Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
'If you go to sea, you will come to the attention of the Ship Kings. And if they discover who you are, they will kill you.' Young Dow Amber is no sailor. But driven by a strange sea-longing he ventures down to the great grim bay known as the Claw. He hopes to learn there of seafaring, but he finds only a fearful people who scarcely dare sail at all, for they have been cursed by a monstrous whirlpool that haunts the bay, stealing away their sons. Then the rulers of all the world - the proud and cruel Ship Kings - arrive in the Claw. 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?
Is The coming of the whirlpool appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
A dark YA fantasy featuring a dangerous supernatural whirlpool that claims lives, menacing Ship Kings, and perilous maritime adventure. Moderate violence includes death by drowning and threats from cruel rulers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include kidnapping, death, and drowning.
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to this atmospheric sea adventure with its mysterious cursed bay, dangerous rulers, and a hero discovering his destiny.