The book tells the story of Kenton of the Red Blades, a young warrior who is transported back in time to ancient Babylonia and finds himself embroiled in a conflict between the gods.Kenton is aboard a ship called the "Ship of Ishtar," which is captained by the god Shamash and crewed by a variety of mythical creatures, including centaurs and satyrs. The ship is on a mission to rescue Ishtar, the goddess of love and war, from the underworld and restore her to her rightful place among the gods.As Kenton becomes more involved in the quest, he discovers that he has a crucial role to play in the fate of the ship and its crew. He also encounters a number of dangerous creatures and magical beings, including a powerful sorceress named Zarpanit and the demon-possessed King Minos of Crete."The Ship of Ishtar" is known for its vivid and imaginative descriptions of the ancient world and its myths and legends, as well as its fast-paced and action-packed plot. The book also explores themes of power, destiny, and the nature of good and evil. While it has not been as widely read or studied as some other works of fantasy and science fiction, it remains an entertaining and influential work in the genre.