Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi

Absolutely amazing, there needs to be more mature/older main leads in fantasy. Amina's life experiences as a seasoned female pirate and mother make for a witty, complex, and action packed adventure.

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abrielleemory's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

How and why I let this book sit on my shelf for so long is beyond me.

The City of Brass series will forever go down as one of my favorite fantasy series and one of the best series I read in 2023. However, Amina’s story is pulling its own weight.

Chakraborty’s writing is unmatched. Informational, comical, emotional, and so unbelievably thorough. I’ve seen that the next book in the series is set for September 2025, so it looks like I’ll be anxiously awaiting Amina’s story until then.

My only critique is that there was no character glossary like The City of Brass had. Chakraborty’s complex characters need a little organization. But, considering the last chapter, I understand why some names could not be identified.

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aheyns's review against another edition

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adventurous dark 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? Yes

4.0

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epellicci's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny 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

5.0

I have so many things to say about this book. The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi is such an incredible, beautiful story. I was instantly drawn in by the romance of the writing. Amina is a sailor, and her love for the sea, the sky, and her people leapt from the page through her language.

Funny, bursting with family ties, and relentlessly action packed, the book begins with a somewhat reluctant exit from retirement. Amina is forced to get the band back together when the mother of an old crew-mate finds her, desperately in need of her legendary reputation. One last score is always too good to be true though, and what started as a fairly straightforward rescue mission soon turns sinister. Before long, she and her loved ones are wrapped up in supernatural myth, blood magic, and higher stakes than they could have ever imagined. The Adventures... is a gripping mystery, thoughtful examination of morality, and highly entertaining sea adventure all rolled into one. Shannon Chakraborty is a fantastic storyteller, and her decision to tell the story through the perspective of Jamal the scribe, writing with Amina's blessing felt both authentic and gave the tale great grandiosity. I will be thinking about these characters for a long time to come, and can't wait to get my hands on book 2.

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clavishorti's review against another edition

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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.

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_rowantree_'s review against another edition

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adventurous funny 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

4.5

There is so much I loved about this book and I may come back to write a proper review once I have digested it a bit more (/bought my own copy to cherish and reread multiple times). I borrowed this as an audiobook from the library and thought the voice actors were incredible, I would highly recommend. I also think this would make an amazing basis for a series and hope it gets a tv adaptation from someone who loves it as much as I did

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gabie_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

What an amazing surprise! What a journey!
I really liked the diverse cast of characters with all their flaws and personalities, especially the fact that the main character is a courageous middle-aged woman who owns her place in the world and leads in a mostly male line of work, who values being a mother but also misses her work and freedom.

I also really appreciated the setting of the story in the Indian Ocean, with historical facts and aspects of Muslim and other religions, their beliefs and myths - while also making room for such contemporary matters.
It reminded me of Pirates of the Caribbean and all the fun I had watching those films when I was younger, but much improved!

To be honest, for me this would be a perfect stand-alone book, I don't feel the need for a series, but let's see what Shannon Chakraborty comes up with!

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