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melinda_and_her_books's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my audiobook copy of this book
I honestly thought this would be one i would enjoy but I didn't care for it very much. I found it a little boring. I didn't care for the narrators on this one also.
I don't know though, maybe I would of enjoyed this one a little more if I actually read the physical book.
I just got to say though the sound effects when a new chapter would start scared the crap out of me the first time.
I honestly thought this would be one i would enjoy but I didn't care for it very much. I found it a little boring. I didn't care for the narrators on this one also.
I don't know though, maybe I would of enjoyed this one a little more if I actually read the physical book.
I just got to say though the sound effects when a new chapter would start scared the crap out of me the first time.
apollo2000's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
abaugher's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great audiobook, complete with multiple character perspectives and identifying sound effects to let the reader know when the story is in the sky, on the sea, or on the shore. The names are more middle eastern and the cultures are interesting to learn about as the story progresses. This is a great beginning to what clearly must become more than a single book.
wisecraic's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.5
ameserole's review against another edition
1.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, so when I saw that the audio version was available on NetGalley... I was intrigued. I mean, this book has a 4 star rating on Goodreads so this pirate book might be good. Yeah, no, this rating is filled with lies. The synopsis sounded great because sky pirates? Heck yeah, I'm into that.
Yet, I felt nothing for anyone in this book. In it, you will meet Zala who was ehh okay. Not my favorite person in the entire book world. She is trying to find her way to her husband because they were separated. Throughout the book, there are so many action packed battles or fights.. that did absolutely nothing for me. I feel like I zoned out for so much of this book.. but have no fear - it's on Kindle Unlimited.
Other than that, I got to the end of the book without even knowing it. I think I might've sat with my headphones still in my ears for about 5 minutes before I realized that the audiobook was over. Even though it had potential to be a good book.. this just did nothing for me. I'm sure the second book might make more sense but I have no desire to dive into that.
Okay, so when I saw that the audio version was available on NetGalley... I was intrigued. I mean, this book has a 4 star rating on Goodreads so this pirate book might be good. Yeah, no, this rating is filled with lies. The synopsis sounded great because sky pirates? Heck yeah, I'm into that.
Yet, I felt nothing for anyone in this book. In it, you will meet Zala who was ehh okay. Not my favorite person in the entire book world. She is trying to find her way to her husband because they were separated. Throughout the book, there are so many action packed battles or fights.. that did absolutely nothing for me. I feel like I zoned out for so much of this book.. but have no fear - it's on Kindle Unlimited.
Other than that, I got to the end of the book without even knowing it. I think I might've sat with my headphones still in my ears for about 5 minutes before I realized that the audiobook was over. Even though it had potential to be a good book.. this just did nothing for me. I'm sure the second book might make more sense but I have no desire to dive into that.
popthebutterfly's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: I received an e-book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: By Sea & Sky
Author: Antoine Bandele
Book Series: The Sky Pirate Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: pirates, romance, rescue, revenge
Publication Date: June 19, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, kidnapping TW, romance)
Publisher: Bandele Books
Pages: 414
Synopsis: With no magic, no brawn, and no pirate crew, Zala seeks to steal back the one treasure that matters to her most: her husband.
To succeed she needs a ship—and not just any ship, but the latest, secret invention by the Vaaji Empire. An airship.
Zala will have to use her wits to overcome scoundrels and nobles alike on her journey through the clouds.
But if she's smart enough, she may just have what it takes to save her husband—and go down in history as the first sky pirate.
Delve into a pirate fantasy inspired by the West Indies, The Swahili Coast, and Arabia, where Zala will encounter ruthless raiders, arrogant aristocrats, and imperial secrets.
Review: Overall, this was a great read! The book had some great character development and I really liked how Karim was set up in this book. The book had an intriguing plot as well and the book was amazing for people, like me, who crave more pirate books!
However, I thought that the world building could have been built up a little bit more and that the plot could have been built up better. The plot and pacing made the book really slow and I think it could have been done a bit better if things happened sooner in the novel.
Verdict: A great pirate read!
Book: By Sea & Sky
Author: Antoine Bandele
Book Series: The Sky Pirate Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: pirates, romance, rescue, revenge
Publication Date: June 19, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, kidnapping TW, romance)
Publisher: Bandele Books
Pages: 414
Synopsis: With no magic, no brawn, and no pirate crew, Zala seeks to steal back the one treasure that matters to her most: her husband.
To succeed she needs a ship—and not just any ship, but the latest, secret invention by the Vaaji Empire. An airship.
Zala will have to use her wits to overcome scoundrels and nobles alike on her journey through the clouds.
But if she's smart enough, she may just have what it takes to save her husband—and go down in history as the first sky pirate.
Delve into a pirate fantasy inspired by the West Indies, The Swahili Coast, and Arabia, where Zala will encounter ruthless raiders, arrogant aristocrats, and imperial secrets.
Review: Overall, this was a great read! The book had some great character development and I really liked how Karim was set up in this book. The book had an intriguing plot as well and the book was amazing for people, like me, who crave more pirate books!
However, I thought that the world building could have been built up a little bit more and that the plot could have been built up better. The plot and pacing made the book really slow and I think it could have been done a bit better if things happened sooner in the novel.
Verdict: A great pirate read!
princessleopard's review against another edition
4.0
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating: 4.25 stars
This was a fun read! I really dug the setting and diverse cast, especially how it's not just face-value diversity. There's real effort into creating several different cultures/languages/belief systems, vs everyone behaving exactly the same, just with different skin tones. I really liked pretty much the whole cast, especially Fon and the pakka character. They were good fantasy touches, and I love their relationship. Seeing both sides of the plot was also interesting - both are sympathetic, without either being painted as overtly immoral, though Karim does some questionable things.
I was disappointed with the plot, however. Because we're split between two smaller plotlines, it feels like it moves quite slowly, and unfortunately by the end, nothing is really ever gained on either side. It's a bit of a downer, really, since the big thing our heroine was after falls through and people get hurt, and our hero doesn't really accomplish anything but not dying. Obviously it's all set-up for the rest of the series, but I was left with a pretty hollow feeling by the last page. Maybe that's the point, but I feel like a swashbuckling adventure should have at least a few moments of triumph.
Overall, though, I was pleased with the story, especially the world/setting, and am very eager to continue the series! I'd definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys pirate stories, or fantasy novels in general. For a series with a similar setting, I'd also recommend Knightmare Arcanist by Shami Stovall, it's a fun little ride with a focus on the high seas.
Actual rating: 4.25 stars
This was a fun read! I really dug the setting and diverse cast, especially how it's not just face-value diversity. There's real effort into creating several different cultures/languages/belief systems, vs everyone behaving exactly the same, just with different skin tones. I really liked pretty much the whole cast, especially Fon and the pakka character. They were good fantasy touches, and I love their relationship. Seeing both sides of the plot was also interesting - both are sympathetic, without either being painted as overtly immoral, though Karim does some questionable things.
I was disappointed with the plot, however. Because we're split between two smaller plotlines, it feels like it moves quite slowly, and unfortunately by the end, nothing is really ever gained on either side. It's a bit of a downer, really, since the big thing our heroine was after falls through and people get hurt, and our hero doesn't really accomplish anything but not dying. Obviously it's all set-up for the rest of the series, but I was left with a pretty hollow feeling by the last page. Maybe that's the point, but I feel like a swashbuckling adventure should have at least a few moments of triumph.
Overall, though, I was pleased with the story, especially the world/setting, and am very eager to continue the series! I'd definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys pirate stories, or fantasy novels in general. For a series with a similar setting, I'd also recommend Knightmare Arcanist by Shami Stovall, it's a fun little ride with a focus on the high seas.
francescamcm's review
4.0
I am someone who has been hit or miss with fantasy on many occasions. As such, when I saw the announcement for Antoine's book on YouTube I was intrigued. Pirates, fantasy, and a connection to African culture - a combination I'd not fully heard of before, so I brought the book.
This story is one which is a fascinating read and a great entry point for those looking for a gateway into fantasy books, as well as those who are hoping for a new take on the fantasy "tropes". Your reluctant hero who isn't really a hero, the ambitious good but not really good guy, and the twist on the 'hero's not so heroic journey' is one that grabbed my attention from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to its subsequent sequels.
This story is one which is a fascinating read and a great entry point for those looking for a gateway into fantasy books, as well as those who are hoping for a new take on the fantasy "tropes". Your reluctant hero who isn't really a hero, the ambitious good but not really good guy, and the twist on the 'hero's not so heroic journey' is one that grabbed my attention from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to its subsequent sequels.
elderkinhv's review
adventurous
tense
medium-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
3.5