The Ferryman and the Sea Witch

by D. Wallace Peach

The merrow rule the sea. Slender creatures, fair of face, with silver scales and the graceful tails of angelfish. Caught in a Brid Clarion net, the daughter of the sea witch perishes in the sunlit air. Her fingers dangle above the swells.

The queen of the sea bares her sharp teeth and, in a fury of wind and waves, cleanses the brine of ships and men. But she spares a boy for his single act of kindness. Callum becomes the Ferryman, and until Brid Clarion pays its debt with royal blood, only his sails may cross the Deep.

Two warring nations, separated by the merrow’s trench, trade infant hostages in a commitment to peace. Now, the time has come for the heirs to return home. The Ferryman alone can undertake the exchange.

Yet, animosities are far from assuaged. While Brid Clarion’s islands bask in prosperity, Haf Killick, a floating city of derelict ships, rots and rusts and sinks into the reefs. Its ruler has other designs.

And the sea witch crafts dark bargains with all sides.

Callum is caught in the breach, with a long-held bargain of his own which, once discovered, will shatter this life.

Genres: Fantasy

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2021

About the author

I didn’t care for reading as a child – I preferred Bonanza and Beverly Hillbillies reruns, Saturday morning cartoons and the Ed Sullivan show. Then one day, I opened a book titled The Hobbit.

Tolkien … literally changed my life.
I love to write. It’s a luxury I never expected I’d have time for – life got in the way. You know how that goes – kids, work, chores… sleep. I worked for 18 years in business where amassing coin was the all-consuming objective. It required huge amounts of time and mental energy. And for me personally, it was soul-slaying.

Then on September 11, 2001 two planes flew into the World Trade Center. I was working in Connecticut, about 2 hours from ground zero, and remember sitting in a conference room, watching the second tower fall.

That tragedy initiated a process of redefinition for me, an evaluation of what was vital and important. Life felt short and precarious, and I started to wonder if it was time to do something that actually mattered. I began to write.

Reviews

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sea witch Panmar is not a mermaid and definitely nothing like Disney's Ariel from "The Little Mermaid". Panmar is an unusual blend of fish and human called a merrow: 

"The sea witch surfaced. Urchin's spines fanned from her temples and forehead in a prickly crown. Muscle threaded her arms, her body slim but bold-boned, skin drawn tight across her cheeks and throat. Her hair glimmered with pearls and beads of abalone, bewitching if not for the malevolence in her hooded eyes ... blood-red hair slick against her skull, spectral eyes black as jet."

As her kingdom's ruler, Panmar is not given to kindness or leniency but when a human sailor named Callum almost loses his life trying to save Panmar's daughter, she offers him a trade: He will be the only ferryman who can cross the Sea Witch's waters but he can never set foot on land again AND he must provide a royal sacrifice to assuage the Witch. Until he finds one, he must offer a human sacrifice as the price of crossing her watery realm.

"The sea-witch required royal blood, and until her vengeance was satisfied, each crossing of the Deep required a sacrifice. The task fell to him [Callum]. To the ferryman."

Two warring nations, one on either side of the Sea Witch's oceans, commit to this arrangement by trading royal infants, allowing their sworn enemy to raise their child. The day finally comes when the children must return to their rightful family but what trust there once was has melted away over the years to be replaced by lies, deceit, and treachery. Hidden secrets must now come out as the intertwined fates of the two royal houses unravel. If even family can’t be trusted, how can Callum find a way to save what is most important to him? 

Highly recommended for those who love fantasy, dark sea shanties, and anything written by Diana Peach.

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This stand alone fantasy novel from D.Wallace Peach is fantastic. The author is known for her world building and creation of memorable characters, and does not disappoint with the worlds above and below the sea, and those who struggle to survive within them.

Deals have been made following a dreadful incident. Innocents must suffer to fulfil the terms of the agreement. A floating derelict world with a queen intent on survival, and a rich and fertile land with an unrelenting king, are connected by one ship and the Ferryman. He bears the burden of keeping to the bargain made to the Sea Witch for free passage between the two realms, and he has sacrificed much over the years to maintain this fragile peace between them.

There is deceit, side-deals and an undercurrent of violence that races towards a deadline set many years ago. Young lives are at risk, as are those who sail the dangerous waters ruled by the Sea Witch. There are heart-stopping moments when it seems that all is lost, and heart-warming interactions between humans and those beneath the sea that demonstrate the power of trust and love. However, those seeking their own version of justice will stop at nothing to to achieve satisfaction.

This is a love story, adventure, mystery and thriller rolled into a compelling and page-turning fantasy. Highly recommended.

[Miriam Hurdle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana Wallace Peach’s The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is a well-constructed fantasy world with implications of reality. Her writing is beautiful and poetic. The leaders of the two countries had the power to defeat and overcome each other. Their needs and limitations held them back from exerting their power. They also didn’t want to jeopardize something of life and death of their own in the destruction of other countries. In order to keep the peace, the two countries traded infant hostages as a commitment until the prince and princess turned 16 years old. The time finally came, and Callum was the one who could do the swapping.

Brid Clarion’s officers captured a merrow, the Sea Watch Panmar’s daughter, in the mesh. Callum, the ferryman, demanded to free her, but the captain refused. The Sea Witch and merrow came in a swell to rescue. Finally, the caption allowed Callum to cut through the net. The Sea Witch’s silver tail splashed the swell and her fin ripped the ship, which sank to the Deep.

Callum survived. The Sea Witch’s daughter died because Callum delayed in setting her free. Since Callum attempted to save her daughter, Panmar allowed him to be the only one to cross the Deep between the countries of Brid Clarion and Haf Killick. The punishment for Callum was that he couldn’t step on land, and the price for crossing was a human sacrifice until royal blood satisfied her vengeance.

The queen of Haf Killick Caspia gifted a ship to Callum because he was the only captain who could cross the merrow’s trench for the trade without wrecking. She needed the fruits, vegetables, cloth, and other livelihood items for her country and the return of her daughter. She wanted to kill Thayne, the king of Brid Clarion, and take over his country, but her ships couldn’t cross the Deep.

The king of Brid Clarion, Thayne, didn’t pay the royal blood to satisfy the Sea Witch’s vengeance and cost hundreds of lives of Brid Clarion and Haf Killick as sacrifices. He kept the trade going with Haf Killick because he needed the treasure from that country and the return of his son.

Diana W. Peach skillfully constructed the twists and turns of the story throughout the book. It surprised me to find out Callum had a secret that kept him going as the ferryman and negotiator for the bargains that Panmar, Thayne, and Caspia wanted. His secret was revealed gradually in the second half of the book. The secrets and deceits from the two countries toward each other motivated them to continue their dealings as long as they could. Panmar, the Sea Witch, was not a wicked witch who started evil. She exercised her power only when humans didn’t keep their bargains. Caspia was the worst evil and manipulator of all three leaders. She got away with almost every mistake she made.

It was their secrets that kept me turning the pages until the last chapter. I was satisfied with its surprising ending. You would be into a treat by reading this book.

[John W. Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is one of those books that once you start, you have to finish no matter what. It is a Fantasy novel but to me reads more like an old-time swashbuckling sea yarn. Sure, some Merrows are exotic mermaid kinds of sea creatures. Yes, there is a queen of the Merrows who is called the Sea Witch. Of course, she has the powers to rule the sea and control the weather, but beyond that, this could be a story written about a sea captain who made a bargain with the witch for his life when he was a boy.
This boy grew up and became the Ferryman, the only one the witch allowed to travel in her territory since she hated all the other people living in the two cities separated by her domain called The Deep. She let the Ferryman freely pass between the two towns if he would provide a human sacrifice each time. The catch was he could not step foot on land until the witch got revenge for her daughter's death at the hands of people in one city.
As you can imagine, several machinations are going on whereby folks want to control other folks, and the Ferryman operates like the equivalent of an ambassador between folks and the witch. It is hard to explain the story without giving away spoilers, but the plot is rich with double cross, mayhem, kings and queens, and plenty of sea action. The terrific part is the writing in this story is of such high quality the reader feels a part of everything going on.
If you like adventure, action, magic, and excitement, this story is for you.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a young man, Callum witnesses the capture of a merrow, the Sea Witch’s beloved daughter. Unable to convince the King of Brid Clarion’s men to let her go, he tries himself, and fails.

The Sea Witch is infuriated and takes her anger out on every vessel sailing The Deep, destroying them all and ending trade between the islands and the floating city of Haf Killick. But, because Callum tried to help, she spares his life by making him a barter he has no choice but to accept.

A gibbous moon outshone the pageantry of stars and reflected on the inky water like hammered silver. Beyond his vision, where water met sky, the merrow’s wistful voices sang. Their haunting melody unwound like an enchanted thread, wordless and strange. It embedded a hook in his heart.
The Ferryman and the SEA Witch- D. Wallace Peach

Now, the Ferryman, Callum’s ship is the only one allowed access to the deep, though the price is steep. He must throw a prisoner overboard as the moon rises in penance for the Sea Witch’s lost daughter. The only way to end the killings is with the spillage of royal blood.

Callum is in an impossible position. His wife has been a hostage of Brid Clarion for eighteen years, traded with the baby princess of Haf Killick as a guardian while the King’s infant son was sent to Haf Killick in a show of peace. But when the time arrives for the hostages to return home, the exchange doesn’t go as planned.

Duty slapped her in the face, and she woke to her hard-edged reality like a beggar from a romantic dream.
The Ferryman and the Sea Witch- D. Wallace Peach

Secrets are revealed, the Sea Witch is once again betrayed, and The Deep is ready to swallow everything that stands in the way of the Sea Witch’s vengeance.

“Mortals demand kindness and forgiveness as if it’s their right, as if they rule the sea and winds and waves. You make bargains as brittle as sand dollars that snap beneath the slightest pressure.
The Ferryman and the Sea Witch- D. Wallace Peach

As with all of this incredible author’s books, I was drawn right into the world she created with meticulous detail. From the pirate ship’s descriptions to the haunting beauty and deadliness of the merrow, it was hard to set the story aside.

I ached for Callum, cheered for Grier (I hope there will be another story with this charming character!), and gasped over the sword fights. If you’re looking for something beyond the ordinary, The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is an easy five star read!

And then, there’s that cover- wow!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was ensnared by the sample, intrigued by the concept of the merrow – a cross between mermaids and sirens with gloriously alien motivations and the ability to control weather and water.
As a young man, Callum witnesses the cruel death of a merrow captured in the nets of the vessel he serves on. He makes an attempt to save the creature, but too late to succeed. His effort is rewarded in part when the sea-witch, mother of the victim, spares him when she sinks every ship on the deep and drowns all bar him.
Until the sea-witch is offered royal blood in return for her daughter’s murder, only Callum’s ship is permitted to sail across the deep, and at the expense of one human sacrifice each trip. And so Callum becomes the Ferryman, an uneasy go-between for the rulers of two cities on opposite sides of the deep, one the capital of a bounteous land, the other a collection of derelict ships linked together for survival and ruled by a treacherous queen.
The world building of this novel is simply fabulous. Although we only see a tiny portion of the world, what we do see has such depth of detail—culture, ecology, commerce, survival, and politics blend and clash in all the right places to make the cities and their inhabitants so real you have no doubt they could exist. The merrow are a fantastic concept: beautiful, alien, and mysterious, and yet also totally believable.
Characters are rarely what they seem, all with secrets to hide that come out at various inconvenient (to them, not the plot) moments to mix up and heighten the tensions when the situation comes to a head and things turn murderous as the two rulers vie to overthrow each other, with Callum caught in the middle.
Exquisite descriptions fill the pages of this entrancing tale that I cannot recommend highly enough.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this novel is classified as fantasy, but it reads like a nautical adventure wrapped in folklore and myth. Merrows control the sea between Brid Clarion and Haf Killick. After losing her daughter to the nets of Brid Clarion, the Seawitch, queen of the Merrows, allows none but the ferryman to cross the water between the two kingdoms—one prosperous, the other sinking into ruin. Even then, such crossings of the deep require payment in blood by human sacrifice.

While Callum’s life is tied to the merrows and both kingdoms, the rulers of Brid Clarion and Haf Killick are wary of each other. This sets the stage for political intrigue, plotting and counter-plotting that grows ever more intricate as the story progress. The twists and turns are as slippery as nets cast into the sea. Just when I thought the course steady (and I could catch my breath), another plot thread veered in a direction I didn’t expect.

Characters are skillfully drawn, so that even while despising the actions of the villains, I understood the motives. As with any book by this author, the world is visually and exquisitely depicted. I felt as though I was on the open sea, could taste the salty brine of the deep and feel the roll of Callum’s ship. The writing is both lyrical and gritty—not an easy combination to pull off—bringing every scene to vibrant life.

I was especially fascinated by the merrows. From the Panmar, the Seawitch, to her fickle, playful, and cunning subjects who craft bargains with men, these are creatures beautiful and deadly. Once again, the author pens descriptions like liquid silver. There were passages I paused to read over for the sheer beauty of the words (sometimes darkly picturesque, sometimes resplendent and dazzling).

Callum’s character and those closest to him each stole my heart (even one that had me waffling on if I should like him or despise him). And when everything came together in the concluding pages, I couldn’t ask for a better ending. Once again, D. Wallace Peach proves her mastery with conflicted characters and fantastical realms. Highly recommended!

[Alex Craigie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sea Witch, leader of the mermaid-like merrow, controls the sea between two islands. One island is a lush paradise, the other is composed of the rusting hulks of old ships lashed together and which has no land on which to grow food or access fresh water. A ship from the first island captures and kills one of the daughters of the sea witch and she wreaks a dreadful revenge. Only one person is allowed to ferry a ship between the two islands and that is Callum whose act of kindness towards the dying merrow saved him from drowning with the rest of the crew. It becomes clear from the start of the book that Callum is still paying a brutal price for the death of the merrow sixteen years ago.
This book is a tale of contrasts – wealth and poverty, honesty and deceit, love and hate, greed and generosity, revenge and atonement – and these human emotions drive the fast-faced narrative.
The plot is tightly-woven and twists and turns with the harsh bargains forged by necessity, hatred and love. The author spins a clever tale and had plenty of surprises in store - not all of them palatable which added considerably to the tension.
The female characters are wonderfully drawn. These aren’t simpering maidens standing helplessly by while the menfolk get on with things. The Sea Witch is bitter and vengeful, the merrow are capricious and provocative, the Queen of the poverty-struck ‘island’ is capable of utter ruthlessness and the two young girls at the centre of the story (one gentle, the other feisty) show grit, determination and bravery equal to the men.
The two main characters, Callum and Daylin, seem as star-crossed as Romeo and Juliet and what happened to them mattered so much to me, I carried on reading despite midnight giving way to morning. I won’t reveal any spoilers but I experienced both delight and despair and that is the mark of a great read.
Apart from the tight plot, remarkable and distinctive characters, and the creation of a world both fascinating and abhorrent, the author’s use of language is lyrical, vivid and breathtakingly evocative. In the opening scene the description of the merrow hauled out of the water in a net and left in the sun describes how her ‘copper scales baked and bristled into grey flakes.’ Of another character’s betrayal ‘The pink scars of hindsight had softened the wound, but they will never fade.’ The life of Callum, forced to permanently live on the sea, gives rise to sailing metaphors. ‘She’d left him unmoored, struggling to get his bearings’ or ‘Everything about him grated against her skin like barnacles’.
D. Wallace Peach is a virtuoso storyteller. The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is a brilliant example of her craft.

[Chris Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was nothing about this novel that I didn't like!

The story is original and gripped me right from the start. The fantasy setting is utterly believable: well-described with splendid attention to detail, giving the reader a real sense of place. The plot has plenty of surprises and the action is fast-moving with real heart-in-the-mouth moments, some of which actually made me gasp out loud. Every character is well-drawn, distinct and engaging, even the villains, but above all, the writing is superb.

Highly recommended - a splendid adventure story set in a wonderful fantasy world.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sea witch wants royal blood and the ferryman’s sacrifices seem endless. ‘The Ferryman and the Sea Witch’ takes you to the fathomless deeps to resolve the catastrophe created by one order of king Thayne’s officers. The consequences of one careless act fall into the lap of Callum, who had to carry the curse on his shoulders. It is difficult to satisfy the hungry witch, who sank every vessel unless her demands are met. She rules the storms, could alter the currents and her bargains are mind-boggling.

A gripping beginning, the fury of the sea witch, the description of shipwreck and the kind heart of Callum pulled me in immediately. In her signature style, Peach creates a world beyond the realistic boundaries and weaves a wonderful tale that would haunt you days after you’ve finished this book. It is the lie of Callum that stunned me no less than the betrayal of Caspia. My sympathies rest with the ferryman, as I wait to see if he would ever be able to walk free.

This book gets murkier as it proceeds with a lot of action. The charms of Naris and Dana keeps it lighter. I admire D. Wallace’s style of unraveling the secrets one after the other, without any unnecessary drama. This is an entirely different kind of fantasy that acquaints us with many aspects of the sea and ships. I must say that I liked the ending despite all the shocking developments. Highly recommended for all kinds of readers.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the author posting the occasional teaser from this book on her blog, I’ve been anticipating it for quite a while. It was absolutely worth the wait.

Having read several other books by this author, I knew it would be a treat to immerse myself in the world of the merrows and kingdoms of Brid Clarion and Haf Killick. Her lavish descriptions always make me feel like I’m experiencing everything right alongside the characters – the salt spray across my face while sailing the high seas, the rolling of the ship as it crosses the Deep, and the graceful beauty of the merrow. In spite of Callum’s attempt to save the life of the Sea Witch’s daughter, she dies. After killing the rest of the crew responsible for her death, the Sea Witch spares his life for his kindness. It’s a bargain he can’t refuse but considering what he’s forced to do, Callum may wish he perished with the crew. My heart went out to him immediately after he’s put in an incredibly difficult position. He has no choice other than to take a human life every time he crosses the Deep and spend his life caught between two warring nations unless he sacrifices royal blood.

The characters are wonderfully flawed and well-drawn. Some I had a love/hate relationship with, not knowing where their loyalties fell until nearly the end. They kept me guessing – which I totally enjoy.

Warring nations, deceit, lies – it’s impossible to trust either nation, but it soon becomes evident Callum has something precious worth saving and fighting for. Don’t assume you’ll accurately predict the path of this plot. Alexa read this to me from my Kindle, and I had to stop and immediately rewind (more than once!) to make sure I’d heard correctly when some astonishing twists spun the story in a different direction.

Exciting battles, long held secrets, treachery, and deadly bargains – this novel engaged me from the first page. The ending was everything I’d hoped for these characters. I can’t go without mentioning the incredibly beautiful cover. Easily five stars!

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been looking forward to reading The Ferryman and the Sea Witch because I love all things ocean and fantasy—and was not disappointed. When he was a young boy, Callum tried to save the sea merrow queen’s daughter tangled in fish netting. The crew paid for standing by, but Callum was offered a deal to never set foot on land and become the Ferryman. He was the only one allowed to cross the sea, if a human sacrifice was offered each crossing. So, Callum transported goods between two warring cities. Then comes the time for him to deliver more than goods. Secrets are revealed that change everything. I love how skillfully Ms. Peach weaves in the details and scenery. It makes a fantasy world seem very real. The characters were flawed and well-rounded, and I rooted for several outcomes and relationships. Beautifully written with dark undertones made this a story I didn’t want to put down. This is a book I highly recommend!

[Zita Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark fantasy takes place in three very different realms. Haf Killick, a barren, steampunk-ish, “city,” made of the ruins of old ships, and the prosperous islands of Brid Clarion lie on either side of the “Deep,” the domain of the Sea Witch. Queen of the mermaid-like “merrow,” she has spines that “slice the water,” silver tails that “undulate like a serpent,” and black eyes hooded by nictitating membranes. By the time I finished the prologue, I was hooked.

The ruthless rulers of Haf Killick and Brid Clarion exchange offspring to maintain peace, setting into motion deceptions and betrayals that erupt in chaos and destruction when it’s time to return them to their rightful homes. The Sea Witch, with the power to hurl tidal waves at ships trying to cross the Deep, preventing trade and killing everyone on board, is just as ruthless. But she sticks to her “bargains.”

When the Sea Witch’s daughter dies due to the callousness of a Brid Clarion ship, she sinks the vessel, sparing only a young boy, Callum, who had tried to help her daughter. She also decrees that a human sacrifice be made every time a ship crosses the Deep if it wants to reach the other side intact. Or one sacrifice of royal blood. Callum becomes the Ferryman, whom we meet in the beginning, timeworn and weary from years of pushing unfortunate wretches into the sea. A story about the savagery of those in power and the loss of innocent lives caught in the middle, this book is also about the power of love to both anger and redeem.

I loved the action scenes on the ramshackle decks of Haf Killick and the dark, tempestuous waters of the Deep. The author describes things beautifully, using surprising and delightful figurative language. Quite a few times, I found myself thinking, “Wow!” At times, though, I thought the rhetoric was a bit heavy and repetitive, as though the same point was being expressed in several different ways. They interrupted the flow of the story for me, and I found myself getting impatient and skipping over whole paragraphs of these to get back to the narration. Being the impatient kind, I also thought the story itself was getting more and more drawn out and convoluted and wondered if it could have reached its beautiful ending sooner.

But I couldn’t put the book down, even when skipping over areas. The story was captivating; the merrow, whose underwater world I would have liked to have seen more of, were magnificent, and the ending was perfect.

[Jonathan Pongratz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Wow, what an epic nautical tale!

After reading another book by this author and enjoying it, I had high expectations of this one. I'm happy to say I was not disappointed.

The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is a riveting fantasy novel centered on two clashing kingdoms and how an act of mercy can change the world. Callum saved the Sea Witch's daughter in an act of mercy. In return for saving his life, he sails the seas, unable to walk upon land. But when the two kingdoms fight over the exchange of two royal heirs, can Callum find a way to please both parties, or will he just ensure their mutual destruction?

Despite my fear of the ocean, this was such a great book!

First and foremost, it's my personal opinion that D. Wallace Peach has mastered her craft. Her writing flowed so smoothly and was executed to perfection. It was so easy to get drawn into this novel.

As for the characters, Callum was a great MC. He's daring, clever, and not a pushover despite wanting to do the right thing. A life at sea has hardened him, and he's all the better for it when the situation gets complicated. I also really enjoyed the page time that centered on Daylin.

All other characters were unique and portrayed well. I particularly enjoyed the squabbles of the royal parties.

But let's not forget the real stars of the show, the merrow (think mermaids, only much more menacing and dangerous). Panmar was a great Sea Witch, and the merrow were fierce creatures not to be trifled with. They've had their own hardships with the human race, and their bloody bargain with the ferryman was chilling and exciting.

I enjoyed the plot with all of its drama, action, twists, and double crosses. There wasn't a dull moment, and I can't wait to read more of this author's work. If you thirst for a masterfully-executed fantasy story, look no further.

[Harmony Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The hemp net hung from the boom above the waves. Within its lattice of pinched knots, the slender merrow baked in the heated air. She had ceased her struggle while the sun tilted up and shadows pooled on the deck.’

This opening line leads right into the action and sets up the whole premise of the story. We meet Callum, our hero who pays for showing kindness and holds a fragile truce within his hands. This fantasy world is excellently written and comes alive along with the characters. Greed and political maneuverings abound, and Callum has to tread carefully between the two main powers, separated by The Deep, which only he and his vessel may cross. Each crossing requires a human sacrifice to pay back the debt of the death of one of the Sea Witche’s daughters, and each loss of life weighs heavily upon Callum’s shoulders.

Here are some lines I loved …

‘Callum froze with the crew and officers, silent, waiting, the seconds unspooling like a weaver’s thread.’

And …

‘Ignorance doesn’t change the truth.’

And …

‘From her vantage point, the crescent shoreline resembled a broken bowl spilling its contents into the sea.’



I have enjoyed every book of this writer that I’ve read, and The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is no exception. I give this book a solid 5 stars and would highly recommend this read.



**

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

[K.T. Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Actual rating 4.5 stars**
Plot/Characters

The plot and characters were varied and interesting. Caught between two royals and two cities, Callum is every bit the tragic hero figure. Particularly as plot twist after plot twist fall into place, revealing not everything is at it seems. Add to that an array of support characters and the Merrow themselves, and you have a robust character lineup. The mingling of lore within this fantasy tale stands up on its own. The plot spoke to me with a single line, sometimes our past tragedies fed our future happiness.

Overall

I had a hard time getting into the book. The vocabulary was vast and the text overly descriptive where my imagination wasn’t engaged. Although it was clear the author had dedicated time to researching and using accurate sailing terminology, it had a tendency to feel overdone then organic in its use. However, once you get through the first part that’s dry there is a diamond of a tale waiting. Once the pace picks up and things start happening you are on a down hill sled ride that’s fantastic!

If you enjoy books that are extremely descriptive like Tolkien, then you’ll very much enjoy this high seas adventure. In the end it redeemed itself, and the conclusion was worth waiting for. This is not a light read so know this is more of an epic fantasy going into it. I’d for sure read this author again and hope I get a chance to in the future.

Rating

4.5 stars (rounded down)

Despite the slow start, this book packed a whopping of a story worth reading!

More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.

[Staci Troilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wildly inventive, Deftly Crafted, and Beautifully Written

While fantasy isn’t my go-to genre, sometimes I just need to escape the real world and lose myself in a realm of magic and mysticism. If you’re looking for such an escape, The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is the perfect book to provide it.

Peach crafted such well-rounded characters, I couldn’t help but feel like they were old friends. Or enemies. They became real to me from the first word and practically leapt out of the water and into my lap. Of course I read the book in record time. I had to find out what happened to everyone.

She is equally adept at creating characters as she is at weaving an exceptional plot. Her pacing was brisk, giving me the tiniest moments to catch my breath before I was on to the next high-stakes adventure. But those small moments weren’t wasted. She used those lulls for world-building, and what a rich world she created.

The reason readers can feel the sea breeze on their cheeks or taste the gin on their tongues or hear the laughter of the sea witch ringing through their heads is because the author has a gift with words. Her lyrical prose borders on poetic, but it’s never saccharine or overdone. It’s just a lovely experience from beginning to end.

I can’t say enough good things about this story. If you’re looking for a standalone fantasy/sea adventure, you’ve found it. Five easy, well-deserved stars.

[Audrey Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book's description lays out the situation. Two communities--the island paradise kingdom of Brid Clarion and the precarious offshore clump of derelict ships called Haf Killick--are separated by an ocean trench inhabited by the merrow. Their ruler, the Sea Witch, governs the winds and waves of the trench. Only one ship--that of Callum the Ferryman--may cross the trench, and only at the price of regular human sacrifices. There is no sense of a greater world; picture the vast distances separating the islands of the Pacific.
The terrible wrong committed by men of Brid Clarion against the Sea Witch locks the communities into enmity, with the hapless Callum a reluctant diplomat and messenger between them. Only a sacrifice of one with royal blood can change the hopeless situation. The story's plot is a chain of bargains and deceptions punctuated by violence and threats of imminent death. That certainly kept me reading.
The primary characters--Callum, Daylin, and Mirren--are definitely sympathetic. The supporting cast--Callum's crew--are colourful and distinctive nautical types. Caspia, the Queen of Haf Killick, is a worthy villain and opponent.
I loved the setting. Vivid word-pictures of ocean depths, mountainous waves, and incandescent sunsets provide relief from the episodes of struggle and angst. And the merrow are both fascinating and repellent.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy with a nautical twist.

[Anita Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had already fallen in love with this book, simply by the wonderful book cover and amazing trailer. I wasn’t prepared for the fast action packed prologue which had me gasping for breath.
A truly remarkable beginning to what turned out to be an amazing read.
I loved the contrast between the different characters, the cruel machinations of most of the humans and the steadfast mindset of the beautiful but fascinatingly cruel Sea Witch.
Wonderfully written with the age old quality of legends, this story reminded me of Gulliver’s Travels and all their wars and bargains.
They had Gulliver to sort out their feuds, and in this book we have Callum, the Ferryman. And I loved every single word…

[Teagan Geneviene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like delicious dark chocolate for the mind. The Ferryman and the Sea Witch by D. Wallace Peach is a richly crafted treat. At about 257 pages, it’s the right size for a nice self-indulgent read. It could be a little hard for those like me, who have concerns about darker stories. However, it’s so beautiful I’m very glad I decided to give it a try. For those who love darker fantasies, or finely crafted storytelling of any kind.

[Roberta Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is a terrific take on the legends of mermaids and sirens, who traditionally are dark and dangerous creatures. The Sea Witch, Panmar, rules the Deep, a significant section of the ocean between two nations of people, namely Bid Clarion ruled by King Thayne, and Haf Killick, under Queen Caspia. The Deep is home to Panmar's people called merrow who are powerful swimmers and have the power of life or death over drowning sailors. Panmar can also control the weather and the nature of the ocean, conjuring up great and destructive storms at will.

The Ferryman is the only human who is allowed to cross this section of the ocean in his ship, Windwraith. Any other ships are destroyed and the crew drowned by the Sea Witch. The Ferryman, Callum, was on board a ship under the control of King Thayne when the crew captured a merrow, the daughter of Panmar. The crew torment the merrow much to Callum anguish. Panmar wrecks the ship in an effort to save her daughter and Callum finds the courage to cut the net holding the merrow, in an effort to free her. Unfortunately, he is to late and the merrow dies. All the crew of the ship are drowned but Panmar makes a bargain with Callum that he will be the only human who can cross the ocean, but he may never set foot on land again and he has to sacrifice a human on every crossing. The bargain will remain until a human of royal blood is offered as a sacrifice to Panmar in return for the death of her daughter.

Bid Clarion and Haf Killick are dependent on each other for trading, with Haf Killick, a city constructed of ships and other vessels, being particularly reliant on trade for survival. The two leaders hatch a plan to exchange their infant children in order to ensure that neither defaults on the trading arrangements.

The story starts with the daughter of Queen Caspia preparing to return home in exchange for Prince Rylan, the son of King Thayne.

The Ferryman had a terrible job. For twenty years he has been trapped aboard his ship and responsible for personally making the human sacrifices to Panmar. He has become worn down with it, but feels trapped. He is a pawn between the two leaders and a victim of Panmar's one-sided bargains.

Throughout this story, the Ferryman is a victim, lacking control over his own destiny and unable to make decisions to improve his life. He believes he is unable to escape his destiny. Fundamentally a good man, he tries to protect his crew and family as best he can, but he does make a few mistakes in dealing with people that cause him a great deal of trouble. I felt sorry for the Ferryman, it is always hard to confess to deception and deviousness.

I enjoyed the growth in the Ferryman's character and the way he overcame his despondency and lack of will and stepped up to the tasks required of him. He is the epitome of the view that brave people are just people who find the courage to take action despite being scared.

The merrow are fabulous. They are exactly as I would have imagined dark mermaids to be, with flawed ideas on right and wrong, manipulative streaks, and an underlying cruelness. Panmar is ruthless and heartless, and has no regard for any humans, even Callum.

The Ferryman and the Sea Witch is an exciting story set in a fantasy world which will capture readers imagination and hearts.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typically, fantasy isn’t my go-to genre, but being a long-time follower of author Diana Peach and her incredibly popular blog, I knew her story would be brilliant. As usual, she did not disappoint her fans. As a lover of all things relating to the ocean, the title alone sparked my interest. The well-developed characters took me on a sometimes dark, yet exciting journey where beautiful descriptive scenery made the story seem real. I logged extra miles on my elliptical as the fast-paced saga kept me turning the page. If you’re a fan of fantasy, fantastic world-building and romance, this is a book you’ll enjoy.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because it ticked a lot of boxes for me: mermaids (the non- Disney/children type), fairy and folk tales, magical realism, and literary style. And boy, did this book deliver. Ms. Peach's writing is lyrical, almost spellbinding. As I read, I often found myself pausing and simply marveling at her language. On top of all that, Callum's story and the themes supporting it made it hard to put the book down. Brava. Definitely recommend.

[Sandra Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale contains a flawed hero, two brave women with problems of their own, and merrow—the dark magical creatures who rule the sea.
As a young boy Callum makes a deal with the sea witch and becomes the ferryman. Each time he crosses the sea, he must sacrifice a life to the merrow. Each life he sacrifices, results in saving many more, but that does little to lessen the grinding guilt he lives with. Caught up in intrigue between two warring factions and the merrow, there is no way out and no other options, just an obscure promise dangling out of reach.
As always, the author has created an intricate, believable world and populated it with characters just as believable. The ending is outstanding and emotionally satisfying. D. Wallace Peach has once again created an epic saga of fantasy, intrigue and love.

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to immerse yourself in the ancient lore of the Merrow, creatures who are part mermaid and part siren with the ability to control the seas and the weather. Panmar, the Sea Witch, rules the ocean between two lands. Brid Clarion, ruled by King Thayne, is prosperous, while Haf Killick, ruled by Queen Caspia, is in utter decay.

After Panmar’s daughter dies in the nets cast from Brid Clarion, she decides no one will cross the waters between the two kingdoms except the ferryman. However, these crossings require payment as human sacrifices to the Merrow. Callum, the ferryman, has no choice but to abide by the Sea Witch’s rules, leaving him in the middle between the two countries.

When King Thane doesn’t pay with royal blood to satisfy the Sea Witch’s vengeance, hundreds of lives from Brid Clarion and Haf Killick become sacrifices to the Merrow. The king and Queen Caspia plot against each other, which sets up plenty of twists and turns that I never saw coming. Callum’s tale as another hapless victim stuck between the two realms is equally surprising.

D. Wallace Peach is one of my favorite fantasy authors. Her portrayal of the Merrow as the dark creatures of the sea is right in line with the ancient myths about mermaids and sirens. Panmar is deliciously evil and capricious, concerned only about the survival of the Merrow. The rulers of Brid Clarion and Haf Killick are just as ruthless as Panmar, which sets up a dramatic finish to the book.

I read late into the night, unwilling to leave the characters behind. This author crafts exquisitely genuine characters that draw you into the action. You feel as if you are aboard ship, next to Callum, waiting for the Sea Witch to suck you down into the deep brine! Look for the imagery in her words that reads like pure poetry.

[S.J. Higbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sea adventure is a real page-turner. Reading about Callum’s life since his impulsive act of generosity, I was reminded of the saying, ‘No good deed goes unpunished.’ as poor Cal’s punishment seems to go on and on… I liked that though he is one of the good guys, he is on the spikier and darker side of that line. And that the ongoing price has worn grooves into his soul. But despite this being in many ways a classic swashbuckling adventure, all the characters are complex and nuanced, giving the story extra heft as I really cared about most of them. And those who I didn’t like – I really loved to hate.

Wallace Peach is a highly experienced, talented writer and it shows. The characterisation is layered and the world vividly portrayed – I particularly loved the depiction of the storms and her lyrical descriptions of the seascape. As someone who has spent extended times aboard small seagoing craft, I was struck at how well written those scenes are. And the plotting is outstanding – I sort of guessed at how the story was going to go. There are, after all, only so many ways that a revenge/bargain tale can play out. But Wallace Peach added extra twists and surprises throughout that had me reading far into the wee small hours to discover what happens next.

All in all, this is a stormingly good read that stands out in my memory and comes highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading twisty adventures with strong characters and a splash of magic. And the bonus is – it’s also excellent value for money.
10/10

[K MacCabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked up The Ferryman and the Sea Witch, I felt like I had just stepped out of the third movie of the Pirates of the Caribbean, and entered this strange world of Callum, a ferryman allowed to cross the ocean, and given a heavy burden as reward and punishment for the actions of taken in the very first chapter. Struggling with dependency, despondency, and a genuine belief that there was no way out, the main character struggles with his own morality, as he makes sacrifices and yet tries to save as much as he can.

To say that the book is beautifully written would be an understatement. The prose flow off the page with amazing fluidity; the descriptions are tight and perfect, and the plot is nothing to laugh at either. It is both tense and creative, giving you a genuine sense of adventure and terror, feeling both confining and liberated. It's tough to describe. Having eaten up many a tale of the sea, I was looking forward to this book, and it was phenomenally well done.

If you are looking for a vibrant and dark fantasy, where mermaids are not painted as these beautiful Creatures of the ether, but truly horrifying monsters of the ocean, this gives you a real world to sink your teeth into, a real odyssey to enjoy, and I recommend you pick it up. I think it is an easy read for anyone looking for a bit of adventure.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been craving another good mermaid/deep ocean tale, so when I came across The Ferryman and the Sea Witch, I knew I had to read it. As the title implies, this is a tale of legend, lore, queens, responsibilities, and war. In other words, it's perfect.

Two nations are at war. Between them is merrow's trench – a sea full of mermaids. As with many creatures, they are willing to provide aid – for a price. The price of the sea witch may come at quite the cost, so be careful what you ask for.

Holy cow. It feels like an understatement to call The Ferryman and the Sea Witch a brilliant read. I loved every second of this book! There were so many surprises – all of which I welcomed. I loved the dark take on sea witches/mermaids, especially with the concept of bargaining. It felt very fae to me, which is not something I expected to see in a mermaid story, but it actually fits quite well.

What I wouldn't give to go back in time and read The Ferryman and the Sea Witch for the first time (again). Please pick up The Ferryman and the Sea Witch if you get the chance. It's worth the read.

Read more reviews over at The Book Review Crew

[Robert Appleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark fantasy meets nautical action-adventure in D. Wallace Peach’s lyrical seaborne epic that features some of the best writing I’ve ever seen from an indie author. Callum is the eponymous Ferryman, the only ship’s captain permitted to cross the Deep, the sea witch’s perilous domain, after her daughter was killed in a fishing net. Only a boy at the time, Callum saved her other daughter, and to repay his kindness, the sea witch offered him a bargain: his life for his service. He can never set foot on land, and until the kingdom of Brid Clarion pays its debt in royal blood, he must gift the sea witch a human sacrifice whenever he crosses the Deep.

The warring nations of Brid Clarion and Haf Killick couldn’t be more different. The former is more of a traditional land-based coastal kingdom complete with castle palace, sandy island beaches, and farmland. Haf Killick, meanwhile, is a fascinating creation on the other side of the Deep: a huge flotilla city consisting of old hulks lashed and chained together. Its ruthless queen is barely keeping it afloat, so she resorts to desperate measures when the time comes for an exchange of royal hostages. Callum finds himself in the middle of a complex web of intrigue, deception and buried secrets, some of which will affect his fate in profound ways.

It wouldn’t be fair to spoil any of the plot twists, and there are many. The story begins with a stunning, dramatic prologue, and rarely lets up. Characters are strong and have very believable arcs. Ms. Peach’s world-building is astonishing. She’s mastered the nautical vernacular, and manages to layer in fantasy elements that feel organic, as well as evoking fear and wonder. The merrow, of which the sea witch is the queen, are more like the sirens of The Odyssey than anything remotely Disney. They’re seductive and dangerous, but also, in their own way, as complicated as the human characters.

The writing throughout is arresting. Ms. Peach’s vivid, often poetic style paints pictures in the mind’s eye and excites the senses. There’s a rare descriptive power at work here, but it doesn’t slow the pace. She’s brilliant at action and delves deep into the characters’ emotions. It’s a pretty dark tale for the most part, but I found it riveting and unpredictable.

I’m not an avid fantasy reader, but I was intrigued by the nautical mythology hinted at in the title. It turned out far better than I could have expected. It’s also worth taking a moment to realise how much skill goes into writing something like The Ferryman and the Sea Witch. There’s nothing pedestrian about it at all. I enjoyed it so much I bought the paperback as well.

[D.G. Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisted tale of an evil sea witch who commands the sea at her whim. A fantastic voyage of love, hate, obedience, power struggle, blackmail, revenge, secrets and death. The merrow (half mermaid, half siren) control the waters of the deep for the Sea Witch. In the beginning, the fishermen caught a merrow in their net, and tried to cut the merrow loose, but were ordered to leave her for dead. It was Callum who was told to let her die, but despite his efforts, he couldn't save her, and that merrow just happened to be the daughter of the vengeful Sea Witch. And that's where the story begins.

The Sea Witch demanded that the Ferryman (Callum) would have to pay penance by killing a royal and throwing them to the sea as punishment. She sank all other ships that crossed the ocean and would allow Callum to be the only ship to cross between the two kingdoms, but could never again step on land until such time as a royal is killed. Callum would have to dump one prisoner a day into the sea until such time as a royal is drowned to remain able to sail through the deep. The politics of the sea between the two kingdom rulers - the evil Queen Caspia of Haf Killick and King Thayne of Brid Clarion, and the Sea Witch, Panmar, set the story for deceit and foolery.

The action is plentiful, as there are a sea of characters to keep us encapsulated while Callum must deal with the daily antics of Caspia who becomes a threat to his own family. Callum is inundated with requests from both Caspia and Panmar on a daily basis. Both their edict requests will keep you flipping the pages while the action on the sea keep us gripped as we continue to read and wonder who will win out, the good or the evils?

Stunning world-building, especially the underworld of the sea, well developed characters, deliciously descript, and the tension that will keep you glued in waiting as to who will survive and who will die in this ultimate sea adventure about the battle for power and survival. If you love fantasy with rich world-building you will want to read this book.