Cover: Voyage of the Lanternfish
by C. S. Boyack
The author sent me an ARC of this book (mobi format) in exchange for an honest review (member of Rosie’s Book Review Team).
My rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars)
Plot
(by Goodreads)
An honorable man is mistaken for his disreputable father. Now he’s pushed into a political scheme to start a war that will spread across multiple kingdoms. James Cuttler’s fiancé is being held captive to ensure he goes through with the plan.
He soon decides his skills are at sea and procures a ship to wage war upon those who disrupted his simple life. He can’t do it alone, so he recruits a band of cutthroats to help him. But first, they need guns and munitions to outfit the ship properly. Deception and trickery will only get them so far. Eventually, they’re going to have to engage the enemy.
James’ goals aren’t necessarily the same as his crew. It’s a delicate balancing act to collect enough loot to keep his crew happy, while guiding them back to rescue the girl.
Voyage of the Lanternfish is filled with adventure, magic, and monsters. Lots of monsters. Hoist the colors and come along for the ride.
| Genre(s): | Kindle eBooks > Sea Stories > Historical Fantasy Books > Historical Fantasy |
| Series: | n.a. |
| Length: | 394 pages |
| Release date: | 2018-12-31 |
Teaser
James continued. “My mission is to bring Hollish to its knees. We do that with her shipping first. Cut them off from food and other imports. We’ll take them going both directions. As soon as our guns are ready, we’ll go hunting.”
“You’ve met your officers, but there are more you haven’t met. I brought a crew of monsters aboard with me. You may have heard them last night. They’re small and can do things you cannot. Right now, they’re getting rid of rats. They will man the crow’s nest so you don’t have to. They’re also damned handy in a fight. I expect each of you to treat them with respect.” He turned to the deck behind him. “Boss, step forward.”
My Opinion
This book introduces you to a man with a mission – to rescue his fiancée.
With “Voyage of the Lanternfish”, C. S. Boyack presents us with an entertaining and sometimes pretty funny historical fantasy story. The story is skillfully elaborated and has a great flow. Ernest Hemingway once stated “When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people not characters. A character is a caricature.” C. S. Boyack shows this masterly with this story – he created living people (and some amazing creatures) instead of mere characters; even if the monsters are not human – they all have a personality. I was drawn into the story right away, very close to James, Dan, and their mission. The protagonists’ personalities are complex, the others of sufficient depth according to their relevance. Protagonists who grow with their tasks during their mission will take you on an unforgettable journey. I could easily envision the characters and locations. Indeed, C. S. Boyack has done it again: I had a wonderful time reading “Voyage of the Lanternfish”; it is a highly entertaining read.
This is for you if you like great story-telling, ‘historical’ fantasy stories, interesting personalities to cheer on, as well as thought-provoking, and fun moments.
This is a book to read again. Highly recommended!
In brief:
| Cover | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Writing | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Plot | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Characters | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Mood | Suspenseful |
| Pace | Steady |
| POV | Third person – past tense |
| Language |  – 😳 (decent enough) |
| Violence | 😳 – 😡 (occasional strong violence and gore) |
| Sexual content | – 😳 (decent enough) |
About the author
I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.
I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.
I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.
Craig
Connect with the author:
Website: https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Virgilante
Amazon: C. S. Boyack
Buy link: books2read.com/u/bxYeOq
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about “Voyage of the Lanternfish”? Or – if you did not yet read “Voyage of the Lanternfish” – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
Review: The Experimental Notebook of C.S. Boyack
Review: The Experimental Notebook of C.S. Boyack II
Review: The Hat by C.S. Boyack
Review: The Yak Guy Project
My train of thoughts on... 
Another great review for an amazing story!
Thank you.
I’m about halfway through, and I’m really enjoying the adventure – great review, Karen!
Thanks, Teri.
Thank you very much, Teri.
Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Voyage of the Lanternfish was a fun read, good to see it well-reviewed. Have a look at the reaction. This book was featured on Archer’s Aim back in January when it was released.
Thanks, PH.
You’re welcome.
Karen, I read this one shortly after it was released, and found it to be highly imaginable and enjoyable. Craig outdid himself with the characters in this one (creatures too). They each had such colorful and strong personalities, it was hard to pick a favorite. What an adventure tale!
Congratulations to Craig!
Thank you, Mae.
Mae, I couldn’t agree more. After all that the crew and I (the humble reader) have been through…it was hard to get back to reality.
Great review of a great book, Karen. Reblogged this on https://harmonykent.co.uk/voyage-of-the-lanternfish-by-c-s-boyack-rbrt-bookreview-virgilante/
Thanks for sharing this, Harmony.
Thank you for the praise and the reblog, Harmony.
Lanternfish was one hell of a book, I enjoyed it so much!
Aww, thank you, and thanks for sharing this review.
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
A wonderful review of Craig’s book.
Thanks, Robbie.
Great review Karen. Well done Craig.. 🙂
Thanks, Marje.
Thank you very much, Marje.
Welcome, Karen. 🙂
What a wonderful review! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Staci.
Thank you, Staci. Reading and reviewing was fun.
I agree. I always enjoy Craig’s work, but the root monsters really stole my heart. That story was quite the adventure!
Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
Karen also posted a review of Lanternfish. Tell her “Hi” when you visit. She is one of my oldest and dearest online connections.
Wow! Karen, you’re fast. So glad you enjoyed my crew of misfits.
Craig, your story and your crew are amazing. Thanks for enriching your readers’ lives.
Thank you Karen.
An absolute pleasure, Rosie.