Katee Robert’s Crimson Sails series launched in 2023 with Hunt on Dark Waters, establishing a fantasy romance universe centered around the magical realm of Threshold—a supernatural sea connecting all worlds. The next installments, Blood on the Tide and Rebel in the Deep, promising to continue the adventures of supernatural pirates navigating both dangerous waters and complex relationships. This inaugural novel sets ambitious sails for what could become a compelling series, though it doesn’t always navigate the choppy waters of its own ambitious plotting.
A Storm-Tossed Beginning: Plot and Premise
Hunt on Dark Waters introduces us to Evelyn, a witch whose life philosophy seems to revolve around making spectacularly poor decisions with admirable consistency. After stealing from her vampire ex-lover Lizzie and tumbling through a portal, she finds herself literally fished out of supernatural waters by Captain Bowen and his crew of the Crimson Hag. What follows is the classic “join or die” ultimatum that propels our protagonists into a relationship built on equal parts attraction and coercion.
The world-building centers on Threshold, a realm that serves as the nexus between all worlds, patrolled by the Cŵn Annwn—supernatural enforcers who maintain order between realms. Robert constructs an intricate mythology that borrows heavily from Welsh folklore while adding her own supernatural maritime twist. The concept is genuinely innovative, creating a setting where pirates, magic, and interdimensional politics collide in ways that feel both familiar and fresh.
However, the execution occasionally stumbles under the weight of its own complexity. The magic system, while intriguing with Evelyn’s tattooed spells and Bowen’s telekinetic abilities, sometimes feels inconsistent in its limitations and applications. The political structure of the Cŵn Annwn wavers between compelling moral ambiguity and convenient plot device, particularly when the narrative needs to manufacture conflict or resolution.
Character Dynamics: Love on the High Seas
Evelyn: The Rebellious Heart
Evelyn emerges as Robert’s most successful creation—a character whose flaws feel authentic rather than contrived. Her sticky fingers and questionable judgment in romantic partners aren’t just quirky character traits but genuine personality flaws that drive the plot forward. Her relationship with her deceased grandmother Bunny provides emotional depth that grounds her more reckless impulses in genuine grief and love.
Robert deserves credit for crafting a heroine who maintains agency even within the constraints of her circumstances. Evelyn’s decision to stay in Threshold feels earned rather than forced, growing organically from her character development rather than romantic obligation alone.
Bowen: The Honorable Captain
Bowen represents the archetypal honorable hero, complete with unwavering moral compass and protective instincts. While his character arc—questioning the system he’s served faithfully—provides solid narrative structure, he occasionally feels too perfect, lacking the compelling flaws that make Evelyn so engaging.
His telekinetic abilities serve both the action sequences and romantic tension effectively, particularly in the more intimate scenes where his supernatural control becomes a metaphor for emotional restraint. The gradual revelation of his mysterious past adds intrigue, though the resolution feels somewhat predictable.
The Supporting Cast: A Crew Worth Following
The supporting characters, particularly the diverse crew of the Crimson Hag, add richness to Robert’s world. Nox, the morally ambiguous quartermaster, provides compelling complexity, while Dia’s world-weary wisdom offers emotional grounding. Even Lizzie, the vampire ex-lover who pursues them across realms, transcends the typical “evil ex” trope to become a character with understandable motivations and genuine depth.
Romance Elements: Passion and Politics
Robert’s romance writing demonstrates her experience in the genre, delivering both emotional intensity and physical chemistry. The romantic tension builds naturally from antagonistic beginnings to genuine partnership, though the “love conquers all” resolution occasionally strains credibility given the relatively short timeline.
The intimate scenes are well-crafted, balancing emotional vulnerability with physical passion. Robert’s use of Bowen’s magical abilities adds a supernatural element to their physical relationship that feels organic rather than gimmicky. The relationship between Evelyn and Lizzie also adds complexity, exploring themes of past relationships and personal growth without falling into typical love triangle clichés.
World-Building: Ambitious Scope, Mixed Execution
Robert’s creation of Threshold as a supernatural crossroads between realms shows impressive imagination. The concept of magically-enhanced ships sailing between worlds, crewed by conscripted supernatural beings, creates fertile ground for both adventure and moral complexity.
The magic system, centered around Evelyn’s tattooed spells and various crew members’ supernatural abilities, provides exciting action sequences. However, the magical limitations sometimes shift to serve plot convenience rather than internal consistency. The political structure of the Cŵn Annwn occasionally feels underdeveloped, particularly regarding the mysterious Council and the original god-like enforcers.
Writing Style: Engaging Voice with Some Navigation Issues
Robert’s prose maintains an engaging, conversational tone that keeps pages turning. Her dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity, particularly Evelyn’s internal monologue and banter with other characters. The pacing generally succeeds in balancing action, romance, and character development.
However, the narrative occasionally suffers from information overload, particularly when introducing new magical concepts or political structures. Some plot threads, particularly regarding the broader political implications of the rebellion, feel rushed or underdeveloped compared to the central romance.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Storm Warnings
What Works
- Character Development: Evelyn’s growth from selfish thief to committed rebel feels authentic and earned
- World-Building Creativity: The concept of Threshold and interdimensional maritime patrol offers fresh fantasy elements
- Romantic Chemistry: The central relationship develops organically with genuine emotional stakes
- Moral Complexity: The questioning of supposedly noble institutions adds depth beyond typical fantasy adventure
Areas of Concern
- Pacing Issues: The transition from romance to revolution feels somewhat abrupt
- World-Building Consistency: Some magical and political elements shift to serve plot needs
- Secondary Plot Resolution: Some supporting storylines feel underdeveloped or rushed
- Predictable Elements: Certain plot developments, particularly regarding Bowen’s past, follow expected patterns
Comparison to Robert’s Previous Work
Readers familiar with Robert’s contemporary romance series, including her popular Dark Olympus books, will recognize her talent for creating complex, morally ambiguous characters and steamy romantic tension. Hunt on Dark Waters represents a successful expansion into fantasy while maintaining the emotional core that defines her work.
The supernatural elements feel more integrated than mere window dressing, suggesting Robert’s comfort with fantasy worldbuilding. However, the complexity of creating an entirely new magical universe occasionally shows growing pains compared to her more grounded contemporary settings.
Looking Ahead: Series Potential
The foundation laid in Hunt on Dark Waters creates promising possibilities for the upcoming Blood on the Tide and Rebel in the Deep. The rebellion against the Cŵn Annwn provides rich material for exploring themes of justice, freedom, and the cost of change.
The diverse cast and expansive world offer opportunities for multiple romantic storylines and character development arcs. The political intrigue surrounding the Council and the mysterious original enforcers could develop into compelling long-term plotting.
Final Verdict: A Promising Voyage with Some Choppy Waters
Hunt on Dark Waters succeeds more often than it stumbles, delivering an entertaining blend of romance, adventure, and fantasy elements. While the execution doesn’t always match the ambition of its concept, Robert demonstrates clear growth as a fantasy writer while maintaining the romantic sensibilities that define her work.
The book has solid character development, engaging romance, and creative world-building, despite occasional pacing issues and plot conveniences. Readers who enjoyed Robert’s previous work will find familiar emotional depth wrapped in exciting new supernatural packaging.
For fantasy romance enthusiasts seeking something beyond typical vampire-werewolf dynamics, Hunt on Dark Waters offers a refreshing maritime adventure with genuine heart. While not without its navigation errors, this inaugural voyage of the Crimson Sails series charts a course worth following into future installments.
The series shows potential to develop into something truly special as Robert continues to refine her fantasy writing skills. Hunt on Dark Waters serves as both an entertaining standalone adventure and a promising beginning to what could become a beloved fantasy romance series.