A Spell for Drowning

A Spell for Drowning is a lush historical fantasy debut that channels the salt-scented air and superstition of a Cornish coastline. In Portscatho, tradition and the sea shape everyday life as residents share space with spirits, gods, and monsters of the tide. When Kensa and her half-sister discover a dying sea beast, Kensa claims the credit—severing her sister’s chance to apprentice to the local wise woman, Isolde. Bound to a life of peril and desire, Kensa confronts the rigid expectations placed on women, power, and belonging. As Isolde falls ill, Kensa seeks to save her mentor—and herself—by striking uneasy alliances, even with the enigmatic Bucka, a fearsome sea god who guards the tides. Rich in Cornish myth, it asks what it costs to be needed and who we become when we seek acceptance. Perfect for fans of Circe and Godkiller, this debut signals Rebecca Ferrier as a striking new voice.

Who might be interested in reading?

• Readers who enjoy feminist fantasy and myth retellings
• Fans of atmospheric historical settings and nautical folklore
• Readers who appreciate morally complex heroines and difficult choices
• People drawn to stories about family, belonging, and challenging societal expectations