tommock's review
4.0
A muscular, pulp sword & sorcery with a refreshing, Greek-African inspired fantasy setting.
The story was a grim, energetic read set against the sound of the waves at sunset. There’s a deadly peril in Shallow Bay, and the weary raider Captain Ngala struggles to get his ship free before he loses the last of his crew, but he and the reader are in for a few surprises. What held me most was the family drama of the old Captain and his two warrior children, one of whom proves the greatest test to his command.
So many fantasy protagonists are oh so sarcastic and clever these days, and it was refreshing to follow characters who take themselves and the dangers they face deadly serious. With a thrilling roar of defiance, they leap into battle. But it’s not all muscle and bloodshed, there are also moments of tenderness that make these characters feel whole. (My favorites are between the captain and the old time keeper Nkuku, which are often quick and read as effortless and true.)
This is a weird tale set in a world that feels lived in and strange. There are things we don’t understand. Its horizons stretch farther than we can see. Bend your back at the oars to escape The Curse of Shallow Bay and see what comes next!
The story was a grim, energetic read set against the sound of the waves at sunset. There’s a deadly peril in Shallow Bay, and the weary raider Captain Ngala struggles to get his ship free before he loses the last of his crew, but he and the reader are in for a few surprises. What held me most was the family drama of the old Captain and his two warrior children, one of whom proves the greatest test to his command.
So many fantasy protagonists are oh so sarcastic and clever these days, and it was refreshing to follow characters who take themselves and the dangers they face deadly serious. With a thrilling roar of defiance, they leap into battle. But it’s not all muscle and bloodshed, there are also moments of tenderness that make these characters feel whole. (My favorites are between the captain and the old time keeper Nkuku, which are often quick and read as effortless and true.)
This is a weird tale set in a world that feels lived in and strange. There are things we don’t understand. Its horizons stretch farther than we can see. Bend your back at the oars to escape The Curse of Shallow Bay and see what comes next!
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