extinctpanda's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved the historical aspect of this novel and thought it was really well done. I love historical fantasy that uses cultural folk lore to create the magic, so that part was right up my alley.
I think the author also does a great job of including good rep while keeping it feeling authentic. I really enjoyed seeing an older MC and addressing the conflicting desire for adventure and to be with her family.
The plot was solid and pretty fun. My main complaint is that I think it felt a bit slow in some parts of the first half, so there were a couple of points where it dragged, but it really picked up for me after that! A nice pirate adventure was the perfect way to rest my brain from exam revision. I would happily read the sequels, and will definitely be checking out the author's other series!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I think the author also does a great job of including good rep while keeping it feeling authentic. I really enjoyed seeing an older MC and addressing the conflicting desire for adventure and to be with her family.
The plot was solid and pretty fun. My main complaint is that I think it felt a bit slow in some parts of the first half, so there were a couple of points where it dragged, but it really picked up for me after that! A nice pirate adventure was the perfect way to rest my brain from exam revision. I would happily read the sequels, and will definitely be checking out the author's other series!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
alliechase's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty is a high-sea adventure heist full of pirates, sea monsters, and magic. The writing is quick and witty, perfect for the story being told. The characters were unique and lovable, and I was quickly rooting for Amina and her crew. The cast of characters are diverse, and each has a clear voice. This book was well-researched, and it was clear that the author has a love of this time period. I appreciated that there was suggested reading if you wanted to learn more about the 12th century in the Indian Ocean. I couldn't get enough of this book and these characters, and I look forward to continuing this series! I recommend this book to anyone who wants an entertaining, quick-paced adventure.
bonemade's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bookchelle's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
fayesreads_'s review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you Harper Voyager team for providing me with an E-Arc for review!!
Shannon Chakraborty is quickly becoming an Insta-buy author for me. I love how beautiful, intricate, & diverse her worlds are. This one especially made me tear up multiple times from how happy I was to see some of the representation included. I also just love pirates so so so much & Sindbad I hyperfixated on so much as a child, & I loved the Sinbad movie & this was such a fricken awesome somewhat retelling of pirate lore & it made my heart soar. I cannot WAIT for more Amina & more from Shannon!!!
Shannon Chakraborty is quickly becoming an Insta-buy author for me. I love how beautiful, intricate, & diverse her worlds are. This one especially made me tear up multiple times from how happy I was to see some of the representation included. I also just love pirates so so so much & Sindbad I hyperfixated on so much as a child, & I loved the Sinbad movie & this was such a fricken awesome somewhat retelling of pirate lore & it made my heart soar. I cannot WAIT for more Amina & more from Shannon!!!
obrooke1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
readingintandem's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Amina Al-Sirafi is a legendary pirate reluctantly pulled from retirement for what she thinks is one last voyage to save the young daughter of a former crew-mate when what she truly finds herself on is an adventure brimming with mythical artifacts, magical creatures, and fantastical and imaginative settings. Alongside her crew: loyal Tinbu, mistress-of-poisons Dalila, and navigator Majed with a little “help” from her estranged trickster demon husband, sets out on a high seas adventure to stop an evil sorcerer from using a wealthy teenage scholar to unleash chaos on the world.
Amina is a fascinating character- a cynical but immovable natural leader with a sharp tongue and low tolerance for nonsense. As a late 30-something reader myself, it was awesome having a main character in their 30s/40s who has seen a little something of life and has real responsibilities on her shoulders; simultaneously carrying the sense of obligation that comes with being a mother and the desire to keep the part of you that makes you, YOU, whole. Chakraborty is a master of creating characters and situations that are seemingly paradoxical - reinforcing to the reader how people and things are rarely only what you see on the surface.
Queer/trans representation and themes of friendship/found family are woven expertly through this adventurous tale. The characters are diverse, the action scenes will keep you on the edge of your seat, and you will root for the success of every single character - even the deeply flawed ones (looking at you Raksh).
My only critique is the setup of the story as being told by Amina to a scribe, which felt slightly unclear from the onset so when the scribe would randomly break into the story with a question to chastise Amina about her language it really pulled me out of an otherwise completely immersive story. There were also some plot points that I had lingering questions about that weren’t clarified, specifically relating to how Amina arrived at the Peri Island. Regardless, this was a well researched and fascinating story with an excellent character study.
The story does end somewhat open-ended with what might be the potential for a second book or book series with Amina Al-Sirafi,and if that is the case I certainly would not complain! Thank you HarperVoyager and netgalley for the opportunity to read this story as an e-arc.
Amina is a fascinating character- a cynical but immovable natural leader with a sharp tongue and low tolerance for nonsense. As a late 30-something reader myself, it was awesome having a main character in their 30s/40s who has seen a little something of life and has real responsibilities on her shoulders; simultaneously carrying the sense of obligation that comes with being a mother and the desire to keep the part of you that makes you, YOU, whole. Chakraborty is a master of creating characters and situations that are seemingly paradoxical - reinforcing to the reader how people and things are rarely only what you see on the surface.
Queer/trans representation and themes of friendship/found family are woven expertly through this adventurous tale. The characters are diverse, the action scenes will keep you on the edge of your seat, and you will root for the success of every single character - even the deeply flawed ones (looking at you Raksh).
My only critique is the setup of the story as being told by Amina to a scribe, which felt slightly unclear from the onset so when the scribe would randomly break into the story with a question to chastise Amina about her language it really pulled me out of an otherwise completely immersive story. There were also some plot points that I had lingering questions about that weren’t clarified, specifically relating to how Amina arrived at the Peri Island. Regardless, this was a well researched and fascinating story with an excellent character study.
The story does end somewhat open-ended with what might be the potential for a second book or book series with Amina Al-Sirafi,and if that is the case I certainly would not complain! Thank you HarperVoyager and netgalley for the opportunity to read this story as an e-arc.
booksandbreadcrumbs's review against another edition
4.5
Fantastic. Honestly might like it even more than Daevabad (definitely more than The Empire of Gold). I loved Amina al-Sirafi and the rest of her crew. I loved how grounded in history this felt. Yeah, cannot recommend enough, and I'm eagerly anticipating the sequel.
fancifulreader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
-Thank you to Net Galley, Harper Voyager, and Harper Audio-
THIS WAS AMAZING! Though, to be fair, I expected nothing less from Shannon Chakraborty. I loved Amina al-Sirafi and her movements between reluctance to get back into the world and the clear signs of her ambition. Though my favorite thing about Amina?? Our heroine is 40 years old with a daughter! I love YA as much as the next person, but even adult fantasy tends to cast their main characters around 20 years old and it was a joy to read about someone who has already lived their adventurous life and who has so much experience under their belt. Her love for her daughter was really the driving force of her story and her adventure home. She also happened to marry a demon, have his child, and is trying to shelter that knowledge from him as he is a tentative companion on her journey....does it sound messy? It is but it is gloriously messy and full of smart dialogue and high stakes and wonderful scholarship. This was masterful and I have a feeling I will be re-reading this one within the next year. The audiobook was also stunning with Lameece Issaq and Amin El Gamal adding such a wonderful narrative for this book.
THIS WAS AMAZING! Though, to be fair, I expected nothing less from Shannon Chakraborty. I loved Amina al-Sirafi and her movements between reluctance to get back into the world and the clear signs of her ambition. Though my favorite thing about Amina?? Our heroine is 40 years old with a daughter! I love YA as much as the next person, but even adult fantasy tends to cast their main characters around 20 years old and it was a joy to read about someone who has already lived their adventurous life and who has so much experience under their belt. Her love for her daughter was really the driving force of her story and her adventure home. She also happened to marry a demon, have his child, and is trying to shelter that knowledge from him as he is a tentative companion on her journey....does it sound messy? It is but it is gloriously messy and full of smart dialogue and high stakes and wonderful scholarship. This was masterful and I have a feeling I will be re-reading this one within the next year. The audiobook was also stunning with Lameece Issaq and Amin El Gamal adding such a wonderful narrative for this book.
bookish_selkie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0