LoveVortex and the Drakor's Curse

by Pekka Harju-Autti

An adventurous, thought-provoking tale following a captain and son who encounter islanders cursed to know their exact time of death.

Genres: Fantasy

309 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2025

About the author

Pekka is a Finnish dreamer, innovator, and writer. Yes, in that order :)
I believe that whatever we decide to do, the intention is the key. So, you better have that part made clear and pure if you wish to write something.

Reviews

[Amit · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 ⭐

GENRE - FANTASY LITERATURE

PAGES - 260

The story of the book is based in the mid 1700's where Captain Julius along with his son embarks on a voyage to India's Andaman Islands in search of a trading route for the British Monarch.

On arriving at the Andaman's Captain Julius and his crew is welcomed warmly by the local people of the Island however he gets to know that there is a mysterious creature and the curse of this mysterious creature to the inhabitants of the Island, Captain Julius is destined to save the people of the Island from this curse.

The book is extremely well written and keeps you engaged and glued from the very first page till the last.
The author's writing style is pretty impressive, the narration is in easy understandable language and he manages to keep you excited and glued throughout, it was a book which kept me excited to turn to the next page but also gave me a feeling that this book should not end so early and the story must go on.

I am eagerly looking forward to part 2 of the Love Vortex series.

Thank You 💚🏆🙏

[Katalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a cheerful adventure not only to the island, but also to oneself. The world and its inhabitants are well described. Wonderful relationship between son and father. I've been reading so much that it's like I've been to that island myself. The events unfold right from the first pages and drag you in more and more. And the beautiful art inside the book is a separate kind of pleasure. I liked the chapter Arrow of Love and about the dragon. It was incredible. The book has a lot to think about. It's not some kind of love fantasy, it's much deeper. There were moments that I didn't really like, but that doesn't change the way I feel about the book. There were also events that made me even cry.In general, I recommend reading the book. ✨✨✨

[Amit · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 ⭐

GENRE - FANTASY LITERATURE

PAGES - 260

The story of the book is based in the mid 1700's where Captain Julius along with his son embarks on a voyage to India's Andaman Islands in search of a trading route for the British Monarch.

On arriving at the Andaman's Captain Julius and his crew is welcomed warmly by the local people of the Island however he gets to know that there is a mysterious creature and the curse of this mysterious creature to the inhabitants of the Island, Captain Julius is destined to save the people of the Island from this curse.

The book is extremely well written and keeps you engaged and glued from the very first page till the last.
The author's writing style is pretty impressive, the narration is in easy understandable language and he manages to keep you excited and glued throughout, it was a book which kept me excited to turn to the next page but also gave me a feeling that this book should not end so early and the story must go on.

I am eagerly looking forward to part 2 of the Love Vortex series.

Thank You 💚🏆🙏

[Brooke (B for Books)]

Reading soon

Interviews with the author here:

https://bookviewreview.com/2025/08/26...

https://www.sociologygroup.com/interv...

[Gypsy Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a glittering little treasure that completely snuck up on me. The author casually slid into my inbox like, “Hey, want to read my fantasy book?” And I was like, “Fantasy? Me? Absolutely not. I live in the real world where my houseplants die despite my daily affirmations.” But as a new age hippy who tries to live in flow with the universe (and also can't resist a cosmic breadcrumb trail), I took it as a sign. An invitation. A literary detour.

What I thought would be just another tale of swashbuckling sea shenanigans and fire-breathing dragons turned out to be something much deeper. This book is a love letter to community, sacred connection, and the wisdom of the earth. There’s a fricken shaman and the Dragon is not just a fire breathing pain in the ass but also possesses all the secrets of ancient wisdom. There’s a spiritual eco-vibe that had me wanting to do breathwork barefoot under a full moon. I ate this book up.

Now let’s talk about the curse—because yes, there’s an ancient dragon curse involved (as there should be in any self-respecting fantasy). Every tribe member has a literal death clock tattooed on their forehead, counting down the days they have left. What would you do if your expiration date was stamped right between your brows? Meditate more? Eat more carbs? Hug your neighbour? This book asks those big, juicy questions, and I was 100% along for the ride.

The culture of this fictional society was so beautifully fleshed out, I found myself mentally packing a bag and preparing to move in. Like, sure, I don’t do fantasy, but if this place had Airbnb listings, I’d be booking an extended stay.

Now, full disclosure: toward the end, it did get a little dragony for me. I would have liked to stay chillin' in the community, but that is just my personal reading preference. As I said so not a fantasy girl.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It surprised me, expanded me, and made me question how we live, love, and show up for each other. A fantasy with heart, soul, and a death countdown tattoo—what more could you ask for?

Thank You Pekka for giving me the opportunity to review your book, it was an absolute pleasure to read.

[Maher Razouk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Vortex and the Drakor’s Curse ليست مجرد حكاية بحرية كلاسيكية، بل مغامرة روحية تتقاطع فيها أمواج البحر مع أعماق النفس البشرية.

يأخذنا الكاتب Pekka Harju-Autti في رحلة إلى القرن الثامن عشر، حيث يقود القبطان جوليوس هوثورن وابنه المراهق بيتر بعثة ملكية محفوفة بالمخاطر إلى جزر أندامان. ما يبدأ كمهمة تجارية يتحول إلى مواجهة مع لعنة تنين قديم، حيث يعرف كل فرد من السكان تاريخ وفاته المحفور على جبهته!

السرد غني بالتفاصيل الحسية – من روائح ميناء غلاسكو إلى غموض الغابات الاستوائية. أما الشخصيات، فأقرب ما تكون إلى شخصيات من لحم ودم، خاصة العلاقة الدافئة والعميقة بين الأب والابن.

تكمن قوة الرواية الحقيقية في ما تطرحه من أسئلة فلسفية:

هل ستعيش حياتك بشكل مختلف إن عرفت متى ستموت؟
هل إدراك النهاية يقود للسلام أم للذعر؟
وهل بالإمكان التكيّف مع المصير بدلًا من مقاومته؟

رغم أن بعض الحوارات تأخذ طابعًا رمزيًا مباشرًا في بعض المواضع، إلا أن الرواية تعوّض ذلك بجاذبيتها وعمقها الإنساني، وبما تحمله من مزيج بين الأسطورة والحكمة القديمة.

رواية عن الموت، والقدر، والانتماء، والمصالحة ... تُروى بروح المغامرة ولغة شاعرية.

أنصح بها بشدة لمحبي الأدب التأملي والفانتازيا الفلسفية.

"مصائركم مرتبطة ببعضكم البعض"، همست العرّافة. "قد تسلكون دروبًا مختلفة... لكن النجوم اختارت لكم نفس النهاية."

[Antony Wairiuko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inarguably an All-Time Maritime Adventure Tale

LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse is a 287-page, March 2025 book by Pekka Harju-Autti. With visual cues, the 14-chapter historical fantasy fiction book’s contents range from The Journey Begins through The Curse Investigator to The Last Feast. 

“What would you think about the adventure of a lifetime?”

This exciting question precedes the introductory chapter: in 1751 Glasgow, 42-year-old seaman-and-painter Captain Julius Hawthorne’s restlessness prompts his 14-year-old son Peter’s curiosity, “What’s wrong, dad? ...Maybe it’s a sign of something.” Accordingly, he soon receives a hand-delivered British government’s royal order, commanding him “to embark upon a trading voyage to the Indian Ocean…Bay of Bengal…destination, the Andaman Islands…procure valuable spices and other rare commodities…opportunity for potential trade.” 

Despite his paternal concerns about the perilous destination’s isolation and indigenous people’s indifference to outsiders, he invites his eager son on the five-month-long sea voyage to prove himself and learn. 

Stormy seas, dwindling supplies, and an unknown fate await the seafarers whose prophesied arrival’s warm reception plays “a significant role in our people’s future.” So, it’s a culture shock to find eerily prophetic death dates tattooed on the locals’ foreheads. 

Setting the pace for the ancient curse narrative, the tattooed dates are stark reminders of the tribe’s fallout with a legendary fire dragon, Drakor. The forsaken dragon “aimed for the islanders to live mundanely…to punish them for their ingratitude and lack of respect…different for the oracle…who…will live among us for only nine more years…concerned about finding her successor…a strong healer and someone who can connect with spirits of our ancestors when necessary.”

Thus, the Julius-led voyagers investigate the dragon’s curse on the islanders amid a cultural exchange and a lifespan-based school enrolment. Now an official curse investigator, he mulls over the oracle’s cryptic words, “one must experience things personally to understand truly.” Worse still, he fears “pursuing the research could reveal unsettling truths…lifting the curse might do more harm than good…He was about to experience the curse’s ruthless power personally.” 

Consequently, an ill-fated intermarriage and a doomed fatherhood—a what-if—brings short-lived hope “that one day on this island, someone will be born without any tattoo of death…your child…not bound by time…I gravelly misinterpreted my foretelling dream…sorry.” So, why the prophetic “wind-like breath; it passed over everyone, and as it did, the tattoos of death dates faded, like morning mist…change…our way of living and understanding mortality is changing…a dramatic transformation.”

To actualize the islanders’ prophesy and determined “to do anything to free the islanders from Drakor’s curse,” where lifting “a millennia-old curse is especially perilous…could cost your life” and many others, Julius embarks on daring journeys, from the magical to the physical realms. 

Can an age-old special shield “regarded as the last hope in the island’s history,” time-bound warriors and foreign intervention conquer an immortal and boastful beast—with molten lava-like eyes, a distant thunder-like roar and sun-blocking wings that cast shadows over the valleys, instilling primal fearful respect in every creature—when the “battle with the Dragon of Death” begins? 

A legendary curse, regeneration, naturally rhythmic death dates, forever embers, surreal nightmarish dreams, a reclusive vengeful dragon, resolution, unforgiving terrain, dangerous fauna and poisonous flora, and scores to settle morph into the perfect high-stakes mission to the unknown whose suspenseful outcome is anything but predictable. 

An ancient curse weaves an incomprehensible fate over a tribe on the cusp of civilization. Sealed fates. Amazed and curious outsiders. And a royal order-turned-prophetic quest. 

Change the timeline and this becomes a contemporary book whose uniquely fresh narrative, light moments, mysticism, philosophical twists, quotable quotes, and shamanic wisdom make LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse an all-time maritime adventure tale.

[Lori Alden Holuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

How would you live your life if you knew exactly the day you would die? This might seem to be too heavy a thought for young adults, but I remember being fourteen and my inner musings weren't chock full of puppies and kittens. Adulthood was coming into view and with it a lot of expectations and fears. Young adults think about life, a lot.

Author Pekka Harju-Autti has wrapped life's big questions in a layer of classic storytelling. the story focuses on a father and son who embark on a sea adventure that takes them to an island, where they encounter people and a culture that have been isolated from the rest of the world. Everyone on the island knows precisely the day they will die. It's literally tattooed on their foreheads.

This premise makes a great springboard to explore what it means to be a mortal being. The island's society has embraced this knowledge and made it part of their lifestyle. A persons death date becomes part of life's decisions - who to marry, how to be educated, what vocation to learn. Most importantly though, the stigma and fear of death is almost extinguished. I found comfort and a thoughtful peace in spending time with these island people.

Beyond that huge concept, there's also the quieter storyline of a father and son spending quality time together. And through each of their journals, we're privy to their innermost thoughts.

The book isn't written in a heavy-handed style. It's simplistic, easy to read and the pages fly by quickly. This helps balance the subject matter and keeps it from becoming overwhelming.

I'm feeling more peaceful about my own inevitable future now. Maybe if you read this book, you will be too. Perhaps you'll share it with your child. I know I will be recommending it whenever appropriate.

[Iron John · Rating 5 out of 5]

LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse surprised me in the best way. You know when a fantasy book actually pulls you in without burying you under a ton of names and backstory? Yeah, this one does that.

I liked that it wasn’t just “bad guy does bad thing” — it actually connected to the characters in a way that made sense. The relationships felt real too, not just stuck in there for the drama. I actually found myself caring about what happened to them, which isn’t always the case with fantasy books.

The whole idea of people knowing their exact death date was especially intriguing, it gives the story this eerie edge and makes you think about how you’d live your own life if you knew when it was ending.

It’s got that mix of adventure, emotion, and a bit of mystery that makes it easy to binge. I went in not knowing what to expect, but I came out wishing there was more. If you like fantasy that’s fun, a little different, and easy to sink into, give this one a shot.

[Naman Pande · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts with the protagonist, Captain Julius, and his son's journey to the isolated Andaman Islands, where they find a society in which each person has a tattoo on their forehead indicating the day of their death. From the start, the story captivates readers with deep philosophical questions.

The book’s most fascinating part is the conflict between fate and free will. The line, "To know the hour of death is to hold both the gift and the curse of certainty," captures the crux of the story. The book is structured into 14 chapters, and each chapter contains an image that makes the narrative feel vivid and real. Every chapter ends with a hook that ignites the reader’s curiosity for the next one. The majority of the story is fast-paced, with clear writing compelling readers to want more, but there are times when the story lags, especially when describing social rituals in great detail. The level of detailing could have been more concise.

The writer raises the age-old question of not living in the moment and its consequences on human life. This book is a reminder that our time on Earth is limited, and we should spend it wisely with those we care about, embrace the present, and approach life’s uncertainties with thoughtfulness.

[Sociology Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse. The premise itself grabbed me.. what if people knew the exact day of their death? The story follows Captain Julius and his son Peter as they sail from Glasgow in 1751 and discover an island where every person carries a tattoo of their death date.

Each chapter felt unique, from the Full Moon Festival to quiet fireside stories, to rituals and challenges in the jungle. I especially loved the bond between father and son, which gave the story heart even as it explored fate, freedom, and love.

It’s a thoughtful and imaginative book, and I’d definitely recommend it to fans of historical fantasy.

[Rachel Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Vortex and the Drakor’s Curse is a refreshingly original fantasy fairy tale, set against the rich backdrop of the 18th century. Blending seafaring adventure with timeless moral lessons, it explores themes of respecting the end of life, living fully in the present, cherishing nature, and fostering harmony within a community.

The story follows Captain Julius, a seasoned and wise mariner, respected by his crew for his steady hand and calm authority. Long absent at sea, Julius harbours a quiet yearning to rebuild the strained bond with his son, who sails with him on a voyage to explore distant lands. Their destination is a remote, little-known island where the crew hopes to establish trade links.

Upon arrival, Julius and his son encounter a startling truth: the islanders live under an ancient curse, each bearing a tattoo on their forehead marking the exact date of their death. This singular knowledge shapes every interaction and decision on the island. Life here is lived with an intensity and purpose shaped by the certainty of its end.

Fascinated, Julius ponders the impact of such knowledge on love, trust, and community. He considers whether knowing one’s allotted time fosters greater kindness and unity, or whether it constrains ambition and limits joy. The islanders’ way of life prompts philosophical questions about mortality, the meaning of existence, and the choices people make when time is finite.

Threaded through the narrative are moments of quiet wisdom and gentle reflection. The presence of a dragon adds a layer of myth and wonder, enriching the tale without overwhelming its human core. While the voyage offers adventure and discovery, the heart of the story lies in its meditation on what it means to live well and love deeply.

I found Love Vortex and the Drakor’s Curse both enchanting and thought-provoking. Its originality lies not only in its imaginative setting but also in the way it draws readers toward deeper truths. Much like an Aesop fable, it offers a lesson to value those around us, to treasure the fleeting gift of time, and to live with awareness and gratitude. A captivating read for those who love their fantasy rich in meaning as well as magic.

Many thanks for Reedsy Discovery and the author giving me an ARC, and asking for my honest review.

[Lavinia Darlea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is for somebody, just not for me. Maybe I was too hyped up by the reviews I had read, therefore I expected something full of depth and meaning. After reading it, I think the book is perfect for young audiences, teenagers and maybe young adults.
As a more "seasoned" audience, I cannot get past the disappointment of the great premise and what could have been made with it and the execution, which I find way too explicit and verbalized. The reader is not allowed to form an opinion and to reflect on anything: everything is delivered on a silver plate through dialogues that say it all, not leaving place for any interpretation. The characters are underdeveloped and don't evolve in any meaningful way, they lack depth and nuances. It's very cartoonish and shallow. I was also bothered by a few inconsistencies: the island inhabitants are always depicted dressed as they would be living in a tropical island - which also matches the nominal location of the island - but multiple times there are references to Julius and Peter spending their evening by the fire in their hut - I don't see why you'd make an indoor fire in such a climate; also everyone in the island speaks perfect and elaborated English - supposedly because of a teacher that had been on the island 10 years prior -that's a bit of a stretch,given the insistence on the fact that the island has been extremely isolated and unknown to any Western civilization.
Of course, there are good sides that I don't want to overlook: it's an enjoyable fast read. The premise is exquisite and there are a few interesting ideas that are sketched related to the relationship between human societies, knowledge and death; I was so looking forward for a more in-depth analysis (but then instead of the reader being told everything, the characters should have just acted and allow us to draw the conclusions - at least for a part of the story ....).

[Sinem A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ First, I have to mention how I came across this book:
The author personally reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing it. Being selected based on my profile was such a special experience — I truly appreciate the trust and opportunity.

📚 As for the book itself:
LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse blends elements from different genres, but overall, it leans toward fantasy. At first, I thought I was about to read a classic tale of a sea captain’s adventures, but it quickly became clear that things weren’t as simple as they seemed.

💀 The idea of the people living in the Andaman Islands being cursed by a dragon, causing each of them to bear the date of their death marked on their foreheads, was both chilling and fascinating. This curse radically transforms life on the islands, and following Captain Julius as he fights against it — alongside his son, his crew, and his cat — was truly enjoyable. But unfortunately it took me some time to read it due to some reasons caused by me.

🧭 The book not only offers a compelling adventure, but also manages to raise meaningful questions along the way. It’s engaging, thought-provoking, and has a nice narrative flow.

🌊 A great debut for fans of imaginative and emotionally rich fantasy.

📌 Note: I had the pleasure of discovering this book when the author personally reached out to me. It was such a lovely surprise to be chosen based on my profile to read and review the book. Contributing to a debut author's journey and being part of this experience was truly a joy.
Hope to see new books from Pekka.

[Päivi Vainio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story of a father and son's journey to a remote island, where they embrace a new culture and totally different way of life because of the foreknowledge of death.

The book reflects the power of community, where everything is shared and deeply connected to nature. It’s about cherishing everyday life and accepting death as a natural part of it.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in strong connections, personal growth, and deeper meaning. It’s a beautiful story of love, courage, and facing fears. Though rooted in history, it remains contemporary and timeless.

[Searchingthemeaningoflife Greece · Rating 5 out of 5]

[...]At that moment, two beings from different worlds fused into one. This merging of consciousness initiated a swirling dance of light and energy between them, forming a brilliant vortex. It radiated patterns of light throughout the cave, dispelling shadows and eventually filling the space with the colors of a rainbow.[...]

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique and beautifully written adventure! The meaning of life, death, fate, and free will is explored in a compelling and engaging story. Such a pleasure to read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this read! A thought-provoking book that really makes you reflect on life and what we’re willing to sacrifice.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book with some reservations since I'm not a big fan of fantasy or dragons and the like. That said, when the author who is a GoodReads friend of mine suggested that I might enjoy her book given other books she noticed I liked I felt I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did. If nothing else it makes you think about life in general and how we live our lives more specifically based upon what we know and don't know.

The story takes place in the mid 1700s and involves sailors from Glascow, Scotland, who set off to expand the British Empire and establish trade routes. They land on a previously unknown island where the native tribe has been cursed by a dragon and the curse involves having a date stamped on their foreheads listing their date of death. I actually went to bed the night I started reading this book thinking about whether or not I'd want to know that information or not? the topic is explored in full in the book.

Anyway, whether you enjoy fantasy and/or dragons you might enjoy this quick read. The book goes very quickly and only took me two days to finish.

[Shiks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so different from the normal fantasy I read but in a very good manner. I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh take, the author has portrayed in this sea bound adventure. The story is a historical sea voyage undertaken by Captain Julius and his son Peter to none other than our own country India and the Andaman Isles. If this didn't peak my interest then you'd be so wrong. So, I was fully invested in reading ahead to find out how the journey ends and what a journey it was. The life and beliefs of the tribals in the Andaman & Nicobar Island back in the 1700s was so beautifully portrayed. The vivid imagination and the peaceful pacing of the story made it such an unputdownable book. The story went on at a slow pace but it never felt boring and that is quite an achievement. And, then things like-the legend of the dragon and the curse on the Island etc. took made this a wonderful adventure. I really loved both the story as well as the author's way of narrating this epic adventure.

[Olha Orlowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished reading this book, and it felt both unusual and captivating. The idea of seeing dates on people’s foreheads instantly drew me in — it’s a simple image, but it opens a whole new way of thinking about time, presence, and the choices we make every day.

The storyline with the captain and his son became my favorite part. There’s so much warmth in their relationship — genuine love, attention, and care that feel absolutely real on the page. The logbook notes add a nice rhythm to the story, making it feel alive and constantly moving.

For me, the whole book reads like a quiet hymn of love: to life, to nature, and to every living being. It’s filled with light and tenderness from beginning to end, and it leaves you with a soft, calm feeling, as if someone gently held your soul for a moment.

A kind, thoughtful, and very heartfelt read.

[Mohammed Husain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating and an amazing read, with characters created very meticulously
like Captain Julius, his son Peter, and chief of the island, Aarav.
Captain and his son Peter really have a thrill going on. From sea battles to the fires of Drakor. I
was really captivated by the island and of oracle, Nalini.
She brings a mystery that is needed to keep the book flowing.
The ocean and the destiny of the culture were really showcased. As a cat lover, I loved Cat Michi.
The cats charmed the book and created good surroundings that brought warmth and peace. Overall, full marks for writing, you did amazing work Pekka.

[Thalia Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone who wants a complex (but not confusing) adventure fantasy. Readers follow Captain Julius as he discovers a mysterious (and possibly dangerous) society in the Andaman Islands. What follows is a a tightly-plotted, exciting story that has all the swashbuckling adventure of a pirate tale and all the depth of the best fantasy books. Kept my interest from the first to the last page. Definitely recommend!

[Joseph Wadas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A striking, imaginative read. The death-date tattoos could’ve felt gimmicky, but the author turns them into a thoughtful look at fate versus choice. Captain Julius’s perspective brings a quiet emotional depth, and the island culture is fascinating—though I wished we saw even more of it. Short, eerie, and memorable.

[Fluffy Friends · Rating 4 out of 5]

LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse has a really fascinating premise. Captain Julius and his son discover a remote society where everyone knows the exact day they will die, and the way this shapes their culture is both eerie and compelling. The book mixes adventure with deeper questions about fate, free will, and purpose.

Some parts move a bit slowly, but the worldbuilding and philosophical angle make it a memorable read. A great choice if you like fantasy that also makes you think.

[Elena Maris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking historical fantasy with mythic elements. I enjoyed the Andaman Islands setting, the idea of knowing one’s death date, and the bond between father and son. It’s reflective and imaginative, with vivid worldbuilding.

[Akanksha S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagine if everyone knew the exact day they would die. Would people live more fully, or would it make life harder? This powerful question is at the heart of LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse by Dr. Pekka Harju-Autti.

The story is about a sea captain named Julius Hawthorne and his son, Peter. They traveled to the Andaman Islands in 1751. The islanders have a curse. A dragon named Drakor put it on them. Every person has a tattoo on their forehead that shows the exact date of their death. Now, how this knowledge affects everything is shown in the book. It changes how people are educated, who they love, and how they think about life.

Dr. Pekka Harju-Autti uses the island and its curse to look at real-life questions:

* Education and death: Children go to school based on how long they are expected to live. Short-lived children are taught how to enjoy life quickly, while long-lived children are prepared to take on responsibilities.
* Family choices: People even choose partners based on their death date. One woman admits she chose her husband because his tattoo promised stability:
* “His tattoo promised fifty-seven years… I wanted a home, children, memories that would stretch beyond my youth.”
* Fate vs. free will: Islanders accept their dates as destiny, but Julius believes there might be another way.
* Cultural contact: Julius brings fire-making skills to the island, showing how outsiders can change traditional ways of life—for better and for worse.

The author's style is direct and clear. This helps to highlight the book's deep themes. Lines like this, “If the sea is the language of my father and grandfather, I will learn it word by word,” keep you on edge.

To know how the curse was broken, you need to read this book. The novel is more than just a fantasy story. You will understand that love and human connection are more powerful than fear or fate. It actually forced me to think about how we value time, how death shapes our choices, and whether uncertainty might actually be a gift. Grab it and sail into a world of wonder!

[Síle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Pekka for trusting me and my honest opinion and for reaching out to me. Very much appreciated it!

This book is a whirlwind of genres, blending fantasy, adventure, and even a touch of spirituality in a way I’ve never quite experienced before. At its core, it follows a group of Scots who travel overseas and stumble upon a secluded, cursed clan—so far removed from the real world that they barely know others exist. The curse itself is brutal: each clan member bears a tattoo on their forehead displaying the age of their death, a constant reminder of their fate.

The concept is intriguing, and I have to admit, I was drawn in. The little art pieces scattered throughout the book added a nice visual touch, enhancing the eerie, mystical atmosphere. Drakor, the dragon responsible for the curse, is a speaking, female entity whose presence looms over the story. And while the curse is eventually lifted, the journey there is nothing short of a chaotic ride.

However, the novel isn’t without its quirks. The time leaps can be disorienting, making the narrative occasionally hard to follow. The children speak with the wisdom and articulation of full-grown adults, which pulled me out of the immersion at times. And the ending? Let’s just say it left me with more questions than answers.

Would I have picked this book up on my own? Probably not. But it was definitely an interesting and unique read—one that defies conventional storytelling.

[Marcus Norberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Below is my try to give an honest and constructive review on the author's first book, which he was kind enough to send to me :)

The book has an interesting premise that explores the themes of love and death. Also how individuals and society would change their focus if death was predestined. And generally, the book was well-written, concise and smooth to read.

There were some things that could be improved for me to give a higher rating. I couldn't really see much development in the main character. He faces some situations that can be seen as dilemmas, but he doesn't seem to have any fears or doubts when facing them. For example; he's a widower, but doesn't at all think about his late wife when falling in love with a new woman. And there are zero complaints or comments from his teenage son.

I also felt that the dialogue and text left too little to the imagination. It was overly clear at times, where just the implication would have sufficed.

And on a very subjective note; I'm not a fan of AI generated illustrations, especially when it's very obvious.

All in all, a debut with a good premise. Some room for improvement which I'm sure will be seen in the next novel

[Beatrice Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books sweep you off into a world so strange and yet so eerily familiar that you find yourself questioning your own place in it. LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse does exactly that. On the surface, it’s a seafaring adventure—1751, a British captain and his son sail toward the Andaman Islands. But what they find there pulls the story out of trade routes and saltwater storms into something much bigger: a society where every person lives with their death date tattooed on their forehead.

It’s such a simple but brilliant premise. Imagine growing up knowing exactly when you’ll die, your expiration date written right where the world can see it. The islanders have built an entire culture around this inevitability: marriages, schools, social roles—all shaped by time limits no one can bargain with. What struck me most is how natural it all felt in the book. This wasn’t treated as some fantasy gimmick, but as an almost anthropological deep dive into how such knowledge could change the way people live, love, and grieve.

At the heart of it all is Captain Julius and his teenage son, Peter. Their relationship grounds the story—part father–son bonding, part philosophical sparring partners—as they try to understand the rules of this world and what those rules might mean for their own lives. I found myself drawn to their quiet moments together just as much as the bigger, mythic beats. The legend of Drakor, the dragon whose curse supposedly created the death-mark, looms in the background like a shadow, giving the whole book a folkloric pulse.

What I really enjoyed is how Harju-Autti balances atmosphere with questions that don’t come with easy answers. Is destiny fixed, or can love rewrite it? Does knowing when you’ll die make life more precious—or more unbearable? The novel doesn’t try to hand-hold with neat conclusions, and that’s where its strength lies. You finish chapters and feel like you need to sit with them, turn them over in your mind.

Stylistically, the prose is clear and smooth, sometimes veering into lyrical when it leans on mythology, other times pared back when it drops you into the grit of a storm or a hushed conversation in a hut. It makes the story accessible without losing its depth. The pacing also surprised me—it doesn’t dawdle. Events pick up quickly and keep you hooked, whether through a dragon’s shadow or a quiet exchange that carries just as much weight.

Now, if I had one critique, it’s that some moments felt a bit too spelled out. There are times where I wanted more subtlety, more space to read between the lines instead of being told outright what a character thought or felt. But honestly, that didn’t take away from how immersive and thought-provoking the read was overall.

LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse isn’t just a fantasy adventure—it’s a meditation on fate, family, and the fragile beauty of our limited time. It made me want to put the book down and immediately call someone I love, which to me is the mark of a story that actually matters.