D. Wallace Peach is, to me, the master of world creation. In The Ferryman and the Sea Witch she blends a romping nautical adventure with a population of beautiful and deadly Merrows (think mer-people on steroids) and various greedy, powerful rulers and just plain nasty characters against a vivid backdrop that transports you to the vastness and beauty of the sea with her gorgeous descriptions.
The story: The officers on a ship from the country of Brid Clarion captured a Merrow, the Sea Witch Panmar’s daughter, in a net. Out of the water, she is dying. Callum, the ferryman, demands his captain to free her but is refused. In retaliation for her death, Panmar rips the ship and sinks it into the Deep. Callum survives because he tried to save her daughter, and Panmar allows him to be the only one to cross the Deep between the countries of Brid Clarion and Haf Killick without being sunk. But there is a punishment: Callum can’t step on land until someone of royal blood in Brid Clarion or Half Killick is sacrificed.
Neither Caspia, the queen of Haf Killick, an artificial island nation, nor Thayne, the king of Brid Killick, are willing to pay royal blood to satisfy Panmar’s vengeance. So Callum keeps sailing, year after year, bringing fruits, vegetables, cloth, and other livelihood items for Haf Killick and bringing back treasure in payment to Brid Clarion. Complicating matters is the fact Caspia has Thayne’s son as a hostage and Thayne has her daughter.
There are plenty of secrets held by the main characters and twists and turns in the story kept me turning pages as fast as I could. Callum’s frustration and anger and growing sense of isolation impart to the reader as does the nasty doings Caspia, Thayne and the fickle Panmar. The Merrows are particularly delightful, at once playful and deadly.
But I also read the author’s books for the gorgeous and lyrical quality of her descriptions. As a sailor myself, I was right at home on Callum’s ship, hearing the slapping of the lines and sails, feeling the rocking with the waves, and smelling the brine of the ocean.
This is a must-read for anyone in love the with sea, the concept of mermaids (Merrows) , and sheer fantasy!
The cover is a winner, too!
Five stars
About the author from Amazon):
D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life after the kids were grown and a move left her with hours to fill. Years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books, and when she started writing, she was instantly hooked. Diana lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two dogs, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.
The author can be found
On twitter: @Dwallacepeach
On her blog: http://mythsofthemirror.com
On her website: dwallacepeachbooks.com
You can find The Ferryman and the Sea Witch on Amazon:
What an excellent review, Noelle. I loved this story too. As always with Diana’s work, the world-building and mesmerizing descriptions were off the charts!
Thanks for the kind comment, Mae. I was surprised and delighted to discover Noelle’s review. Have a wonderful day and Happy Reading.
Wonderful review, Noelle! Sharing and looking forward to another exceptional read from Diana.
Thanks so much for the kind comment, Bette. I was thrilled to find Noelle’s review this morning. Have a lovely day. Hugs.
Quickly bypassing the review, Noelle, because I just started Diana’s book last night. I like to form my own opinions and come back later and see how they compare with others.
I often do the same, Pete. Come back and let me know what you think!
Awww. Thanks so much Pete. First Noelle’s wonderful review, and then your comment. I’m smiling ear to ear. I hope you enjoy the adventure!
What a wonderful surprise to find your review, Noelle. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story! And I’m delighted that I got the “sailing” right! Phew. Thank you for reading, taking the time to review, and for sharing your thoughts on your blog. I’m honored. Have a beautiful day, my friend. Hugs.
You are most welcome!
Kudos on this thought-filled review, Noelle — and very well deserved for Diana. I don’t sail or even swim for that matter, but I am mesmerized by the ocean. I agree completely that this is a wonderful story. Hugs to you both.
Thanks, Teagan!
Thanks for the kind comment, Teagan, and the boost for the book! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Hugs. <3
Yes I second that, the cover image is stunning! Now this goes directly into my TBR😊
Thanks so much for checking out Noelle’s wonderful review, Rainn! And I hope you enjoy the adventure. Happy Reading.
Fantasy is a favorite genre of mine, but don’t remember having read anything about mermaids, so will look forward to read this.👍
I don’t think I’ve read any mermaid fantasies either. These were fun creatures to write. I hope you enjoy the high seas adventure!