Book review: The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
Genre: Fantasy
Release date: April 29, 2025
Goodreads rating: 4.66
My rating: 4
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I didn’t know what to expect delving into this book—this is my first Sarah Penner book and I was very happily surprised. The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner a charming magical fantasy story set in a dual timeline. In modern day, you meet Haven, a nautical archeologist who goes on assignment to Positano to document ancient shipwrecks in Li Galli (and try to retrieve a sea treasure discovered by her father). There, she notices abnormalities with the sea activity (and a few locals).
In 1821, you meet Mari and learn about a colony of sea witches who use their powers to protect the Amalfi coast but are also hunted by sea traders who want to stifle their powers.
I enjoyed the balance between the magical elements of this story and the contemporary real-world setting. At its core, it’s a story about powerful women and female solidary. Although love stories unfold in both timelines, they are never overbearing of the main plotline but rather complimentary, featuring men who celebrate and shoulder their partners.
The story also does a beautiful job at immersing you in the Amalfi Coast and allowing you to sample the life of a nautical diver and archeologist.
This book delivers the perfect mix of mystery, fantasy and contemporary reality and flows easily. I recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.