gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
The Details:
Narrated by Lameece Issaq and Amin El Gamal
Unabridged
Buddy read with Ellie (Bibbidi bobbidi books).
Blended reading (physical + audio).
I really enjoyed my time journeying through the adventures (quite epic in proportions) of Amina.
What a strong character she was, and one that was beautifully mirrored by her fierce love for her daughter and family. I love that she even made mention that even though she had put aside her sailing days after having her child, it didn't stop her from being a nakhudha. I thought that was a strong and inspiring way of thinking - you can wear many hats as you go through different life stages.
This was an exciting and fun read. During the portions where I listened to the audiobook, i found the narrator to be an excellent carrier of tone and inflection and brought even more life to the story.
I was really intrigued by the origins of Amina's child and how her heritage could shape her as she ages. I hope we get more of this in a sequel.
There had been some good little twists that built up the air of being on edge and lack of trust, which I thought was handled really well and applied an uncomfortable amounr of tension to the scene. During these times, I enjoyed Amina's inner reflections on how she would have handled the situation 10 years ago (rash, hasty, full on violence) compared with now (always having her family and their safety in her mind).
I thought all the characters were exceptionally written and the banter added to the believability of their arcs. I would love to see even more magic explored in sequential plots.
Narrated by Lameece Issaq and Amin El Gamal
Unabridged
Buddy read with Ellie (Bibbidi bobbidi books).
Blended reading (physical + audio).
I really enjoyed my time journeying through the adventures (quite epic in proportions) of Amina.
What a strong character she was, and one that was beautifully mirrored by her fierce love for her daughter and family. I love that she even made mention that even though she had put aside her sailing days after having her child, it didn't stop her from being a nakhudha. I thought that was a strong and inspiring way of thinking - you can wear many hats as you go through different life stages.
This was an exciting and fun read. During the portions where I listened to the audiobook, i found the narrator to be an excellent carrier of tone and inflection and brought even more life to the story.
I was really intrigued by the origins of Amina's child and how her heritage could shape her as she ages. I hope we get more of this in a sequel.
There had been some good little twists that built up the air of being on edge and lack of trust, which I thought was handled really well and applied an uncomfortable amounr of tension to the scene. During these times, I enjoyed Amina's inner reflections on how she would have handled the situation 10 years ago (rash, hasty, full on violence) compared with now (always having her family and their safety in her mind).
I thought all the characters were exceptionally written and the banter added to the believability of their arcs. I would love to see even more magic explored in sequential plots.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Murder, Hate crime, and Genocide
cameronreads's review against another edition
4.0
There is a lot to like about this book. If you like pirate stories, you’ll love this; if you’re looking for an adventure with a middle-aged protagonist, you’ll love this; if you want a story with a rich magic and vibrant setting, you’ll love this. Chakraborty has the most wonderful way of writing setting. It really made this book for me. You can tell the amount of careful research that went into this book, but also the care that went into bringing the research to life. It feels so vibrant and magical.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
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
indigoriverboat's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
What a joyous romp! I loved reading about Amina Al-Safir, her reunited, old crew, the choices from her past that haunt her, and her love of her daughter. This book spins a wild, mystical tale with plenty of twists and turns, adventures both magical and mundane, and flawed, lovable characters. The pace really picks up in the last half of the book. I could not put it down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Slavery, Sexual assault, and Torture
deathmetalpainter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Awesome fantasy novel with historical backing. It's not often I get to read of Arabian pirates.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Torture, and Blood
Moderate: Slavery, Trafficking, Sexism, Alcohol, Death, Gore, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
rorikae's review
adventurous
emotional
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
'The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi' by Shannon Chakraborty is a fun and fast paced historical fantasy novel.
Amina al-Sirafi has put her pirate days behind her. Now she lives with her daughter and mother far away from the rumors about her younger days. But Amina's calm life is thrown into turmoil when a woman comes looking for her help and knows exactly who she is. Her granddaughter has been kidnapped and she offers Amina a pretty sum to go rescue her. Amina has no interest until she learns who the granddaughter is and how she's tied to Amina's past. She'll have to get the band back together if she has any hope of completing her quest.
Chakraborty has created such a fun historical fantasy novel full of great characters, peril, and a dash of the fantastic. I love pirate stories and this one does not disappoint. This novel is also a breath of fresh air among the troves of novels centered on character in their 20s. Amina and her crew are nearing middle age with a number of adventures behind them. Chakraborty does an excellent job of slowing rolling out information about Amina and her crew's past.
The audiobook of this is fantastic and actually leans into the frame story of Amina telling this tale herself. I'm so excited that this is the start of a series because I can't wait to go sailing with Amina and her crew again.
Amina al-Sirafi has put her pirate days behind her. Now she lives with her daughter and mother far away from the rumors about her younger days. But Amina's calm life is thrown into turmoil when a woman comes looking for her help and knows exactly who she is. Her granddaughter has been kidnapped and she offers Amina a pretty sum to go rescue her. Amina has no interest until she learns who the granddaughter is and how she's tied to Amina's past. She'll have to get the band back together if she has any hope of completing her quest.
Chakraborty has created such a fun historical fantasy novel full of great characters, peril, and a dash of the fantastic. I love pirate stories and this one does not disappoint. This novel is also a breath of fresh air among the troves of novels centered on character in their 20s. Amina and her crew are nearing middle age with a number of adventures behind them. Chakraborty does an excellent job of slowing rolling out information about Amina and her crew's past.
The audiobook of this is fantastic and actually leans into the frame story of Amina telling this tale herself. I'm so excited that this is the start of a series because I can't wait to go sailing with Amina and her crew again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, and Death
Moderate: Xenophobia, Torture, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Rape and Sexual violence
brynalexa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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
5.0
Amazingly perfect from the protagonist to the villain to the clever twist. So happy to see some nods to the Daevabad trilogy as well! Cannot wait for the second book!
Content Warnings
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
grizzlysnack's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A fantastical pirate story that is sure to keep you hooked from the first chapter! The characters are practically jumping off the pages as you read, and the world building in this book is both enthralling and terrifying!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Gore, and Torture
Minor: Alcohol and Kidnapping
bookishcori's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
4.25
Give me all the 40-something woman pirates who are parents.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, War, and Blood
achingallover's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.5
Slow start but SO GOOD
I need to reread the daevabad trilogy now
I need to reread the daevabad trilogy now
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Classism, Grief, Alcohol, Death, Gore, Murder, Torture, Violence, and Vomit
kurumipanda's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
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
5.0
Amina, an infamous smuggler/pirate, comes out of retirement and gets her crew back together for one last job. Plans go awry and both danger and hilarity ensue. Great adventure story with funny, distinct, and lively characters. Excellent as an audiobook; it has a frame narrative from a scribe who is relating Amina’s story as she told it to him, and Amina’s asides to him really come to life in audio.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture, Transphobia, War, Alcohol, Cannibalism, Classism, Sexual violence, and Slavery