This standalone fantasy murder mystery book is EVERYTHING!

In Concordia, there are 12 provinces each led by an heir with a unique and secret magical ability known as a Blessing. Each year, the emperor's magical ship embarks on a 12 day voyage to the sacred Goddess's Mountain to celebrate their unity and power. Welp, this year, Ganymedes Piscero (aka, Dee)- slacker, over-all disappointment, and magic-less - is attempting to hide his lack of a Blessing for 12 days. Dee has the uncanny ability to give ZERO F's when it comes to the other heirs who have bullied and scorned him his entire life. However, when the beloved Emperor's heir is murdered on the first night, Dee finds himself stuck at sea surrounded by powerful people who he's spent his entire life pissing off and who really don't care about his survival. Can Dee become the hero he was not born to be?? Bodies literally start dropping left and right (so much murder!) and Dee forms an unlikely alliance with a six year old child (from Grasshopper province) in a race against time to unmask the killer.

Dee is the queer, fat, HILARIOUS, hero I didn't know I need in my life, and he must be protected at all costs. When I say he had me LOL-ing, I do not mean internal chuckles, I mean actually almost spitting out my water. He's irreverent, witty, a bit of an asshole, but with an absolute heart that must stand up against cruelty. This book has romance/longing, unlikely friendships, queer/fat/physical disability/chronic illness representation, shocking twists, and is an absolute JOY to read. Fantasy lovers must not sleep on this one! I'm already ready to read it again.

I enjoyed the book at the start well enough. As the book wore on, I came across more and more things that were just a little annoying although I was still interested in continuing. Then the book took a turn that made all the characters pretty unlikeable despite the author assuring me that these characters were, in fact, good people and the end was nonsensical.

Think of this book as a cross between The Hunger Games, Gideon the Ninth and And Then There Were None. The Hunger Games because there are twelve districts, each with its own ruler, that does one thing and contributes that thing to the Capitol (er, Emperor). Dee, our main character, is the heir apparent to a district that fishes- his last name is Piscero. The Crow District (last name of the ruling family is Corvus) is a coal mining district but has recently discovered a magical mineral called divinium that is important to the Dragon Emperor (last name Draco) for Reasons. Does this begin to sound familiar? There is also a cute little magical Black girl from the Grasshopper district whose magical power is that she can disappear. Dee makes her his ally. Oh, and there used to be a District Thirteen whose people rebelled against the Emperor. They were cast out of this magical realm that is protected by The Bandage (magical wall) one thousand years ago and they have been trying to get back in ever since. They are the Crabs.

Hunger Games parallel aside, then there's Gideon the Ninth. Instead of nine houses, though, there are twelve. The scion of each house has come to a magical boat to sail to a magical island for Reasons. They are isolated and on their own. Each house has its own color hair, its own heraldic animal, and each scion has their own secret magical power. There is a MURDER on the boat but the scions have to just gut out the voyage and try to figure out on their own whodunnit. And people keep on getting murdered! Sort of And Then There Were None plus Gideon! And Dee makes a Detective Dee's Diagram of Deduction and begins to use it along with his Grasshopper friend to solve the murders!

Dee is one of those characters that, if you buy into his bubbly narration, could be cute and fun. I didn't find him to be quite as cute and fun as the many people who love this book do. He's also one of those people who likes to pretend not to care about anything and only go for the joke, when in fact he CARES VERY MUCH and those who see behind his jolly facade can't believe how amazing he is. He's kind of dumb, which he keeps being told, and I think the book thinks we are supposed to disagree with, but I ended up agreeing with the Dee-is-kinda-dumb viewpoint. I could deal with the breeziness to a certain point, but things began to get very angsty and weird.

Dee starts the book totally in love with Ravi from the Crow district. Ravi's dark moody shyness are just too good for this world for Dee and Dee goes on and on about how gentle Ravi is and how Ravi would never hurt a fly. Ravi unfortunately is an early MURDER victim. Within a day, Dee finds himself in love with Wyatt, the scion of Bear province (they herd cattle and Wyatt intermittently talks like a cowboy). Wyatt himself was desperately in love with Eudora, the Dragon scion, who was the first MURDER victim. But Wyatt seems to return Dee's feelings just as ardently within a day and these two are mooning over each other, getting drunk and flirting with each other, all in for each other ONE DAY after their previous deep love interests have died. Turns out there is a reason.... sort of?... for this but it was when I started to think that this book is less about real emotions than drama.

This book is marketed as adult and Dee says he is twentyfive. I would believe him to be maybe sixteen years old for the emotional maturity, decision making ability and perceptive abilities that he has. The book had a very YA feel to me, with its dramatic instalove, characters ruminating about their emotional damage and simultaneously jokey feel.

I think that is probably enough for me to rant! The writing wasn't bad and although the book is derivative it wasn't horrible. Not enough for me to knock it to one star! But if you have a low tolerance for teen angst and emotional drama this isn't the book for you.

Did not finish. Narrator was too annoying. He was meant to be an annoying adolescent but was too annoying for me to keep reading. World building was kinda interesting but no enough to keep reading.

This is an incredibly impressive debut book, and this book was absolutely phenomenal. There are so many elements; it’s fast paced, totally engaging, and while I did predict a few things I did not predict the twist!! This was very well done.

I went into this hoping for a fantasy mystery but ended up with a wild goose chase with a dash of magical elements? Which was fine, once I read it for what it was. There's modern slang in this book, and it has the tone of Alix E. Harrow's Fractured Fables. Like our main character is from this world but interacting in another. POUTINE exists in this book. And this was marketed as an adult book (?) but it DID NOT read that way. Very much YA.

The mystery was intriguing enough but I didn't feel like I connected very well with the characters. As a murder mystery/whodunnit, it was quite entertaining and I found the concept of "Blessings" to be pretty good (even if not very well explained). Plus, the reveal/twist was a bit TOO unrealistic for me to consider this a satisfying ending.

And this book felt too long and too short at the same time?? There was a whole caste system and a genocide happening and the ramifications of the ending just weren't discussed. But some points really dragged. It picked up around 60% and it was pretty smooth sailing till the end.

4 stars!

Thank you to Frances White and MIRA for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!

This super unique and super queer murder mystery fantasy romance on a boat...evidently is doing a lot. Don't let the page count intimidate you, I totally blew through this. The delicate balance of humor, world-building, and high-stakes conflict made this a really engaging read even if I felt a little off about the ending.

First, the good. I was a little nervous seeing all the characters in the opening glossary but the author did a great job of quickly establishing and differentiating them. In the same vein, I like the world a lot. Building an expansive fantasy world in a standalone can be very difficult, and while Concordia operates on some pretty simple systems the world-building doesn't feel stunted by this in my opinion. The writing is solid, with both funny and emotional moments that I felt very connected to. Dee is a very likable protagonist and he doesn't feel like a caricature to me. He doesn't made stupid decisions without reason, his interactions with other characters are meaningful and have impact on the story, and his insecurities have very genuine origins. The queer representation was great, and queer-normative worlds always strike a chord with me. There's also some disability/chronic illness representation by way of Wyatt and Tendai, which I always appreciate. The magic system was not great but its deficits weren't super distracting.

I have two main problems with this book. First, the mystery and the resolution was just okay. I didn't necessarily guess the twist but I wasn't shocked by it. Usually, I think twists are most effective when the author had the twist in mind from the beginning and wrote everything with that in mind. Here it felt like they figured it out part way and you could have switched it out with any other resolution with the same effect.

In the interest of remaining spoiler-free I'm going to be vague, because my second issue is with the ending of the book apart from the mystery. The whole book seems like it's arguing that the current political system in Concordia doesn't work and only hurts the people. In the end it is replaced...with essentially the same system, just with a different leader. Sure they make some different decisions, but I was lead to believe that the system was flawed, not the leader, so just replacing the leader doesn't feel adequate. It just kind of left me feeling strange, I'd like to hear others' thoughts on how that ended up.

Ultimately, I totally recommend this! There's no doubt that it's engaging and largely well-done, especially considering that it is a standalone fantasy with a major mystery and romance plotline. It delivers what it promises, and I think my issues with it are going to end up being more subjective depending on the reader. I look forward to seeing what this author writes in the future!

Happy reading!

I genuinely have no idea how a book with this much murder can be so funny and heartfelt but here we are. This book was heavier on the world building than I was expecting and I really enjoyed the magic system and the politics. There are so many characters (and less but still many murders) and they are all so distinct and memorable. The twists are twisty, the angst is angsty, I had a really good time.

This was fine, until it wasn't. It started kind of like as a not-as-good Gideon the Ninth but on the sea and with worldbuilding for the readers, and I wasn't mad about that, dear reader. It continues on in this vein, until the ending, which made no actual sense. So, I was on the somewhat shaky ride until said ride was blown up at the end. I can't put anything too specific in a review because spoilers, but yeah, if you are desperate for something Gideon-adjacent and don't care about the ending being nonsense, I say have a go. It wasn't for me. 2 stars.

A magical ship transporting a gaggle of ducal heirs - each with a magical power and a whole boatload of secrets - turns into a nightmare trip when passengers begin to die, one by one. It falls to the most insignificant attendee, from the lowest-status province, a six year old, and a boy who is already literally dying to figure who is killing people, and more importantly, why?

A brilliant adventure of magical politics, backstabbing, secret-keeping, young love, and an awkward, lonely young man who learns to take his own power and do what no one else is willing to do.

Damn! Pun intended. ;)
This book really took me for a ride and spit me back out again at the end. I loved every second of it - the twist, the turns, the ship as its own character basically. Kept me captivated and guessing!

Voyage of the Damned by Frances White
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
0.5/🌶

What I loved:
🐟The characters. There isn't one unrelatable or unlovable character here. They were all so well-developed, even the ones who died early.
🐟Idk how White managed such incredible world building on top of a brilliant murder mystery, but she did.
🐟The LGBTQ+ representation. There were so many diverse characters, and at no time was the narrator preachy about it. It just *was*, and that's exactly what it should be.
🐟Laugh out loud funny! Dee has sent me to an early grave.

I have no words for how utterly phenomenal this was. What a triumph. But, I will do my best to influence everyone to read this with my review.

The pacing was perfect. It was fast-paced but never felt rushed. There were a few scenes that slowed it down, but they were welcome and refreshing moments.

All the characters were incredibly well developed, and I loved getting to know them. They were so well-rounded and dynamic and had so much depth. All had their own traumas and hidden problems. None of them were perfect, and all had made mistakes, but they were doing their best. This also made it extremely difficult when they died because I really grew to love them.

Dee was such a brilliant MC. How do I put it into words?! Quick-witted, smart, selfless, and big-hearted. He took in Grasshopper when no one else would. (Grasshopper also holds my heart and added so much levity) I loved Dee's humor. I also really felt for him because underneath the sarcasm and wit, Dee was broken.

As for the mystery, in the wise words of Dwight Schrute, "It's never the person you most suspect. It's also never the person you least suspect, since anyone with half a brain would suspect them the most. Therefore, I know the killer to be... the person I most medium suspect."

I tried. I tried SO HARD to solve this, and I failed miserably because I didn't listen to Dwight! It didn't help the mystery was complex, so I would have only gotten it partially correct, but still!

The setting was also spectacular. A magical ship that none of them could leave. With little dragon butlers? I mean, could it get any better?

And the world building? I loved learning about the world and the different cultures. I loved the politics in play and the history between the characters.

I dont think I can name one thing I didn't like because there isn't one. White bridged fantasy and murder mystery perfectly and nailed both. This is the best murder mystery I have ever read. I truly, truly cannot recommend this enough.

I know this is one I will be rereading over and over again. For me, it's an instant classic. A perfect comfort read to come back to when I need a pick me up or to get me out of a slump. This is one of my top ten best books I've ever read.

This book dealt with some heavy topics and themes, but yet it remained light and hopeful. They were covered with so much compassion. Themes of not belonging, pressure to conform, unrequited love, loss, grief, loneliness, and more.

TWs: attempted suicide, violence, death

So, imagine if Hercule Poirot was on a ship. And he was the heir to a magical province. And he's trapped on that ship with the other hereditary magical heirs of the empire. And his ex boyfriend is there. And then the emperor's heir is killed. And then other people start dying. And oh yeah, he's been lying the whole time about his magical abilities. That thought exercise would get you sort of in the ballpark of everything this book has to offer. The high fantasy world building in this murder mystery is truly excellent, especially since it manages to be queer, funny, and well paced all at the same time. I can't wait to read more from this author.

It’s been a while since I dove into the world of fantasy, and this was one that didn’t disappoint. I genuinely enjoyed the Clue-esque aspect of the story: the murder mystery, the tension of wondering who was next, all while trying to figure out who was responsible. The characters were likable enough to keep the reader intrigued and the twists were good enough to keep the reader on their toes. All in all, it was a gruesomely good time of a read!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a rollicking good time on the high seas where motives are rampant, magic abounds, and the body count climbs! Told from the first-person perspective of our main character, 'Dee" (Ganymedes), we are introduced to the land of Concordia that is split into 12 provinces. Each of these provinces are governed by a dux that has been blessed with a magical ability, and the next heir will be known when they are also blessed with magic. Unfortunately for Dee, he hasn't yet been blessed with magic and yearns to escape the lie that his father has spun. The lie that Dee has been blessed when he hasn't, but there isn't a choice as he's the only legitimate heir. For millennia, the provinces have worked together to ensure the peace of Concordia and to keep unwanted people out, namely the Crabs. While they are each meant to be equals, there is clearly a hierarchy among the duxes who manipulate and play for power.

As they all set sail on a ship together to form bonds, not all is what it seems. Clearly there is a scheme a foot. Magical powers are kept hidden and deadly secrets hang in the balance. Will Dee be able to make it out alive and find the killer in time?

Even though I felt this could have used a bit more editing to move the plot along, I loved how fully developed the characters were. Dee seems to be the unlikely hero - always looked down upon and seen as worthless by his peers. Regardless of that, he is quirky, funny, and tenacious. He is what most of the characters are not - a good person. I also thoroughly enjoyed the diverse representation in this story and the message that we are all worthy. Worthy to be loved and seen as whole, Being and feeling seen for who we are, and not defined by what we lack. If you love a good fantasy and murder mystery in one with a host of well-developed characters you should give this one a try.

I just couldn’t get into this book. I got close to half way through and found the writing style to not be my personal favorite. It wasn’t at all that the story was bad, it was interesting but I couldn’t get past the fast paced writing. Which, for someone else this writing could be really fun and upbeat but for me it just felt really busy. It read like an anime. Someone had mentioned fruit baskets and honestly that was a really good comparison. But, just because I didn’t enjoy it doesn’t mean you won’t! As I said the storyline was intriguing, give a book a try! That’s all us readers can do.

This book is absurdly fun. Not only is there a killer mystery, intricate magic system, and interpersonal drama for DAYS, it's just ... a really good, funny, heartfelt thrill ride? What can I say. Frances White, you have gained a fan.

I flew through this book in about 24 hours and I had a great time.

Voyage of the Damned is such a fun fantasy murder mystery on a boat with a diverse cast of intriguing characters. Giving a bit of Knives Out: Glass Onion, A Restless Truth by Freya Marske, and Agatha Christie all mixed in one.

The mc Dee was delightful! Funny, charismatic, compassionate, and also a chaotic mess with a bit of self-loathing thrown in. Basically, my kind of character.

Besides the murder mystery aspect of the book, it also gets into privilege, socioeconomic differences, power struggles and inequalities, as well as friendship, love, grief, and self-image. But like, in a fun way lol.

I didn't figure out most of the reveals until they happened or closely beforehand so I had great time reading this and being charmed by Dee and his antics as he was trying to find the killer and keep himself and his new friends alive.

The book's got really diverse characters, and lots of great rep that includes Dee being bi and fat, and side characters being trans, asexual, disabled, and queer.

Voyage of the Damned was pitched to me as a queer, magical murder mystery on a ship—all things I notoriously love, so I was excited to dive in, and even more stressed to realize the January release date for the book was only for the UK. So thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC for my honest review on this book!

The general premise behind the world of this book is daunting: a nation with twelve provinces, represented by different animals, each has a representative called a Blessed, each given a gift from the Goddess that is passed down from parent to progeny meant to help lead their province. Once all twelve Blessed in a generation are identified, they make a journey—alone—on a ship to a remote mountain.

Only this time, someone starts picking them off, one by one.

I'll be honest, I was nervous as I am any time I open a book and it starts with a map. I love a large cast of characters as much as (if not more than) the next reader, but coming in knowing that (particularly in a murder mystery) I need to keep track of twelve primary characters, I was worried—not many authors can successfully not make that all feel like alphabet soup.

However, the author's ability to write distinct, interesting characters and attaching them each to an animal somehow made it not such a heavy task. I'll admit that I rolled my eyes a little with each outlandish character description (hair every color of the rainbow, overly disparate styles that made me sometimes feel the world was not cohesive), but it helped me keep track of the Blessed as they were killed off.

The concept of the Blessed (and their Blessings) was something I particularly loved about this book and felt was handled in an original way, with some characters keeping Blessings a secret—as they align with their true character—allowing the concept to feed into the mystery. A particular twist in the back half of the book really hit this one home, and I think the way the author balanced the web of characters and their abilities was extremely tactful.

As a result, the actual solve to the murder mystery was extraordinarily satisfying as a reader. I had my suspicions! And I was wrong! And so happy to be! The author laid the groundwork that the solve didn't entirely come out of nowhere, but still made it that the reader would be surprised. A perfect balance.

(Even if the culprit explaining it out beat by beat in a later scene was a little on the nose.)

That being said, the post-mystery solution felt a little rushed, and the overall ending left a few plot holes that I have questions about that I wish we'd taken a little more time on. A few loose ends in the way the world ends up after several of its leaders are massacred is...a little rough, but didn't leave me with a total sour taste.

My other struggle with this book is that I did not always love our protagonist, Dee. The "Blessed" from Fish Province—who is actually a liar and never received his father's Blessing, presumably because it went to a bastard—was sometimes so outlandish and childish he felt more at home in a middle grade novel despite this book otherwise often feeling quite adult. This ties into the tonal dissonance in the aesthetics with each province—there were times I didn't entirely know what genre of book I was in, or what to make of my setting because of it.

That being said, I had a thoroughly great time with this adventure—and the quiet, dedicated romance that ran through it.

The world building in this book was super interesting and the magic of Concordia felt very immersive. I love a good fantasy stand alone book and this one definitely delivered as a debut novel. I do believe there is some potential for more interconnected books due to the characters being super interesting. There is a good amount of humor in this book which makes the reading experience more enjoyable but there is also some more underlying depth to the characters that you have to dig at. Typically I am a romance/romantasy reader and I do not think this quite falls into that realm it is more of a high fantasy with some romantic subplots. There is a ton of representation within this book which is super exciting to see especially within a fantasy novel.

Fantasy genre mixed with locked room murder mystery and sparkled with great humor! What a fun read it was! This book made me giggle and kept me guessing who did it throughout the whole book. This book is also character-driven and I loved them all! Each character was unique and had a big personality. This one was such a refreshing read!!
Hope more people will read this book soon!