The Red Wolf Conspiracy by Robert V S Redick

This fantasy narrative centers on the Great Ship Chathrand, a colossal vessel launched by the Arquali Empire on a mission ostensibly designed to secure a Great Peace. However, the voyage is a facade for a deadly conspiracy involving the transport of a hidden, monstrous prisoner and the manipulation of a political marriage. The story follows Pazel Pathkendle, a young tarboy with a mysterious linguistic gift, and Thasha Isiq, a noblewoman trapped by imperial duty, as they uncover the truth. They are aided by a diverse cast, including ixchel—tiny people living in the ship's shadows—and a talking rat named Felthrup. As the malevolent sorcerer Arunis seizes control, the protagonists must navigate a world of ancient magic, political betrayal, and the looming threat of global war. The text blends nautical adventure with epic intrigue, revealing that the ship’s true destination is far more calamitous than its crew suspects.