Voyage of the Damned by Frances White

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Voyage of the Damned by Frances White

Reviewed by Kiah

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Campy, carnivalesque, and intriguing, 'Voyage of the Damned' is a magical murder mystery from debut British author Frances White. Blending comedy, romance, and suspense, 'Voyage of the Damned' is a fun novel to add to your 'To Be Read' list.

For a thousand years, the empire of Concordia has maintained peace between its twelve provinces. To mark the anniversary of this momentous occasion, the emperor's ship embarks on a twelve-day voyage to the sacred Goddess' mountain. Aboard are the heirs of each province, all possessing a unique and secret magical ability known as a Blessing.

Except one: jokester, slacker, and perpetual disappointment Ganymedes Piscero. In Concordia, Blessings transfer from parent to only a single one of their children, who then becomes the leader of their province. However, thanks to his father's philandering ways, Ganymedes did not inherit his family's Blessing, and the whole of his province could be eradicated if word gets out.

But Ganymedes has a plan. If he can convince his fellow heirs that he’s too incompetent and insufferable, he can be declared unfit to lead and be dismissed to live out his days responsibility-free and safe from anyone discovering his secret. And a twelve-day boat trip with eleven people who already dislike him is the perfect time to put this plan in action.

But when a beloved heir is murdered, everyone is a suspect. As the bodies pile higher, Ganymedes must find allies and answers if he hopes to unmask the killer, or the whole empire as he knows it may fall…

‘Voyage of the Damned’ is a lively read full of colourful characters, an entertaining locked room mystery, dramatic secrets and suspects in a vibrant fantasy setting, and so much more. If a queer murder mystery at sea sounds like your cup of tea, then ‘Voyage of the Damned’ may very well be the book for you.