Member Review

In a world where those with magical abilities are feared, controlled, and hunted, Roe Damarcus is lucky to belong to one of the few magical families with power and influence. But when she fails her comic-of-age trial and loses control of her resurrection powers, her only options are to give up her ability to summon spirits or try to earn a retrial aboard the luxurious magical cruise ship, The Celestial. As a concierge, Roe will have to keep up with demands from affluent guests and torture from the bosses, all while doing her best to survive the magic that is contained within the Celestial as it turns the hallways into deathly nightmares at night. But the dark magic isn't only coming out at night, and things are darker and grimmer than Roe could have ever imagined. It will take all her strength and that of her new friends aboard the ship to not only stay alive, but bring about the change that will see all with power freed.

It's a phenomenally well-written novel with a plot that never slows down and characters you can easily connect with. Roe might be the daughter of a wealthy family, but there are still tragedies and hardships in her past that make her an empathetic character when the time comes for her to face the real world on her own. She's helped along by steadfast friends onboard the Celestial who show her that not only are her powers not scary, but most people with magic aren't the evil villains they're painted as to justify their awful treatment.

The scope of the plot is impressive. It starts simple by focusing on Roe and her desire to keep her ability to summon spirits. But it grows to ever more heartbreaking levels as more events and incredible revelations are brought to light. It's a nice way to show that one person can have a great effect in their society. It also made for quite a page turner because getting off the ship alive is only the beginning of an epic battle.

There's the mandatory YA love plotline with Ivander proving to be a strong male character willing to let the female lead take charge of her own future, which I appreciated. But honestly, it would have worked just as well with them being supportive friends and Roe firmly taking steps on her own. It's not a bad plotline, just slightly unnecessary.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the exciting read!