The Coming Of The Whirlpool: Andrew McGahan

Book I of The Ship Kings. Dow Amber is no sailor but he is driven by a strange sea-longing that takes him to the grim bay known as the Claw. There he finds fearful people who scarcely dare to venture to sail. They are cursed by a monstrous whirlpool that haunts the bay and steals their sons. Then the rulers of the World - the proud and cruel Ship Kings - arrive in the Claw in their fine tall vessels. Dow is fascinated by their fine tall vessels, and even more so by a mysterious girl who lives aboard their flagship. It is a perilous attraction to be sure, but could it be that his future somehow lies with the Ship Kings? Or will he be called upon to descend to his death, when the terrible whirlpool rises once more? Cover art by Ritva Voutila.