sumayyahreadss'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
4.0
This was my first introduction to Shannon Chakrabortys work and it did not disappoint.
Amina Al-Sirafi makes for a great main character, her boldness, her dry humour, the past and literally just her entire being was amazing.
I really enjoyed this story, more than I was expected. I loved how we saw a lot of old history, I loved all the Islamic ties and seeing characters be practising Muslims in their everyday lives in such a normal relatable way. Amina isn’t a perfect main character, she has MANY flaws (as pirates tend to have) and I love her for it.
It was also interesting to have a main character and her cohort be aged 40 plus.
In terms of the plot, it gripped me from the start, lost me a little in the middle and then had me hooked again. My only issue with this book was that chapters felt immensely long and (especially in the middle of the book), they dragged a little and I found myself skim reading to get to a more interesting part.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The book wraps up nicely as a stand-alone whilst still having an opportunity for further books. I would definitely recommend this book to high fantasy readers.
Amina Al-Sirafi makes for a great main character, her boldness, her dry humour, the past and literally just her entire being was amazing.
I really enjoyed this story, more than I was expected. I loved how we saw a lot of old history, I loved all the Islamic ties and seeing characters be practising Muslims in their everyday lives in such a normal relatable way. Amina isn’t a perfect main character, she has MANY flaws (as pirates tend to have) and I love her for it.
It was also interesting to have a main character and her cohort be aged 40 plus.
In terms of the plot, it gripped me from the start, lost me a little in the middle and then had me hooked again. My only issue with this book was that chapters felt immensely long and (especially in the middle of the book), they dragged a little and I found myself skim reading to get to a more interesting part.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The book wraps up nicely as a stand-alone whilst still having an opportunity for further books. I would definitely recommend this book to high fantasy readers.
merlinscove's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
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? No
5.0
bookshelvesandtealeaves's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you Harper Collins for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve gotta admit, this one wasn’t for me, which is disappointing as I’d been super looking forward to it.
This book has a fantastic ensemble cast, and Amina is a really great main character. There’s also some really fascinating history and culture woven into this with some really exciting plot points.
What let it down for me, personally, was the writing style. I can’t quite put my finger on what it was, but it was a little too dry and the pacing felt a little off, and the breaking of the fourth wall kept taking me out of the narrative (though thankfully this didn’t happen too often).
Overall, I think this is definitely worth giving a go if you want a different kind of fantasy.
stillmythical's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
raisar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me an e-arc of this book.
A compelling, high stakes fantasy with lady pirates, demons, heists, sprinkles of legend and muslim rep. Say no more. Amina Al-Sirafi jumped to my top release for the year and its safe to say I absolutely loved it!
This book not only spoke to me on so many levels, but it also made me appreciate the themes it touched on parenting and motherhood through Amina’s love for her daughter Marjana. The love of parents who take any opportunity, no matter the risks, just to secure a better future for their children. I know my parents did that for me, and the way this was explored through Amina was really touching.
Of course, all the positive representation explored through Amina’s character, not just as a Muslim or a mother but her flaws, the ugly truths she faces when deciding between being reasonable or being careless. She is complex, and she is not perfect. Not the perfect mother, not the perfect Muslim (no matter how many times I pray or make Dua I am not perfect either, can totally relate imo). It just made her character more likeable and relatable.
And my last case, on the first-person narrative voice of this book. Having Amina, as the narrator of her tales, the beginnings, near deaths and escapades that made her a legend was simply delightful. She is a snarky, confident and humorous narrator.
I can’t wait to see what else there is to be explored in this world. Trust me, get your pre-orders in, you don’t want to miss this adventure!
Sidenote: Amina and her crew have no business being so funny. Amina, Raksh, Dalila, Majed, Tinbu and of course the beloved Payasam the cat will live rent free in my mind.
A compelling, high stakes fantasy with lady pirates, demons, heists, sprinkles of legend and muslim rep. Say no more. Amina Al-Sirafi jumped to my top release for the year and its safe to say I absolutely loved it!
This book not only spoke to me on so many levels, but it also made me appreciate the themes it touched on parenting and motherhood through Amina’s love for her daughter Marjana. The love of parents who take any opportunity, no matter the risks, just to secure a better future for their children. I know my parents did that for me, and the way this was explored through Amina was really touching.
Of course, all the positive representation explored through Amina’s character, not just as a Muslim or a mother but her flaws, the ugly truths she faces when deciding between being reasonable or being careless. She is complex, and she is not perfect. Not the perfect mother, not the perfect Muslim (no matter how many times I pray or make Dua I am not perfect either, can totally relate imo). It just made her character more likeable and relatable.
And my last case, on the first-person narrative voice of this book. Having Amina, as the narrator of her tales, the beginnings, near deaths and escapades that made her a legend was simply delightful. She is a snarky, confident and humorous narrator.
I can’t wait to see what else there is to be explored in this world. Trust me, get your pre-orders in, you don’t want to miss this adventure!
Sidenote: Amina and her crew have no business being so funny. Amina, Raksh, Dalila, Majed, Tinbu and of course the beloved Payasam the cat will live rent free in my mind.
emjayreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
bluntreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
apoorvamate517's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
lpleitera's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.25
After loving Chakraborty's debut Daevabad trilogy, I have been eagerly awaiting the release Amina al-Sirafi. Overall, it did not disappoint. Chakraborty is as skilled at writing historical fiction as fantasy, and she is at her best when she lingers on the details: unpacking her characters' intricate loyalties, dropping nautical factoids, or seamlessly integrating the customs, prayers, greetings, and history of the ancient Islamic world. I felt completely immersed in this setting and quickly came to love Captain Amina and her crew.
The introduction of a certain character at about the halfway point was, for me, one of the book's only stumbles. This character is not supposed to be likable -- in fact, he has a mysterious, villainous backstory that readers slowly learn about as the adventure unfolds. My issue was: his interactions with Amina felt off, and made her character read a little too "YA" for my liking. This wouldn't usually bother me too much, except that one of the major themes of the book is Amina's "older" age: unlike a lot of fantasy protagonists, she is over 40 and a mother. In fact, most of the cast is middle aged. For the most part, this is handled well and makes for an interesting dynamic, as each character struggles to balance what they want from their lives with their family obligations. There were times, however, when I had to forcibly remind myself that Amina was a fully-grown adult as she endlessly bickered with this completely reprehensible character. All of her interactions with him felt out-of-character and immature, and made me wonder where the rational, wise Amina of the early chapters went.
Regardless, I loved the adventure and "heist" elements of the plot. I loved the crew. I thought the framing device - Amina telling her story aloud to a scribe named Jamal - was executed perfectly. And finally, I appreciate that this book can be read as a standalone fantasy story. Though it teases sequel novels to follow, it still ends on a satisfying note.
The introduction of a certain character at about the halfway point was, for me, one of the book's only stumbles. This character is not supposed to be likable -- in fact, he has a mysterious, villainous backstory that readers slowly learn about as the adventure unfolds. My issue was: his interactions with Amina felt off, and made her character read a little too "YA" for my liking. This wouldn't usually bother me too much, except that one of the major themes of the book is Amina's "older" age: unlike a lot of fantasy protagonists, she is over 40 and a mother. In fact, most of the cast is middle aged. For the most part, this is handled well and makes for an interesting dynamic, as each character struggles to balance what they want from their lives with their family obligations. There were times, however, when I had to forcibly remind myself that Amina was a fully-grown adult as she endlessly bickered with this completely reprehensible character. All of her interactions with him felt out-of-character and immature, and made me wonder where the rational, wise Amina of the early chapters went.
Regardless, I loved the adventure and "heist" elements of the plot. I loved the crew. I thought the framing device - Amina telling her story aloud to a scribe named Jamal - was executed perfectly. And finally, I appreciate that this book can be read as a standalone fantasy story. Though it teases sequel novels to follow, it still ends on a satisfying note.