The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
on April 29, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Feminist, Fiction / Historical / General, Fiction / Magical Realism, Fiction / Occult & Supernatural, Fiction / Sea Stories, Fiction / Women
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
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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.
I couldn’t put this one down! Sea witches from centuries ago thrive well into modern times but it’s unclear how everyone is connected. Murder and revenge, dramatic tension and rivalry. The story has tons of levels, though I struggled a bit with connecting to the characters from time to time. It comes together with some magical qualities and leaves you wanting more. Lovely balance between drama and reality, mostly falling into the ethereal and fantastical category.
Four stars for this one! This book has it all: strong female characters with magical powers, high seas adventure, a search for buried treasure, mystery, handsome men, romance, and a setting so descriptive that Sarah transports you to the Amalfi Coast. There are also mini cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, compelling you to keep turning the pages.
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