The Ocean of the Dead (Ship Kings #4)

Andrew McGahan, The Ocean of the Dead (Ship Kings #4), Allen & Unwin, August 2016, 432pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN: 9781760292188

The fourth and concluding novel in Andrew McGahan’s Ship King series will be warmly welcomed by fans of the series. It has a most satisfying conclusion, and amazingly, manages to retain the air of mystery that has always existed around the most famous Ship King of them all, Amber Dow. His exploits in the three previous books became legend, and McGahan does a stellar job of showing how heroic acts can be twisted into even larger-than-life myths, woven into folklore over years, and passed on to future generations. Amber is a man, flawed and human, but his courage and commitment inspire his loyal crew to share his feats, and their embellishments come from a place of gratitude and amazement. We are constantly told, through all four books, he is a man ‘marked by fate’, and we see the events unfold through chance, good fortune, and sheer strength of will—surely, a combination necessary to fulfil a life of destiny and promise.

In The Ocean of the Dead, Dow wants to take his supporters to a safe place, away from the politics that have steadily increased the number of dead innocents, a tragic consequence of war among factions (sound familiar?). His only option is to lead them south, across the dead ocean where, according to legend, a new world waits, one of warmth and peace. Of course, no one has ever survived the journey, so their trip is dangerous and unknown.

The book takes its time organising the expedition.  McGahan doesn’t deprive readers of significant details about how Amber and his officers try to predict, and plan for the uncertainties and worst case scenarios. Each character has something to contribute, from Nell the Scapegoat, all the way to his nemesis Diego who is now a crown prince, everyone has something of value to offer the hopeful and willing souls who have put their lives in Amber’s hands. McGahan also offers mysterious prophecies, combined with clever foretelling, and anxious moments, to keep readers speculating on what might happen, and fearing the worst at every turn.

McGahan’s wondrous language and obvious love of nautical tales imbues Amber Dow’s story with nostalgic emotion. There’s a sense of heroics and sacrifice, adventure and obligation. Dow’s determination to keep these people safe until the new world is found, leads to many desperate acts of courage, and not all only by him. He loses some dear friends along the way, and readers come to understand what their loss means to Amber.

This is old-fashioned story-telling at its best. The characters are given a strong sense of moral truth, and it’s told with a sophisticated vocabulary that will be appreciated by well-read teens. I hope this series finds and holds its place in the shelves of Australian libraries for years to come. It is well worth re-reading all four books. Highly recommended as a resounding resolution to a fine series.

Reviewed by Trisha Buckley