It seems fitting that I read The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner this year, as I went to Italy a few months ago. I have read a majority of Sarah Penner’s books, including her short novella The Conjurer’s Wife, which was meant to act as a link to The Amalfi Curse. Sarah Penner’s books are a combination of historical fiction and fantasy, and every time I read her books, I feel like I’m transported into whatever setting the book takes place in. The Amalfi Curse might be my favorite Sarah Penner book I have read thus far.

Haven Ambrose is a nautical archaeologist currently on site in Positano in Italy. She is investigating a ship wreck, and based on her father’s research, she believes there might be treasure there. Interwoven with Haven’s story, Mari DeLuca comes from a line of stregheria or sea witches. After a corrupt man kidnaps members of Mari’s family, Mari knows she has to use her powers to save and protect those she loves. Haven and Mari’s stories are connected as Haven reads about Mari’s story and what that means for her research in the present day.

When I read Haven’s story, it reminded me a lot of Lara Croft. The archaeological research Haven does and the relationship she has with her father were the first things I thought of when I read this book. Mari’s story was fascinating, and I liked reading about the relationship she has with her abilities and how it was different than that of her relatives and friends. Mari experiences more turbulence in her story than Haven does, but I feel like there are similarities between the two women’s struggles, even though their stories are two centuries apart.

The only thing I would have wished for is that this book had tied into The Conjurer’s Wife. If it did, it was subtle enough that I missed it. It would have been neat to see the two be related to each other in some way.

I liked The Amalfi Curse. The setting was pretty, and I liked the characters and reading their perspectives. I rated The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner four stars on Goodreads.