Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty

31 reviews

anni_swanilda's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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? No

5.0


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bel017's review against another edition

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adventurous
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Excellent world building, fabulous characters, a theatrical plot. Exactly what I needed to read right now. There's magic and faraway lands mixed with real historical places, and thoughtful contemplation of being a working mother.

I adore Amina's pragmatic voice. I relate so much to that mentality of getting on with the job in front of you, even though you'd really rather have a lie down. Her competence, humor and practically, and the way she accepts magical forces as just another idiotic thing she has to deal with was a delight.

I loved Amina's pull between motherhood and her own desires, though I would have liked to have seen that more resolved. And the plot points put in to make this the first book of a series felt forced; this is a complete tale, why does everything have to be a series now?

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edamamebean's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny inspiring mysterious reflective 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

5.0

I loved this book so much that without even realizing what I was doing, I kissed the very last page affectionately. No one writes fantasy like Shannon Chakraborty, and this book is no exception. 

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boglord's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny 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


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librarianmage's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring 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


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unboxedjack's review against another edition

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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

3.5


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lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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

I picked this as my Book of the Month for March, and I also ended up receiving an additional copy in my FairyLoot subscription.
"The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi" follows ex-pirate and single mother, Amina al-Sirafi, on a wild adventure to rescue a young girl. Amina al-Sirafi gave up her ship, crew, and perilous life when she had her daughter, but she still feels the pull to return to the water and go on a grand adventure. A former crewmember's mother tracks down Amina al-Sirafi and asks for her help in finding and returning the crewmember's daughter. If Amina al-Sirafi can return the girl, the elderly woman has promised more money than Amina al-Sirafi could ever imagine. She is hesitant to put herself and by proxy her daughter in danger, but she cannot turn down this opportunity to set her family up for life. With everything on the line, Amina al-Sirafi embarks on an unforgettable adventure.
I knew that this book was about a pirate going on a great adventure, but I did not realize the pirate was a middle-aged woman and mother. I really, really loved seeing this badass woman going on this great adventure but still struggling with the guilt of motherhood. She wants to be home with her daughter, but the sea and adventure also call to her. She would do anything for her family, but her mother does not really approve of her lifestyle. The fantasy genre is so saturated with young people, at least the books I gravitate towards, so I loved seeing this strong main character who is in a different chapter of her life.
This story has some light magical and fantastical elements. I really enjoyed reading these moments because they felt laced with culture and history that I am not entirely familiar with. I really enjoyed learning more about a different country's history and lore. I also really enjoyed that the magic was not overly complicated and did not take me out of the story. I personally really enjoy fantasy novels that are still rooted in the realms of reality.
I feel ready to set sail and find treasure, and I cannot wait to pick up the sequel of this book when it comes out! 

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cerilouisereads's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny hopeful inspiring 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


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amy_w_1998's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

This was a really really great read. Amina has such a clear voice and personality that comes through with the writing. Also, one of the best audiobooks I’ve heard in a while too! Definitely recommend this one ☺️

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ezwolf's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Amina Al-Sirafi is a retired pirate trying to live out her retirement in peace with her daughter and family. When the mother of one of Amina's long dead crewmates comes to hire her to retrieve her kidnapped granddaughter, Amina brings her crew together for one last adventure. As you may have guessed, this adventure does not go as planned.

I loved this book SO much! Amina's devotion to her daughter, her sense of humor, and her crew being more than her crew but being her family were what I enjoyed most.  The end of the book had me crying, but and not for the reasons you might think. I can't wait to read about more of Amina's adventures! 

I listened to the audiobook version and I thought it was done in a clever way, where at points the narrator, Amina, would turn away from the recorder and speak to the scribe detailing her adventures. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for making this available in exchange for an honest review. 

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