“High-seas adventure meets rich fantasy worldbuilding and strong character development.” – Kirkus Reviews
"A siren song of tempestuous, storm-tossed adventure drenched in magic and lore so rich you can feel it in your soul!" – #1 New York Times bestselling author, Abigail Owen
“Lush and romantic, this epic fantasy will cast you away on a magical journey.” - #1 New York Times bestselling author, Mai Corland
“In this jam-packed nautical romantasy, Dickson conjures up an intricate world of seaborne wonders and terrors, populated by colorful characters and maritime monsters. The slow-burn romance between Honor and Gavriel simmers for much of the story, allowing the political intrigue, magical chaos, and ship-to-ship combat to take center stage...readers will enjoy Honor’s ambitious, indefatigable nature as she takes charge of her destiny. It’s a promising series launch.” – Publishers Weekly
“Dickson’s novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats with morally gray characters, action, and wonderful worldbuilding; perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Erin Morgenstern.” –Library Journal Starred review
“I loved the vibe of the book, magic, a ship that is alive, enemies to lovers and some amazing characters. [...] I haven't read anything else like this book.”
“If you crave pirates, danger, and that “I-shouldn’t-want-you-but-I-do” tension, Ship of Spells delivers in waves. The world-building is lush, the banter is sharp, and the slow burn? �� Absolutely worth the wait.”
“This book was stellar! [...] If you like high seas adventures with Pirates of the Caribbean attitude, Sanderson-style world-building, and a well done romance, then give this book a shot.”
“Man, this book was unlike anything else I’ve read. [...] I feel like I have just returned from ten magical days at sea.”
“Ship of Spells by H. Leighton Dickson was exactly my kind of read—an exciting mix of magic, adventure, and ship battles that kept me hooked. [...] If you’re into fantasy with a strong heroine, epic ship battles, and some romance, this one’s a total win.”
“Pirates and magic, yes please! And it was sooo much more than just a romantasy.”
“I would recommend if you’re ready for world building and feeling like a pirate!”
“This is a high seas, high stakes, slow burn for the ages!! H. Leighton Dickson drops us into an entirely new world and it doesn’t stop until the very last page.”
“All hands on deck! This book is a rollicking, high-seas fantasy [...] H. Leighton Dickson has created a thrilling, watery adventure that will make you want to swap your land legs for a magical sea voyage.”
“God, I ate this up, the YEARNING!!!!! If you are looking for high key yearning, this is the book for you!!!”
“This was a magical action-packed book! From the beginning until the end, [there] was action!”
“This is such a fun book! [...] This book has a good mix of action, adventure, humor and romance. The world building is unique and the story is very intriguing. I really enjoyed all of the banter too. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. I definitely recommend this book!”
“This is an action packed, slow burn romantasy and be ready since it does end in a cliffhanger. [...] If you enjoy a magical adventure similar to Shadow and Bone give this action fantasy a try.”
“I overall enjoyed my time with Honor Renn, our Captain, the Touchstone, and our misfit crew.
[...] I will miss my time in this world and with these characters.”
“I love [...] the ‘rough around the edges’ characters and banter and chaos of a good crew. The Ship of Spells (Touchstone) was magical and different and I really loved the idea of it. The world was rich in a unique magic system that had me hooked. I loved the constant action and slow-burn romance. [...] Overall, I enjoyed the story and will continue the series.”
“The worldbuilding is vivid, the characters are layered, and the slow-burning tension kept me hooked.”
“[...] Ship of Spells swept me away like a storm tide. [...] I loved how the novel blended naval adventure with deep emotional undercurrents [...]. The lore feels lush and tangible, runic magik, political tension, and sea myths woven together so seamlessly I could almost hear the creak of the Touchstone’s timbers. [...] By the end, I felt like I’d sailed through something vast and dangerous, but beautiful too, a story about survival, identity, and the cost of power.”
“Ship of Spells pulled me under from the first chapter and never let go. The world is richly imagined—full of salt, secrets, and the kind of danger that hums beneath your skin. [...] The magic system feels original and alive, the slow burn is deliciously drawn out, and the stakes rise with every wave. By the final page, I wasn’t ready to dock.”
“If you’re a vibes reader, this book nails that adventurous, swashbuckling atmosphere perfectly!!!”
“You are thrown into action immediately. I love when authors do this. The action truly never stops from cover to cover.”
“A unique seafaring fantasy with mystical species and rune magic, this romantic fantasy told in first-person single POV should appeal to millennials who loved the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and don’t mind their book not having spice throughout. [...] The story starts off with a bang, and there’s lots of action to keep the momentum going.”
“Ship of Spells is a captivating fantasy adventure that swept me away from the very first page. [...] The story delivered a perfect mix of action, humor, and slow-burn romance. [...] I couldn’t put it down. [...] This book has everything — adventure, heart, and a touch of romance that lingers long after the last page. [...] I’m already looking forward to book two!”
“I still cannot believe that ending! I can’t wait to see how the story develops next.”
“Ship of Spells is a fast paced read that drew me in with its unique premise and kept me glued to the page from start to finish. I can't wait for its sequel. [...] Fans of morally complex characters, fast paced romantasy with slow paced romance arcs, and stories set on the high seas are in for a great time.”
“From the first page, you jump into this book with both feet.”
“I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy stories.”
“If you are looking for an entertaining pirate book with magic, look no further.”
“I loved this story. It was so good. I fell head first into it and was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last.”
“��️ - the angst �� [...] [...] let’s just say I need the second one like right NOW! ��”
“I really enjoyed this story.”
“I don’t think I’ve read a pirate book like this before and I’m completely obsessed with it. [...] If you're looking for the perfect book to sail the high seas with and fall in love with a scallywag crew then this is definitely the treasure you seek. Get ready to feel the deck under your feet, walk the plank, and plunge into a magnificent new adventure.”
“Such a unique story! I haven’t read anything like this book before. I was intrigued from the very first line.”
“Ship of Spells was such an adventurous and action-packed read! [...] that ending has me ready to hoist the sails for book two!”
“Pirate romantasy? Yes please! [...] The banter? Top notch. Slow burn? To die for. Oh yeah, don't forget the "what have I done to you"... Honestly? We better get a HEA. If you're ready to be immersed into a nautical world and want to feel like a pirate then pick this one up immediately!”
