Dark Voyage

Tales from the Dark Past #1

by Helen Susan Swift

In 1914, fear and paranoia rule the high seas. Young Iain Cosgrove sets sail for a research trip aboard Lady Balgay, the last of Dundee's once-grand sealing fleet.

Fueled by rum and the crew's eerie tales, they obsess over ancient superstitions, which Iain dismisses as simple lore - until they reach the frigid Arctic seas.

Soon, Iain begins to question his beliefs. But none of them are prepared for what they are about face in the frigid, dark waters of the north.

Praise:

★★★★★ - "Helen Susan Swift has created a story for the ages with Dark Voyage."

★★★★★ - "A great story of horror on the high seas."

★★★★★ - "Very enjoyable read. Kept my interest throughout, as I enjoy horror and history."

Genres: Horror, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Amazon, Historical

472 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 2014

About the author

Born and bred in Scotland, I live in the north east of the country. My interests include history and folklore, as well as nature and animals.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren and Kenny go aboard a mysterious old ship when a storm hits them off their yacht. There they find the writings of Iain, doctor of the ship. He describes what happened when he set sail to the North with a crew of seal hunters. This inset tale is extremely compelling, full of dark mystery, old yarn, cannibals, superstition and witchcraft. Iain often sees a mysterious black woman. Who is she? What about the two strangers, a man and a woman, they find out in the ice? What about the ballast they take in from a cursed island? And what is happening onboard when the crew is decimated one by one. A great tale full of adventure, old myths and legends told in a very compelling way. The frame story and denouement were a bit common, the romantic parts too, but Iain's script was spellbinding and put the book in a different league. Absolutely recommended if you like mysterious, seafaring tales like I do.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I didn't have high hopes for this ebook, didn't think I would like it as much as I did. But I was surprised that the story was really good one that had me hooked. Not sure if I ended up liking the story so much because my low expectations going into it but I'll definitely read more from Helen Susan Swift.

[Morgan Scorpion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book free from Amazon, and this meant I was a bit dubious about it's quality. I was wrong to doubt, I loved this book. It gripped me almost from the first. It is rich in nautical detail, and full of creepy details and supernatural persecution. I do not wish to spoil the plot, but there were developments of a peculiarly horrible and unexpected nature towards the end that really hit hard.

I look forward to reading other books from this author.

[Jerecho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually I don't know what to think about the book overall. It has good features (especially the quotes). The first part was too slow, and I don't know if I will continue to read this one or just stop reading and start some other book. But curiosity killed the cat, so the next is history.

Young couple in a stormy night.... Blah... Blah... Blah, found an old abandoned ship in ice, found a journal, nice... History presented itself...

I like the way the author don't explain too much, but present it in a way that imagination is needed. Some things are gruesome but it is what it is... It's like a pirate movie without a pirate. A love story in the absence of one. A story of the past told in the future. Answers are hinted but not a giveaway...

Anyway where is my journal???

3.5 stars hirap basahin sa simula (difficult to read in the start). Then why I am explaining???😉 But I like the ending... (I thought Lauren has a connection but it's just an imagination)... ⚓️

[Pamellia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast moving with lots of action

Well thought out plot. Twist and turns. Good character development. I would recommend to anyone likening stories of the old sealing and whaling boats

[Anna Dubrosky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a thriller

This one kind of reminded me of the pirates of the Caribbean movies. There were no pirates but the working conditions of this ship were horrible. Didn't care for the gory details of killing seals for the blubber.

[leah lederman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing find!

I began this book anticipating a cheap horror thrill; or, at best, a well-written horror novel. Instead i discovered a fine, well-researched and crafted historical fiction novel. Scott's book keeps the reader wondering if the supernatural elements are real and imagined up to the very end.

She has done her homework and given us a realistic portrayal of a world few of us have any knowledge about. In the beginning, we are shown brief glimpses of modern fishing off the coast of Scotland and early 20th century (before world war I) upper middle class society. But Swift quickly introduced to the life of what we're once called Greenlandmen - sailors aboard a combination steam and sail wooden ship headed to the arctic in search of seals. Once found, the sailors brutally bludgeoned deals of all ages in order to harvest their blubber which, once brought to England and Europe as oil, served to fuel the lamps that lit their world.

Swift doesn't spare the reader any details that might offend modern readers. Personally, I applaud writers who portray the notes of historical cultures accurately without trying to protect anyone with hyper-sensibilities. The plot is satisfyingly complex as are the characters.

I know nothing about this writer, but as soon as this review is finished U definitely plan to find out everything I can about her!

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern day book that feels like an old-timey cursed/haunted ship story of days of yore. The build up is steady and the horror spaced out nicely throughout.

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm of two minds with this one, so I'm not quite sure how to rate... On the one hand, the first part with the "modern" shipwreck survivors is written oddly, with weird dialogue and I didn't care for it at all. Luckily, I preserved and got to the good part, ie the journal they found. This part was written great, and so was the rest of the book, until the ending again switched back to the modern explorers. I guess it's the lack of any kind of actual character development from the two finders, plus the weird supernatural goings-on that appear to be happening to the girl during the trip. The male is relegated to a minor role, asking if she's "ok" and such. It was like it was written by two different authors, or the author had no interest in writing this necessary intro and just wanted to get to the good parts.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was familiar with this author’s more historical books so assumed it was a historical sailing romance. Nothing like being wrong. Laurie MacPhearson and her friend Kenny are storm tossed out of their pleasure boat, but make it to an ice shrouded derelict from another age. In it they find a frozen, mummified Dr. Cosgrove and his journal. Laurie reads it as they wait for rescue: Doctor Ian Cosgrove, newly married to the love of his life is the medical officer for his father-in-law’s sealing vessel in 1914. He has one night of wedded bliss and sails away. The ship is tossed by storm waves and Captain Milne puts into a cove to collect black rocks for ballast. Pratt, the oldest sailor is terrified of the ballast they have gathered. He claims it contains the skeletons of cannibals that were hanged on this spot. The good doctor, of course, puts the tale down to ignorant superstition. You’ll learn the makeup of the crew and Captain Milne. You also see the stark difference of the elite in the English society of that era. They hail a German ship and purchase the liquor the owner had not permitted for the crew or Captain. Suspense builds as strange apparitions appear. They make it to the sealing grounds on Greenland and the bloody slaughter takes place. As they haul the skinned furs back they leave a bloody trail which is followed by two people. They claim they are from another ship and are lost; the names are Sinclair and Isbister. Worse the doctor discovers Isbister is a woman. Things begin to unravel as the youngest member falls through a hold and something has bit huge chunks from his arm. The doctor watches the apparitions dissolve into the bodies of other crew members and one, by one they die horrifying deaths until the remaining crew decide to burn the cannibal manifestation in the form of Sinclair and Isbister. How does it end? No spoilers here, but if you like true horror and the possibility that it lives on through the centuries, this book is a must

[Nigel Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little supernatural adventure !!

[GaP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dismiss superstition at your peril.

An engrossing sea-tale. A sailing couple discover an 19th century sealing ketch embedded in the ice. The journal of Dr. Ian Cosgrove is discovered in his skeletal grip...and the story of his downfall is revealed as the journal is read...and it isn't a pretty one. A vivid description of life upon a sealing vessel. No details are spared.

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author was truly a pleasure to read. What stands out with Swift is that she is what I would consider a perfect author. She gives you just enough to tease the reader’s mind, but yet holds back so that you’re about to explode to find out what is going to happen next. Her writing style isn’t overly done. She shows off her writing chops by simply telling a story commanding the reader’s interest. Isn’t that what any author wants? I could go on about how well written this novel was, but let’s dive right into the story.

Dr. Cosgrove hasn’t quite left the dance floor with his newly bride when he’s about to leave her to take on a voyage of the big sea with the sealing ketch, Lady Balgay, appropriately named after his wife. The good doctor gets to spend his wedding night with his beautiful young bride in all their wedded bliss. However, the gloom of his impending sea voyage is weighing heavily on the lovers’ minds. When morning comes, Dr. Cosgrove eases out of his wedded bed, leaving a gentle kiss on his wife’s forehead and hurries off to the docks to meet up with the crew before he changes his mind. Dr. Cosgrove would soon regret his decision. What he didn’t know is that his wife wasn’t about to let him go that easy. She followed him and gave him one more kiss and whispered their song in his ear. She asked him to please remember it. In which he promised.

As he boarded the ship, he realized how silly his wife was. She managed to get him to have his fortune told by a gypsy. Jack wasn’t the type of person who believed in all that nonsense, but to appease his wife, he sat down and let the woman read him palm. He simply had one question for her. Would he return to his lovely young wife safe from his voyage? The gypsy replied, “yes.” That’s all he and his wife needed to hear.

No sooner had he boarded the ship, he realized this trip might not be what he was expecting. Sure, his father-in-law owned the ship and was footing the bill for them to bring back seal skins to be sold for fashion and other items. But what was even more telling was the behavior of his shipmates. The further Lady Balgay got away from Scotland and closer to the Artic, the more Dr. Cosgrove realized what a grave mistake he had made. Would he ever see his lady love again? Well, readers, you’ll have to read the story to find out. This book was so damn good! OMG! I could not get enough. I enjoyed reading the story not just because of the story, but for the mere appreciation of the author’s work. If you’ve ever read an author who truly ���gets it,” then you surely understand where I’m coming from. I wish every author could tell a story so flawlessly. But, don’t get me wrong. I have plenty of favorite authors that make me feel this way, but it was refreshing to read someone I have never read before make me enjoy the process of reading. Quite enjoyable indeed!

To read original post, please go to: https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com/2021...

Thanks.

[Mcf1nder_sk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren amd Iain are out on a fishing trip off the coast of Scotland, when they are caught in a storm. When the weather clears, they discover an iceberg approaching, that is rapidly melting. Trapped inside the iceberg is an old whaling ketch, the Lady Belgay, with one dead person on board. Lauren discovers a journal, that tells the tale of this mystery.
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Helen Susan Swift has written a wonderfully captivating tale of horror, suspense, love and the true depths of a man's heart. I was feeling similarities between this novel and Dan Simmons' The Terror, but it would be unfair to both authors to compare these two works. Swift has created a depth of character in this cast that is rarely seen in a novel of this genre. I can't spoil this book for anybody, but it is one of the finest stories I have read in a while.
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[Hamida · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a very interesting read..The ending was surprising....not at all scary but kinda creepy.....i am not able to read the part of seal killing.it was very disturbing for me...

[Luca · Rating 4 out of 5]

.Helen Susan Swift’s Dark Voyage is a gripping and atmospheric historical novel that takes readers on an unsettling journey through the mysteries of the North Atlantic during the height of the Age of Sail.. Blending maritime adventure, gothic, suspense, and deeply human storytelling, Swift has crafted a tale that lingers like the salty air of a storm-tossed sea. Reading Dark Voyage was an experience both thrilling and haunting, and it reminded me why I’ve always been drawn to stories of the sea and the souls who dare to navigate its depths.

1. The Strength of the Storytelling
What makes Dark Voyage stand out is Swift’s ability to create an immersive and atmospheric world. Set aboard a merchant vessel in the mid-19th century, the novel immediately plunges the reader into a claustrophobic and unsettling environment. The ship, the Ecliptic, becomes a character in its own right, its creaking timbers and dim corridors shrouded in mystery.

Swift’s prose is vivid and evocative, capturing both the beauty and menace of the open sea. The novel expertly balances slow-building suspense with bursts of intense action, drawing readers into a web of intrigue and danger. As the ship’s crew faces a series of inexplicable and ominous events, the sense of dread becomes almost tangible, making it impossible to put the book down.

2. Complex Characters and Human Struggles
The strength of Dark Voyage lies not only in its gripping plot but also in its rich character development. Swift’s protagonist, first mate Edward Bryce, is a deeply compelling figure—capable, principled, but haunted by a shadowy past. As Bryce grapples with his inner demons and the increasingly strange events aboard the Ecliptic, the reader becomes deeply invested in his journey.

The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, from the stoic and enigmatic captain to the superstitious crew members whose fears mirror the growing tension aboard the ship. Swift does an excellent job of exploring the psychological toll of isolation and danger, creating a vivid portrait of life at sea in an era fraught with peril.

3. Gothic Edge to Maritime Adventure
One of the most distinctive aspects of Dark Voyage is its gothic undertone, which sets it apart from many other maritime novels. The story is steeped in an eerie atmosphere that evokes the works of Daphne du Maurier and Patrick O’Brian. While du Maurier’s Rebecca comes to mind for its air of suspense and psychological complexity, the nautical themes and period detail of Dark Voyage make it feel closer in spirit to O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin series, though Swift’s focus on gothic tension gives her work a unique flavor.

The supernatural elements of the story are subtle but effective, leaving the reader questioning what is real and what is imagined. This ambiguity is masterfully handled, adding an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Helen Susan Swift’s Dark Voyage holds its own alongside the works of other historical and maritime fiction authors. While Patrick O’Brian’s novels lean heavily on naval tactics and period authenticity, Swift takes a more psychological and atmospheric approach, making her work feel more intimate and haunting.

In a similar vein, Swift’s blend of historical detail and suspense reminded me of C.J. Sansom’s Shardlake series, though Swift’s focus on a ship-bound setting creates a uniquely isolated and claustrophobic feel. The sense of mystery and gothic tension in Dark Voyage also calls to mind Susan Fletcher’s Eve Green, though Fletcher’s rural settings contrast with Swift’s maritime world.

5. Why Dark Voyage resonates with me
What I found most impactful about Dark Voyage was its exploration of human fragility and resilience. The novel doesn’t just tell a story about a ship and its crew—it delves into the fears, hopes, and struggles that define the human experience. Swift’s ability to blend historical authenticity with universal themes of courage and perseverance is what makes this book so memorable.

The story also reignited my fascination with the sea as a setting for adventure and introspection. There’s something about the vastness and unpredictability of the ocean that mirrors the struggles of the human spirit, and Swift captures this dynamic beautifully.

6. Final Thoughts
Dark Voyage is a standout novel that combines historical fiction with gothic suspense, creating a story as deep and mysterious as the ocean itself. Helen Susan Swift’s vivid prose, well-drawn characters, and atmospheric storytelling make this book a must-read for fans of maritime adventure and psychological drama.

As someone who has always loved tales of the sea, Dark Voyage struck a chord with me. It reminded me of the thrill of discovering Patrick O’Brian’s work for the first time, but it also offered something new—a darker, more introspective take on the genre. Whether you’re a fan of nautical fiction or simply looking for a richly told story with a haunting edge, Dark Voyage is a journey worth taking.

[J.P. Choquette · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad to have found this enthralling novel by author Helen Susan Swift. It's my first by this writer but definitely won't be my last. Already looking forward to book two in this series.

The premise is somewhat straightforward: newlywed Iian Cosgrove, a new doctor, and eager-to-please son-in-law is to act as ship surgeon aboard a small boat, Lady Balgay. His position onboard will provide Iian with an opportunity to secure real "life skills" for his future medical practice, his business mogul father-in-law (and owner of the ship) believes. Lady Balgay will travel to the north for one last sealing trip, bring home loads of seal blubber and skins and earn the crew pocketfuls of money.

When near-disaster strikes, the ship is forced to gather tons of shale from a secluded island. Superstition and a strange, morbid tale permeate the area though, and some fear that its sinister presence follows the crew onboard.

Things go from bad to worse when, following a brutal hunt, sailors begin to meet unfortunate ends. As tensions mount and mysterious strangers board the boat, the questions and superstitions continue to rage until a horrible tragedy befalls Lady Balgay.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought the author did a wonderful job portraying Iian, the sailors, and historic events. However, if you're a sensitive reader be warned: the seal hunts are very graphic and lack no detail. Other things that happen to people on board the Lady Balgay may be disturbing for you.

The author is a great writer. The amount of detail regarding the time period, clothing, culture, and ships/sailing was very impressive and kept me grounded in the time period. I was so enmeshed in the story that coming back to reality was jarring. That to me is a sign of a great storyteller.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I’m not sure what I think about the book overall, it has some really interesting features. The modern parts that bookended the meat of the story felt tacked on to me. The first part was so slow it made it hard to get to the rest of the book. The second part at the end was somewhat necessary to tie up the last part of the story, and to set it up for a possible sequel.

Another thing that I thought was excellent about the story is the fact that it doesn’t explain itself. There are things that are hinted at, but there’s never a point where everyone just sits down and talks about all the things that could be happening in a self-aware fashion. When they do talk about some of the things they’re living with, it’s in fits and starts and not in large chunks of dialog. Also, through most of the story you’re not actually sure if the “supernatural” aspect is real or not. When a couple of characters meet their deaths in a particularly gruesome fashion, you’re left wondering whether that would ultimately be a good idea, a bad one, or one that would make no difference.

Some of the questions are answered at the end of the book, and others are just left wide open. I like that the author doesn’t feel the need to slow down and explain everything to the reader, and just lets us come to our own conclusions.

[Chris Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the gloaming, oh my darling
When the lights are soft and low
And the quiet shadows, falling,
Softly come and softly go
When the trees are sobbing faintly
With a gentle unknown woe
Will you think of me and love me,
As you did once, long ago

Lyrics oft repeated in the book, and in such a way that the author is able to convey a sense of romance, of despondency, of terror, of hope, and futility all with a few choice words before and after.

I must admit it took me a couple of tries to get into this book. The opening chapter wasn't intriguing at all, up until the iceberg. But I implore you, continue onward!

The book is amazing once we get to the actual story of the main character. We follow his life from his marriage, to joining a sealing ship, and up to his very last days. We see him win over a crew of ragtag sailors, see his horror at the reality of seal hunts, and his awakening to the horrors of life at sea under a merciless captain.

We witness his battle with superstition among the crew, and how he must deal with the unknown when things take a twist for the weird.

Great horrors is witnessed, and we see through his eyes the horrible things man can do when pushed to the edge.

And the end? While I didn't see it coming, it couldn't have ended any other way. I sincerely hope we get a sequel to the book. And if we don't, well, I hope Mrs. Swift puts out more books just as good as this one was.

[Alisha Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review originally posted to https://tinyurl.com/yajbw4kw.
When a ship is discovered in a glacier that found it's way into Dundee's port it is immediately a temporary safe-haven for the two young people who had been fishing and were caught during a storm. As there was a thick fog they decided to investigate the ship and found a log that told us what happened to that ship almost 90 years prior. Witches, superstition, curses, and sailing are never things that should be crossed, but how much of it is the fiction of a delirious mind and how much of it was actually supernatural?

You just have to love a good ghost ship that is willing to tell her tales. Lady Belady was one such vessel who offered her story to anyone willing to read the good doctor's words. There is everything you could desire in a ghost ship and more. You feel familiar with the locations, such as Gass Skerry, even if you have never heard of them before and are just as keen as the surgeon to know what happened there. The author will have you bouncing between believing it is all superstitious prattle of the pre World War 2 sailors and fact that these men had to contend with.

If you like a good ghost story and betrayal is your forte then please pick up this book. It is one I will recommend and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. Even the bit of mystery left just for the reader at the end!

[C.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic engrossing horror illustrates dark human nature

Written in a unique manner, Swift has created a tale that rivals Lord of the Flies in this nautical thriller that pits human superstition and fear among crew members of an early 20th Century sealing ship in the icy waters near Greenland against curious possibilities that imaginings may be more real than anyone suspects. This isn't a blood-and-guts story where a monster chases idiots who make poor choices, but dark in a way that pulls you in and holds you. The main character is a newly wed young doctor who sets sail the day after his wedding to a girl whose family is of higher status, paving his path onto a ship bound to hunt seal in the North from its port in Scotland; he wishes to prove he is earning his way in life and assumes the role of "surgeon" in order to gain esteem and practical knowledge. He is wholly unprepared for the terrors of the voyage, dealing with a surly Captain on the edge and a crew made up of some rough characters. Swift has created something of a Hitchcock mixed with Poe book that is intense and haunting. I loved it.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real spine tingler!

Wow, this book was terrific, one of the best I've read all year! Two modern day sailers out for a day fishing adventure get stranded in the sea, when they encounter a very old deserted boat encased in ice. As the ice melts, they make their way aboard this strange ship where the encounter and read a journal describing the events leading to the ships abandonment. In the year 1914, newly married young Dr. Cosgrove embarks on his father-in-law's sailing ship the Lady Balgray from Dundee to the Greenland Sea to hunt seals. On the way, they stop at a tiny island with a haunted past to pick up rocks to be used as ballast. And things then begin to turn dark, with crew members dying, the discovery of two stranded people in the ice, and many mysterious sightings. The whole tone of the book is dark, cold and creepy.......the fun type of creepy enjoyed by true horror enthusiasts. This book was extremely well written, making the reader feel right in the mist of everything going on. I highly recommend this to the lovers of true spine tinglers! I still am getting chills when I think of the story.

[Lora Milton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two people are out on a pleasurable boating trip on the North Sea when storm clouds suddenly move in and turn the sea violent. As if that weren't enough to ruin their day, things take a strange turn.

This is a ghost ship story with a few weird turns. It did stretch believability in some places, but was overall an interesting read. My one complaint is some lazy writing where one of the main characters would 'just feel' what she was meant to do or that a ghost wanted her to do something.

The majority of the story is told through the voice of a doctor who had been on the ghost ship and what happened to the rest of the crew. There are some triggers here. It was a sealing ship and animal lovers like myself may find some passages difficult, though it isn't gratuitous gore. Just the thought of a sailing expedition whose purpose is to slaughter animals, including baby animals, is enough to be upsetting.

The writing is excellent and the supernatural aspects of the story are very well done. The beginning and end sequences felt rather rushed, but the bulk of the story, told by the doctor's journal, made for a very good read.

[Richard Mendenhall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not stick the ending!

The book got off to a quick if improbable start and kept my interest throughout. There were no lulls in the action and the characters were pretty interesting. I did kind of wonder though, as did Cosgrove, just why in the world he really was on that ship. Anyway, the action continued to move and I probably would have given Dark Voyage a five star rating had the ending been tweaked just a bit. Part of the ending I saw coming sort of, but not exactly. Another part of the conclusion I just did not like and I really thought Lauren might have had just a little more historical connection to the end, which would be obvious to anyone reading the book. Anyway, Dark Voyage is a good story, and a quick read that is worth the time I invested to read it. One more thing though. I looked up what a ketch looks like and the cover picture does not seem to look like any ketch pictures I could find.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book more of 3.8, I enjoyed the book and thought it was well written, however i didn’t feel like this book was horror or much of a thriller. There was a few things that I would have liked better. For example more of journal feel, I think that would transport the reader better, feel more apart of the story. I like that Lauren and Kenny come upon this ship and the uncover the truth and find the journal and read the accounts. This book is was filled with detail and the author seemed like they knew about the sea with all of the nautical terms. I like the character development and each character was so different. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the ending only because Lauren didn’t tell the great granddaughter when she asked that it actually a human bone, why keep that a secret?

Other than that it was a great book and I would recommended it, it was fast paced and a quick read.

[Tom Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of the sea.

Not since the mines of Moria in the bowels of Mordor have I read such a dark tale as this. An ex_marina myself I have lived with the fear of the Jonah. A spirit so prevalent as to make hardy men shake in their beds. The Jonah hiding in the shadows, waiting, sucking the life from the soul of the ignorant and those who scoff. But Marinas of old who had no knowledge of the written word knew of the curse. Lived and died by the curse as sure as the Bible is the written word of God. It is a superstition men lived by as they plowed the oceans, hoping Jonah had no business with them and let them pass unhindered. But not everything can be read and explained in books. How many men and ships have been taken by the Jonah to the deep? How many didn't have to? This is a tale of just such a voyage. Just a story. But there are many that are not just tales. But I will never set foot on a ship again.

[Jessica Brimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iain Cosgrove reluctantly leaves his new wife behind to work as a surgeon on Lady Balgay. What should smooth sailing for a few months turns into a nightmare. Shipmates are full of superstitions, and Iain struggles to believes what is real and what is lore. Nothing good awaits in the Arctic Sea, and he must find a way to survive if he wants to see his wife again.

I enjoyed "Dark Voyage." Lots of drama, and I'm right along with Iain's dilemmas. Is this silly nonsense or is there some truth to the crew's superstitions? Gotta read to find out. The first chapter opens in current day and then in 1914, the journal of Dr. Cosgrove. Heads up, there's gore when the crew is killing seals. Very detailed, but I read fast over that chapter. Overall, I liked the story! A must read for ship sailing fans.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without giving too much away, this is a story within a story. A young couple on a boat get caught in a terrible storm, in the aftermath they discover an old abandoned sailing ship, and within they discover a journal. This journal is the story (90% of the book).
The "Dark Voyage" recounts a Scottish hunting trip to the Greenland Sea, where hunters go and slaughter as many seals as they can, and bring back the skins and the blubber. Make no mistake, this is gory, bloody, and not pleasant. But it was the way things were done back in the early 1900's.
Apart from this gore, we have ghosts/spirits, tales of cannibalism, shipwrecks, survival, and a love story. Not bad to fit all that in within 250 pages!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

This was a very interesting book. The story line crossed from present day back to the times of seal shipping and whale shipping. This was accomplished in a most interesting way. A young woman and man had gone o fishing excursion when they were caught in a bad storm and an historic whaling ship came out of the storm encapsulated in an iceberg. You are then transported into the past and learn the story of the ship as told through the eyes of the ship's doctor.

It was an intriguing story with some violence,which is to be expected considering the time frame. The characters were very interesting as was the story. If you like period stories, you should like this book. Just beware there are some violent scenes towards the ends of the book.

[JT CAREY · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cross between Moby Dick and 10 Little Indians, this book was fascinating on many levels: romance, horror, mystery, ghostly, adventure. Reading it was like opening up one of those Russian wood dolls to find another doll stacked inside and another within that doll....the plotline has so many twists and turns that I couldn't put the book down till I had finished it. The author's writing is easy reading and the characters are well-developed with realistic dialogue. If you have several 'me' hours and want to disappear into a maritime spinetingler, this is the book to read. I still have goosebumps thinking about it!