Voyage of the Damned by Frances White

You know that feeling when you pick up a book, expecting a nice, cozy mystery to curl up with, and instead find yourself hurtling down a rabbit hole of magic, political intrigue, and questionable fish puns? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because Frances White’s debut novel “Voyage of the Damned” is about to take you on one hell of a ride.

Setting Sail on a Sea of Secrets

Picture this: a magical empire celebrating a millennium of peace by shoving its twelve heirs onto a fancy boat for a twelve-day cruise. Sounds like the setup for either the world’s most extra reality show or a recipe for disaster, right? Spoiler alert: it’s the latter.

Our reluctant hero, Ganymedes Piscero (yeah, that’s his actual name, poor guy), is the black sheep of this illustrious group. While everyone else is flaunting their super-special magical “Blessings,” Ganymedes is just trying to survive with his wit, charm, and an impressive ability to stuff his face with food. Oh, and a massive secret that could get him and his entire province exiled if anyone finds out. No pressure or anything.

A Cast of Characters More Colorful Than a Box of Crayons

White populates her world with a cast that would make even the most seasoned fantasy reader’s head spin. We’ve got:

• Eudora, the empress-to-be who’s more than just a pretty face (until she’s not, if you catch my drift)
• Leofric, a tiger-tattooed beefcake with anger management issues
• Nergüi, a spider-themed schemer who puts Littlefinger to shame
• Cordelia, a bookworm with more secrets than a teenage diary
• And let’s not forget Grasshopper, the pint-sized badass who steals every scene she’s in

Each character is distinct and memorable, with their own quirks, motivations, and hidden agendas. White does an impressive job juggling this large cast, giving each enough page time to feel fully realized without losing focus on the main plot.

A Plot Thicker Than Fish Chowder

Just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, White throws another curveball. The story starts as a classic whodunit, with Ganymedes playing detective after the first murder. But as bodies start piling up faster than Ganymedes can stuff his face (which is saying something), it becomes clear that there’s more going on than a simple killing spree.

The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that’ll have you saying, “Just one more…” until you realize it’s 3 AM and you have work in the morning. Oops.

World-Building That’ll Make You Sea-Sick (In a Good Way)

White’s world-building is both intricate and immersive. The twelve provinces of Concordia are each distinct, with their own cultures, traditions, and stereotypes. From the icy tundras of Ermine Province to the lush rainforests of Grasshopper Province, you can practically feel the different environments.

The magic system, centered around the mysterious “Blessings,” is intriguing and well-thought-out. Each Blessing is unique to its bearer, reflecting their innermost self. It’s a clever way to tie character development to magical abilities, and White uses it to great effect throughout the story.

A Writing Style That’s Fishy in All the Right Ways

White’s prose is a delightful mix of witty banter, vivid descriptions, and enough fish puns to make you groan (in a good way, I swear). Ganymedes’ first-person narration is particularly enjoyable, full of self-deprecating humor and snarky observations. Here’s a taste:

“I’ve decided I’m OK with not approaching Eska. The last time I did—aged thirteen, eager to convince everyone I was a totally normal Blessed—I tried to embrace her and was rewarded with a fork through the hand.”

It’s this kind of dry humor that keeps the tone from getting too heavy, even as the body count rises and the stakes get higher.

Diversity That Doesn’t Feel Like a Checkbox Exercise

One of the strengths of “Voyage of the Damned” is its diverse cast. The characters come from different cultural backgrounds, have varying sexual orientations, and challenge gender norms in ways that feel natural to the world White has created. It’s refreshing to see representation that doesn’t feel forced or tokenistic.

A Few Rough Waves in an Otherwise Smooth Sailing

While “Voyage of the Damned” is an impressive debut, it’s not without its flaws. The sheer number of characters and plot threads can be overwhelming at times, and some readers might find themselves flipping back to keep track of who’s who and what’s what.

Additionally, the resolution of some plot points feels a bit rushed in the final chapters. After such a carefully constructed buildup, it’s a shame that certain revelations don’t get the breathing room they deserve.

The Verdict: A Voyage Worth Taking

Despite these minor quibbles, “Voyage of the Damned” is a thoroughly enjoyable read that manages to breathe new life into both the fantasy and mystery genres. It’s like if Agatha Christie and Terry Pratchett had a love child, and that child was raised by pirates with a penchant for political intrigue.

White’s debut is a promising start to what I hope will be a long and fruitful career. The ending leaves plenty of room for sequels, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s next for Ganymedes and crew.

Who Should Embark on This Voyage?

If you’re a fan of:

• Fantasy with a twist of mystery
• LGBTQ+ representation in genre fiction
• Political intrigue and complex world-building
• Characters who are equal parts lovable and frustrating
• Puns. So many puns.

Then “Voyage of the Damned” should absolutely be on your TBR list.

Final Thoughts: Sink or Swim?

In a market flooded with cookie-cutter YA fantasies, “Voyage of the Damned” stands out like a shimmering scale in a school of dull fish. It’s fresh, it’s funny, and it’s not afraid to tackle heavy themes while still keeping things entertaining.

Sure, it might not be perfect, but what debut novel is? What matters is that it’s a hell of a good time from start to finish. Frances White has crafted a world I’m eager to return to, populated by characters I either want to befriend or throw overboard (sometimes both, in Ganymedes’ case).

So, if you’re looking for your next fantasy fix, why not set sail with “Voyage of the Damned”? Just be warned: once you start, you might find yourself hooked. And trust me, that’s not just another fish pun—this book really is that good.