Part of Emberverse, book 13
First published 2016
John Arminger Mackenzie dreams of becoming a troubadour, but royal blood flows through his veins. As the son of Montival's king, he stands second in line behind his sister Princess Órlaith, who will rightfully claim the throne. When a violent storm strikes his vessel, the Tarshish Queen, John finds himself stranded far from home in the Ceram Sea's island chains. The tempest was no accident but a weapon wielded against the new alliance between the High Kingdom of Montival and the Empire of Japan. Now John and his crew must battle savage pirates and sea monsters while forging bonds with unexpected allies. Strange enemies from this world and beyond threaten their survival. The reluctant prince discovers that survival demands more than artistic talent. He must embrace his royal heritage and rally his people against forces both human and supernatural that seek to destroy them.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, action, alternate-history
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, reluctant-hero
Setting: Ceram Sea, Montival, Tarshish Queen
Period: 21st-century
418 pages · Hardcover · Ace