Book Review: The Ferryman and the Sea Witch
Hello Blogiverse!
I hope you’re having a great week so far. I’m nearing the end of my grad school semester, so the promise of a summer full of reads is really exciting.
Today I’m sharing my review of The Ferryman and the Sea Witch by D. Wallace Peach.
This author and I became friends on WordPress a while ago, and she’s super talented! She’s known for creating unforgettable epic fantasies, and I enjoyed reading her novel Liars & Thieves a ways back. I was thrilled to find this novel up next on my TBR catchup, so I jumped right into its tumultuous waters.
How did I end up liking this read? Keep on scrolling, peeps!
Blurb
The merrow rule the sea. Slender creatures, fair of face, with silver scales and the graceful tails of angelfish. Caught in a Brid Clarion net, the daughter of the sea witch perishes in the sunlit air. Her fingers dangle above the swells.
The queen of the sea bares her sharp teeth and, in a fury of wind and waves, cleanses the brine of ships and men. But she spares a boy for his single act of kindness. Callum becomes the Ferryman, and until Brid Clarion pays its debt with royal blood, only his sails may cross the Deep.
Two warring nations, separated by the merrow’s trench, trade infant hostages in a commitment to peace. Now, the time has come for the heirs to return home. The Ferryman alone can undertake the exchange.
Yet, animosities are far from assuaged. While Brid Clarion’s islands bask in prosperity, Haf Killick, a floating city of derelict ships, rots and rusts and sinks into the reefs. Its ruler has other designs.
And the sea witch crafts dark bargains with all sides.
Callum is caught in the breach, with a long-held bargain of his own which, once discovered, will shatter this life.
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The Review
Wow, what an epic nautical tale!
After reading another book by this author and enjoying it, I had high expectations of this one. I’m happy to say I was not disappointed.
The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is a riveting fantasy novel centered on two clashing kingdoms and how an act of mercy can change the world. Callum saved the Sea Witch’s daughter in an act of mercy. In return for saving his life, he sails the seas, unable to walk upon land. But when the two kingdoms fight over the exchange of two royal heirs, can Callum find a way to please both parties, or will he just ensure their mutual destruction?
Despite my fear of the ocean, this was such a great book!
First and foremost, it’s my personal opinion that D. Wallace Peach has mastered her craft. Her writing flowed so smoothly and was executed to perfection. It was so easy to get drawn into this novel.
As for the characters, Callum was a great MC. He’s daring, clever, and not a pushover despite wanting to do the right thing. A life at sea has hardened him, and he’s all the better for it when the situation gets complicated. I also really enjoyed the page time that centered on Daylin.
All other characters were unique and portrayed well. I particularly enjoyed the squabbles of the royal parties.
But let’s not forget the real stars of the show, the merrow (think mermaids, only much more menacing and dangerous). Panmar was a great Sea Witch, and the merrow were fierce creatures not to be trifled with. They’ve had their own hardships with the human race, and their bloody bargain with the ferryman was chilling and exciting.
I enjoyed the plot with all of its drama, action, twists, and double crosses. There wasn’t a dull moment, and I can’t wait to read more of this author’s work. If you thirst for a masterfully-executed fantasy story, look no further.
That’s A Wrap!
Well that’s it for this book review. I hope you enjoyed it!
Have you read this book? Are there other similar books you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!
Have a great day!
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Sounds really good. I must add it to my TBR. Merfolk seem to be really in this year.
Thanks! This author really knows how to spin a fantastic tale. This is actually my first merfolk read, but I really enjoyed it.
I’m currently reading my third merfolk tale of the year, so when I read this it will be my fourth!
Thank you for taking the time to read Jonny’s review. If you decide to pick up the book, I hope you enjoy the read!
I’ve added it to my TBR. Looking forward to diving in. 😊
Thanks!
Thanks so much for the wonderful review, Jonny. I’m just thrilled that you enjoyed the story and the characters, especially Callum, since he’s so flawed. And those merrow were a blast to write with their amoral (unhuman) approach to human events. Your kind comments made my day, my friend. Thanks again. <3
You’re very welcome! I had a blast, and every time Callum needed to talk to any of the merrow I was on pins and needles. They are so darn ominous, especially the Sea Witch!
Fabulous review, Jonny! I can’t believe I haven’t read this book yet. I know Peach is a talented author!
Thanks! I’m definitely going to keep reading her epic works.
I’m sure you’ll get to it in time. I meant to read this months ago but kept getting distracted by shiny things haha.
Oh, I get being distracted by shiny things! Ha ha ha. Happens to me all. the. time!
Glad I’m not alone. It happened to me today when at the library printing out some stuff, but they looked too good to resist!
Ha. Yup.
Thanks so much for checking out Jonny’s review, Priscilla. I was delighted to say the least. I hope that when you crack it open, you enjoy the read. It’s not a long one and a stand alone, which is sometimes nice for a change. Happy Reading!