I just couldn't get into the story unfortunately. It read like YA which I do read and enjoy, but didn't work for me with this concept and main character. It didn't seem like the MC was all that interested in solving the murder and so neither was I.

I think I wanted to like this more than I actually did. It took awhile for this to really hook me in (tho I loved Grasshopper immediately). I definitely liked the overall vibe of 'queer murder mystery party but locked on a boat with a fantasy world setting.' If that sounds like your thing, then you'll probably enjoy this book like I did.

This was a very good read. The storyline was complex, suspenseful and compelling and it paired well with an intriguing cast of characters that inspired an array of thoughts and feelings. I must admit that this was a bit of a slow starter for me but there is a lot of groundwork to be laid as you are introduced to this new world.

Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read and review this title!

Voyage of the Damned is a novel by Frances White that has taken the world by storm. I was lucky enough to review this title on its second release, and it was definitely a rollercoaster ride.

I initially started this book quite a while ago and about 15% in left it for a while. The plot of the book revolves around a nation where there are twelve provinces that each contribute their own elements to make the nation succeed. Each of these provinces has a special blessing given to the leader and eventually the heir that will inherit leadership. To celebrate a thousand years of peace between these provinces, the Dragon Emperor creates a voyage with all twelve heirs that will take 12 days to the sacred Goddess’s Mountain.

Unfortunately within the first day or two things start to turn sour. As tension runs high between all the heirs, the royal Dragon heiress is found murdered. And there is no way to stop the voyage until it reaches its destination. With a murderer on board, the only one really interested in looking for answers is the heir to the lowest ranking province - Ganymedes Piscero from the Fish province. And he is also keeping his own secret - one that would get him killed immediately if anyone finds out.

This story started out quite slow. And the main character is VERY abrasive. But it soon becomes very addictive. And the same humor that initially makes you want to roll your eyes at Ganymedes soon becomes one of his most endearing traits. As a character that is out to stir the pot, he is a fresh perspective to a murder mystery that has so many twists and turns that it will leave you dizzy.

Overall I absolutely loved each of the different characters and how distinctive they were. There were also twists that I did not see coming, along with some tropes that were included that made the story feel quite comforting despite the absurd amount of people turning up dead.

I'm definitely interested in reading more from this author, especially if there will be any more entries in this series!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This is a book that I have been recommending to EVERYONE!! I first read this a few months ago and I was immediately captivated. I laughed, I cried, I loved how it kept me guessing, and that big reveal was 😱😱 I loved it even more on my reread and picked up so many more things.

Whether you love mysteries, mythology, or magic, this book has something for you.

Thank you so much to HTP and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

The premise of Voyage of the Damned is undeniably intriguing — to celebrate 1000 years of peace in Concordia, heirs of the provinces are sent on a twelve-day voyage to the Sacred Goddess’ mountain. However, there are murders at sea and the fate of the empire rests in their resolution.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in the author’s ability to sufficiently convey the tension between the provinces in this world — there is a lot of beef between the characters, and each heir has a secret Blessing (or power) that the others don’t know about. Coupled with the murder mystery subplot with the heirs all hiding other secrets, there is a compelling backdrop for the narrative.

What I did not enjoy about this story was the POV of the main character. The protagonist is positioned as the underdog hero but I struggled to connect with him on a deeper level because his entire personality was centered around being the “class clown”. Think of Michael Scott as the main character in a fantasy novel and you have Ganymedes.

The resolution of the mystery also felt a bit predictable. That said, there are certainly aspects of this story that will appeal to those who want to just dabble in fantasy and for those who love mystery novels. The concept of the Blessings is creative and the world building was overall quite interesting.

This one took me about half the book to really get into, but then it moved quickly from there. I really enjoyed the murder mystery aspect (that had a hint of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None" to it. Characters were hit or miss on likeability for me.

The story was funny and touching; the friendships (regardless of age) seemed a bit off at first, but then I came around to them. I liked trying to figure out whodunit

Overall: 3 stars (I liked it)

**Thank you to NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Thanks to Penguin Random House and Harlequin for the free E-Arc of this book. Here’s my honest thoughts!

This book was extremely disappointing. I definitely think it would’ve done better as a young adult book and not an adult one, since the world building and characters were severely underdeveloped. I don’t even know if I could articulate all of my issues with this book, and I ended up rage finishing it.

Our main character was kind of unbearable. I didn’t love a lot of what he was thinking. He was supposedly in love with one of the other characters, just to make really sexual comments about some of the women around him. He seemed really juvenile for someone who was supposed to be an adult. His strange relationship to food was frustrating, considering he tells us that people have been fat phobic towards him.

My biggest frustration with this book was the build up oof Dee and Wyatt’s relationship just to take away all of that development in the third act plot twist. We spend the majority of this book watching them grow closer and build a relationship, with Dee saying he’s in love with Wyatt (which was unbelievable to me, but whatever), just for it to be Ravi posing as Wyatt the whole time. Wyatt was dead from the first day?? SORRY WHAT?? And Dee was just like, “oh Ravi is alive and back, YAYYYY” instead of having any sort of reaction to the loss of who he thought Wyatt was.

And what happened to Dee not getting a blessing because he wasn’t the true heir? That just went away, I guess, when the plot needed it to. I found so much of this book to be confusing and not cohesive in terms of storytelling or characterization of these people. Most of this book was spent just not doing anything, as there didn’t really seem to be any motivation to solve the mystery.

I hated that the ONE nonbinary and asexual character was supposed to be this creepy, recuse who our main character was scared of. LIKE WHAT?? To be fair all of these characters felt like they were heavily leaning into the stereotypes they were written into.

The only thing I liked about this book was Dee and Wyatt (sorry Ravi I GUESS) and their relationship with Grasshopper. That was sweet.

5 BLESSED STARS

A goofy main character who just wants to eat and doesn't want to be part of his father's lies that got roped into a cruise he didn't want to be in that became a murder-mystery cruise?? Mm, sign me uuuup!! It's also a cherry on top that he doesn't look like the usual main character by being a little ""chubby".

Here's the thing, this book is an adventure in itself. I can be as vague as I want about how much I love the characters were written, the plot twists were expected but they didn't happen when I expected them and it made me rethink a lot of things, and that the entirety of the book was such a great experience, but really, you got to experience it yourself.

From the first chapter, you already know that Ganymedes was going to get his butt on that cruise, but the way he was trying to escape was still funny. You knew that someone was going to die in the cruise ship, but as you meet everyone, no one seemed suspicious enough to be a killer and yet there's a reason why anyone would want them dead. You can see just how tense their relationships are.

The first death that happens in the book is someone that you don't really expect and yet, expect at the same time. I mean, the first death had to be a big one, right?? The rest of the deaths in the book don't seem to add up and honestly, it's genius. I had my suspicions (yes, I was right), and I love the way we got to the reveal to be honest.

The only thing that I wished for the ending was just a little more on the character's lives after that. I don't think I would've minded an extended epilogue because I just want to feel like things have changed and that their lives got better after. I think after all that trauma the characters deserve a break and good endings all around! But still, 5 stars because I'd definitely reread it!!

The book presents a compelling plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The murder mystery element is particularly well-crafted, offering twists and turns that are not easily predictable. However, the ending falls short, as it becomes quite predictable, which might leave some readers feeling a bit underwhelmed.

The diverse cast of characters is notable, with most falling into the LGBTQIA+ category and showcasing a variety of skin and hair colors. While this diversity is commendable, it doesn’t significantly impact the plot. The cultural diversity, on the other hand, is crucial to the storyline and adds depth to the narrative.

One of the book’s unique aspects is the dialogue. Many conversations have a tone reminiscent of the silly comedy from early 2000s teen Disney shows, which seems to be the author’s intentional style choice. However, this style was not to my taste and detracted from my overall enjoyment.

In summary, the book offers a good plot and an intriguing murder mystery, but the predictable ending and distinctive dialogue style may not appeal to everyone. The cultural diversity of the characters is a strong point, even if other aspects of diversity feel somewhat superficial.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing an opportunity for this ARC!

Wow. This book was a wild rollercoaster and at no point did I know what would happen next. It was equal parts hilarious, suspenseful, thrilling, magical and adorably romantic. The plot twist was INSANE. Well there are multiple plot twists but one got me so much that I actually had to pause to catch my breath because I was so shocked. I don’t know how this book managed to make my heart pound in suspense one second and then make me laugh out loud the next, over and over. I’ve heard other people say Ganymedes is immature and annoying, but I thought he was incredibly relatable and realistic given his backstory. His journey to self-love really moved me. The queer romance subplot was also adorable. If you are looking for a book that’ll keep you on your toes, I’d highly recommend!!

Imagine a cruise where the passengers aren’t just humans but a host of magical creatures, and in the midst of luxurious dinners and sun-soaked decks, a murder mystery unravels. This book captivates from the first page, blending elements of intrigue, fantasy, and a slow-burn romance into an intense narrative that keeps you hooked.

At the heart of it all is the main character—funny, endearing, and impossibly brave. Their charm is infectious, bringing warmth and humor to even the darkest corners of the mystery. With a sharp wit and a tendency to leap into danger, this protagonist feels like a trusted friend you're cheering for from the very beginning. They face challenges head-on, navigating not only the complexities of a magical murder investigation but also an unexpected romance that simmers in the background, adding layers of tension and heart to the plot.

The murder mystery is brilliantly paced, with clues that keep you guessing and a diverse ensemble of magical beings that add intrigue to every twist. Each character feels rich and contributes to the high-stakes atmosphere on the ship. The romance subplot is especially noteworthy—an electric chemistry between the protagonist and their love interest that blossoms gradually but intensely, leading to moments of both tenderness and longing.

Overall, this book is an irresistible blend of humor, mystery, and magic, set against the backdrop of an enchanting cruise. If you're a fan of stories that make you laugh, keep you on the edge of your seat, and leave you with a full heart, this one is a must-read.

Voyage of the Damned is a wonderful murder mystery a la the classics such as Murder on the Orient Express, but with magic and a both steampunk and fantasy feel to the world.

Trapped on a ship none of them really want to be on, but least of all our lead Ganymedes Piscero, the 12 Blessed are being sent on a magical holy mission to the scared Goddess's Mountain to establish they have all gained their 'blessing'. However when the first of their group is murdered everyone becomes a suspect and any attempted peace is shrugged off as everyone being looking out for themselves. Except again our lovable, caring, lead Ganymedes who just can't stop himself from looking into what happened and trying to protect those around him.

This novel really does read as a magical, steampunk-ish, fantasy, Agatha Christie, with the mystery slowly unfolding and I really did not know what to expect right up until the end. To add to that the setting feels natural for this tale, with the magic system having well establish rules, and the setting building upon itself to make a cohesive world alongside the characters that occupy it.

I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy:
- Murder Mysteries with plenty of twists
- Diverse characters
- Queer Romance
- Extremely Loveable leads, with a touch of self hatred
- Magic systems and fantasy world that walk the line on having enough world building to feel complete
- Murder on the Orient Express, but on a magic boat

I received an advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are wholly my own and unbiased.

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!

if you love getting deeply invested in characters before the plot twists hit, *voyage of the damned* is a must-read. this witty murder mystery is full of surprises and makes for a highly recommendable read.

though it’s not primarily a romance, i was living for the romantic elements. the representation is well done, and this as a debut novel is both magical and entertaining. i’m excited to see what comes next from this author!

This was such an amazing book. Francis White gave his all in this tale and I appreciate the dynamic characters and the amazing plotlines. I think that it is an amazing combination of fantasy, murder, and along with some comedic tidbits that I truly appreciated. It gives the reader reassurance that as though there are murders going on. The characters are light hearted and the reader does not have to be tensed while reading this. Love Love Love Love this book.

Twelve heirs from the provinces of Concordia embark on a twelve day voyage to the sacred Goddess’s Mountain. All have been blessed except for Ganymedes aka D of the fish reigon. He has told everyone that he has had his blessing but in reality he hasn't. D is a great disappointment to his proviance and his father. He feels he can do nothing right. Soon after the boat sets sails one by one the twelve blessed are being murdered. In order to figure out who and why they are being killed D takes it upon himself to solve the mystery. D must also find out what the others blessings are before time runs out on him and the remaining passengers. This was a very good whodunit that had you guessing until the very end.

Listen, I love a book where you spend most of the time building a relationship with the characters, only to get the twists and turns that make the story so good that you know you will recommend it to people. This is that book! This book is not perfect, but it is a good read for an adventurous person and maybe a nice thriller book club. I give it a 3.5/5.

"Voyage of the Damned" is a gripping and well-crafted historical novel that immerses readers in a dramatic and turbulent journey. The author’s meticulous research and vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, creating a palpable sense of time and place. The characters are richly developed, each adding depth to the unfolding drama. While the pacing occasionally slows, the narrative remains engaging and emotionally impactful. The book’s exploration of human resilience and moral dilemmas makes for a thought-provoking read. Overall, "Voyage of the Damned" is a powerful and compelling story that will resonate with readers long after they’ve finished.