LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse by Pekka Harju-Autti

A swashbuckling adventure to the edge of the known world and the boundaries of reality, LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse by Pekka Harju-Autti is a philosophical and visionary work of fantasy.

Tasked with expanding trade relations for the British Empire, a veteran sea captain and his son journey to the Bay of Bengal and the mysterious Andaman Islands, where they encounter a local tribe suffering the weight of a dragon’s terrible curse. Every islander is born with the date of their death tattooed on their forehead, and as this isolated society dwindles, they are becoming more desperate for answers, and relief from the magical hex. Captain Julius and young Peter embark on a journey of mystical discovery as their customs and beliefs entangle with untouched traditions.

This fantastical story allows readers to slowly submerge into the surreal premise of the tale, relying on a straightforward narrative flow with few tangents or expositional passages. Despite the pared-down storytelling, which feels aimed more at a YA audience, the themes being explored are heady and fascinating: how would an awareness of mortality change our perspectives on purpose and connection? Is a daily reminder of life’s sacred and transient nature truly a curse at all?

While the prose would benefit from an edit to smooth some choppy language and deliver sage lessons in subtler ways, the story is simultaneously elegant and impactful for young and old readers alike.