The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner - [Book Review]

    

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Book Details:

Title: The Amalfi Curse

Author: Sarah Penner

Genre: Romantic fantasy, Science fiction

Publisher: Park Row

Print Length: 336 pages

Source: A copy from the local library

Blurb:

“This intoxicating story blends old-world magic and modern-day mystery with a delicious dash of amore.” —People

Powerful witchcraft. A hunt for sunken treasure. Forbidden love on the high seas. Beware the Amalfi Curse…

Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artifacts beneath the azure waters; she is secretly on a quest to locate a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon Haven’s arrival, strange maelstroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work?

As Haven searches for her father’s sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery and one woman’s quest to save her lover and her village by using the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the ocean. Could this magic be behind Positano’s latest calamities? Haven must unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region is destroyed forever…

Against the dazzling backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, this bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance and the untamed magic of the sea.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This novel is set in the beautiful coastal town of Positano, and the story unfolds across two different time periods, cleverly running in parallel while connecting the past and present of the same region.

In the present timeline, we follow Haven, a nautical archaeologist who arrives in Positano to uncover a mysterious treasure discovered by her father during his final dive. While there, she meets Enzo, the charming local dive shop owner, and sparks fly almost instantly. As Haven digs deeper—both literally and figuratively—she stumbles upon intriguing legends surrounding an ancient Amalfi curse and the Streghe people who once lived along the coast.

The second storyline takes us back in time to Marie, a Streghe woman living in Positano, gifted with the extraordinary ability to control ocean currents. Her story adds a mystical layer to the novel and beautifully complements Haven’s journey.

What I Loved

I wouldn’t categorise this as a thriller, but it definitely kept me hooked right until the final page. The way the author weaves together the lives of two women—Haven and Marie—across different eras is done very thoughtfully and keeps the narrative engaging.

The romance in the book is another highlight. There are several touching moments, especially the emotional conversations between Holmes and Marie, which really stood out to me. The character development feels authentic—Haven comes across as real and relatable rather than overly fictional, and Enzo is simply lovable.

I also enjoyed the myths, legends, and beliefs tied to the Amalfi Coast. The folklore adds depth and atmosphere to the story and makes the setting feel alive.

That said, I did expect a bit more from the climax. The ending felt somewhat abrupt, leaving me slightly disappointed after such a well-built journey.

Overall

A fascinating and immersive read with a strong central theme, rich storytelling, and a beautiful setting. Despite the rushed ending, it’s an engaging novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

My Rating: 5/5

Until next time,