Blending seafaring adventure, rich historical detail, and emotional depth, this Pulitzer Prize-nominated debut novel explores themes of legacy, identity, and reinvention. The Artist is the unforgettable opening to a saga where the lines between truth and legend blur, and the past echoes through every tide. Perfect for fans of Patrick O'Brian, Ken Follett, or historical dramas like Master and Commander and The Last Kingdom, this is a story of daring voyages, human resilience, and the uncharted waters of the soul. Where Giants Dare Grow: The Artist is an epic historical fiction adventure set against the roaring waves and rugged coastlines of 1800s California. Captain Dmitri Romanov, a legendary mariner with saltwater in his veins, is making his final voyage to Monterey Bay-a journey that marks the end of an era and the beginning of a profound personal transformation. As he passes the helm to his trusted First Mate, Dmitri steps into a new life on land, trading the rhythm of the sea for the vibrant streets of early California. But in this unfamiliar world of cantinas, secrets, and shifting alliances, he must learn what it means to live not as a captain, but as an artist.