray so vivid you can taste it... I adore the world building that's gone on in this instalment. That's before we get to the deliciously vicious bad guy(s) who aren't all they seem. The good guys have their own inner darkness to contend with, but these guys? Mercia 's plan is plain as the gaudiness of his ship, though don't expect him to spell it out for you (writing that treats you like you can work it out for yourself? Check!) and he's far more nuanced than just being "rich bad guy". His twisted relationships with Knigh and his brother George are getting interesting. And we haven't even gotten on to the reappearance of our least favourite pirate captain, or the mysterious Vane who showed his face only briefly once before. Vee's clearly got a rich past to delve into, and we are being teased mercilessly.
On the horizon there's a storm brewing that's so much bigger than a Pirate Queen being captured by a Naval captain, bigger than Ser Francis Drake's fabled treasure, and it's so exciting I wish this already quite long book was longer.
Knigh and Vice's relationship is more muted in this book, but it still drives a lot of the plot. I can appreciate that it's a complex one, and while the tension tropes are a bit confusing to me it's so refreshing to have a couple with some emotional intelligence. There's a little bit of steaminess and mooching, but despite being integral to the characters I didn't feel it took away from the other things happening in the story. It's all cleverly interwoven stuff, and the writing is gloriously attention-grabbing; this was never going to be one I could just put down because despite their awkwardness early on I felt so drawn to these two characters and the world is so immersive I didn't want to leave.
TL;DR: Pirates! Action! Adventure! Treasure! Emotional maturity! Kittens!
Expect choppy waters ahead.
-I received a free ARC of this e-book from the author. This does not influence my enjoyment of the book or the contents of this review-
I'm gonna put it to you straight as I don't lie about these things: at first, I wondered if this book was going to be for me. Yes, pirates, fae magic, Knigh and Vee back on the high seas with a little bit of daring do and drama, but... There felt to be a bit of an emotional doldrums going on. Our tormented romantic heroes stew a lot in their own musings about life, love and their own questionable decisions. They snipe and snip at each other. The usual romantic tensions type things come up - can I trust him/her/myself? - and there are a lot of emotion talks as they try to work out their issues (like adults, thank the Lords and Ladies; no hormonal rages here). I got a little saddened that the more hopeful tone from the end of book one had completely evaporated, and, well, a long spell on a reef of misunderstandings, back-and-forth decision making that I didn't always understand (I think it's a romance trope thing, and I'm terrible with getting them), and second-guessing each other's motives felt a bit heavy, with or without the dependable side character Perry to play relationship councillor.
But. Pirates don't just mooch about pondering the matters of the heart. You remember those themes from book one? Hidden treasure? Mysterious pasts? Unusual magic? Complex enemies? Friendship? Ambition? They all come into play here. Gosh darn it, when they do we get a wonderful action-adventure story full of Pirates of the Caribbean-esque treasure hunting and sea battles that more than outweigh the moodiness in the romance story. Also: the kraken.
Cannons booming, sabres rattling, salt spray so vivid you can taste it... I adore the world building that's gone on in this instalment. That's before we get to the deliciously vicious bad guy(s) who aren't all they seem. The good guys have their own inner darkness to contend with, but these guys? Mercia 's plan is plain as the gaudiness of his ship, though don't expect him to spell it out for you (writing that treats you like you can work it out for yourself? Check!) and he's far more nuanced than just being "rich bad guy". His twisted relationships with Knigh and his brother George are getting interesting. And we haven't even gotten on to the reappearance of our least favourite pirate captain, or the mysterious Vane who showed his face only briefly once before. Vee's clearly got a rich past to delve into, and we are being teased mercilessly.
On the horizon there's a storm brewing that's so much bigger than a Pirate Queen being captured by a Naval captain, bigger than Ser Francis Drake's fabled treasure, and it's so exciting I wish this already quite long book was longer.
Knigh and Vice's relationship is more muted in this book, but it still drives a lot of the plot. I can appreciate that it's a complex one, and while the tension tropes are a bit confusing to me it's so refreshing to have a couple with some emotional intelligence. There's a little bit of steaminess and mooching, but despite being integral to the characters I didn't feel it took away from the other things happening in the story. It's all cleverly interwoven stuff, and the writing is gloriously attention-grabbing; this was never going to be one I could just put down because despite their awkwardness early on I felt so drawn to these two characters and the world is so immersive I didn't want to leave.
TL;DR: Pirates! Action! Adventure! Treasure! Emotional maturity! Kittens!
Expect choppy waters ahead.
-I received a free ARC of this e-book from the author. This does not influence my enjoyment of the book or the contents of this review-
July 18, 2022
Too much SHOWING (?!) Be warned: Spoilers
3½. I have kind of mixed feelings about this book. The last 30% of it was great. There was action & adventure, high stakes & revelations. The bad guy was stymied & the good guys got away. Most importantly, Knigh & Vice finally made up. Which brings me to the reasons for my mixed feelings. The first 70% of the book seriously dragged for me. Over & over & over again we watched as Vice felt self-righteous & bitchy towards Knigh for his betrayal in the first book. Despite everything that he had done for her to make it up, despite the fact that the reason for his betrayal in the first place was her enormous lie, she would not let up. I got so sick of reading it over & over & over & over. Yes, yes, we get it already. She's bitter. He's sorry. She's acting like a spoiled brat. He's self-flagulating. It might have been one thing to just read about it, but clearly this author has taken the advice to show, not tell, to heart. In my opinion, in fact, she has taken it too far. She showed constantly, every emotion that flickered across Vice or Knigh's face. Every single thought they had, every miniscule action. It. Got. SO. OLD. It was bad enough that I nearly put the book down altogether, once not picking it up again for over a week. When Vice was kidnapped & given to Mercia, I was so grateful that finally something had actually freaking happened! While I like the author's style in general, she takes slow burn to an altogether new level, not in a good way. Hopefully now that they have reached an understanding, that constant back & forth of misunderstanding one another will end. I really hope so, because at this point I am invested in seeing whether or not they ever discover Drake's treasure, whether FitzRoy gets what he deserves, whether Mercia gets his comeuppance, & I'd Knigh gets his happy ending. Which will be Vice's happy ending, too, except as it stands now, I don't haveuch use for her, obnoxious spoiled brat bitch that she is. Which is such a shame because I loved her in the prequel, where it was so joyful watching as she fell in love with the sea & became strong & independent. It's like between the prequel & book 1 she lost all of her desirable qualities. As I said, I have the deepest of hopes that will improve in the final 2 books of the series.
3½. I have kind of mixed feelings about this book. The last 30% of it was great. There was action & adventure, high stakes & revelations. The bad guy was stymied & the good guys got away. Most importantly, Knigh & Vice finally made up. Which brings me to the reasons for my mixed feelings. The first 70% of the book seriously dragged for me. Over & over & over again we watched as Vice felt self-righteous & bitchy towards Knigh for his betrayal in the first book. Despite everything that he had done for her to make it up, despite the fact that the reason for his betrayal in the first place was her enormous lie, she would not let up. I got so sick of reading it over & over & over & over. Yes, yes, we get it already. She's bitter. He's sorry. She's acting like a spoiled brat. He's self-flagulating. It might have been one thing to just read about it, but clearly this author has taken the advice to show, not tell, to heart. In my opinion, in fact, she has taken it too far. She showed constantly, every emotion that flickered across Vice or Knigh's face. Every single thought they had, every miniscule action. It. Got. SO. OLD. It was bad enough that I nearly put the book down altogether, once not picking it up again for over a week. When Vice was kidnapped & given to Mercia, I was so grateful that finally something had actually freaking happened! While I like the author's style in general, she takes slow burn to an altogether new level, not in a good way. Hopefully now that they have reached an understanding, that constant back & forth of misunderstanding one another will end. I really hope so, because at this point I am invested in seeing whether or not they ever discover Drake's treasure, whether FitzRoy gets what he deserves, whether Mercia gets his comeuppance, & I'd Knigh gets his happy ending. Which will be Vice's happy ending, too, except as it stands now, I don't haveuch use for her, obnoxious spoiled brat bitch that she is. Which is such a shame because I loved her in the prequel, where it was so joyful watching as she fell in love with the sea & became strong & independent. It's like between the prequel & book 1 she lost all of her desirable qualities. As I said, I have the deepest of hopes that will improve in the final 2 books of the series.
July 25, 2021
I can't recommend this series enough. If you love books that are at sea, pirates, and intense sexual tension 😆 you will lOoOove this.
July 27, 2024
PIRATES 🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️
September 23, 2020
Against Dark Tides is an action packed addition to the Beneath Black Sails series! Vice & Knigh have a relationship as tumultuous and rocky as the churning sea. Their relationship has been bashed against the rocky shore of reality and they are left picking up the pieces of the wreckage. It was a beautiful disaster to witness. They each have incredible growth as characters in this book. Their journey really is an emotional rollercoaster. One that I love riding and thoroughly recommend!
September 23, 2020
Oh my, this is an excellent sequel to follow Beneath Black Sails! The chemistry between Vice & Knigh is amazing, whether they're ignoring each other, fighting, or making up from the fight. Barnacle makes her appearance, as do vicious sea creatures and, of course, the hunt for treasure.
The book is fast paced and energetic, catching your attention within the first few paragraphs and not releasing it until the very end.
My only regret is that we'll have to wait for Under Black Sails to see how it all plays out.
The book is fast paced and energetic, catching your attention within the first few paragraphs and not releasing it until the very end.
My only regret is that we'll have to wait for Under Black Sails to see how it all plays out.
July 16, 2021
As the author acknowledges, this story has twice the angst and adventure, and half the sex, as the first one. As is common in the middle book of a trilogy, this was very transitional. Still lots of fun and exciting throughout. CS has a way of describing storms on the ocean, the power and the beauty, that produces a visceral tension, at least in this sailor.
I look forward to the concluding book, which promises to have all the adventure, but less angst and more sex than this one.
I look forward to the concluding book, which promises to have all the adventure, but less angst and more sex than this one.
April 22, 2022
FICK THIS ONE WAS EVEN BETTER THAN THE FIRST ONE AND I ALREADY LOVED THAT ONE IMMENSELY
also Barnacle’s kittens😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩
also Barnacle’s kittens😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩
May 4, 2021
Review originally posted on My Bookish Escapades.
This series keeps getting better and better! I had no idea it's possible but I LOVE Vee, Knigh and crew even more now!
Against Dark Tides brought more action, more romance, higher stakes and more Barnacle to love, LOL. Seriously, this cat barely had any role but she's definitely one of my favorites! And the way Knigh is with her?! My heart is melting.
The end of BSS didn't exactly leave me feeling hopeful about Knigh and Vee's HEA. But let's just say, maybe I shouldn't have worried too much. Against Dark Tides brought a lot of excitement, action, realization and reconciliation. Knigh is still struggling with his past mistakes and his control as a berserker but he's slowly learning to forgive himself. Vee will learn more about her powers and what it means to truly wield that power. And both will have to learn to forgive each other and themselves. Which btw, was a whole mess because they're both the most stubborn lot!
There was so much that happened in this book that I didn't expect! I read it in one sitting and I loved every page! Sager's writing is just as addictive and exciting. I also now have a newfound love and appreciation for Perry. She's such a tough mother hen and I love that!
I don't know what Clare Sager has in store for us next but I'm SO excited to find out!
Now who do I have to bribe to get my hands on book three?!
I received a copy of the book to read and review.
This series keeps getting better and better! I had no idea it's possible but I LOVE Vee, Knigh and crew even more now!
Against Dark Tides brought more action, more romance, higher stakes and more Barnacle to love, LOL. Seriously, this cat barely had any role but she's definitely one of my favorites! And the way Knigh is with her?! My heart is melting.
The end of BSS didn't exactly leave me feeling hopeful about Knigh and Vee's HEA. But let's just say, maybe I shouldn't have worried too much. Against Dark Tides brought a lot of excitement, action, realization and reconciliation. Knigh is still struggling with his past mistakes and his control as a berserker but he's slowly learning to forgive himself. Vee will learn more about her powers and what it means to truly wield that power. And both will have to learn to forgive each other and themselves. Which btw, was a whole mess because they're both the most stubborn lot!
There was so much that happened in this book that I didn't expect! I read it in one sitting and I loved every page! Sager's writing is just as addictive and exciting. I also now have a newfound love and appreciation for Perry. She's such a tough mother hen and I love that!
I don't know what Clare Sager has in store for us next but I'm SO excited to find out!
Now who do I have to bribe to get my hands on book three?!
I received a copy of the book to read and review.
September 22, 2020
I don't usually enjoy the second book in a trilogy (or in this case quadrology) because it often sags and feels like killing time until the 'real' story continues. This was not the case with Against Dark Tides. It gripped me from beginning to end. Loved the character development and complex plot. Plenty of room for story and growth in the next two books. Although I have to say I'm not looking forward to the wait!
August 21, 2021
The ANGST in this book!
Every page of this book was dripping with tension and emotion. While Beneath Black Sails was an adventurous introduction to the worlds of Arawaké and Albion, this book brought us deeper into each character and their motivations.
All the pirating adventure from the first book is still here, of course, but Sager delightfully peels back the layers of her characters to make her readers love them even more. 5/5 stars.
Every page of this book was dripping with tension and emotion. While Beneath Black Sails was an adventurous introduction to the worlds of Arawaké and Albion, this book brought us deeper into each character and their motivations.
All the pirating adventure from the first book is still here, of course, but Sager delightfully peels back the layers of her characters to make her readers love them even more. 5/5 stars.
January 17, 2022
Literally do not have enough praise for this book and series. It’s so well written, amazing MCs, fun magic system, and some amazing sailing/pirate moments. The pinning and yearning of the romance was driving me insane in the best way. Cannot recommend this enough. I read this on KU, and when I finish the series I plan on buying in paperback. Excited to finish it out!
February 27, 2023
Ahhhh this was so good. SO ANGSTY!!! The enemies to lovers back to enemies need to somehow get to friends? And there’s a freaking kraken! If you love Pirates of the Caribbean at all (especially the second movie) this book is 10000% for you. I love Vice and Knigh (and BARNACLE!). The tension, the action, the plotting, the betrayals, the swashbuckling!
Highly recommend!
4.5 stars
Highly recommend!
4.5 stars
September 15, 2025
Love the jargon like Port Royal, Lords and Ladies, Wild Hunt take him, aft, etc.
But what is it with having to dumb down a female character? If you want a certain situation, then just attribute some flaws to get it. It felt for me a bit forced and not consistent with her character. Also this tension build up is really too much. I want some happy spicy moments, is that too much too ask? ^^
But what is it with having to dumb down a female character? If you want a certain situation, then just attribute some flaws to get it. It felt for me a bit forced and not consistent with her character. Also this tension build up is really too much. I want some happy spicy moments, is that too much too ask? ^^
April 22, 2022
This series is everything I’ve ever wanted in a pirate romance, and so much more. This book was definitely not as good as book 1, but there was a lot of depth to it that I felt was really necessary for the progression of Knigh and Vice’s relationship. Was it fun to see Vice blaming Knigh for the whole book, and Knigh taking it because he thought he deserved it? No, but we also get to see Knigh working through his emotions, and Vice learning to forgive him on her own terms. I cannot wait to continue with book 3.
September 23, 2020
I received an ARC of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I recommend reading these books in order- the prequel: Across Dark Seas, then the BBS series: Beneath Black Sails, and Against Dark Tides.
When I first started Against Dark Tides, I thought it was going to be another 'second book in the series, this is just a filler' type of gig, where the characters wallow in a maelstrom of fog, before coming out the other side as if nothing happened. Thank the Gods, Lords, and, Ladies that I was wrong!
Vice and Knigh are both struggling to come to grips with what they have done, and also done to each other, in Beneath Black Sails. The former lovers now seem divided by a rift as great as any ocean, and even though that undeniable chemistry is still there between them, they just can't get past the past. But this isn't some teenage angst-ridden story, no, it's a full-fledged adult tale of how people (Vice and Knigh, but also the rest of the pirate crew) can start to become the best versions of themselves.
Clare deals with those most base human emotions, fears, and needs- anger, jealousy, love, loyalty, betrayal, trust, friendship- and she does it well. The character development and world building are first rate- when you're sailing with Vice and Knigh, you can taste the salty spray of the sea in your mouth, and feel the ship's pitch and yaw underfoot.
And what about the actual pirating, you say? Aye, there's plenty of action and adventure, sabre-weilding and cannon boom, fae magic and sailing, a little spice, plus kittens, and did I mention a kraken?! Then there's the Duke...a prince and admiral of the realm, a fae-blooded monster in a gentleman's disguise.
The hunt for pirate treasure is on, but will it be gold and riches, or something even more covetous?
I recommend reading these books in order- the prequel: Across Dark Seas, then the BBS series: Beneath Black Sails, and Against Dark Tides.
When I first started Against Dark Tides, I thought it was going to be another 'second book in the series, this is just a filler' type of gig, where the characters wallow in a maelstrom of fog, before coming out the other side as if nothing happened. Thank the Gods, Lords, and, Ladies that I was wrong!
Vice and Knigh are both struggling to come to grips with what they have done, and also done to each other, in Beneath Black Sails. The former lovers now seem divided by a rift as great as any ocean, and even though that undeniable chemistry is still there between them, they just can't get past the past. But this isn't some teenage angst-ridden story, no, it's a full-fledged adult tale of how people (Vice and Knigh, but also the rest of the pirate crew) can start to become the best versions of themselves.
Clare deals with those most base human emotions, fears, and needs- anger, jealousy, love, loyalty, betrayal, trust, friendship- and she does it well. The character development and world building are first rate- when you're sailing with Vice and Knigh, you can taste the salty spray of the sea in your mouth, and feel the ship's pitch and yaw underfoot.
And what about the actual pirating, you say? Aye, there's plenty of action and adventure, sabre-weilding and cannon boom, fae magic and sailing, a little spice, plus kittens, and did I mention a kraken?! Then there's the Duke...a prince and admiral of the realm, a fae-blooded monster in a gentleman's disguise.
The hunt for pirate treasure is on, but will it be gold and riches, or something even more covetous?
September 23, 2020
2nd book in this series, so definitely read the 1st book before this one; the story picks right up where the 1st ended. Vice and Knigh are still at odds after he betrayed her in the last book; Vice is trying to act unaffected, but she’s hurt deeply. Vice is still dealing with the effects of being imprisoned in the iron cage, which was particularly damaging due to Vice’s Fae-ness; her health and weight still need improvements. They are acting as wife and husband on a ship since they are both fugitives now; Vice because she’s a pirate, and Knigh because he’s a military deserter for helping Vice escape. Knigh deserted because he didn’t agree with the torture Vice was subjected to while imprisoned for her pirate activities, and he felt terribly for his acts; plus, he cares for her. They are on the hunt for treasure and for Vice’s allies. Love getting back into the pirate adventures!! Such fun!! Lots of dangers to contend with at sea! Storms, creatures, evil people! Love how strong Vice is! She’s a tough lady! I tend to like her a bit more when she doesn’t have her tough pirate persona going on, but I love her intelligence. Vice and Knigh have some really great chemistry. Love the passion between them, but oh man, they can be frustrating. Still love them both though! I’m anticipating the next book because I’m not feeling how this book ended, so I’m hoping to see more growth and connection in the next book. Still a fully entertaining story though; I’m loving this series so far. Well written, great characters, and great depth!
September 24, 2020
Against Dark Tides is a book that keeps you wanting more. The entire time I was completely mesmerized and captivated at how wonderful the story/ premise was.
The flow of the story was completely on point and not once did I find myself slogging through chapters. Nope, each one left me wanting more. This book gave me every single emotion. Sadness to the point of tears, laughter, anger, and pure happiness!
Vice and Knigh’s relationship in this book is tested and tested HARD. The fact that Knigh continued to do his best to show Vice that he wanted to make things right no matter how hard headed she is? It was brilliant writing on Clare’s part.
The ending.. ohhhh the ending! Book one’s ending made me so mad because of how it ended but it made sense after I let it soak in. More so because it ended and I wanted more lol This one? Is beyond perfect. I so badly (spoiler) wanted them two to run off and do the hanky panky.. but there is something so satisfying with them deciding to just be friends. I still hope and pray the next installment finally brings them two back together. Damnit they deserve one another!!!
Great job by Clare! Fantastic story that left me with feel good tingles! This book and BBS have definitely gone up on my favorite books of all time list!!
Highly Recommended.
The flow of the story was completely on point and not once did I find myself slogging through chapters. Nope, each one left me wanting more. This book gave me every single emotion. Sadness to the point of tears, laughter, anger, and pure happiness!
Vice and Knigh’s relationship in this book is tested and tested HARD. The fact that Knigh continued to do his best to show Vice that he wanted to make things right no matter how hard headed she is? It was brilliant writing on Clare’s part.
The ending.. ohhhh the ending! Book one’s ending made me so mad because of how it ended but it made sense after I let it soak in. More so because it ended and I wanted more lol This one? Is beyond perfect. I so badly (spoiler) wanted them two to run off and do the hanky panky.. but there is something so satisfying with them deciding to just be friends. I still hope and pray the next installment finally brings them two back together. Damnit they deserve one another!!!
Great job by Clare! Fantastic story that left me with feel good tingles! This book and BBS have definitely gone up on my favorite books of all time list!!
Highly Recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2020
“Her beloved sea. Immense. Ancient. Ever-moving. It whispered to her gift, called her, sang to her. It would never let her down.”
Clare has a way with words; a beautifully poetic and magical way.
The search for Drake’s treasure continues in the epic sequel to the perfect pirate story. With an abundance of plot twists and the characters that we fell in love with in Beneath Black Sails, Against Dark Tides does not disappoint.
The resident golden boy, Knigh is drowning in guilt following the events of the last book, and Lady Vice our fearless Pirate Queen is as unforgiving and determined as ever. The action is also kicked up a notch in this one, the story so carefully crafted.
This book is sassy and action-packed, filled with secrets, pirates and betrayal – all with a little dose of magic. With its intricate world building and loveable characters, this story is anything but boring.
Thank you to the amazing Clare Sager for providing me with an ARC for this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what else she has in store for Vee and Knigh!
Clare has a way with words; a beautifully poetic and magical way.
The search for Drake’s treasure continues in the epic sequel to the perfect pirate story. With an abundance of plot twists and the characters that we fell in love with in Beneath Black Sails, Against Dark Tides does not disappoint.
The resident golden boy, Knigh is drowning in guilt following the events of the last book, and Lady Vice our fearless Pirate Queen is as unforgiving and determined as ever. The action is also kicked up a notch in this one, the story so carefully crafted.
This book is sassy and action-packed, filled with secrets, pirates and betrayal – all with a little dose of magic. With its intricate world building and loveable characters, this story is anything but boring.
Thank you to the amazing Clare Sager for providing me with an ARC for this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what else she has in store for Vee and Knigh!
August 18, 2022
This story has plenty of the swashbuckling and adventure we have come to love in Clare’s books.
There is a the feeling I want to use to describe where we find Vice and Knigh in this story, ( a longing of the soul to come home) Because Knigh and Vee are soul mates. The emotional angst is heavy throughout the story with both parties wilfully miss reading the others intentions and feelings. These two push and pull against each other as the tide does the shore so don't expect any nice polite forgiveness for Knigh's previous mistakes.
If you love pirates, adventure, magic and sea monsters this book is for you however, the monster in this story wears silk and a smile with his fair share of fae magic he believes he can control Vice but he’s going to get a face full of spindrift if when he tries
I look forward to the next Instalment
I was gifted this book by the author as part of the ARC but this has no bearing on my option or review.
There is a the feeling I want to use to describe where we find Vice and Knigh in this story, ( a longing of the soul to come home) Because Knigh and Vee are soul mates. The emotional angst is heavy throughout the story with both parties wilfully miss reading the others intentions and feelings. These two push and pull against each other as the tide does the shore so don't expect any nice polite forgiveness for Knigh's previous mistakes.
If you love pirates, adventure, magic and sea monsters this book is for you however, the monster in this story wears silk and a smile with his fair share of fae magic he believes he can control Vice but he’s going to get a face full of spindrift if when he tries
I look forward to the next Instalment
I was gifted this book by the author as part of the ARC but this has no bearing on my option or review.
September 28, 2020
Beneath Black Sails was a fantastic read.
But Against Dark Tides completely blew it out of the water...literally!
The angst this book opens with is everything I live for and more. Vice and Knigh are at each other's throats and yet hopelessly attracted to each other despite everything they've been through, and the back and forth between them leaves you delightfully frustrated yet hanging onto every word. As the plot progresses, you get the same roller coaster of emotions when the crew is reunited and our villain makes his entrance, all driving toward the final climax.
It's impossible to hate a single member of this cast. Each and every one of them has depth, schemes, and goals of their own, and even if you don't agree with their motives, Vice puts it best: they aren't heroes, but they aren't villains either.
Clare Sager has done it again: If you enjoyed Beneath Black Sails, Against Dark Tides will have you on the edge of your seat and breathless at every turn.
But Against Dark Tides completely blew it out of the water...literally!
The angst this book opens with is everything I live for and more. Vice and Knigh are at each other's throats and yet hopelessly attracted to each other despite everything they've been through, and the back and forth between them leaves you delightfully frustrated yet hanging onto every word. As the plot progresses, you get the same roller coaster of emotions when the crew is reunited and our villain makes his entrance, all driving toward the final climax.
It's impossible to hate a single member of this cast. Each and every one of them has depth, schemes, and goals of their own, and even if you don't agree with their motives, Vice puts it best: they aren't heroes, but they aren't villains either.
Clare Sager has done it again: If you enjoyed Beneath Black Sails, Against Dark Tides will have you on the edge of your seat and breathless at every turn.
September 22, 2020
Another breathtaking installment of this amazing series! Pirates, lovers, enemies, an scape, treasure hunting and she even RELEEEEEEASED THE KRAKEN!!! In this book we watch the aftermath of Vice’s close scape from the navy’s grasp and how she deals with recovering from her injuries (physical and emotional) it’s and amazing journey to also see Knigh adapting to his new life as an navy deserter and an outlaw. I utterly enjoyed the book and the way everything played out! It’s an excellent second installment and I can’t wait to read more about this characters! Spring 2021 can’t come soon enough!!
If you love, pirates, adventure, romance and fae magic all in an perfectly balanced mix, this book is just your cup of tea (maybe spiced with a bit of rum, after all, they are pirates right me hearties?)
If you love, pirates, adventure, romance and fae magic all in an perfectly balanced mix, this book is just your cup of tea (maybe spiced with a bit of rum, after all, they are pirates right me hearties?)
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