▲ 5 r/histficwriters+2 crossposts

Wanted to share an excerpt....historical fiction novel on the works ;)

>"You think you’re the only man who’s stared into black water and thought of giving himself to it?"

Duncan asked through gritted teeth, straightened up, started pacing a small circle in the cramped room before turning back to face Charles. His expression remained hard — but there was something grudgingly honest in his eyes.

>"I’ve had my own dark nights, Hart. I keep them to myself. "

He let that sit there, perhaps as a recognition of shared ground. He was stating a fact of their lives. The Caribbean was a place that broke men, whether they wore silk or rags.

>"But standing in the surf like a drowned rat wins you nothing. It’s coward’s work dressed up as confession."

His face lingered closer now, Charles attentive, with his eyes barely locked onto Duncan's.

>"Now, get up and find dry clothes, or stay and rot. If you mean to be captain again, then carry yourself as one."

XIII. A Man And A Fish, excerpt — The Seal & The Heart
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u/Glum-Boysenberry5200 — 3 days ago
▲ 10 r/histficwriters+4 crossposts

[Complete] [120k] [Historical MM Tragedy] The Seal & The Heart

Hey! I am an author looking for a beta reader willing to tackle my novel, chapter by chapter: a tragic (and queer!) yet historically grounded take on the Golden Age of Piracy.

The story follows two rival pirates whose uneasy alliance deepens into a slow‑burn, dangerous intimacy as they navigate 18th‑century Caribbean waters, political betrayal, and the brutal realities of pirate life. When a mission goes wrong, both men are forced to confront their loyalties, their desires, and the consequences of living in a world where every pirate eventually hangs. It’s a character‑driven queer tragedy rooted in real maritime history, with heavy emphasis on tension, rivalry, and emotional stakes.

Content Warning: Adult themes.

I’m in no rush; any pace is fine :) No need for formal critique; honest impressions are more than enough! I’m also open to swapping critiques if that interests you!!

If this seems like something you'd be interested in reading, please DM me! I'll share the chapters through BetaBooks. Thank you!

(And no pressure to read the full manuscript; even a few chapters help a lot!)

u/Glum-Boysenberry5200 — 10 days ago