How would you live your life if you and everybody else had a forehead tattoo marking your date of death? Check this refreshingly different historical fantasy story. The story is set in 1751, following Captain Julius Hawthorne as he journeys from Scotland to the remote Andaman Islands, where he discovers a society in which each person bears a forehead tattoo marking their date of death. It’s a character-driven narrative with the most significant themes—destiny, mortality, love, and the essence of human existence.
Check out this 50-second trailer: https://youtu.be/tZehho6D69o?si=kPr4OmhkeL-PQ9Jt
The US Review of Books recently recommended it as “A beautifully crafted historical fantasy, this novel fearlessly explores questions of mortality, the afterlife, and destiny. The story is at once deceptively light and compellingly philosophical, gently pulling the reader into a reflection on life’s deepest struggles… a thought-provoking, challenging, and poignant addition to any fantasy reader’s library. " The full review can be found here: https://www.theusreview.com/reviews-1/LoveVortex-and-the-Drakors-Curse-by-Pekka-Harju-Autti.html. LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse is currently available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats via Amazon KDP at https://a.co/d/d9ikgzz
More: www.lovevortexbooks.net
How would you live your life if you and everybody else had a forehead tattoo marking your date of death? Check this refreshingly different historical fantasy story. The story is set in 1751, following Captain Julius Hawthorne as he journeys from Scotland to the remote Andaman Islands, where he discovers a society in which each person bears a forehead tattoo marking their date of death. It’s a character-driven narrative with the most significant themes—destiny, mortality, love, and the essence of human existence.
Check out this 50-second trailer: https://youtu.be/tZehho6D69o?si=kPr4OmhkeL-PQ9Jt
The US Review of Books recently recommended it as “A beautifully crafted historical fantasy, this novel fearlessly explores questions of mortality, the afterlife, and destiny. The story is at once deceptively light and compellingly philosophical, gently pulling the reader into a reflection on life’s deepest struggles… a thought-provoking, challenging, and poignant addition to any fantasy reader’s library. " The full review can be found here: https://www.theusreview.com/reviews-1/LoveVortex-and-the-Drakors-Curse-by-Pekka-Harju-Autti.html. LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse is currently available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover formats via Amazon KDP at https://a.co/d/d9ikgzz
More: www.lovevortexbooks.net
In 1751, the port of Glasgow was saturated with the sharp aroma of fish and tar, and salty sea moisture clung to the skin like a sticky layer. Smoke from nearby factories added an even sharper tang to the air. Crowds toiled as they filled merchant ships from all corners of the globe. The streets buzzed with the sounds of horse hooves and the murmur of locals in the taverns.
One warm afternoon in early August, Captain Julius returned home from the harbor after a long day of repairing ships. His house was filled with relics of a life at sea—brass telescopes, black pearls from Tahiti, and a heavy gold ring from Japan—but there was not a single bottle of rum to commemorate his journeys. He had chosen a different kind of tribute and turned to his true passion. Driven by his admiration for the sea, he opened his box of oil paints and began to work on a seascape. As a seasoned forty-two-year-old seaman who had braved the Atlantic's perils and many waters beyond, he knew precisely how the sea should appear on canvas. But that day, the painting refused to take shape, and Julius sighed in frustration. From across the room, his fourteen-year-old son Peter, curly-haired and sharp-eyed, noticed the weight in his father’s silence.
“What’s wrong, Dad? You look a little restless.”
Julius set his brush aside. "I guess that's it for today. I was trying to capture the moment after a storm when sunlight hits the crests of calming waves, but it just isn't happening. It hasn't worked in a long time—not the way I would like. Perhaps it can only be captured on canvas when I'm at sea, on a ship's deck, in the real environment.”
Peter, who resembled a young Julius, asked, "Are you missing the ocean?"
"Maybe. At sea, I dream of finally being home in Glasgow. But then, when I'm home, I realize I can't quite shake off being a sailor. You've probably noticed."
"Sometimes, yes. But I guess all sailors feel that way, right?"
“Yes, they do. There's a certain peace at sea, and a sailor feels it in his bones when the ocean calls him.”
"Well, this is the first time I've seen you so unhappy while painting. Maybe it's a sign of something."
"That's probably true. But perhaps tomorrow will be better. Head to your room and finish your homework, son. I'll relax with my pipe by the fireplace and think about a few things."
Peter lumbered to his room as Julius began preparing his pipe. Soon, a knock sounded at the door, as if in response to Captain Julius's inner restlessness. Julius stood up and opened the door to find a messenger in uniform holding a thick, sealed envelope.
"Captain Julius Hawthorne, I presume?" the messenger asked formally. When Julius nodded, the messenger passed him the envelope, stating it was from the British government and contained an important royal order. Once the door shut behind the royal messenger, Julius strode across his room to his desk. He placed the envelope down and carefully broke the royal wax seal. His rough hands moved with urgency, his mind racing: 'What can it be...?' The soft crackle of the fireplace was the only sound as Julius removed a thick letter from the envelope. He carefully unfolded the letter, which was undoubtedly written in the elegant handwriting of a high-ranking royal scribe and accompanied by several attachments and maps.
∞
"To the Esteemed Captain Julius Hawthorne,
By the authority vested in me as a distinguished representative of His Majesty's Government, I command you to embark upon a trading voyage to the Indian Ocean, particularly to the Bay of Bengal.
Thy journey must commence by early November, for thou art well aware that the sea is at its calmest by the onset of the monsoon storms, thus providing the most favorable sailing conditions. By taking advantage of the dry season, thou shouldst be able to avoid the perils of the monsoons and are expected to reach thy destination, the Andaman Islands, in five months.
Thou art to procure valuable spices and other rare commodities from the Andaman Islands. This timing also presents the opportunity for potential trade within the Indian markets before the commencement of local holidays, thereby increasing the economic benefits of thy future trade route for both His Majesty's Government and the Honourable East India Company. Thou must immediately set about preparations for this task and execute it with the utmost diligence in accordance with His Majesty's orders.
I have the honour to remain, Sir, Your most humble and obedient servant,
Thomas Pelham-Holles, the Duke of Newcastle"
∞
The attachments provided detailed instructions for the journey, highlighting the importance of expanding the British Empire and its commercial interests.
Julius's mission was clear. He had to follow the royal command, even though he knew the journey would be challenging in every way. The sea voyage would be perilous, and the Andaman Islands were known to be one of the most isolated places on Earth. The indigenous people had avoided interacting with outsiders to preserve their unique culture. Obtaining the desired goods from the island would not be easy.
However, Julius was a seasoned sea captain, not a landlubber. The allure of maritime adventure outweighed the fear of risks. Soon, he excitedly knocked on Peter's door. Peter was deeply engrossed in reading the travelogues from his father's and Grandfather’s past voyages.
"Peter," Julius said eagerly, "What would you think about the adventure of a lifetime?"
Peter's eyes sparkled. "Really? Could I join you? I'm tired of just reading about adventures."
Julius nodded. "It's possible. It depends on you. I was also fourteen years old when my father invited me to join him on my first sea voyage. The journey was extremely tough yet also an unforgettable experience. Do you think you can handle nearly five months at sea?"
"Absolutely! You'll see how tough I am. I've been practicing difficult knots and memorizing the parts of every rope and spar. And I've read how to face storms in Grandfather's sailing manual."
"It's great that you're excited. But this journey, ordered by the King, isn't just challenging—it's perilous," Julius said, his voice filled with paternal concern.
Peter sat opposite his father. "I see. But you belong to the sea. And I want to come with you. Mother would never have allowed it, but now… now it’s possible, since she’s gone.”
Julius closed his eyes for a moment. Mary had always been the heart of the family—strong, warm, and protective. Two years ago, she had fallen ill with pneumonia, which took her in less than a week. Mary's death had forced them to find a new way to be together. It hadn’t been easy, but slowly, they began to find their way. And in those moments, Michi—the cat Julius had brought home from his last voyage to the Far East—became an unexpected anchor. It curled beside Peter at night and offered the kind of comfort that words couldn't.
Before Julius said anything, Peter stated, "Mother's death changed a lot. I know that. It changed you too, Dad. You're not quite the same sailor who used to spin tales about the strange corners of the world."
"You’re right,” Julius admitted. “I left the seas so I could stay home with you. I've supported us with what I can—repairing boats and building small vessels at the dock."
"But now the seas are calling you, and I'm ready to join. If the King stands behind this journey, we must go," Peter said firmly.
"Well said, my son. I just wanted to be sure whether you could handle such a long journey. Let's go, then! But we must make sure this won't be your first and last adventure."
Peter nodded. "It definitely won't be. Can Michi come along too? I guess there will be plenty of rats on the ship—enough food for sure."
"Alright, you two can come aboard. But once on the ship, you'll follow orders just like the rest of the crew—no reckless stunts of your own, understand?"
Peter cheered, throwing his arms in the air, his eyes shining with triumph. “Yes, it's a deal!"
Julius rested a hand on Peter's shoulder. "That's the spirit, my boy! This journey will be a fantastic adventure. You'll have the opportunity to prove yourself and learn so much more. Prepare yourself as well as you can."
"Splendid! Where are we going?"
"We are sailing to the Andaman Islands, where you will encounter an entirely new world."
Although Julius decided to take Peter with him, he couldn't shake the thoughts of the dangers lurking ahead on the journey. How could he protect his son from storms at sea and the potentially hostile inhabitants of unknown islands? Julius felt a profound responsibility for Peter but also wanted to show him the world and share this experience with his son, just as his father had done. He remembered his thirst for adventure at that age—he would have found his way onto his father's ship, even as a stowaway.
After evening tea, Julius announced in a firm voice, “As you know from Grandfather already, writing a logbook has been our tradition. Now, a new journey begins, so here is a new logbook for you. Your own piece. I guess you should write the first chapter already today. I know from your schoolwork that you can write well—even some poetry.”
"What should I write? The travel has not even begun."
“The journey always starts before the anchor is raised. For Grandfather, the logbook served mainly as a crucial record of daily events and navigational details. But I have always included personal reflections in my own book as well. So, I advise you to write in this logbook not only about the miles you travel, but also about the hopes and fears you carry.”
Peter went excitedly to his room. He ran his fingers over the smooth, untouched cover. He opened the first page, the paper crisp and eager for ink. Julius had written there opening lines: “Peter, let both your mind and heart sing when you write in this logbook.” Peter dipped his pen, the tip trembling with both excitement and uncertainty. He remembered his grandfather’s and father’s stories of storms, of strange lands and stranger customs. Now, it was his turn.
∞
Logbook, 18th August 1751
Father says this logbook is not just for recording wind and weather, but for the things that matter: the small miracles that happen every day, dreams and deeper thoughts. Let this logbook be so.
Today my father asked the big question. He didn’t command, didn’t expect blind obedience—he just said: "What would you think about the adventure of a lifetime?"
It wasn’t an order. But it wasn’t quite a question either. It was a call to his world.
And I answered. I said yes. Excitedly.
Not because I’m totally ready—but because I have waited for this very moment. For my father to see me as something more than a child.
He speaks of the sea like it was his old friend. I listen and nod like a boy who wants to become a man – even if I don’t know all that it means.
The familiar alleys of Glasgow, my own school desk, the gray streets will be left behind. Along with all my school friends. And the baker on Argyle Street, who always calls out as I pass by and gives me an oatcake. Will they still remember me when I return?
If I ever will.
Even Michi looked at me today as if he sensed that soon, the world would smell of tar again, not bread.
But I will go. Because part of me is already excitedly on deck. The part that wants to learn the stars, the winds, and how to keep standing when the whole world sways.
My father is no longer just a story. When I was small, he came home every few years, bringing with him the scent of tar, rum, and something I can’t name—perhaps freedom.
Over the past two years, he taught me much about being a sailor. Actions speak louder than words.
Today, he opened a door for me—and I will walk through it.
Now, I write the first lines in the logbook. Not about where we’re going, but about why:
"If the sea is the language of my father and grandfather, I will learn it word by word—even if each one takes me farther from the boy who still stood on land today."
— Peter
∞
The next couple of months were filled with busy preparations. Peter received his first proper sailor’s uniform. Julius studied maps and gathered supplies. At the port, sailors loaded the ship with barrels of drinking water, boxes of food, weapons, medical supplies, sail repair tools, nautical charts, and other essential items. One challenge was preserving fresh food during the long sea voyage. This required special precautions and creative solutions, such as salting and drying food to prevent spoilage and to ensure the crew's nutrition throughout the journey. Preserving drinks was also a significant concern, as the purity and adequacy of the ship’s water barrels needed to be maintained. In addition to fresh drinking water, sailors loaded barrels of beer and light wine from the Bordeaux region of southern France, as this wine was more durable and safer to drink on the long journey, helping to keep the crew hydrated and healthy.
∞
On the day of departure, the crew had prepared the sails while singing cheerful sea shanties. Father and son stood at the helm of their ship, Heaven’s Voyager, looking out over the vast ocean. Peter shouted with bright eyes full of anticipation, "Ahoy! Let's set sail!" Soon, the boundless ocean stretched out before Captain Julius, Peter, and the crew. With full sails and nearly fifty crew members, the ship smoothly headed toward East India. Julius felt perfectly at home, finally back on the deck of a vessel swaying gently on the waves.
Five weeks later, as they neared the equator, the bright afternoon horizon began to darken ominously. Julius glanced at the skyline and instantly knew this was no ordinary rain shower approaching. Michi, the cat, suddenly bolted from his usual sunny perch and paced anxiously along the ship's railing, his tail puffed and ears flattened. He let out low, uneasy growls as he stared out at the horizon with wide, alert eyes. He then darted below deck and hid in a dark, safe corner. Captain Julius had sailed through many weathers, and he knew—Michi only acted this way when something serious was brewing. Julius ordered the crew to lower the sails, secure everything that wasn’t tied down, and prepare for a rough night ahead.
The wind began to rise swiftly, and a distant, low rumble rolled through the warm air as a warning of what was to come. The atmosphere crackled with tension, the waves rose to the height of a man, then two, until Heaven’s Voyager felt as if it were riding on the back of nature’s vast and wild beast.
Young sailors like Peter clung to the railings, wide-eyed with fear and wonder—they had never seen the fury of an approaching tropical storm before. But amidst the chaotic wind and crashing waves, Julius faced the storm with calm determination. He shouted his commands clearly, even as the rain struck his face like needles. He ordered the ship to turn at a diagonal angle to the wind and insisted that only the smallest storm sail be kept up to keep the ship steady and intact.
Following the orders, Peter began tightening the ropes until a towering wave slammed into the hull with enormous power. Peter slipped on the rain-slick deck as the wave sent him sliding dangerously toward the edge, just a split second away from plunging into the cold sea. At that moment, the seasoned first mate Thomas lunged forward and grabbed him like an anchor, hauling Peter back onto the deck with iron-strong arms. Gasping for breath, Thomas wiped the saltwater from his eyes and growled in a rough voice: “If you’re planning to jump overboard, boy, do it when it’s not my watch.”
The storm raged for three days and nights. Peter suffered from severe seasickness, which took a toll on his strength so that even water wouldn't stay down. Despite this, he persevered, not wanting to be a burden to his father and the crew. The entire crew was exhausted when it finally subsided, and the bright morning sun rose on the horizon. Yet despite their exhaustion and the damage to the ship, their solidarity and faith in surviving together had only grown stronger.
Although Captain Julius was in charge of the ship and responsible for its safety, he did not share the same constant physical workload as the rest of the crew. This allowed him, occasionally, to focus on his leisure passion. So, Julius took out his painting supplies—and everyone knew that the storm had passed by then. He let his brush capture a sunrise sky over the sea. Using bright colors and bold brush strokes, he depicted the motion of the now-tranquil waves and the sunlight bathing them, representing a new day and hope. Michi proudly brought a rat to Captain Julius’s feet and purred against his leg.
At night, Julius sometimes captured the silent dance of the starry sky. He was deeply fascinated by the night sky and its accurate representation, as the stars were his primary means of navigation, especially on the open ocean. He relied on his sextant and the constellations to determine the ship’s location and course. To him, the stars were steadfast friends who never failed him. In addition to the extensive knowledge imparted by his father, Julius had attended one of Britain’s premier nautical academies, where he had studied advanced navigation, mathematics, astronomy, and the principles of cartography. As his voyages took him across the globe, Julius deepened his expertise in celestial navigation by learning directly from master seafarers of diverse cultures—particularly the Polynesians, renowned for their skill in reading the stars; Arab sailors, who were pioneers in astronomical navigation and the use of the astrolabe; and Indian mariners, whose traditions in mapping the night sky had guided merchants for centuries.
Occasionally, when something important happened, Julius sketched a picture in his logbook with a pencil. These pictures held no artistic value, but they served him well in leaving a visual memory mark.
∞
Michi enjoyed the journey on his own. He roamed freely around the ship, keeping the rat and mouse populations under control. This was crucial for preserving the ship's provisions and ropes. Occasionally, he would climb from the hold up to the deck and then ascend to the highest yardarm, surveying the open sea around the ship. Michi was more than just a pest controller for the crew—his presence brought a sense of home and provided companionship during long working days. Many sailors believed that the cat brought good luck to the voyage and treated him like a guest of honor.
Peter's role on the voyage was demanding, and he had significant responsibility for someone his age. Although he was young, his father entrusted him with important tasks that contributed to his development and growth as a sailor. Peter's duties initially included straightforward yet physically challenging tasks, such as tying ropes, adjusting the sails, and cleaning the deck with seawater, sand, and sometimes soap. Peter had to prove his worth to the crew as a young sailor. It wasn't easy; he needed to earn respect among the sailors through his actions. Fortunately, he received excellent guidance from Thomas and other experienced sailors, who mostly offered him patient advice and encouraged him to develop his skills. He needed to learn how to manage heavy, tangled ropes quickly and effectively. At first, his hands were sore and blistered, but consistent practice and advice from the crew, especially First Mate Thomas, helped him improve. Peter also had to learn how to work in a team and communicate well with the other sailors. All this required courage and confidence, but over time, he earned the crew's respect through hard work and determination. During the voyage, Peter grew stronger and matured from a young boy into a responsible and skilled sailor.
After the ship crossed the halfway point, the water supplies began to dwindle alarmingly. Everyone did their best to ration the remaining water and wine, but the situation became critical. Despair gripped the crew, yet Julius remained calm and focused. He gathered the crew together and recounted stories of past voyages and challenging situations he had survived. Julius's reassuring words lifted the crew's morale. As if in answer to their prayers, they stumbled upon a small uninhabited island in the Indian Ocean, where they discovered a freshwater stream along with plenty of coconut trees and mangoes. They replenished the ship's stores and continued their journey.
∞
After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached their destination, the Andaman Islands—specifically, the main island of Andaman. The view from the sea was breathtaking. Mountainous tropical forests rose majestically in the island's interior. The sandy, white beaches stood out sharply against the vibrant green jungle and the clear seawater. The shallow waters shifted from deep blue to light turquoise, depending on the depth and sunlight. They saw coral reefs glowing beneath the water, creating an astonishing range of colors visible above the surface.
As they approached the shore, they noticed a group of islanders watching the ship and its crew with cautious but curious eyes. Among the observers seemed to be the tribe's chief, who appeared to be calming down the other inhabitants.
The islanders were adorned with vibrant beads, feathers, and other embellishments. This tribe had inhabited the Andaman Islands for thousands of years, and their clothing reflected a deep-rooted connection to nature.
Julius knew how to handle the landing. The ship was loaded with weapons, including some cannons, in case of hostile encounters. Julius observed the situation and was prepared to respond to violence.
Through his spyglass, Julius noticed small marks on the foreheads of the tribespeople. Looking more closely, he saw that each person had a tattoo on their forehead. The tattoos contained numbers that resembled a date or something similar—Julius wondered what they meant.
Although many islanders carried spears and bows, Julius felt relieved to see that they had no intention of using them. The ship glided slowly forward, and the landing proceeded surprisingly peacefully. There was no need for weapons.
After a successful landing, Julius decided to take a risk and walk alone along the shoreline toward the village chief. The local inhabitants watched the unfolding events with great curiosity. Julius approached the tribe’s chief with confident steps, all the while continuously observing the situation. He knew that this was a special encounter.
After a moment of hesitation, the local leader, standing tall with impressive posture, broke into a warm smile and greeted Julius. Surprisingly, the man spoke fluent English with ease. He introduced himself as Aarav.
The ship’s crew soon followed. Julius handed over the gifts they had brought: delicate fabrics, metal tools, and ornaments. Aarav gladly accepted the gifts and seemed to particularly appreciate the metal tools, which were quite different from the tools made of wood and stone used by his people. In turn, Aarav offered the ship’s crew fruit, coconuts, and fresh fish. The crew members eagerly devoured the food, as the journey had been grueling and the diet extremely monotonous.
When asked about his rather fluent language skills, the tribal chief explained that a decade earlier, a British ship had wrecked near the Andaman Islands. One of the survivors was a young English teacher. Grateful for the hospitality and kindness shown to her, the British woman taught the islanders English. Aarav, eager and capable, quickly became her best student. Over the years, he learned the English language, embraced some English customs, and gained knowledge of history.
Aarav invited Julius and Peter to continue their conversation at his home. As they walked, they passed simple huts made of wood and palm leaves, with smoke curling lazily from small cooking fires. The village had a humble, timeless beauty; elderly people rested in their hammocks, and barefoot children chased each other along the dusty paths.
As they entered the cozy living room, a loud, squawking greeting came from the rafters: “Welcome to the meeting!” Peter noticed a large, light-green parrot serving as the house guard and master of ceremonies. He stepped closer to admire the bird, which spoke more phrases to him: “Nice day today,” “I’m a good bird,” and “Treats, please!” Aarav proudly shared that this Alexandrine parakeet knew over fifty phrases, which it usually recited to visitors at his home. Julius explained to Peter that the parrot’s name was related to Alexander the Great, who had brought the species from his conquests in South India to Europe.
While Peter made friends with the colorful bird, Julius shared stories of his life in Glasgow, the bustling ports, and his distant sea voyages as a captain. Aarav shared tales of his ancestors, the island’s traditions, and the burden of leadership that now rested on his shoulders.
Julius inquired, “Aarav, I know that many ship crews have found it impossible to interact with your people in the past. Tell me, why did you welcome us with such open arms?”
Aarav replied, “We have long been unwilling to meet foreign intruders and have defended our independence, sometimes violently. One reason for this is the plagues which, according to our ancestral knowledge, nearly wiped out our tribe once.”
He continued, “However, we are living in extraordinary times now. Our oracle, Nalini, foretold that a ship would land here this week, playing a significant role in our people’s future. Her description of the arriving ship matched yours perfectly, so I asked the people to welcome you. Initially, our people were understandably confused by this unusual reception, but Nalini and I persuaded them by stressing that it was the strong will of our ancestors.”
“How strange. We must be sailing under lucky stars,” Julius mused, adding, “Nalini must be a truly influential figure in your tribe.”
Aarav nodded. After a moment of silence, Julius approached Aarav with a question that had been on his mind since their arrival.
“Aarav, why do you all have strange dates on your foreheads?”
Aarav gazed deeply into Julius’s eyes and replied in a calm, low voice, “It’s the date of our own death.”
What would you do if you knew the exact date of your death? This is the haunting premise at the heart of LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse. This splendidly imaginary historical fantasy follows Captain Julius Hawthorne and his son, Peter, on a perilous voyage from 18th-century Glasgow to the remote Andaman Islands. Their primary mission, as ordered by the Crown, is to secure trade routes and rare goods. However, the Captain and his son find something far more unsettling. During their quest, they encounter a culture where everyone has a tattoo of their death date stamped on their skin and must live with the knowledge of their final day. The Captain and Peter meet the island’s chief, Aarav, and the oracle Nalini, whose prophecy predicts their arrival and proposes a deeper purpose for their journey to this place.
Pekka Harju-Autti’s writing is highly imaginative and immersive, carrying readers through salt-sprayed ship decks, monsoon storms, and the breathtaking jungle scenery of the Andamans. The foundation of this story is both chilling and profound, encouraging readers to reflect on how mortality shapes the choices we make. One compelling aspect of the book is the scenes where Julius witnesses the island’s rituals surrounding life and death, as well as the telling of Peter’s coming-of-age. These scenes encircle the lessons Peter must learn about resilience and responsibility. The book skillfully blends adventure, philosophy, and anthropological wonder, much like Jules Verne with an extra philosophical edge.
With that said, I do think that some readers may find the pacing slow in the middle sections, where philosophical discussions occasionally overshadow the forward drive of the plot. There could have been a few transitions between action and reflection that would have been tightened to maintain energy without sacrificing the story’s depth. Additionally, some supporting characters could be more fully developed, particularly members of Julius’s crew. I felt that this would have added more depth to their choices and fates, carrying greater emotional weight to the scenes.
But don’t let that stop you from picking this adventure up and diving into it. Overall, this is an inspiring and beautifully written novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy historical adventure with a philosophical twist, as well as richly detailed world-building. Fans of Ursula K. Le Guin, Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, or historical sea adventures will find themselves lost in the story.