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bekkiikilham's review against another edition
4.0
At least a 4.5. I may only be rating it down half a point due to the circumstances which I read it (audiobook during my 1.5hr each way commute, which meant I wanted the journey to be over but not necessarily the book)
Great narration. Intriguing plot. Generally wholesome but exciting content. This is a good feel good book. I enjoyed the twist at the end as I was really wondering who the scribe was to do with the story or if it was just like a voice of God kind of thing.
I love how it's set in a non-white history. It portrays so many cultures that we aren't usually exposed to. Great learning opportunity.
Great narration. Intriguing plot. Generally wholesome but exciting content. This is a good feel good book. I enjoyed the twist at the end as I was really wondering who the scribe was to do with the story or if it was just like a voice of God kind of thing.
I love how it's set in a non-white history. It portrays so many cultures that we aren't usually exposed to. Great learning opportunity.
courtneyreviewsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This was great. I listened to the audiobook and it was the perfect audiobook for me: long runtime, excellent narration and voice work, fast-paced story.
I loved the Daevabad trilogy and while this is vastly different, it still struck the same chords. Amina is a flawed and hilarious character, the group of friends she rallies are all fascinating, and the villains are despicable (and also… maybe misunderstood?).
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a lengthy fantasy to get lost in.
I loved the Daevabad trilogy and while this is vastly different, it still struck the same chords. Amina is a flawed and hilarious character, the group of friends she rallies are all fascinating, and the villains are despicable (and also… maybe misunderstood?).
I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a lengthy fantasy to get lost in.
lauraboles9's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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
4.25
readwithmesashamarie's review against another edition
5.0
I love a good pirate tale, though admittedly I haven’t read many. I was excited for Amina al-Sirafi to take me on an adventure, to give me a window into her wondrous world, and to explore the unknown together.
I immediately loved how this book was set up to tell Amina’s story. We weave between the present day with Amina and a scribe, as Amina quips about language and being true to herself, and the past that is interspersed with articles depicting these current events and magical, celestial lore. The craft with which these writing and storytelling devices were included was so seamless; I never felt frustrated when we changed from past to present, or vice versa.
This novel had a few predictable moments, but I was so happy to see my heart’s desires for this story come to fruition. I loved the character development not only for Amina, but for her three most trusted crewmates. Getting to flit in and out of each of their personal lives for a few chapters while they were introduced, before officially rejoining Amina on this new journey, was such a great way to get a sense of these characters and what was driving them.
The fantastical elements in this novel caught me a little off guard if I’m being honest. While I had mentally been prepared for demons, I could not have predicted the magical island Amina washes up on. That was genuinely one of the strangest reading experiences I’ve had in quite some time. It was so far removed from what I normally read in fantasy novels, and yet so painstakingly descriptive that I can still vividly picture each dastardly creature.
I loved reading this book so much I didn’t want to finish it. What was supposed to be a week (or so) long reading challenge, ended up taking the better portion of the month. The biggest shock of all, and I’m truly kicking myself for not piecing it together, was the ending revelation. I’m so excited that this novel left off with the chance at future adventures with Amina and her crew. I’d love to be back in this world with them again.
Some things I didn’t mention at length but really enjoyed or appreciated: Amina’s religious practice and the conversation around her (and others) beliefs, a transgender character who is just starting their transition, the discussion on political power and how it can make one person safe while for others it means their genocide.
I immediately loved how this book was set up to tell Amina’s story. We weave between the present day with Amina and a scribe, as Amina quips about language and being true to herself, and the past that is interspersed with articles depicting these current events and magical, celestial lore. The craft with which these writing and storytelling devices were included was so seamless; I never felt frustrated when we changed from past to present, or vice versa.
This novel had a few predictable moments, but I was so happy to see my heart’s desires for this story come to fruition. I loved the character development not only for Amina, but for her three most trusted crewmates. Getting to flit in and out of each of their personal lives for a few chapters while they were introduced, before officially rejoining Amina on this new journey, was such a great way to get a sense of these characters and what was driving them.
The fantastical elements in this novel caught me a little off guard if I’m being honest. While I had mentally been prepared for demons, I could not have predicted the magical island Amina washes up on. That was genuinely one of the strangest reading experiences I’ve had in quite some time. It was so far removed from what I normally read in fantasy novels, and yet so painstakingly descriptive that I can still vividly picture each dastardly creature.
I loved reading this book so much I didn’t want to finish it. What was supposed to be a week (or so) long reading challenge, ended up taking the better portion of the month. The biggest shock of all, and I’m truly kicking myself for not piecing it together, was the ending revelation. I’m so excited that this novel left off with the chance at future adventures with Amina and her crew. I’d love to be back in this world with them again.
Some things I didn’t mention at length but really enjoyed or appreciated: Amina’s religious practice and the conversation around her (and others) beliefs, a transgender character who is just starting their transition, the discussion on political power and how it can make one person safe while for others it means their genocide.
inertia_ash's review against another edition
5.0
THIS WAS SO GOOD. This will definitely be a top 5 of the year, and I’m SO SAD this is the only book available in the series.
A 40-year-old ex female captain of a pirate ship gets the gang all together for one last adventure. This was fast paced, lovable characters, cartoon packed, very minimal romance and surprising lgbtq representation. I cannot wait for the next book and will be shouting from the rooftops for everyone to read this. 10/10 recommend. This was so so so good. Gahhhh
A 40-year-old ex female captain of a pirate ship gets the gang all together for one last adventure. This was fast paced, lovable characters, cartoon packed, very minimal romance and surprising lgbtq representation. I cannot wait for the next book and will be shouting from the rooftops for everyone to read this. 10/10 recommend. This was so so so good. Gahhhh
verovivaldi9's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
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
antoniacharlotte's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
slow-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
3.0
leontyna's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I had so much fun reading this book! I love reading about older characters and I really liked Amina's Crew. I'm looking forward to the next adventures of Al Sirafi.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Gore
simonedanielsson's review against another edition
5.0
WOW!!!! I need the next book now!!!! I don’t even have the words to describe how much I loved this, from beginning to end! Amina al-Sirafi is my biggest hero and I love her and this book was so cool and funny and SUCH an adventure! Aaaaaaah I am so excited that there’s going to be more of this!!!!