deb_reads_books_ 's review for:

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner

5.0

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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Mari’s story is set in the 1800s in Positano, Italy. Mari is the fire-haired leader of the  sea witches or streghe del mar, who are able to wield the power of the sea. The streghe used their powers to protect Positano from rough seas, from pirates, and anything else that dared threaten their town via the sea. Despite having this incredible gift, she loathed the sea. The sea had taken her mother, her sister, and she was finally ready to get away. She plans to leave after passing on her knowledge to the other sea witches. Her plan includes Holmes, a sailor that she has fallen in love with. Holmes works for the biggest threat to Positano, the Mezza brothers. Can he be trusted? 

 

Haven, a marine archeologist, in the present day, arrives to Positano, to study the mysterious Li Galli shipwreck sites (and embark on her late father’s side quest, which may include recovering lost jewels). Upon her arrival, weird things start to happen. Vesuvius is threatening to erupt, a yacht went down on the Li Galli site, and then, a former colleague, Conrad, threatens her project. She enlists the help from a local scuba company owner, Enzo (He’s gorgeous, I might add). Will the Amalfi Curse thwart her life’s work? 

 

The Amalfi Curse stays true to Sarah Penner’s writing style, a brilliant blend of historical fiction, modern days, & magic. She does a brilliant job tying the stories together for an ever so satisfying ending. If you loved The Lost Apothecary & The London Séance Society as much as I did, you will love The Amalfi Curse.