lauraglovestoread's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Compared to Daevabad, so far I would say this series feels a bit lighter in tone -- there is some more comic relief between the serious and heavy aspects, with themes of friendship and found family amongst the protagonist and her crew and the complexities of pursuing one's dreams while also prioritizing being a parent. This book is also more rooted in historical research, with the very vast majority of the action taking place in twelfth century cities surrounding the Indian Ocean. Chakraborty's inclusion of a section on recommended further reading is great.
Content warnings: violence, murder, death, blood, gore, body horror (not extensive or particularly severe), torture, war, colonialism, mention of past massacres and mass killings, sexism, misogyny, sexual assault (mentioned in context of a threat; not described in detail), cannibalism (off page, not described in any graphic or detailed way)
Graphic: War, Violence, Murder, Misogyny, Blood, Death, and Sexism
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Body horror, Gore, Cannibalism, and Sexual assault
cameronreads's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked Amina as a protagonist. It felt like such a rich perspective to follow a middle-aged mother who very much feels like her adventures are over into this magical adventure. However it was very clear that she was the centre of this book, and whilst I liked the moments of the other characters we get and the established found family they formed years ago, I wanted a bit more out of the side characters.
For some reason it took me a while to get into this book. I think it’s partially due to the first person perceptive - whilst the writing in this book is truly wonderful, I do tend not o struggle with first person regardless, especially when there’s only one POV. It makes the story feel very linear to me, which is fine but struggles to hold my personal short attention span. It also definitely picked up nearer the end - the beginning feels more historical, and it slowly morphs into a fantasy nearer the end, which I personally prefer more, so that might be another reason.
Still, I really enjoyed this book, and it will become a go-to recommendation for me.
Graphic: Gore, Murder, Torture, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Body horror, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, and Alcoholism
Minor: Addiction, Deadnaming, Death of parent, and Rape
deathmetalpainter's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Torture, and Blood
Moderate: Slavery, Trafficking, Sexism, Alcohol, Death, Gore, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
walkie_check's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pregnancy, Genocide, Xenophobia, Cursing, Child abuse, Animal cruelty, Deadnaming, Religious bigotry, Transphobia, and Death of parent
brynalexa's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Cursing, Kidnapping, Murder, Death of parent, Gore, Colonisation, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Body horror, Classism, Sexism, Slavery, Alcohol, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Grief, Misogyny, and War
Minor: Torture, Rape, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
bookishcori's review
4.25
Graphic: Torture, War, and Blood
sofiadanielle's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I have never thought myself to have a taste for pirate stories, never mind ones with humor at the forefront, but this book was utter perfection in that sense. Amina and her crew all seemed so alive and distinct as characters. The creatures and spirits, the fantastical otherworldly elements, all so colorfully written.
And can I say, what a breath of fresh air to have a whimsy, fantasy story featuring characters of color and folk lore not Euro-centered. I love my fantasy stories, really, but seldom find ones that are as popular as this one, that really puts these types of characters as the main characters/storyline.
Love, love, loved this read!
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Death, Blood, and Toxic relationship
achingallover's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I need to reread the daevabad trilogy now
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Classism, Grief, Alcohol, Death, Gore, Murder, Torture, Violence, and Vomit
lbelow's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Blood, Death, Body horror, Cursing, Gore, and Murder
Threat of sexual assault.laguerrelewis's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Death, Kidnapping, Body horror, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement and Religious bigotry
Minor: Deadnaming and Dysphoria