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elliereads580's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
It’s been a while since I’ve had this much fun reading a book!
First, the setting is incredibly well researched account of twelfth century life on the Indian Ocean. I loved learning about the port cities, life on a ship, beliefs and customs of that time and region.
But what really sucked me in were the characters. It was refreshing to read an adventure with middle aged heros — some of whom are parents!
I can’t wait to read more in this series and look forward to reading city of brass (by the same author).
First, the setting is incredibly well researched account of twelfth century life on the Indian Ocean. I loved learning about the port cities, life on a ship, beliefs and customs of that time and region.
But what really sucked me in were the characters. It was refreshing to read an adventure with middle aged heros — some of whom are parents!
I can’t wait to read more in this series and look forward to reading city of brass (by the same author).
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
brittanylee0302's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
This book was okay but I lost my interest in it about halfway through. The cover of this book has a kraken wrapped around a boat with 'adventures' being in the title which made me think this was going to be a fast pace adventure filled read & it really wasn't. Amina as a character is amazing, she's an older woman who is a bad ass mom & has been a little promiscuous through her life. However, when she goes to rescue people throughout the book she kind of loses some of her bad ass qualities. Magic is introduced in this book early on but it seems like the author kind of forgot they were writing a magical book until certain parts (minus Amina's husband). Overall, I had really high expectations for certain things in this book & felt consistently let down over them. I enjoyed the characters but the story just fell flat for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Alcohol, Kidnapping, and Torture
Minor: War, Blood, and Rape
fkshg8465's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
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
5.0
Such a fun book, with a huge and diverse cast of characters. I didn’t even mind the storytelling inside the storytelling format (usually highly annoyed by that), but that was because it was minimal and not as distracting as usual. Great book for all ages. Reminds me a bit of The Princess Bride - full of adventure and driven by the love for one person, plus the salvation of an entire species!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Transphobia, Bullying, Classism, Violence, War, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Physical abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Rape, and Torture
kaylaswhitmore's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
LOVED this book. As someone who can be quite picky about my fantasy fiction tropes, I feel that this Chakraborty managed to nail nearly all of my favorite ones. Strong female characters? Check. Immersive point of view? Check. Found family? Fucking CHECK. Balance between angst and fun? Check. Romance without excessive horniness? Check lol.
I found myself quickly enamored with the writing style as well as Amina’s narration. Normally, I can be pretty wishy-washy about first person POV, but Chakraborty’s choice felt so valid and intriguing. And her mastery of suspense and foreshadowing (often so tongue-in-cheek) kept me curious the whole way through. It was so much fun to bite into the tidbits of information we were given while waiting to truly discover the whole of the story, and I loved that the world felt just as wondrous to Amina as it did to me as the reader. For the first half of the book I was questioning what made the story “fantasy,” just as Amina was doubtful of magic—but when the fantastical elements did kick in? Boy, was it worth the wait. It felt so vivid and overwhelming and exciting, even as I was left wanting more of the world and its characters.
On the note of characters, I also highly appreciated how diverse the cast truly was—without it ever feeling like pandering. In fact, one of my favorite things about the story was how whimsical it felt despite remaining grounded in reality. I loved that Amina being a fearsome, female pirate was both acknowledged but not overly emphasized the way some historical fiction can be. I loved that Timbu was openly gay (at least to the crew and character), yet was not subject to cruelty and suffering based on his sexuality. I loved that Jamal was woven so craftily into the narration of the story without his trans/fluid identity ever feeling like a simple plot device. Chakraborty’s choices of characterization felt so genuine and charmingly blasé that I couldn’t help but wish for even more of each character.
As this is starting to get a bit lengthy, I’ll cut myself off here…but I do hope that she continues this world in some way so that my enjoyment of her writing can go on! I’ll definitely return to reading this book again, and hope that others have similar feelings as me!
I found myself quickly enamored with the writing style as well as Amina’s narration. Normally, I can be pretty wishy-washy about first person POV, but Chakraborty’s choice felt so valid and intriguing. And her mastery of suspense and foreshadowing (often so tongue-in-cheek) kept me curious the whole way through. It was so much fun to bite into the tidbits of information we were given while waiting to truly discover the whole of the story, and I loved that the world felt just as wondrous to Amina as it did to me as the reader. For the first half of the book I was questioning what made the story “fantasy,” just as Amina was doubtful of magic—but when the fantastical elements did kick in? Boy, was it worth the wait. It felt so vivid and overwhelming and exciting, even as I was left wanting more of the world and its characters.
On the note of characters, I also highly appreciated how diverse the cast truly was—without it ever feeling like pandering. In fact, one of my favorite things about the story was how whimsical it felt despite remaining grounded in reality. I loved that Amina being a fearsome, female pirate was both acknowledged but not overly emphasized the way some historical fiction can be. I loved that Timbu was openly gay (at least to the crew and character), yet was not subject to cruelty and suffering based on his sexuality. I loved that Jamal was woven so craftily into the narration of the story without his trans/fluid identity ever feeling like a simple plot device. Chakraborty’s choices of characterization felt so genuine and charmingly blasé that I couldn’t help but wish for even more of each character.
As this is starting to get a bit lengthy, I’ll cut myself off here…but I do hope that she continues this world in some way so that my enjoyment of her writing can go on! I’ll definitely return to reading this book again, and hope that others have similar feelings as me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Physical abuse, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Blood, Cursing, Religious bigotry, Toxic relationship, and Gore
Moderate: Addiction, Slavery, Sexism, Alcohol, Misogyny, Alcoholism, Transphobia, Genocide, Grief, and Islamophobia
Minor: Deadnaming and Rape
fanboyriot's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.0
♡ At Sea Battles
♡ Pirate Romance
♡ An Ultimate Pirate Adventure
This was filled with adventure, leaving no room for a dull moment. The cover of this book fit the vibe so well.
I had a lot of fun reading this, even if high fantasy isn’t typically my genre; this was so lovely. The attention to details, the world building, and of course, the plot were all so entertaining.
I really enjoyed how the author wrote adult characters who seemed realistic. Like the main character dealing with chronic pain for example, being a single parent and worrying about her daughter’s wellbeing, and having a past that left her untrusting of most people.
Spice Level: 🌶️ (1/5)
Angst Level: 💧 (1/5)
POV: First Person
Release Date: 28, February 2023
Rep: BIPOC (Main and Side Characters), Trans (Side Character), LGBTQIA+ (Side Characters)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Torture, Death, Misogyny, Body horror, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Violence, Blood, and Gore
Moderate: Animal death, Slavery, Classism, Toxic relationship, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Alcohol, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Vomit, Colonisation, Sexism, War, Grief, and Transphobia
Minor: Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, Rape, Trafficking, Abandonment, Cannibalism, Addiction, Dysphoria, and Pregnancy
quiet_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, and Violence
Moderate: Sexism, Deadnaming, Injury/Injury detail, and War
Minor: Slavery, Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Transphobia, and Child abuse
marioosa517's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Genocide, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Violence, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
Moderate: Pedophilia, Body horror, Cannibalism, Animal cruelty, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Genocide, Colonisation, Sexual harassment, and Violence
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Biphobia, Death of parent, Infertility, Lesbophobia, Pregnancy, Rape, Drug use, Dysphoria, Homophobia, Transphobia, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
wartse's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Rape
clavishorti's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
In the splendid literary masterpiece The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon A. Chakraborty, I must confess that my attention has been captivated for quite some time. It is not merely the enchanting cover of the book, designed by Mumtaz Mustafa and illustrated by Ivan Belikov, but also the epic promises emanating from its story premise that have drawn me in. Thus, with a hopeful heart, I embarked upon the journey through its pages.
However, I did not immediately immerse myself in the narrative. It took me some time to navigate its intricate plot. Initially, my perspective was adrift amidst the flowing waves of words, compounded by confusion regarding the narrative viewpoint presented. Additionally, the varied vocabulary employed in the story remained partially veiled to my understanding. It was regrettable that, when consulting the footnotes or glossary provided, explanations for these words were rarely found. Consequently, I found myself investing extra time in comprehending each sentence, resorting to digital sources and the like for answers. Nonetheless, with patience and perseverance, I eventually succeeded in assimilating every nuance presented within the tale’s pages.
The tale of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon A. Chakraborty indeed revives the glory of a nakhuda named Amina al-Sirafi, immortalized as a hero amidst the mist of the ocean. She, a courageous woman, wearied from sailing across oceans to traverse time.
Amina, oh Amina, an intrepid explorer with a fiery spirit burning within her. Alongside her steadfast companions, she traverses the corners of the world, uncovering mysteries amidst the twinkling stars. Yet, when the curtain of retirement finally shrouds her vision, a sudden call beckons her to return to the sea that yearns for her. Although the joy of embracing it once more fills her, lament and regret reign within her, compelling her to leave her beloved family once more.
Thus unfolds a new chapter of Amina’s adventure, each step akin to a cluster of stars dancing in the sky. An adventure not only captivating but also filled with wonders and darkness. Otherworldly creatures, enchanting magic, and even bloodshed adorn her journey.
In this tale, Shannon A. Chakraborty presents a rich and intricate portrayal of the fantasy world created, a world that breathes life into its culture, history, and politics. With a storytelling style flowing like a river and descriptions that transform into living paintings, readers are invited to immerse themselves in the whirlpool of a captivating adventure, brimming with surprises and gripping tension.
As I sailed deeper into the currents of the story, pleasure undoubtedly crept into my soul. Even in the serene silence, tension danced at the edge of my heart, while frustration approached, evoking a sense of palpable frustration. However, some aspects of the story still seemed too shallow to explore fully.
Within the recesses of my heart, a bittersweet essence lingered, complementing the journey in certain parts. Just like any great literary work, this book has become a focal point of debate and diverse studies among its observers and enthusiasts. Opinions gathered may vary regarding the cultural, social, or political representations in this story, as well as different perspectives on the evolution of characters and plots unfolded.
There are cheers and somber reflections adorning the discussion, particularly when Shannon A. Chakraborty portrays the culture and religion amidst a landscape imbued with the aroma of the Middle East and the distinctive Arab flavor. Some feel a sharp impact, while others feel respected, or even identify weaknesses within it.
Yet, amidst the deluge of opinions and torrents of criticism, it is crucial to remember that every stroke of the pen carries subjective interpretations and reactions. Diversity of viewpoints is one of the hidden treasures amidst the flow of literary discourse. Despite varying opinions and interpretations, within them lies the magic that makes literature a wellspring of inspiration, self-reflection, and a cornerstone of critical reflection.
With all the grandeur and controversy surrounding the tale of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, it is undeniable that it remains a topic of conversation among literature enthusiasts. Amidst the cheers and somber reflections, discussions about cultural values, religious thoughts, and the intricacies of the plot continue to flow like an ever-running river. It is a work that invites deep reflection, sparks discussions that stimulate critical thinking, and adds an unforgettable hue to the tapestry of the world’s literary richness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Torture, Body horror, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Slavery, and Alcohol
tinkeringcheck's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The first 2/3 of this book was a VERY enthusiastic 5 stars for me. The slow burn of this found family of middle-aged former pirates getting the gang back together for one last (very personal) job just sucked me in. The descriptive-yet-witty narration does an incredible job of immersing you in their world and making this place and time come to life. And I absolutely adored Amina's old crew, who each felt like unique, fleshed out people. The story really sold their existing sibling-esque bonds, which is no easy feat for a story that picks up decades after those relationships were forged.
And I especially - ESPECIALLY - loved Amina al-Sirafi as a POV character. She's a middle-aged sea rat with a bad knee and a penchant for swearing. She's sharp and funny, observant and ambitious, long-suffering and guilt-ridden. She's devoted to her family and crew and tries her best to balance both. She's faithful but certainly no saint. She's genuinely the most fascinating narrator I've read in recent memory and I love her SO much. And I don't usually like 1st person! Her narration, how she sees the world, and her relationships with her old crew just sparkle off the page.
I also loved the framing technique of Amina telling her story and her hilarious back-and-forth with the scribe writing it down. It's genuinely so fun, and it gives the scribe their own voice when they interject with asides and bits of historical letters to help you contextualize the ports and places in the story.
What fell a little flat for me was the pacing in the last 1/3 of the book. It felt like the story switched genres and backslid into stereotypical fantasy plotting, complete with a shoehorned quest to extend it into a series. Maybe I misjudged the genre (I went in mostly blind and have never read this author before) but I thought the story was stronger when the supernatural aspects lurked around the edges as a more unknown entity. Going full stereotypical fantasy killed some of that tension and mystery, and the cliché plotting weakened the writing for me. Personally, it just made those chapters a slog to get through.
But honestly, even if I found some of the pacing and plotting a bit disappointing, I still absolutely adored the characters and world-building. The pace picked back up for the climax and everything wrapped up in a satisfying way while promising future adventures with the most fun cast of characters I've read in a long time. Plus, on a superficial note, the cover is gorgeous (though my hardcover's sleeve seems designed for a book 100 pages thinner rip). If you can stomach the content warnings - which I'll go into below - I highly, highly recommend.
P.S. to fellow reviewers: It's possible to mention representation without spoiling things. Signed, atrans person delighted by the nuanced rep and yet spoiled by well-meaning reviewers. (And also by annoying reviewers who think the mere existence of queer people is inherently political or ahistorical. Insert eye roll here.)
And I especially - ESPECIALLY - loved Amina al-Sirafi as a POV character. She's a middle-aged sea rat with a bad knee and a penchant for swearing. She's sharp and funny, observant and ambitious, long-suffering and guilt-ridden. She's devoted to her family and crew and tries her best to balance both. She's faithful but certainly no saint. She's genuinely the most fascinating narrator I've read in recent memory and I love her SO much. And I don't usually like 1st person! Her narration, how she sees the world, and her relationships with her old crew just sparkle off the page.
I also loved the framing technique of Amina telling her story and her hilarious back-and-forth with the scribe writing it down. It's genuinely so fun, and it gives the scribe their own voice when they interject with asides and bits of historical letters to help you contextualize the ports and places in the story.
What fell a little flat for me was the pacing in the last 1/3 of the book. It felt like the story switched genres and backslid into stereotypical fantasy plotting, complete with a shoehorned quest to extend it into a series. Maybe I misjudged the genre (I went in mostly blind and have never read this author before) but I thought the story was stronger when the supernatural aspects lurked around the edges as a more unknown entity. Going full stereotypical fantasy killed some of that tension and mystery, and the cliché plotting weakened the writing for me. Personally, it just made those chapters a slog to get through.
But honestly, even if I found some of the pacing and plotting a bit disappointing, I still absolutely adored the characters and world-building. The pace picked back up for the climax and everything wrapped up in a satisfying way while promising future adventures with the most fun cast of characters I've read in a long time. Plus, on a superficial note, the cover is gorgeous (though my hardcover's sleeve seems designed for a book 100 pages thinner rip). If you can stomach the content warnings - which I'll go into below - I highly, highly recommend.
P.S. to fellow reviewers: It's possible to mention representation without spoiling things. Signed, a
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Body horror, Death, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Torture, Confinement, and Sexual assault
Minor: Classism, Colonisation, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cultural appropriation, Fire/Fire injury, Police brutality, Rape, Sexual content, Slavery, and Transphobia
1. The ship's cat is completely fine! He isn't harmed at all and is spoiled right to the end of the story.2. Most of the warnings in the moderate and minor sections are due to background societal issues in this time period. The narration is pretty lighthearted overall so most things are either briefly mentioned or actively challenged by the narrator.
3. The blood/gore/death/aftermath of torture/body horror is most prominent in the last 1/3 of the book, once they get to
4. The main character is implied to be a recovering alcoholic. The last time she got blackout drunk is relayed in detail as an important plot point in her past.
5. Gang rape is suddenly threatened by the villain on page 282 (hardcover ed.). Mild spoilers about what happens: