As much as this pains me to say.. unfortunately this book did not give me what I wanted. I loved Dark Water Daughter so much and will continue to recommend that to everyone who is in need of a good pirate fantasy with romance.

I had extremely similar issues with Red Tempest Brother as I did with the second installment, Black Tide Son. Every situation they found themselves in seemed to wrap up too quickly or too conveniently and the characters arcs that I loved from the first book continued to fall apart in this one. The world this book is set in still continues to be a favorite and wish I could have loved this one as much as I did the first.

By the final page of Red Tempest Brother, the Winter Sea trilogy doesn’t just conclude—it soars. From pirate-infested waters to morally tangled characters, H. M. Long weaves a rich tapestry of espionage, magic, and romance that grips you from the first wave to the tempestuous finale. Benedict’s dark, compelling internal journey finally takes center stage, giving us an antihero you can’t stop rooting for, while Sam and Mary’s dilemmas—caught between preserving their names or risking all for truth—lend the stakes a haunting weight. The world-building deepens as the cast sails into new southern isles, packed with captivating new creatures and lore that feel expansive without overwhelming. Filled with cinematic action, sharp moral quandaries, and a slow-burn romance that smolders rather than flares, this is the kind of epic fantasy conclusion that leaves your heart racing and your imagination hungry for more.

⤷ 4.5✩

Thanks to Titan Books for providing me with the E-ARC via NetGalley.

This was a very satisfying conclusion to the series. I am sad to have to say goodbye to these characters, which are the best part for sure. I loved them all, even the morally dark grey ones.

I found it especially exciting to see the magic system and world develop once more. It went more in depth, making use of the mix of different powers and “worlds”. It made the experience all the more unique.

https://onereadingnurse.com/2025/08/08/book-review-red-tempest-brother-by-h-m-long/

I think this is the longest it’s ever taken me to read and post an ARC, and I’m sorry for the late review! I have never been so late in my life but I had to force myself to read Red Tempest Brother and it just wasn’t working for me. That said, I loved the last chapter and epilogue though 🥰

The end of Black Tide Son left open lots of potentially exciting paths forward and I don’t think any of it was capitalized on. We spend a lot of time chasing characters around with repeated capturing and kidnapping, most of which ends up (once again) pretty easily solved.

We never even found out what Mary’s mother offered to set her free from Voskin and that seemed like a big plot point. Far too many large things were magically solved by character deaths.

The character arcs were the best part. I always loved their interactions and dialogue, plus Charles’ snark, and all their betrayals and reparations. This was supposed to be Benedict’s book and I still think he got overshadowed. He knew he had a daughter, so was that reminder really enough to start a whole redemption arc? I like that he stayed morally gray until the end though.

I thought the last 50 pages or so wasn’t enough to magically resolve all the plot points while off-page forces solved the empire-wide problems. I do like the micro level look at shifting forces and how individual people can only play so large a role. I guess that’s the whole point, that Mary and Samuel had to realize what mattered most to them, but it did feel a little unsatisfying on page.

The action scenes were great once again and I love Long’s sense of setting and atmosphere. Isla Ascra was a great setting.

Nothing felt….really intentional though about the plot. Even in the end fight, there was a new big bad guy that just….petered off into nowhere Long gave Harpy a moment of glory, then I feel like she robbed the climax of action away from any intentional character action. This could have been fixed in the final version though if it also bothered the editor🤷🏻‍♀️ Or hey, what about the character on the cover, the giant tentacled ghosting? Total missed opportunity for something epic

Anyway. I do like what we got from the characters themselves at the end and it seems like maybe there will be more books coming at some point. I’d definitely recommend the series still since Dark Water Daughter is one of my favorite nautical fantasy books ever, and it’s so much more than that. Maybe the trilogy peters out at the end but it’s still worth it in my opinion!

Sorry for the late ARC review, honestly getting through this one was hard for me until the final hundred pages.

I really don't know how to feel after reading this. RTB was definitely better than BTS, but nothing can top DWD.

A lot of the issues I had with book two were fixed in this one. Everything felt so much more connected and it all flowed together well, however the ending felt a little rushed or abrupt? The battle scenes are always Long's strong suite and this book was no exception. I truly felt like I'd been transported to the winter sea and was there alongside these characters.

The character work in this was a massive improvement of book two as well. The way Sam and Mary's relationships progressed was so perfect, I'm so glad he lost that stick up his arse attitude and actually starting caring about her and putting her first. I do wish the *spicy* scene wasn't fade to black, but the romance was never a main focus so that's to be expected.
I really grew to adore Ben in his own way as well and really felt for his internal conflict. I really craved more from him and Grant, so I would love to see more from them if there were to ever be a future book. I just found their dynamic so fun.

While this wasn't what I hoped it to be it was still an enjoyable and good completion to the trilogy.

3.5⭐️

Is this series worth the read? Absolutely, full-heartedly I can tell you: yes. Is the finale as good as Dark Water Daughter? Sadly, no.

Dark Water Daughter is so special to me because it felt like the perfect balance of plot, characters, and action. However, as the series has progressed, I think there has been a gradual shift in focus toward hitting plot points over attention to the characters that really drew me in. I fell in love with Mary, Samuel, Charles, and even Benedict in a way, in the first book. But I just don’t feel the same connection to the characters at this point in the series, and I needed more of certain character interactions. The prose and action was still excellent, but it did feel a bit repetitive after numerous captures and escapes. It seemed like the only objective of this book was to get to the ending—which was actually quite good—as directly as possible.

I know many series would be better read straight through, but I think that is especially the case here so that you keep the momentum and love for the characters from the start. I do think it hindered my experience that I did not reread Dark Water Daughter and Black Tide Son before diving in to the finale (but the TBR is too damn long!).

Thank you NetGalley and Titan Books for the eARC!

I thought this was the perfect conclusion to HM Long’s historical fantasy pirate romance. The conflict set up in book two is wrapped up well, our protagonists finally figure out their relationship and my favorite bad boy gets a bit of redemption.

Fans of Clare Sager’s Beneath Black Sails will really enjoy this one I think

I adore The Winter Sea Trilogy and the world that HM Long has created. Pirates, sea creatures, and ghistings have created such a magical and unique world I don’t think I’ve ever experienced in a book.

Book three picks up after Black Tide Son, from the POV of Mary, Samuel, and Benedict. On a hunt for papers to bring down the Usti and figure out the conflict between the are in t nations - this story is beautiful crafted and very well paced. I loved the conflict of morals occurring, and the conflict of wanting to make the world a better place vs wanting to just escape it all.

This story especially dives deeper into the enslavement of storm singers and Mary’s place and fight in the world, as well as ghistings Wolds and fight.

Above all this book is looking at power, greed, and violence and does a great job doing it.

My biggest complaint is it wraps up FAST and I have quite a few questions I’m not sure if they were truly resolved. Like the mining???

Red Tempest Brother brings the Winter Sea Trilogy to a sweeping close, returning readers to the icy waters, seafaring politics, and magic-drenched mystery that have defined this series from the start. Once again, H.M. Long delivers what she does best: a vividly immersive setting, complex and morally gray characters, and a world teeming with original lore and magical beasts that feel like they could step right off the page.

This final installment picks up in the aftermath of Black Tide Son, and while the stakes are just as high, maybe higher, the pacing this time around is tighter and more consistent. There are new characters, new creatures, and a quest whose outcome could determine the future of the world as they know it. I enjoyed Sam’s and Mary’s relationship so much more in this one! Gone was the hesitant over-protective vibe from Sam and there was so much more emotional intimacy and equity between the two of them which I felt like was a satisfying way to end their love story. I did hope for more of a dedicated redemption arc from Ben’s character who seemed to maintain his evil ways up to a point where he shifted gears without any real catalyst for it. With that said, I am kind of hoping for a spinfoff series for Ben (with cameos, of course, from Sam and Mary–if you are listening, Hannah!) where we get to see that expanded upon.

The ending felt a bit rushed but I feel like this series was originally supposed to be a quartet and that had changed along the way which makes me wonder if that was a contributing factor. It certainly FELT as if we could have gotten another book based on how book 3 read and a few unresolved plotlines.

When looking at the sum of its parts, I did enjoy this series, though Dark Water Daughter will always wear the crown for me as best of the three. And as a long-term H.M. Long fan, I look forward to whatever story she brings us next.

This swashbuckling tale comes to an end, but I wish it had just a smidge more closure.

Red Tempest Brother is the finale to H.M. Long’s Winter Sea trilogy, and concludes the story of Sam, Mary and Benedict as they play their hands in war and deceit as they strive to create the world that they wish, no matter the cost.

The pacing was overall really consistent and exciting. It allowed for the high-stakes scenarios the characters were in to draw you in and stay on your toes to stay invested in the plot. It really added to the ambiance as well and I really appreciated it as I read.

H.M. Long always does characters super well. They are always well-rounded, uniquely different from one another, have genuine and realistic interactions and are extremely sympathetic characters. Even Benedict, who is definitely the anti-hero/villain at times, struggles with his own powers and his character and has moments where he tries to confront his dark side and sometimes fails to keep it in check. He definitely has some unforgivable moments but his depth in character is something I really appreciate.

The worldbuilding is chef’s kiss - not too much, not too little. It continued to grow and become more complex even thought this is the last book in the trilogy, and I really loved that part of the story.

My only criticism is a personal one - I didn’t love the way it ended. There was some closure but I think the ending came about really suddenly and didn’t provide the holistic end to things that I wished for. But, as always, I encourage you to read for yourself and come up with your own thoughts on it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for the e-ARC in exchange for this review.

Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC for review.

I find myself frustrated with Red Tempest Brother. The ending of book two, Black Tide Son, sets up a really exciting premise for book three. Secret organizations, spies, Benedict escaping into the distance with new powers and a new conscience, and the fate of the Winter Sea hanging in the balance.

However, this book squanders the momentum of the previous installment. We spend ages chasing characters around the sea, using this time to focus more on character interaction rather than action. These moments are used for character growth, and Benedict’s redemption arc is interesting, and I always love the interactions between Mary and Samuel. However, I found myself frequently bored, wondering when the many plot threads of the Ess Noti, Silvanus Lirr’s daughter, the gianeo, Mereish magic, and Sam + Mary’s engagement were going to be resolved. At 85% of the way through the book, these threads are still loose.

Having finished the book, I am still unsatisfied. Forcing the last 15% of the book to satisfactorily conclude arcs that span three books was a tall order, and it inevitably fell short. Plot threads are hastily tidied with character death. A new Big Bad just escapes into the ether with no further explanation. The tension and resentment building up between Mary and Sam goes unaddressed. And most frustrating of all, the majority of the politics of the Winter Sea are managed off-page by other characters. We spend three books dealing with political machinations, subjugation and slavery just to have it handled by other people in a couple of paragraphs? Ugh.

Elements of this book were good. I liked the character development, particularly for Ben. The ending was exciting. However, the last 15% had to make up for the pacing of the rest of the book, and the lack of time given to the many plot threads really did a disservice to the series as a whole. This series deserved a stronger send-off.

Final whinge: the new locations introduced in this book were not added to the map in the e-ARC edition I received. This was frustrating to me, because I wanted to follow along and see where things were. Hopefully this is fixed in the final published edition.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for letting me review this book.

I love how this series takes the reader on a thrilling adventure. This book certainly doesn't let down either.

Ships, battles, hunts... there is everything in this book. The entire trilogy may be one of my favourites ever.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great fantasy read with twists, some romance, and great worldbuilding.

Includes:
Seas
Ships
Feels
A magic system I love
A world I'm intrigued by

This series really caught my imagination and took it for a wild ride. A mix of Pirates of the Caribbean, Siren mythology, magical beasties and a smidge of romantasy. This may be the final hurray for Sam and Mary, but I'd love to see some of the other characters come back for some further books. Ben especially needs to get another go at redemption. No spoilers but even though he kind of gets a HEA, I really want to see him take to the seas again and cause some mayhem.

These characters are more mature than the usual leads in a romantasy/fantasy romance and it shows in the plotline. These two have found each other and there is nothing that will tear them apart, no third act drama to break them up. The danger to their relationship is all external and they just exude "burn the world for each other" in spades! Samuel himself says "I'm safer when we're together" and recognises that having Mary with him at his side is better than sending her off somewhere, even though that's what he'd love to do, he sees and respects her abilities.

Ben has a lot of revelations in this book and really does a lot of soul searching and a huge heap of redemption goes on. He is the epitome of anti-hero and whilst some things he has done were horrible and strayed over the line with others, he actually does regret his actions and shows remorse. There is even the slightest, most fragile hint of a possible romance for old Ben!

Some of the secondary characters were an absolute hoot and I was loving all queer normative narrative of the characters. There was no weirdness displayed over a character's sexuality/gender, it's just accepted. There is still some misogyny felt by the female characters but they rise above and show exactly what they are made of and kick the butts of the doubters! I also really enjoyed the secondary plotline of the rebellion to free the Stormsingers from their "masters" and I loved the idea of an island of freed Stormsingers, making their own way and demanding fair pay and treatment!

Thank you so much to Titan Books and Netgalley for the arc of this. I have loved the previous 2 instalments of this series, so I'm incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to receive an early copy.

I decided to re-read the previous 2 books before reading Red Tempest Brother, which kept the story very fresh in my mind

Red Tempest Brother picks up fairly soon after the events of Black Tide Son and I felt that the pace in this one was relentless. Sam and Mary go through a lot and the quieter moments in the book are all the more precious in amidst all the turmoil. While Benedict isn't necessarily my favourite character, I did enjoy having his POV chapters in this one - all 3 characters have some big decisions to make and the fate of the Winter Sea rests of their shoulders.

I also loved exploring the southern part of the world - it feels like, over the course of all 3 books, the entire world has been explored and my little worldbuilding heart loves that. It was also nice to see how various events of the previous books had an impact on the rest of the world and actually seeing that, rather than a character making an absent comment somewhere in the story. I've said it before, but I love a fleshed out world and this series definitely gave me that.

Whereas the previous books featured a larger cast, it felt like Red Tempest Brother brought the story back to Mary, Sam and Benedict. While I appreciated the return of other characters, I actually liked the fact that the final book brough the focus back to the 3 central ones. I love much about Mary and Sam, and I loved seeing how their dynamic had shifted over the course of the trilogy. They are partners and there's so much trust there. Benedict's POV chapters were interesting too, although I wished we'd maybe had his POV in Black Tide Son, if only to really see his development that little bit more.

Red Tempest Brother was a fitting end to one of my favourite trilogies and I'm actually really sad that this series is over. I'm going to miss this cast of characters and the world of the Winter Sea

Thank you NetGally and Titan Books for this ARC Copy!

I do not even know what to say. I loved this book as much as I loved every other book in this series. Literally the only thing that I didn't like is that the series is now over and I feel like a have a hole left in my heart because I will never get to experience this series for the first time ever again. I gave every book in this series a solid 5 Stars and the series as a whole is 6 Stars!

Thank you, Titan Books, for the eARC of this book! This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it exceeded my expectations!

Firstly, this trilogy is so near and dear to me. I adore nautical fantasy stories, but this is the first (and only?) series I’ve read taking place in colder waters and it is such a subtle difference, but a huge one nonetheless. Long does an excellent job setting the scene and creating the atmosphere. Do you know how skilled of an author you need to be to make a person reading on the beach in Maui during the summer actually feel cold just from reading your words? pretty damn skilled!!!

Now, the character work. god, the characters! I love Mary, Samuel, and Charles SO much. And Benedict!!! Seeing him grow and evolve is so, so wonderful. I despised him in book one. I grudgingly started to sympathise for him in book two. And now, book 3, I love him and my heart bleeds for him and I’m rooting for him. Phenomenal work!!

The story itself continues to be fascinating! The wolds and the ghistings and the magical creatures and the lore is so lush and well-thought-out! I love everything she’s written about this world. I want to read the “books” that the chapter headers are excerpts from! The conflict came to SUCH a head, and the battle sequences are really capture the chaos so beautifully. The conclusion was truly satisfying, and while I wish i could stay in this world forever, I am so, so happy with the ending.

A satisfying conclusion to a swashbuckling fantasy that is one of the best I have read. The atmosphere is tangible and thick with the book's magic, one of the most unique magic systems I have encountered. We even have new villains, monsters, and situations for Samuel and Mary to battle as we keep hoping they will finally find their place in the world. Then there is Benedict, who started as darkly irredeemable and self-centered. He is a great anti-hero, whom we watch as he wrestles with his better self, which he is discovering. I feel his story is not finished, and I hope we get to see what he comes as he explores life without all the vengeance and anger. We do get to see the conclusion of Sam and Mary's storyline, which rests in the mature and loving relationship they have developed over three books. I found the conclusion to be satisfying and a great conclusion to the story.

4.5 ⭐️
Waiting for the ending of this trilogy was well worth the wait! Every book was so unique and added to the world and characters and Red Tempest Brother did not disappoint. A new area in the world with new politics but with old friends (and enemies) HM Long builds the world and tells her best story yet. Multiple views can be hard to navigate but every chapter is relevant, unique and interesting. This book/series solidifies HM Long as an autobuy with her ability to create beautiful worlds with new creatures and detailed history/geography and complex characters.

Honestly the only downside is that my Charles/Ben ship is fruitless. They have the best chemistry of the whole cast (yes even Mary/Sam) and attempts to have them interested in others came across as very comphet.

Charles Grant you will always be famous
H.M. Long has built such an immersive world with a mix of politics and magic and Red Tempest Brother starts on such a strong foundation. It was extremely hard to know we were approaching the end of this series because of how dear the characters have become and the development they go through. There is so much that goes into a series like this and I really think that this book would make a fantastic adaptation a la Pirates of the Caribbean.

*The funniest part of this series to me besides Charles is that everyone in this world doesn't seem to think that twins exist

3.5 stars***

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Red Tempest Brother concludes H.M. Long’s trilogy, bringing back familiar characters alongside a few new villains. While I did enjoy this finale, it doesn’t quite live up to the standard set by the first two books.

The worldbuilding remains a standout—rich and atmospheric, anchored by a wonderfully inventive magic system. The ghistings and other mages continue to be among my favorite magic systems across the 80+ fantasy books I've read. That said, the story feels less focused than earlier entries. For those not reading the trilogy back-to-back, the lack of a recap or reintroduction can make the opening feel a bit disorienting. Some elements, such as the significance of the Usti documents and why everyone is after them, are left frustratingly underexplored. To be honest, I couldn't even remember what was in the Usti documents, and it wasn't explained until nearly the end of the book. The near-total absence of the Ess Noti was also puzzling. Additionally, several characters and creatures from previous books are reintroduced without context. While they may have been familiar in Dark Water Daughter, three years later, they’re a bit of a blur.

I also found the character work here a bit disappointing. This book, as I understood it, was meant to be Ben’s big arc. However, his transformation from morally gray (or morally reprehensible to be more accurate) to emotionally healed happens very abruptly, mostly in the final fifth of the book. I also really missed Charles. He’s been such a strong and compelling character throughout the series, so it was a bit of a letdown to see him mostly relegated to the background.

That said, I don’t want this review to come off as entirely negative—I rated it fairly well for good reason. The atmosphere, writing, and magical lore remain incredibly strong. Fans of the series will still find plenty to enjoy, especially if they’ve been captivated by the magic and mood of the Winter Sea world so far. Red Tempest Brother may not be the most powerful entry in the trilogy, but it’s still a satisfying return to a beautifully imagined fantasy realm. And based on where things leave off, I wouldn’t be surprised (or disappointed) to see a spin-off or future novellas down the line.