Ship of Magic

In the vibrant, exotic port of Bingtown, a unique merchant society thrives, built upon trade and the legendary liveships—vessels carved from sentient wizardwood that awaken with the deaths of three family members. The Vestrit family, one of Bingtown's oldest, faces ruin unless their newly awakened liveship, Vivacia, can restore their fortunes. For Althea Vestrit, the Vivacia is her birthright, a legacy she intends to reclaim after her father's death. However, custom dictates the ship passes to her sister's husband, and her young nephew, Wintrow, is torn from his religious studies to serve aboard it, enduring a harsh life at sea under the command of his manipulative uncle. Meanwhile, the ruthless pirate captain Kennit dreams of uniting the scattered Pirate Isles under his iron rule. To achieve this, he needs a liveship of his own, a sentient vessel that can bend to his will. The destinies of the Vestrit family, the majestic Vivacia, and the entire region are set on a collision course with Kennit's ambitious and violent quest, threatening to unravel the delicate balance of power and tradition in the treacherous seas.