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fantasticalsam's review against another edition
funny
1.5
In contrast to the first book, which had a structured and tight plot, linear character development, and problematic regarding race in a way that made it difficult to tell if it was a criticism of the historical time period or not...this book bore no such unclarity.
This novel is orientalist and racist in a seemingly inclusive way that does not challenge settler-colonialism or racial bias. It's a coming of age novel, but the racism inherent to how Felicity (white main character) sees Sim (Algerian queerplatonic interest) in the first and second acts isn't ever actually addressed. Rather, the bias is written off as Felicity being distrustful of "pirates", but the group was saved by pirates last book - and in this book again! None of this character's choices make sense if she's not racist, and the fact that Sim doesn't ever call that out and is smitten with her (and, kisses Felicity without any hint of permission at one point which harkens to the predatory masculine/racially masculinized lesbian trope in a deeply uncomfortable way) is wrong.
It did have the unfortunate pairing of (1) the most nonsense plot I've ever seen, and (2) an incredibly funny line every hour or so that made it a very funny book to check out from the library and make fun of with my spouse. I wouldn't recommend it.
This novel is orientalist and racist in a seemingly inclusive way that does not challenge settler-colonialism or racial bias. It's a coming of age novel, but the racism inherent to how Felicity (white main character) sees Sim (Algerian queerplatonic interest) in the first and second acts isn't ever actually addressed. Rather, the bias is written off as Felicity being distrustful of "pirates", but the group was saved by pirates last book - and in this book again! None of this character's choices make sense if she's not racist, and the fact that Sim doesn't ever call that out and is smitten with her (and, kisses Felicity without any hint of permission at one point which harkens to the predatory masculine/racially masculinized lesbian trope in a deeply uncomfortable way) is wrong.
It did have the unfortunate pairing of (1) the most nonsense plot I've ever seen, and (2) an incredibly funny line every hour or so that made it a very funny book to check out from the library and make fun of with my spouse. I wouldn't recommend it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Violence, Blood, Islamophobia, Fire/Fire injury, and Colonisation
pax_'s review
adventurous
inspiring
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Blood, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Drug use, Toxic relationship, and Islamophobia
abookandaspotoftea's review
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I preface this review by stating that I am not typically driven to write a review in rage, but this book and the author have received so much praise despite being extremely problematic. I appreciate that the author centered an ace (or asexual) lead character. I also understand that this book is a historical fantasy and should be treated with a grain of salt.
Things that I loathe about this book:
Things that I loathe about this book:
- the normalization of white feminism
- the overt racism and Islamophobia
- the colonization fangirling
To @Mackenzi Lee and those who praised this book:
- Removing a person's ḥijāb without consent is a gross violation and should NEVER be normalized.
- Casually dropping the "N" word is NEVER okay. Also, get it through your daft head: the immediate assumption that black people are thieves and criminals is NOT okay. A half-hearted apology does not make up for this ridiculous shit. Stop using this as a trope.
- The idea that it is okay to plunder another nation for its resources is NOT okay. And sit your white feminist ass down with your holier-than-thou attitude that colonizers will use these looted resources to "heal" the world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Islamophobia, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism