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ribbonquest's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
More brutal violence than I was expecting and incredibly anime feeling. Everyone represents an animal, Fruits Basket zodiac style, and have different rainbow hair colors. The cast is very diverse, which flips back and forth between contrived and just a sign of how screwed up this world/system of governance is.
The youngest passenger is an adorable six-year-old so if "child on murder boat" raises any red flags for you, look into content warnings or just skip this one.
It's engaging but not for me.
The youngest passenger is an adorable six-year-old so if "child on murder boat" raises any red flags for you, look into content warnings or just skip this one.
It's engaging but not for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Ableism
leandrathetbrzero's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
12 provinces (if we exclude the 13th exiled beyond the Bandage). 12 heirs blessed with a secret magical ability (but one of them is lying and unblessed). 12 days on a boat journey to pay tribute to the Goddess (and most of them will not make it to their destination).
✓ a rare 50/50 Fantasy Mystery blend!
✓ positive queer, fat & disabled characters
✓ comfy elements: hilarious mc and lovable scooby gang
✓ multiple dead bodies! Woohoo!
✓ thorough world-building and strong mystery plotting
x disappointing romantic twist/reveal
x some 2-d depictions of important characters with little or no on-page appearances
This was such an impressive romp with so many elements I love in both my mysteries AND my fantasies. The murder mystery was a strong A plot, following an immensely likable and hilarious amateur sleuth and unsung hero, Dee of Fish Province. He was strong while being flawed, and I couldn't help but root for him. I'm also a sucker for boat settings, Scooby gang camaraderie, and a high body count where no one is safe! Meanwhile, on the fantasy side, we had a captivating origin story that reminded me a bit of Sky Woman from indigenous tradition, strong world-building, illustrated maps, and important themes about empire, unity, and acceptance. I loved the details added about the separate provinces, their trade and customs, their alliances, and the individual abilities of every province heir.
Elements I was less impressed by include (1) fan fiction/YA-esque humor at times. Don't get me wrong, there were SO many times I was laughing along and charmed by the witty and sharp dialogue, but it also felt overdone sometimes. (2) Two characters were mentioned numerous times through anecdotes and brief flashbacks/memories: Lysander and Ravi. These characters remained 2D to me, and I never felt invested in who they were because I never truly saw them on the page, and when I did, it was so brief/insubstantial. (3) My biggest issue with the narrative was how the author handled the romance between Dee and another character. There was a major reveal/twist in the book that, for me, overall cheapened the entire development of the romance itself. I was really disappointed, and I wish the reveal never happened to be honest. And as it did, Dee needed a stronger, averse reaction to the reveal. The love interest got off way too easy. and it left a bad taste in my mouth.
CW: descriptions of drowning, violence and physical injuries (including severed limbs), dead bodies, self-harm and suicidal ideation
Actual Rating: 3.75 stars
Original Pub Date: 20 August 2024
Reading Format: print + audio
Thank you NetGalley, MIRA and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an E-ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!
✓ a rare 50/50 Fantasy Mystery blend!
✓ positive queer, fat & disabled characters
✓ comfy elements: hilarious mc and lovable scooby gang
✓ multiple dead bodies! Woohoo!
✓ thorough world-building and strong mystery plotting
x disappointing romantic twist/reveal
x some 2-d depictions of important characters with little or no on-page appearances
This was such an impressive romp with so many elements I love in both my mysteries AND my fantasies. The murder mystery was a strong A plot, following an immensely likable and hilarious amateur sleuth and unsung hero, Dee of Fish Province. He was strong while being flawed, and I couldn't help but root for him. I'm also a sucker for boat settings, Scooby gang camaraderie, and a high body count where no one is safe! Meanwhile, on the fantasy side, we had a captivating origin story that reminded me a bit of Sky Woman from indigenous tradition, strong world-building, illustrated maps, and important themes about empire, unity, and acceptance. I loved the details added about the separate provinces, their trade and customs, their alliances, and the individual abilities of every province heir.
Elements I was less impressed by include (1) fan fiction/YA-esque humor at times. Don't get me wrong, there were SO many times I was laughing along and charmed by the witty and sharp dialogue, but it also felt overdone sometimes. (2) Two characters were mentioned numerous times through anecdotes and brief flashbacks/memories: Lysander and Ravi. These characters remained 2D to me, and I never felt invested in who they were because I never truly saw them on the page, and when I did, it was so brief/insubstantial. (3) My biggest issue with the narrative was how the author handled the romance between Dee and another character. There was a major reveal/twist in the book that, for me, overall cheapened the entire development of the romance itself. I was really disappointed, and I wish the reveal never happened to be honest. And as it did, Dee needed a stronger, averse reaction to the reveal. The love interest got off way too easy. and it left a bad taste in my mouth.
CW: descriptions of drowning, violence and physical injuries (including severed limbs), dead bodies, self-harm and suicidal ideation
Actual Rating: 3.75 stars
Original Pub Date: 20 August 2024
Reading Format: print + audio
Thank you NetGalley, MIRA and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an E-ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Moderate: Terminal illness and Suicide attempt
Minor: Vomit
spaceace014's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Omg I loved this book!! It had me gasping at every twist and turn! There were so many twists too. I wish we could see more of Ganymede’s plan for the empire and the after effects the other Blessed dying had. It was an incredible read though. I loved the magic and mystery.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Excrement, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Drug use
kittybeemartin's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
OMG I love this book so much! It's worth all the hype and more. The MC is bi and hilarious and a piss fish (iykyk). And the murder mastery?! I kept guessing and I kept being wrong! This book was so much fun. I can't stop thinking about it. Andddd now I have a book hangover so there's that.
0.5🌶️ (it wasn't exactly spice but it definitely had a little content in there)
0.5🌶️ (it wasn't exactly spice but it definitely had a little content in there)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Gore
cnohero's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Abandonment
jerichamacie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I listened to this as an audiobook and did really enjoy the ride, but something felt a little muddled. I think it was the ending. Worth a read though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Body shaming
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
Magical passengers on a magical ship, a murder mystery, the most precious main character (Ganymedes Piscero, they could never make me hate you baby!!!), AND it's an inclusive nonwhite/mixed, queer, disabled, chronically ill, mental health, and fat cast? Yeaaaaaaah, Frances White, uhhhh you dropped this *insert emoji of crown here*
I listened to the audiobook of this one and had a grand old time. The world-building was excellent, the mystery kept me on my toes (literally got more stressed as the story went on), and I loved getting to know this cast of characters. I don't want to spoil anything since this is a mystery, but please read this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder
Moderate: Blood, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Body shaming, Sexual content, and War
justinekorson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
I've wanted to read this ALL YEAR and it was just as good as I heard it would be!!! I, at first, was so in denial of all the murders (for obvious Ravi and Eudora reasons) that I was CONVINCED that that none of it was real?? Or like a ploy to get all the Dux's to be civil with one another? But as the story kept going I realized that, yes all of these people were actually dead. I think the deaths that upset me the most were Shinjiro and Jasper (only because he was a literal child. he was kind of an awful person). (I was also really sad when Leo died even though he was also a prick. I just felt bad for the situation that led him to do all that). I expected more of them to survive for some reason but when Cordelia's plan was revealed it all made sense in the end (sadly). I was really glad Tendai and Yewande managed to escape mostly unscathed though and I'm still mourning a little the death of Wyatt??? I was so in love with the Wyatt version of Ravi that when he revealed himself I was so shocked. There were a TON of clues though now that I'm thinking back on all of it. Overall it was such a mind bobbling story because every character I suspected died almost immediately after. I can't wait to read more books from this author!!
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
I've wanted to read this ALL YEAR and it was just as good as I heard it would be!!! I, at first, was so in denial of all the murders (for obvious Ravi and Eudora reasons) that I was CONVINCED that that none of it was real?? Or like a ploy to get all the Dux's to be civil with one another? But as the story kept going I realized that, yes all of these people were actually dead. I think the deaths that upset me the most were Shinjiro and Jasper (only because he was a literal child. he was kind of an awful person). (I was also really sad when Leo died even though he was also a prick. I just felt bad for the situation that led him to do all that). I expected more of them to survive for some reason but when Cordelia's plan was revealed it all made sense in the end (sadly). I was really glad Tendai and Yewande managed to escape mostly unscathed though and I'm still mourning a little the death of Wyatt??? I was so in love with the Wyatt version of Ravi that when he revealed himself I was so shocked. There were a TON of clues though now that I'm thinking back on all of it. Overall it was such a mind bobbling story because every character I suspected died almost immediately after. I can't wait to read more books from this author!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gore, Homophobia, Self harm, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
the_queer_bibliophile's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the eARC of this book. I ended up reading a physical copy I received at the ALA conference. All thoughts are my own. I gotta say, this book had me on my toes from the very beginning. I loved Dee from the start, his humor being very relatable to my own. I also love Grasshopper and some of the other side characters.
I loved how much they emphasized the importance of mental health in this book. And just the general belief of believing in yourself. This book overall was a good laugh and a good mystery novel. I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy mystery/fantasy themes and LGBTQ+ representation.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the eARC of this book. I ended up reading a physical copy I received at the ALA conference. All thoughts are my own. I gotta say, this book had me on my toes from the very beginning. I loved Dee from the start, his humor being very relatable to my own. I also love Grasshopper and some of the other side characters.
I loved how much they emphasized the importance of mental health in this book. And just the general belief of believing in yourself. This book overall was a good laugh and a good mystery novel. I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy mystery/fantasy themes and LGBTQ+ representation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I was going to DNF in the first 20% but I'm so glad I kept going because by the end I loved it! The world is constantly being built upon from start to finish, which I think adds to the story so well because you get a deeper understanding of the politics involved in the world. I loved the locked room, "Death on the Nile" style of the mystery; the stakes were always rising just a bit more each chapter. I was definitely stressed out!
Ganymedes Piscero is my all time favorite fantasy MC. He's an awkward, funny, magic-less, outsider who can't seem to escape from his own thoughts. As someone who is depressed and has struggled with suicidal thoughts, I thought the mental health rep is phenomenal. I identified so much with Dee. I also loved the bits of romance that were sprinkled throughout. It was so fun!
Honestly, I think authors should take notes on how to make a diverse fantasy world from Voyage of the Damned. BIPOC, queer, disabled, chronically ill, mental health, and fat rep all find there way throughout the book. It was beautifully done.
Read this if you like well-built fantasy worlds, fantasy standalones, queernormative worlds, locked room mysteries, representations of all kinds, and sarcastic MCs.
Ganymedes Piscero is my all time favorite fantasy MC. He's an awkward, funny, magic-less, outsider who can't seem to escape from his own thoughts. As someone who is depressed and has struggled with suicidal thoughts, I thought the mental health rep is phenomenal. I identified so much with Dee. I also loved the bits of romance that were sprinkled throughout. It was so fun!
Honestly, I think authors should take notes on how to make a diverse fantasy world from Voyage of the Damned. BIPOC, queer, disabled, chronically ill, mental health, and fat rep all find there way throughout the book. It was beautifully done.
Read this if you like well-built fantasy worlds, fantasy standalones, queernormative worlds, locked room mysteries, representations of all kinds, and sarcastic MCs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Blood and Grief
Minor: Body shaming and Sexual content