Large predators, such as the elusive and magnificent orca (Orcinus orca), can evoke awe and fear at once. In this book, marine biologist Strager combines her worldwide adventures with the latest scientific knowledge on this species, presenting past and present cultural and historical context. Her passion, which is especially palpable in the lines describing her first encounter with orcas when she was still a young student, runs throughout the entire book until her most recent stories. Certainly, it is a contagious feeling that brings back memories for any marine biologist. Those of you with a marine mammal background will recognise many researcher’s and photographer’s names, which add even more credibility and objectiveness to this very personal book. Challenging as it is, the book also addresses polemical issues related to orcas and their interaction with humans, bringing different perspectives and opposing opinions to the table. The reader is led through the persecutions and venerations of orcas, animosities and alliances between orcas, fishermen and whalers, all set in distant locations with distinct cultures around the world. The development of whale-watching tourism or recent concerning situations, such as the orca–sailboat interactions in Portugal and Spain or the outrageous “whale jail” in Russia, sprinkle the Journals with current topics of discussion. The full reading resulted in an enlightening journey to gain perspective and enjoy a well-balanced and easy-to-read book. Each chapter offers a stand-alone story, but all are well linked under a unique and well-developed thread. Although the quality of the photos is excellent, they are confined in the middle of the book and lack captions, losing attractiveness. This book can surely inspire young biologists and engage a wide public with a taste for nature and wildlife, as well as culture and science. The humility of Strager’s stories and the underlying admiration for others, combined with a dose of science, history and her passion for orcas, will certainly foster awareness and curiosity in any reader.