Frost Grave: Ghost Archipelago: Destiny's Call by Mark Latham
I've been going heavy on the sci-fi books, so I thought I would treat myself to a bit of Fantasy for a change. I found the following title while browsing my local library's shelves and knew I had to read it. For those who don't know about Frost Grave - Ghost Archipelago, I highly recommend checking it out (Amazon Link). I have not had the pleasure of playing the game, but I have now read two books and am super intrigued by it. If you wish to check out my first review, please check yesterday’s post.
Book Details
Title: Frost Grave: Ghost Archipelago - Destiny's Call
Author: Mark Latham
Publisher: Osprey Games
Type: Paperback
Page Count: 384
Commercial Fluff: Samir is a thief, a street-urchin from Yad Sha'Rib, the most fantastic city in the Empire. Like the city, he carries a secret; Samir is descended from the Heritors, mighty warriors who once drank from the fabled Crystal Pool. Though he dreams of one day saving his people from slavery and oppression, Samir keeps his nascent powers hidden lest he meets the same fate as his father--a slow death in the dungeons, where the grand vizier, Zhar-Marrhad, conducts dark experiments to unlock the Heritors' secrets.
When the Ghost Archipelago appears once more, everything changes. Feeling the pull of the Lost Isles in his blood, Samir suddenly finds himself the centre of attention after a life of anonymity. Befriended by a tribal warrior maiden, charmed by a self-styled Pirate Prince, shadowed by a beautiful assassin, and hunted by the ruthless Zhar-Marrhad, Samir must navigate a world of treachery and deceit as he sets sail for the Ghost Archipelago. Only there can he unlock the secrets of his Heritor powers. Only then can he answer his destiny's call.
Review
The book follows young Samir as he discovers his powers and sets off to become a hero and find a way to free his people from a Tyrant. This book leans heavily into some classic Persian archetypes like villainous Grand Viziers, Jafar, and flying carpets, and I love it all. It took me back to watching golden era movies of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (1944). This novel was just a great escape read.
The city of Yad Sha'Rib was well described and felt alive, while the pirate crew added some great characters and the ability later for some epic deaths and plot twists and turns. But the true highlight of the novel was Zhar-Marrhad the Grand Vizier. He was so evil and driven, with zombie/mind-controlled slaves that rode flying carpets. It was so epic! The only negative I had was that I couldn't stop imagining Zhar-Marrhad as the Jafar from Disney Aladdin (I know, lame). Still, I heard his voice, which added a level of creepiness.
I genuinely hope the main character, Samir, gets re-visited (he did not). I would enjoy reading what happens next and if he can save the City of Yad Sha'Rib.
Have you read this book? Have you played the game? Reach out in the comments and let me know your thoughts.
Want to buy the book? Follow this helpful link to Amazon and check out my STORE.
