Dark Water Daughter

Long’s (Barrow of Winter) first installment in her swashbuckling “Winter Sea” series follows Mary, a stormsinger who can control the weather through song, and Samuel, a disgraced naval officer intent on restoring his good name. Mary, voiced by Moira Quirk, and Samuel, performed by Samuel Roukin, have both been manipulated and taught to fear their abilities. Their talents entangle them in a many-sided pirate conflict, leaving them unsure whom they can trust. Listeners will be riveted, immersed in chaotic pirate battles and storm-wracked seas. Around the adventure is detailed worldbuilding centered on an invisible realm populated by dangerous beings linked to humankind’s magical talents. While Quirk and Roukin provide charming voices for Mary and Samuel, listeners may occasionally struggle to keep track of the many secondary characters (spread over five ships) when they’re all together. But audiences needn’t worry too much about keeping track, as they’ll soon be caught up in the twisty revelations and intensifying action. Though this is the first entry in a series, the ending is structured to create a satisfying stand-alone listen.