Fabulously original while paying homage to the golden age of murder mystery writing, this novel just had to be included as a LoveReading Star Book. Combining my love of fantasy and crime fiction, I can already say that this is going to be one of my favourite reads of the year. The twelve heirs to the different provinces of Concordia are on board a ship to the sacred mountain. When one of the twelve is murdered, Ganymedes the reluctant heir to the Fish province turns investigator but the deaths continue at an alarming rate. Author Frances White has ensured that this locked room mystery buzzes with dramatic energy. The sense of place is just wonderful, as the boat opened up room by room I felt as though I was on board. Concordia burned its way into my heart and mind, and although the majority of the novel takes place on the ship, the descriptions of the different provinces created a vibrantly colourful world within my thoughts. As the special abilities of the heirs were gradually revealed, so the intrigue and suspense increased. The characters are fabulously and vividly memorable, and I have completely fallen in love with Ganymedes and Grasshopper. The plot twists and corkscrews its way through the novel, thoroughly enjoying itself as it taunts and swipes at any detective work you may be attempting. Various narrative themes, including identity and belonging, social issues, and prejudice also join to make this a throughly interesting and compelling novel. Chosen as one of my Liz Picks of the Month, Voyage of the Damned is beautifully dramatic and entertaining as well being fiercely provocative, I loved it!
Read the Sunday Times bestselling murder mystery debut with magical passengers, epic adventure, and a twist you can't guess
If Agatha Christie wrote fantasy, this would be it!
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For a thousand years, Concordia has maintained peace between its provinces. To mark this incredible feat, the Emperor's ship embarks upon a twelve-day voyage to the sacred Goddess's Mountain.
Aboard are the heirs of the twelve provinces of Concordia, each graced with a unique and secret magical ability known as a Blessing. Except one: Ganymedes Piscero - class clown, slacker, and all-round disappointment.
But when a beloved heir is murdered, every one of these powerful people becomes a suspect.
Now Ganymedes - alone and vulnerable without a Blessing - must become the hero he was never born to be.
With the body-count rising, can he unmask the killer before they reach the shore?
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Praise for Voyage of the Damned:
'Agatha Christie with glitter magic." I'm totally here for it. Both funny and flirty as it deals with class, snobbery and sexuality amongst all the magic and murder. Hugely entertaining' Herald
'A brilliantly clever tale full of heart-warming characters, riveting twists and a gloriously conceived world' Bea Fitzgerald, bestselling author of Girl, Goddess, Queen
