“The echoey sounds of stretching and cracking ice filled the inlet. The surround had become an arena, an eternal, unearthly battleground. The white whale broke the surface slowly. Inching forward, it broke the ice ahead of its brow, sending mountainous shards into the starry night.”

“It’s just another hill, Isaac. It’s just another damned hill,” said Carney.

Inspired by Melville’s Moby Dick, I wrote a prequel, Ahab, a Love Story. Beginning with the American Revolution, the novel explores the origins of the good-hearted boy, the son, the lover, and the crushed soul who would become Ahab. A sequel to Melville’s Moby Dick “beckoned me.”

What became of the Rachel’s survivor(s), of Melville, of the white whale? Meet W.H. Carney, a true-to-life Civil War hero. Meet Isaac, the Naval Architect with otherworldly beginnings, and Irene, a star of the Opera and teacher. Fall in love with them.

Death to Moby Dick, a Love Story, is a work from my heart to yours. The saga continues from the American Revolution to the beginnings of the “The Great War”. If you are a fan of real history, of action and adventure on the high seas, and of timeless Love, even amidst great tragedy, these books are a must-read.

Enjoy & Godspeed!

Stephen Melillo
Author/Composer