Book Review: Hunt on Dark Waters by Katie Robert

A Book Lover’s Escape to Magic, Mutiny, and Romance

Sometimes, a book lands in your lap when you least expect it and reminds you exactly why you fell in love with stories in the first place. That’s what Hunt on Dark Waters by Katie Robert did for me.

This isn’t just a story about pirates and witches. It’s about rebellion, self-discovery, and falling for someone you weren’t supposed to trust. With its vibrant magic system, swoon-worthy romance, and fast-paced adventure, this book felt like a secret realm I didn’t know I needed—but once I stepped inside, I didn’t want to leave.

The Story:

When Evelyn, a headstrong witch with a talent for getting into trouble, steals from her powerful vampire ex, she doesn’t expect to fall through a portal and land in another realm. (Honestly? Relatable.) She’s rescued by the mysterious Bowen, a pirate captain with telekinetic powers and a crew sworn to protect a borderland called Threshold.

Evelyn’s choices are clear: join the crew or be left behind. But aboard Bowen’s ship, danger, betrayal, and unspoken tension swirl as thickly as the magic in the air. Evelyn and Bowen’s relationship simmers from the moment they meet, and it only gets spicier—and more complicated—as the stakes rise.

The Characters:

Let’s talk about Evie—because she’s everything I love in a fantasy heroine. Bold, snarky, and just the right amount of emotionally guarded, Evelyn carries her pain with pride but never lets it dull her spark. She’s a rebel with a cause, and I loved watching her unravel in the best possible way.

Then there’s Bowen. The telekinetic captain is charming in that silent, brooding, “I’ll save you and destroy my enemies while doing it” kind of way. I wasn’t prepared to fall so hard for him, but the moment he started using his powers in certain scenes—hello telekinesis—I was sold.

Their chemistry is instant but layered. And while the insta-love element may not be everyone’s favorite, I found it worked well within the magical stakes and pace of this world.

The World & Magic:

Katie Robert’s world-building here is vibrant and unique, though I did wish for a touch more explanation around how each magical ability worked. That said, what is explained feels fresh and original. There are portals, realms, sea creatures, rogue vampires, mystical boundaries, and pirates with powers—and it’s all wrapped in a setting that feels lush, dark, and dripping with enchantment.

Threshold, the realm Evelyn stumbles into, has strong Pirates of the Caribbean meets Crescent City vibes—with a nautical twist and a magical heartbeat. The sea is practically a character itself: wild, untamed, and always watching.

Themes:

At its core, Hunt on Dark Waters is a story of identity, belonging, and power. Evelyn spends most of the book learning to trust others again—and herself. Bowen, too, is haunted by loyalty and legacy. Together, they face the kind of tension that makes you question whether home is a place… or a person.

There’s also an undercurrent of choice versus fate—how much of who we become is determined by where we come from, and how much do we claim for ourselves?

The Romance & Spice:

Let’s not pretend the romance isn’t one of the best parts of this book. It’s spicy. It’s telekinetic. It’s emotionally tangled. If you’re someone who loves a quick burn that still feels earned, you’ll enjoy the way Katie Robert plays with proximity, power, and passion. And yes, the spice levels are solidly above average—this is definitely a “Read with a fan” kind of book.

My Thoughts:

Was it perfect? Not quite. Some scenes felt rushed, and I personally would have loved more slow-burn build-up and deeper character backstory. But the pacing never lagged, and the dialogue had a snappy rhythm that made it an easy and addictive read. The audio version, while mixed, had a standout performance for Bowen (hello, accent) that added even more swoon to his character.

Overall, Hunt on Dark Waters surprised me in the best way. It felt like a beachy fantasy escape laced with edge and adrenaline—a salty breeze of a book that reminded me why I love getting swept away in speculative romance.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a romantasy read that delivers high-seas adventure, a dash of danger, sizzling romance, and a witchy heroine you’ll want to be besties with, Hunt on Dark Waters is for you.

Read if you enjoy:

Witches who don’t follow the rules Pirates with secrets and powers Magical realms and hidden borders Steamy scenes with supernatural flair Fast-paced fantasy with just the right amount of sass

Grab a cup of sea salt caramel tea, light a candle that smells like ocean mist, and curl up with this one. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just entertain—it awakens that rebel part of your soul that still believes in magic.

Check out my instagram page to ask yourself did I spot the story clues in Emma’s book review photo? Scroll through the images to see the clues.

Happy Reading,

Love,

Emma 🌊🏴‍☠️