Ship of Ishtar by Abraham Merritt is a captivating tale that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy and adventure. The story follows a man named Kenton who finds himself transported to the ancient realm of Ishtaria, where he must navigate treacherous waters and face dangerous foes in order to find his way back home.

The world-building in this novel is truly impressive, with Merritt creating a vivid and immersive setting that feels both familiar and entirely unique. The ship itself, the Ship of Ishtar, is a fascinating and mysterious entity that serves as a central element of the plot.

Merritt's writing is beautifully descriptive, painting a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and emotions that transport the reader to another place and time. The action scenes are particularly well done, with a perfect balance of tension and excitement that keeps the story moving at a brisk pace.

Overall, Ship of Ishtar is a classic of the fantasy genre that will appeal to fans of swashbuckling adventures and epic quests. Merritt's imaginative storytelling and skillful prose make this a book that is sure to linger in the reader's mind long after the final page has been turned.

Book Description:
Imaginative, sensual, gory.
John Kenton, WWI veteran and wealthy archaeologist, receives stone artifact from a friend in Babylon. Surprisingly, within the block is an incredibly detailed model of an ancient Babylonian ship. Soon Kenton finds himself transported to the ship the model represents, sailing the sea of an alien world and taking part in the eternal conflict between two Babylonian gods, Ishtar and Nergal. Sharane, the assistant priestess of Ishtar, controls one half of the ship; Klaneth, the assistant priest of Nergal, controls the other half. Can Kenton win over the priestess of Ishtar and free the ship from Nergal's influence? - Summary by TriciaG