Book Review
The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
Fantasy | Historical Fiction | Fiction | Magical Realism
From the bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary comes another historical dual-timeline novel featuring powerful women, an incredible setting, and a dash of magic.
When Harper Collins Canada reached out to see if I’d be interested in an advance copy of Sarah Penner’s newest novel, The Amalfi Curse, I was immediately intrigued by the gorgeous cover and fascinating premise. They sent me a lovely box featuring this book, along with a spectacular, special edition of The Lost Apothecary (give me all the sprayed edges!) You can check out the unboxing video on our Instagram, here, if you’re interested.
The Amalfi Curse follows two separate timelines: a modern-day story featuring trailblazing nautical archaeologist, Haven, and a historical timeline in the 1800s, featuring a group of women with the power to control the sea. Both timelines were gripping, containing light fantasy and magical realism, love, adventure, and a little mystery.
It’s easy to get drawn into Penner’s writing and be equally captivated by the story, characters, and world she’s created. The Italian coastal setting is lush and immersive, and perfect for a novel featuring undersea quests and swoony romance. The richness of descriptions means you can smell those salty, sea breezes and feel the warm rays on sun-kissed skin while reading. (The cheapest way to travel!) Both storylines in The Amalfi Curse feature strong women with ties to the ocean, and these timelines flowed together seamlessly amidst this gorgeous backdrop.
I haven’t read a novel featuring nautical archaeology before, and I loved this career choice for our protagonist, Haven. Between the secrecy of magic powers that can harness the ocean for good and the excitement of treasure hunting, I had a difficult time putting this book down.
While this is slower-paced fiction, the plot was compelling, the characters were expertly crafted, and the setting was absolutely sublime. If you enjoy fiction sprinkled with a hint of magic, The Amalfi Curse is one to dive into.
Recommended for:
Those who enjoy historical and contemporary dual timelines with a hint of magic
This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Advance copy of the book provided courtesy of the publisher, Harper Collins Canada. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the book:
(From the publisher): Powerful witchcraft. A hunt for sunken treasure. Forbidden love on the high seas. Beware the Amalfi Curse…
Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artifacts beneath the azure waters; she is secretly on a quest to locate a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon Haven’s arrival, strange maelstroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work?
As Haven searches for her father’s sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery and one woman’s quest to save her lover and her village by using the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the ocean. Could this magic be behind Positano’s latest calamities? Haven must unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region is destroyed forever…
Against the dazzling backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, this bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance and the untamed magic of the sea.