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Saga of the Outer Islands #1
Ghosts of the Sea Moon
He’s the God of Souls. She’s the Goddess of the Moon. In a battle between supernatural siblings, can he save the world… or will they all be doomed?
Sailing the treacherous seas, the crew of the Celestial Jewel rescue drowned souls from ravenous sea monsters and ferry them to the After World. Their captain, Rafe Morrow, has dedicated his life to protecting the lost and defending the islands. For years it has been a rugged life, but now, from the shadows, an ancient creature plays a larger game, shifting the tides into looming danger.
The Goddess of the Moon, Rafe’s sister, wants him dead. Allying with forces that want her brother’s destruction, she changed the rules and set her monsters loose to wreak havoc and revenge. Heedless of the consequences, her actions put both the living and the dead in peril.
With the survival of two worlds hinging on their courage and cunning, how far will Rafe and his crew go? Will Rafe kill his sister to save everyone else?
And what of the black-winged malevolence using everyone as pawns…
Ghosts of the Sea Moon is the first rousing epic fantasy novel in the Saga of the Outer Islands series. If you like dashing ship captains, high seas magical adventure, and vengeful gods, then you’ll love this harrowing tale of ghosts, gods, and sea monsters.
Sailing the treacherous seas, the crew of the Celestial Jewel rescue drowned souls from ravenous sea monsters and ferry them to the After World. Their captain, Rafe Morrow, has dedicated his life to protecting the lost and defending the islands. For years it has been a rugged life, but now, from the shadows, an ancient creature plays a larger game, shifting the tides into looming danger.
The Goddess of the Moon, Rafe’s sister, wants him dead. Allying with forces that want her brother’s destruction, she changed the rules and set her monsters loose to wreak havoc and revenge. Heedless of the consequences, her actions put both the living and the dead in peril.
With the survival of two worlds hinging on their courage and cunning, how far will Rafe and his crew go? Will Rafe kill his sister to save everyone else?
And what of the black-winged malevolence using everyone as pawns…
Ghosts of the Sea Moon is the first rousing epic fantasy novel in the Saga of the Outer Islands series. If you like dashing ship captains, high seas magical adventure, and vengeful gods, then you’ll love this harrowing tale of ghosts, gods, and sea monsters.
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About the author
A.F. Stewart
57 books399 followersI'm from Nova Scotia, Canada, and I write speculative fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, horror), as well as poetry. I have been plying the trade for several years, periodically interrupted by those pesky events from life.
I have published independently and authored such books as the Saga of the Outer Islands series, the Killers and Demons series, Fairy Tale Fusion, and Ruined City. I've also had stories published in various anthologies, including Hell's Empire, A Twist of Fate, the Christmas Lites series and Mechanized Masterpieces from Xchyler Publishing.
I have published independently and authored such books as the Saga of the Outer Islands series, the Killers and Demons series, Fairy Tale Fusion, and Ruined City. I've also had stories published in various anthologies, including Hell's Empire, A Twist of Fate, the Christmas Lites series and Mechanized Masterpieces from Xchyler Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 29, 2019
Recap: Captain Rafe Morrow, of the Celestial Jewel ferries souls to the afterlife but his sister, the Goddess of the Moon, is being on his destruction.
Review: Some great world building here and I loved all the nautical references. Rafe is a complex and likeable character and there are some unique extras in his crew. Then madness of the Moon Goddess was well written and Hugh's role in the god's argument was amusing. Occasionally the dialogue became stilted and wooden which jerked me out of my reader flow. I'm looking forward to reading book two.
Review: Some great world building here and I loved all the nautical references. Rafe is a complex and likeable character and there are some unique extras in his crew. Then madness of the Moon Goddess was well written and Hugh's role in the god's argument was amusing. Occasionally the dialogue became stilted and wooden which jerked me out of my reader flow. I'm looking forward to reading book two.
February 2, 2020
A really good read.
A magical, mystical and occasionally macabre tale of adventure on the high seas — with a difference. It’s a story as full of tragedy as of danger, challenging the reader to think about grief, anger and vengeance and the devastating consequences they can have for individuals and families.
It’s a story with more than one hero: the bravery and integrity of Captain Morrow, the loyalty of Blackthorn, and the sensibility of Hugh each play a role in navigating a way through the storms caused by the ultimate family conflict.
Rich in lively writing and vivid imagery, this is a highly original and well-crafted story that quickly hooks the reader and keeps them interested and engaged throughout the narrative.
A magical, mystical and occasionally macabre tale of adventure on the high seas — with a difference. It’s a story as full of tragedy as of danger, challenging the reader to think about grief, anger and vengeance and the devastating consequences they can have for individuals and families.
It’s a story with more than one hero: the bravery and integrity of Captain Morrow, the loyalty of Blackthorn, and the sensibility of Hugh each play a role in navigating a way through the storms caused by the ultimate family conflict.
Rich in lively writing and vivid imagery, this is a highly original and well-crafted story that quickly hooks the reader and keeps them interested and engaged throughout the narrative.
June 21, 2018
Review: GHOSTS OF THE SEA MOON by A. F. Stewart
(Saga of the Outer Islands #1)
Reading GHOSTS OF THE SEA MOON is, truly, a magical experience, not just because the story line contains magic, goddesses, and gods. The story is wonderfully written and wondrous; the author has such a flair for imagery that is poetic and awe-inspiring. Many times I stopped to marvel and to highlight a particularly awesome phrase. I'm eager to continue the series. Generally, Fantasy is not my forte, but if I could be guaranteed novels this good, I'd be reading Fantasy night and day.
(Saga of the Outer Islands #1)
Reading GHOSTS OF THE SEA MOON is, truly, a magical experience, not just because the story line contains magic, goddesses, and gods. The story is wonderfully written and wondrous; the author has such a flair for imagery that is poetic and awe-inspiring. Many times I stopped to marvel and to highlight a particularly awesome phrase. I'm eager to continue the series. Generally, Fantasy is not my forte, but if I could be guaranteed novels this good, I'd be reading Fantasy night and day.
March 8, 2018
A god and goddess. A brother and sister. Locked in an eternal battle of hatred. The sea churns. Monsters scream. The living and the dead fear for their existence.
Such is to be expected in A. F. Stewart’s, Ghosts of the Seamoon, book one of the Saga of the outer Islands. Nothing short of high sea adventure, intense battles and burning magic. The back of the book sums it up nicely.
What you fill find in this read of nautical fantasy is a heart felt story about a seafaring captain who happens to be a god. He is humble to those he cares about yet terrifying to those who would double cross him. Strong elements of light vs. dark permeates the pages throughout the story while good and evil pivot against one another in vivid description and forlorn. Stewart has learned the terminology of the genre and understands what it means to be a sailor at sea. She captures the true essence of what it’s like to be a sailor in dangerous waters.
The continuous struggle of pushing and pulling between his sister and himself lingers throughout the duration of the story. With some twists and turns, the main plot serves as the driving force of Captain Rafe Morrorw’s decisions the entire time. At one point an ominous power is introduced as the root of evil, but the interjection is seldom visited and left vague in it description. This will leave the reader guessing but it is a good guess and mystery left to be discovered at some other point in time. This book is definitely for readers interested in the genres of fantasy, adventure, and magic. I look forward to the next installment for this is slated as a series. 4 out of 5 stars.
In the meantime, if your looking for more of the saga of the outer islands story, check out A. F. Stewart’s short story Seabound. It takes place in the early days at the start of Captain Rafe Morrows career as a sea captain. Short and to the point, it is very well written and compelling to no end. It possess all of the right elements of curiosity and mystery, a fool at heart, and the ever-persistent iron bound will of Rafe.
~ F. D. Gross
grelldragon@hotmail.com
Such is to be expected in A. F. Stewart’s, Ghosts of the Seamoon, book one of the Saga of the outer Islands. Nothing short of high sea adventure, intense battles and burning magic. The back of the book sums it up nicely.
What you fill find in this read of nautical fantasy is a heart felt story about a seafaring captain who happens to be a god. He is humble to those he cares about yet terrifying to those who would double cross him. Strong elements of light vs. dark permeates the pages throughout the story while good and evil pivot against one another in vivid description and forlorn. Stewart has learned the terminology of the genre and understands what it means to be a sailor at sea. She captures the true essence of what it’s like to be a sailor in dangerous waters.
The continuous struggle of pushing and pulling between his sister and himself lingers throughout the duration of the story. With some twists and turns, the main plot serves as the driving force of Captain Rafe Morrorw’s decisions the entire time. At one point an ominous power is introduced as the root of evil, but the interjection is seldom visited and left vague in it description. This will leave the reader guessing but it is a good guess and mystery left to be discovered at some other point in time. This book is definitely for readers interested in the genres of fantasy, adventure, and magic. I look forward to the next installment for this is slated as a series. 4 out of 5 stars.
In the meantime, if your looking for more of the saga of the outer islands story, check out A. F. Stewart’s short story Seabound. It takes place in the early days at the start of Captain Rafe Morrows career as a sea captain. Short and to the point, it is very well written and compelling to no end. It possess all of the right elements of curiosity and mystery, a fool at heart, and the ever-persistent iron bound will of Rafe.
~ F. D. Gross
grelldragon@hotmail.com
February 9, 2018
This fantasy is laid in a world of islands and sea voyages, imbued with and ruled by magic. However, it’s not a fairy tale world – it’s rather a world of mythology, where gods and men interact. I was reminded of the Greek pantheon, gods and goddesses that are all too human, with the human flaws and virtues that help us relate to them. Rafe Morrow is Captain of a magical ship called the Celestial Jewel, but he is also the powerful God of Souls; his ship protects and rescues departed souls, helping them pass to the Afterlife. Unfortunately, he has garnered the vengeful ill-will of Manume, his sister and Goddess of the Moon, because he wouldn’t or couldn’t prevent the human man she loved from dying. She has empowered her “children” – mighty sea monsters – to eat the souls of drowned sailors, and Capt. Morrow can’t allow her to continue in that course. The tale concludes with a monumentally epic battle between the God of Souls and the Goddess of the Moon.
This is an easy read – a fast-paced story, well written. It’s full of colorful imagery, often sea descriptions, something I particularly liked. I’ll give only two examples:
“As the Celestial Jewel sailed with all haste back into open waters, the seas spread calmer with a touch of undulating wildness, which reflected like black glass. The crisp air hit the crew with the force of a wench’s slap. The smell of briny seaweed, fish, and death clung to it.”
Here is a description of the Sea of the Perpetual Moon: “From an eternal twilight sky, the lunar light skidded off the surface of the water, mirroring the stars. The pale orb peaked from behind the scanty clouds. Radiance shone like gossamer hairs settling in the wind. Rafe stared at the sky, studying the pale light, admiration and dread warring in his soul.”
It’s easy to get hooked on this world – it’s strangely believable, for all its magic and monsters. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel.
(Oh - and it also has maps!)
This is an easy read – a fast-paced story, well written. It’s full of colorful imagery, often sea descriptions, something I particularly liked. I’ll give only two examples:
“As the Celestial Jewel sailed with all haste back into open waters, the seas spread calmer with a touch of undulating wildness, which reflected like black glass. The crisp air hit the crew with the force of a wench’s slap. The smell of briny seaweed, fish, and death clung to it.”
Here is a description of the Sea of the Perpetual Moon: “From an eternal twilight sky, the lunar light skidded off the surface of the water, mirroring the stars. The pale orb peaked from behind the scanty clouds. Radiance shone like gossamer hairs settling in the wind. Rafe stared at the sky, studying the pale light, admiration and dread warring in his soul.”
It’s easy to get hooked on this world – it’s strangely believable, for all its magic and monsters. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel.
(Oh - and it also has maps!)
August 10, 2021
Ghosts of the Sea Moon is an epic fantasy set on the high seas. With gods, Krackens, pirate ships, and dead souls being ferried to the afterlife. It’s everything I’ve always liked in a good nautical, pirate-themed book.
Despite this, I’ve been unable to get into it. I’ve been listening to and reading a lot of fantasy novels lately. With political intrigue, wars, infighting, fratricide and so much more.
It’s not poorly written by any stretch of the imagination. The narrator does an excellent job with voices and accents. Her reading of combat scenes is intense and engaging. I’ve struggled to figure out why this book has been unable to capture my attention. I think it’s mostly the setting. Being mostly contained on a single pirate ship and the issues the crew is plagued with.
If the summary sounds like something you’d enjoy, you’ll probably enjoy it. On my own blog, I’m giving it my middling rating of ‘meh’ because it’s just not for me. On the websites that have a rating system, such as Goodreads, I’ll be giving this a 5-star review because it’s well written and well performed. I don’t want people to see a 3-star review and write this novel off because I couldn’t get into it.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
Despite this, I’ve been unable to get into it. I’ve been listening to and reading a lot of fantasy novels lately. With political intrigue, wars, infighting, fratricide and so much more.
It’s not poorly written by any stretch of the imagination. The narrator does an excellent job with voices and accents. Her reading of combat scenes is intense and engaging. I’ve struggled to figure out why this book has been unable to capture my attention. I think it’s mostly the setting. Being mostly contained on a single pirate ship and the issues the crew is plagued with.
If the summary sounds like something you’d enjoy, you’ll probably enjoy it. On my own blog, I’m giving it my middling rating of ‘meh’ because it’s just not for me. On the websites that have a rating system, such as Goodreads, I’ll be giving this a 5-star review because it’s well written and well performed. I don’t want people to see a 3-star review and write this novel off because I couldn’t get into it.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
September 1, 2021
Rafe Morrow isn't just the captain of the Celestial Jewel, he's also the God of Souls. Charged with finding the souls of lost at sea and helping them to the After World, his task becomes troubled when his sister the Goddess of the Moon sends her sea monster children after the souls. With no other option left, Captain Rafe Morrow must stop his sister once and for all.
Just Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Rafe Morrow is a complex character with so much personality and depth. As the God of Souls he had so many different aspects of his life that come into play. His first mate Blackthorne was also a well liked character, and I'm hoping in future books we find out more about his past. The Goddess of the Moon Manume was also a wonderful character. Driven mad by the loss of her love she struggles with so many emotions (and possible mental breakdown). It was refreshing to see a different side of an enemy. The world building is phenomenal and makes you picture it well. I'm excited to see that this is a series and look forward to continuing with this cast of characters.
I received a review copy from Story Origin.
Just Wow! I absolutely loved this book. Rafe Morrow is a complex character with so much personality and depth. As the God of Souls he had so many different aspects of his life that come into play. His first mate Blackthorne was also a well liked character, and I'm hoping in future books we find out more about his past. The Goddess of the Moon Manume was also a wonderful character. Driven mad by the loss of her love she struggles with so many emotions (and possible mental breakdown). It was refreshing to see a different side of an enemy. The world building is phenomenal and makes you picture it well. I'm excited to see that this is a series and look forward to continuing with this cast of characters.
I received a review copy from Story Origin.
July 12, 2020
"Ghosts of the Sea Moon," by A. F. Stewart is a fine seafaring fantasy, well written, with believable characters, that moves along at a good pace from action to action, weaving in background to explain and support characters motives, actions, and attitudes to give the reader an eventual understanding of why things are as they are. However, we are fed this information at a rate to keep us interested while beckoning us on with mystery. I began to become suspicious that all was not as it seemed to be in chapter two, and my suspicions were soon born out. The author continued to intrigue and surprise me with twists and turns of the plot. I don't want to give anything away, so let me just say that the author has developed an interesting pantheon of gods, who turn out to be just as human as we are, if not more so. Overall an interesting, intriguing, delightful story, well read by the narrator, Alyson Grauer, who gave each character a distinct identity and set appropriate moods with her vocalizations.
November 18, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the first book in the Saga of the Outer Islands series. It is a standalone book. However, there is a setup for the next book in the series at the end - so while not really a cliffhanger ending, it does prepare you for the next adventure for Rafe.
This is really well-written with captivating descriptions, wonderful characters - a feud between a God and a Goddess who are brother and sister-, great world building - a world based on mythology filled with magic, Gods, the undead, the living, and sea monsters -, and interesting themes of good v. evil, life v. death/afterlife. The story moves at a good pace and kept my attention throughout. I look forward to the next edition in this series.
The narrator, Alyson Grauer, did a great job. She is enthusiastic, does various voices for the different characters and keeps a good pace of narration.
This is the first book in the Saga of the Outer Islands series. It is a standalone book. However, there is a setup for the next book in the series at the end - so while not really a cliffhanger ending, it does prepare you for the next adventure for Rafe.
This is really well-written with captivating descriptions, wonderful characters - a feud between a God and a Goddess who are brother and sister-, great world building - a world based on mythology filled with magic, Gods, the undead, the living, and sea monsters -, and interesting themes of good v. evil, life v. death/afterlife. The story moves at a good pace and kept my attention throughout. I look forward to the next edition in this series.
The narrator, Alyson Grauer, did a great job. She is enthusiastic, does various voices for the different characters and keeps a good pace of narration.
October 8, 2020
Gods, Monsters & Ghosts!
I was looking to read something different and scary. And I remembered that I had this book on my tbr list for awhile. And I actually enjoyed it. I love the creativity that the Author has made toward the Gods very different and interesting. I love the detail in the battles between the Moon Goddess Manume & Captain Morrow. Their feud kinda ended to quick for me. Manume had so much hatred that I didn't thought she would forgive him so quickly. But I really enjoyed and look forward to see what the Nightmare Crow has in store for everyone in Book 2.
I was looking to read something different and scary. And I remembered that I had this book on my tbr list for awhile. And I actually enjoyed it. I love the creativity that the Author has made toward the Gods very different and interesting. I love the detail in the battles between the Moon Goddess Manume & Captain Morrow. Their feud kinda ended to quick for me. Manume had so much hatred that I didn't thought she would forgive him so quickly. But I really enjoyed and look forward to see what the Nightmare Crow has in store for everyone in Book 2.
April 7, 2020
The ultimate story of a dysfunctional family, brother and sister at war. Family is never easy, add in being gods, the battle becomes epic. On the high seas they battle for the souls of humans. Magic, swords and monsters fill this action filled story along with some suspense that will keep you listen far longer than you intended. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review.
July 31, 2020
Rafe the soul god helps those dead to crossover or stay on his ship with his crew. His sister the moon goddess is crazy and mad at Rafe because he did not help her human love to stay with her. This book is about the interaction between the souls and the monsters that the moon goddess uses to punish her brother. It too a little time to get the gist of this story, but in the end is was a nice book. I was given a free copy of this audio book at my request and this is my honest review.
August 18, 2021
I received an ARC of the audio book. I am so glad I did it was a great listen/read. If you are into unique fantasy settings and the sea then this book is for you! The characters are so amazing and relatable. We get just enough history and background to make the story understable and wanting more. The author does an amazing job building this world for a saga. The audio was amazing too she did an amazing job with accents and character differentiating.
September 15, 2019
This book was given to me by Story Origins. I am leaving this review freely. This book is a good story and a fun trip through myths and legends that you grew up with. This story is true to siblings and their relationships. This story does have moments of slowness and lagging. But give it the time and hopefully like me you will enjoy it.
December 6, 2019
An Adventure Full Of Intrigue! I absolutely love books that are so well written you can experience it in the words! What an amazing sea adventure! Full of all the best of monsters, gods, goddesses, betrayal, good against evil...the lot! I could not put it down! One of the best books I've read lately, by far! Well done A. F. Stewart!
January 31, 2020
Wow!What an adventure!The Jewel picks up sould of sailors,when it can,before sea monsters eat them.A squabble between siblings leads to a war on land and sea.I enjoyed this one a lot!Alyson Grauer was a wonderful narrator.Her voices were perfect. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
May 11, 2020
I had a really hard time getting into the story for this book. I actually listened to it multiple times hoping it would click together, but it never did. I didn’t dislike the story, but it isn’t one that kept my interest. I will say that I enjoyed the ending. The narrator did an good job, but I do wonder if it had been a different voice if maybe my interest would have been different, who knows...
September 22, 2021
What a beautiful story Ghosts of the Sea Moon was.
The plot was simple and straightforward but the world was rich and immersive.
I loved the ship as the main setting, it gave a great atmosphere to the whole book. I can't say that the plot was the most original one I ever read but the book is still a very enjoyable listen.
The plot was simple and straightforward but the world was rich and immersive.
I loved the ship as the main setting, it gave a great atmosphere to the whole book. I can't say that the plot was the most original one I ever read but the book is still a very enjoyable listen.
May 1, 2023
The God of Souls saves lives. The Goddess of the Moon wants him dead. There is plenty of action and conflict between the siblings, and Rafe has to keep up with his sister's rules. The story is descriptive and immersive.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.
January 14, 2018
Brilliant piece of brand new mythology. Gods and monsters are exquisitely created for this magnificent world that she’s created. Thrilling and captivating, this is a book that’s easy to get lost in and hard to put down.
August 6, 2020
I really enjoyed the narration. The different voices and accents were excellent. The overall story was good. I feel it was lacking something but not quite sure what. I liked the characters and their at sea adventures. I received a free copy for review.
July 3, 2022
Very well written. Gave me some Pirates of the Caribbean vibes, which isn't a bad thing. I could've used a little more of the past relationship between Rafe and his sister to make me feel more invested in their ultimate showdown, but maybe we get more of that in later books.
July 22, 2021
* Audiobook review *
I absolutely love retellings/telling of mythology. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect of this novel. It was slow at first and though mhm not another one. But the further I listened the more I was captured into the story.
The magical addition with the family feuds of the gods vs goddesses.
I absolutely love retellings/telling of mythology. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect of this novel. It was slow at first and though mhm not another one. But the further I listened the more I was captured into the story.
The magical addition with the family feuds of the gods vs goddesses.
August 11, 2021
Descriptive writing and an enticing tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and can't wait to read more by them!
June 28, 2022
I have to admit that I didn't think I was going to like this one but I was mistaken. I LOVED it. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. The story was full of betrayel, anger and magic. This author has certainly caught my attention & can't wait for more
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews