Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Swift and Savage Tide by Chloe Neill Series: Captain Kit Brightling #2
Published by Berkley on November 30, 2021
Genres: Science Fiction Fantasy
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Captain Kit Brightling is Aligned to the magic of the sea, which makes her an invaluable asset to the Saxon Isles and its monarch, Queen Charlotte. The Isles and its allies will need every advantage they can get: Gerard Rousseau, the former Gallic emperor and scourge of the Continent, has escaped his island prison to renew his quest for control of the Continent.
Gerard has no qualms about using dangerous magic to support his ambitions, so Kit and the crew of her ship, the Diana, are the natural choice to find him—and help stop him. Sparks fly when Kit's path unexpectedly crosses with that of the dashing and handsome Rian Grant, Viscount Queenscliffe, who's working undercover on the Continent in his own efforts to stop Gerard. But he's not the only person Kit is surprised to see. An old enemy has arisen, and the power he'll wield on Gerard's behalf is beautiful and terrible. Sparks will fly and sails will flutter as Kit and crew are cast onto the seas of adventure to fight for queen and country.
The Captain Kit Brightling series took me by surprise initially with The Bright and Breaking Sea last year. I loved the historical feeling fantasy world set with a navy and island kingdoms. There definitely was a strong class system with a misogynistic bent. Yet Kit is talented enough she succeeded and got her own ship to command. There was a depth in building of her character, her family members, her work for the Queen and her co-workers. We only learned a bit about the magic system and some enemies of the crown.
In A Swift and Savage Tide, there is much less world and character building overall. Most of the time is spent at sea, fighting battles and collecting intelligence. The enemies are trying to rebuild with a new plan. There is plenty of action and danger. Kit and her crew, as well as Grant, are all very skilled but there is still much danger. There are a few additional layers to the story besides this main task, including a fortune-teller and pirates.
Kit does use her magic from being aligned to water more. She also starts to learn more about it. Magic is illegal because of the huge destruction caused in the previous war. But with a new war, they need all the tools available. Kit tries to learn more from others and also works with it a bit herself as she can.
Another exciting thread is the personal relationship devloping between Kit and Grant. They started out as distrustful co-workers of a sort, and now work well together, supporting and trusting each other. What will this mean in their personal lives?
I can hardly wait for more of this world with its exciting adventures, to learn more about the magic systems and see how Kit and Grant navigate their personal side. The humor is the cherry on top.
“Good. I need a break from the Pig & Pheasant, if I may be so bold.”
About Chloe Neill
Chloe Neill is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Captain Kit Brightling, Heirs of Chicagoland, Chicagoland Vampires, Devil’s Isle, and Dark Elite novels.
She was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest, where she lives with her gamer husband and their bosses/dogs, Baxter and Scout. Chloe is a voracious reader and obsessive Maker of Things; the crafting rotation currently involves baking and quilting. She believes she is exceedingly witty; her husband has been known to disagree.
Photo by Dana Damewood.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Fall
Wow! I still have to finish Chicagoland Vampires! Wonderful that she’s writing in a completely different direction. Excellent review, Annes💜
It’s the second book. I was surprised how much I loved the first book. But you know, pirates and battles and magic. Plus a woman in charge which is contradictory to custom. I’m really enjoying them.
I thought the first one looked pretty good, but didn’t get it squeezed in. Glad it is hanging strong through the second book. You have me re-intrigued. 😉
I enjoyed the first one more than I expected and I’m continuing to enjoy the series.
Nice to hear you’re still enjoying the series. It sounds full of adventure and excitement. Must get to it someday. Fab review, Anne!
Thank you Rachel. I think you would like it.
What a beautiful cover. and I like the sound of this. Fantasy set at sea or in water based settings always appeals to me. 🙂
The whole military strategy is something I love to read about, even the political maneuvering. Scifi has lots of the same sort of thing but in space and future rather than historical feel. But since history repeats itself, the politics and battles often have similar themes, and in real life.
This series is on my list. I love that historical fantasy feel for books. I’m hoping to get to the audiobooks next year. I just need to start taking fewer review audios!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. I do think you will. Good luck with taking less. I try to fit in everything I think sounds really good and that’s lots with all the genres I love.
Another lovely review! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one.
Thank you Wendy. I try to say enough without being a spoiler. I’m really enjoying this series.
I liked the first one so I do plan to pick this one up. I am so happy to see that you enjoyed it!
I am really enjoying them. They are a bit different and I always like battles and strategy, with a bit of romance alongside.
If I remember well I didn’t connect with the first one but maybe I’ll try more someday
I’m sorry you didn’t . I liked the bit of humor in these also.
Great review Anne! I haven’t read this series but I love Chole Neill’s Chicagoland Vampires and Heirs series!
Thanks Elizabeth. Yes I like both of the other series too.