Being sent on a quest to save an entire city and granted the city’s full resources is a grand honor. Unless that city is Xin, with no resources to speak of.
A magical secret from Xin’s founding threatens the city’s future, and Darin must lead a rag-tag group to a frigid city at the end of the world to save it. Their dilapidated old trade schooner may be haunted, but it survived conversion into the world’s first harpy aircraft carrier. And more importantly, it was cheap.
Can a misfit crew of humans and monsters overcome creepy creatures, mysterious magical phenomena, and the whims of the Empress of the Ice? How does a couple get alone time on a ship, when one of them is the size of the ship? And will Darin and Rinloh finally put the naughty in nautical?
Join Arvia's most eclectic heroic duo for adventure on the high seas! Caution: may contain questionable relationship advice, gratuitous human + nonhuman cuddle sequences, and/or singing.
D.H. Willison is a reader, writer, game enthusiast and developer, engineer, and history buff. He’s lived or worked in over a dozen countries, learning different cultures, viewpoints, and attitudes, which have influenced his writing, contributing to one of his major themes: alternate and creative conflict resolution. The same situations can be viewed by different cultures quite differently. Sometimes it leads to conflict, sometimes to hilarity. Both make for a great story.
He’s also never missed a chance to visit historic sites, from castle dungeons, to catacombs, to the holds of tall ships, to the tunnels of the Maginot Line. It might be considered research, except for the minor fact that his tales are all set on the whimsical and terrifying world of Arvia. Where giant mythic monsters are often more easily overcome with empathy than explosions.
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There is something very soothing about starting an Arvia story, knowing to expect exciting adventure, mythical creatures and monsters, a slow-burn romance, and a feel-good, character-driven story laced with banter and humour throughout. Darin and Rinloh's latest quest takes them through perilous high seas in a seemingly haunted ship on their way to a frozen wilderness. Along with their misfit crew, they must survive the frozen wilds of Arvia while battling frost beasts and rival factions, ultimately uncovering secrets that could reshape the power balance of the land. Although the story has a light-hearted feel, the fear of the unknown and what might lie ahead for our groups of friends made this a thrilling read from the outset. The group faces predatory creatures that pose constant danger, as well as faction groups that add conflict and political intrigue. The frozen wilderness is an unforgiving environment, and the group must be courageous, resourceful and have trust in their friendships, especially as secrets emerge that could reshape alliances. My favourite aspect of the Arvia stories in general is the relationship between Rinloh and Darin. Their slow-burn romance takes a more intimate turn here, and the pair trying to find alone time on the ship was a highlight for me, considering Rinloh was the actual size of the ship! Together, they are a comedy duo and very funny. Darin's self-deprecating humour when his plans don't work out, Rinloh's mischievous teasing, the situational comedy and the cracking of jokes in dangerous situations consistently ease tension, creating a light-hearted and very charming read.