Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

Shannon Chakraborty, the bestselling author of The City of Brass, spins a new trilogy of magic and mayhem on the high seas in this tale of pirates and sorcerers, forbidden artifacts and ancient mysteries, in one woman’s determined quest to seize a final chance at glory—and write her own legend.

Amina al-Sirafi should be content. After a storied and scandalous career as one of the Indian Ocean’s most notorious pirates, she’s survived backstabbing rogues, vengeful merchant princes, several husbands, and one actual demon to retire peacefully with her family to a life of piety, motherhood, and absolutely nothing that hints of the supernatural.

But when she’s tracked down by the obscenely wealthy mother of a former crewman, she’s offered a job no bandit could refuse: retrieve her comrade’s kidnapped daughter for a kingly sum. The chance to have one last adventure with her crew, do right by an old friend, and win a fortune that will secure her family’s future forever? It seems like such an obvious choice that it must be God’s will.

Yet the deeper Amina dives, the more it becomes alarmingly clear there’s more to this job, and the girl’s disappearance, than she was led to believe. For there’s always risk in wanting to become a legend, to seize one last chance at glory, to savor just a bit more power…and the price might be your very soul.
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nominator: Judith

Chapter Breakdown

Date		Chapters 	%age		MPDQs
16 Mar		1 - 6		21%		Judith
17 Mar		7 - 13		40%		Catherine
18 Mar		14 - 19		61%		Cat
19 Mar		******BREAK DAY********
20 Mar		20 - 27		78%		[Judith]
21 Mar		28 - end	100%		Alysa

Guidance for DQ setters
Aim for a reasonable number of questions: 4 - 5 is typical. Please don't post too many - any more than 7 gets unwieldy!
Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
Don't worry too much about your questions: you aren't being tested on how clever your questions are!
Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
- What about the characters - do they generate strong feelings? No feelings? - either way, we can explore that!
- What about that plot twist?!
- Explore the writing style: is there an unusual structure being used? what's the tone of voice like? or the point of view?

Want more information about how NBRC runs their Book of the Month discussions? Check out the information here

Participation Verified

Judith https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Catherine https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
MelanieJoy https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Angie https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Yay! my nomination won

I hope this is a fun as it looks :)

I'll join the discussion if I can but can't do questions.

I can join in on this one

I think I've got a copy and can join in

Me too! But I don't promise to stay on-schedule lol

break down is up! Alysa, maybe you could commit to the last section? No worries if not - we can flex :)

I can grab a second day if needs be

Moderators of NBRC wrote: "break down is up! Alysa, maybe you could commit to the last section? No worries if not - we can flex :)"

If we put in a break day I think I'll be able to manage last section questions on 3/21...

I think we can do that.
I'm out and about at the moment, but imagine a break day inserted after day 3

DQs Day 1
Beginning - Ch 6

1.) Do you have any expectations going in? Have you read The Daevabad Trilogy (starting with The City of Brass)?

2.) Right off the bat, the quote "that to be a woman is to have your story misremembered". What do you think about this statement?

3.) Did complaining about the annoyances and expense of home maintenance make the legendary pirate seem more real and relatable even after fighting off a demon in the previous chapter?

4.) There seems to be a fun bit of the mystical woven into this world. Do you think Marjana's father is human?

5.) Are you liking how the book is structured? Like we are sitting at Amina's feet while she tells her tale with some fun extra thrown in between chapters.

DQs Day 1
Beginning - Ch 6

1.) Do you have any expectations going in? Have you read The Daevabad Trilogy (starting with The City of Brass)?
I have read this trilogy and have expectations of interesting mystical beings popping up at some point. And some creative ways to weave in the cultural lore of this part of the world. Which I enjoy because it's different and cultural lore I am less familiar with as a white lady from the US.

2.) Right off the bat, the quote "that to be a woman is to have your story misremembered". What do you think about this statement?
I think it's one hundred precent true and most women have their story lost to time as most of the literature people of the past are predominately men who didn't think women were of interest from a historical record perspective.
I'm also assuming this is going to be a story of a badass lady :)

3.) Did complaining about the annoyances and expense of home maintenance make the legendary pirate seem more real and relatable even after fighting off a demon in the previous chapter?
LOL, yes. I was like preach sister. The never ending expense of home maintenance is annoying and no joke.

4.) There seems to be a fun bit of the mystical woven into this world. Do you think Marjana's father is human?
No, I don't. Not sure if he's a demon though as I'm not sure what other types of mystical creatures exist in this world.

5.) Are you liking how the book is structured? Like we are sitting at Amina's feet while she tells her tale with some fun extra thrown in between chapters.
I'm really enjoying the set up and all the characters so far. She's funny and old enough to not be willing to put up with any of the BS. She reminds me of one of my great aunts who I miss dearly (if my great aunt had been a notorious pirate).

DQs Day 1
Beginning - Ch 6

1.) Do you have any expectations going in? Have you read The Daevabad Trilogy (starting with The City of Brass)?

I *hoped* this would be as good as it looked, but I tried to keep my expectations on the lower side because I didn't like City of Brass enough to continue with the rest of The Daevabad Trilogy. It wasn't terrible or anything, just a bit meh. This, on the other hand, was giving Delilah Dirk vibes, but more literary. And the author seems to have evolved in a good way.

2.) Right off the bat, the quote "that to be a woman is to have your story misremembered". What do you think about this statement?

Sadly it's often true. I mean, I suppose plenty of non-women have their stories misremembered too, but it's been far more likely for women to be erased from the record, or be grossly misunderstood, mischaracterized, or used only as convenient for someone else's story.

3.) Did complaining about the annoyances and expense of home maintenance make the legendary pirate seem more real and relatable even after fighting off a demon in the previous chapter?

Yes, it definitely did. It all added color and context and realness.

4.) There seems to be a fun bit of the mystical woven into this world. Do you think Marjana's father is human?

Seems to be some kind of djinn.

5.) Are you liking how the book is structured? Like we are sitting at Amina's feet while she tells her tale with some fun extra thrown in between chapters.

I like the extras between the chapters, but the "sitting at Amina's feet" bits feel a little clunky to me. Maybe it's not the fact of them, but just the way they're integrated. It kicks me out of the story slightly, rather than drawing me in. Idk, maybe it'll grow on me.



I finished reading thru Chapter 6 at like 6:30 this morning during an unfortunate bout of insomnia. Silver linings 😂

I would say City of Brass is by far the weakest of the trilogy and the most YA leaning of the 3.

But those books are long so a meh of book one is a lot to overcome to continue

DQs Day 1 : Beginning - Ch 6

1.) Do you have any expectations going in? Have you read The Daevabad Trilogy (starting with The City of Brass)?

Only that there would Islam inspired mytholodgy.
I've read City of Brass, but not the next two. I'm preferring this to City of Brass

2.) Right off the bat, the quote "that to be a woman is to have your story misremembered". What do you think about this statement?

Accurate! And I like that set-up - that because she's telling it herself we need to believe it.

3.) Did complaining about the annoyances and expense of home maintenance make the legendary pirate seem more real and relatable even after fighting off a demon in the previous chapter?

It did. Mostly I'm liking that she's 41 and feeling it - it's nice to have a real feeling character in the face of current YA / romantasy stuff

4.) There seems to be a fun bit of the mystical woven into this world. Do you think Marjana's father is human?

Nope. Though whether he's fully myffic I'm undecided.

5.) Are you liking how the book is structured? Like we are sitting at Amina's feet while she tells her tale with some fun extra thrown in between chapters.

I am loving it! especially the shut up and let me tell you asides that are put in.

1.) Do you have any expectations going in? Have you read The Daevabad Trilogy (starting with The City of Brass)?

I have not read The Daevabad Trilogy. I had my doubts about the book, but the ratings were high so I thought I would give it a try. So far I am liking the book.

2.) Right off the bat, the quote "that to be a woman is to have your story misremembered". What do you think about this statement?

The statement is interesting and I guess it is true. It seems that the legend of Amina is a case of her being misremembered.

3.) Did complaining about the annoyances and expense of home maintenance make the legendary pirate seem more real and relatable even after fighting off a demon in the previous chapter?

Yes! Everything about her living environment leads us to believe that Amina is a typical women. We knew that she and her family were in hiding but we had no idea why. It wasn't until later in the story that it was revealed that Amina was a famous pirate, so the author did a good job of making Amina more real.

4.) There seems to be a fun bit of the mystical woven into this world. Do you think Marjana's father is human?

I don't know. I have no idea what other types of creatures live in this world.

5.) Are you liking how the book is structured? Like we are sitting at Amina's feet while she tells her tale with some fun extra thrown in between chapters.

I like the little pieces between chapters. They add a little depth to the characters in the story.

DQs Day 1
Beginning - Ch 6

1.) Do you have any expectations going in? Have you read The Daevabad Trilogy (starting with The City of Brass)?
I have not read the Daevabad Trilogy or even heard of it actually. I really do not have a lot of expectations other than Pirate fantasy. I'm thinking Waterworld with treasure.

2.) Right off the bat, the quote "that to be a woman is to have your story misremembered". What do you think about this statement?
I love it!! It feels so vulnerably true.

3.) Did complaining about the annoyances and expense of home maintenance make the legendary pirate seem more real and relatable even after fighting off a demon in the previous chapter?
"Legendary Pirate" having a normal life makes the story seem more real as in a movie versus a cartoon for me. Not sure that makes sense but I was happily pleased with the start of the book.

4.) There seems to be a fun bit of the mystical woven into this world. Do you think Marjana's father is human? The clues seem to be leaning towards No. However, I can't tell who the father is quite yet.

5.) Are you liking how the book is structured? Like we are sitting at Amina's feet while she tells her tale with some fun extra thrown in between chapters.
At first, I was like, what is going on, but I have decided I love it. I am listening to the audio, and it makes it all the better for it.

DQ's- Day 2: Chapters 7 - 13

So far we have met a mojority of the key players. With Salima requesting that Amina find her grand daughter Dunya because her dead son Asif used to work for her,


1. We are getting hints of a nefarious demise of Asif with the possibility that Amina was involved. Any guesses (If you don't know) of what may have happened. Did anyone else confuse Asif as being Morjana father?

2. So far it seems that instead of Amina being the great baddie that she once was, is really the one being taken advantage of. With Salima forcing her hand to find her grand-daughter. Do you think that even if found her grand daughter would go home willingly?

3. Amina has gotten her old crew back together (Dalila, an expert poisoner; Tinbu, her first mate; and Majed, her navigator) Which reunion did you enjoy the most?

4. With magic playing afoot and Falco being able to do things unknown and Amina not being familiar do you think they eventually bring in or find someone to help them with that?

DQ's- Day 2: Chapters 7 - 13
So far we have met a mojority of the key players. With Salima requesting that Amina find her grand daughter Dunya because her dead son Asif used to work for her,


1. We are getting hints of a nefarious demise of Asif with the possibility that Amina was involved. Any guesses (If you don't know) of what may have happened. Did anyone else confuse Asif as being Morjana father?
I have not read ahead and before I do.... I am wondering if Asif became possessed by what, unknown but it seems like he went mad and couldn't be helped so they had to trap him and kill him.

2. So far it seems that instead of Amina being the great baddie that she once was, is really the one being taken advantage of. With Salima forcing her hand to find her grand-daughter. Do you think that even if found her grand daughter would go home willingly?
That is the question and even if she returns because of her tramatized adventure. What is it she has to come home to. Seems to me that Salima has let the household go in a way.

3. Amina has gotten her old crew back together (Dalila, an expert poisoner; Tinbu, her first mate; and Majed, her navigator) Which reunion did you enjoy the most?
Tinbu escape was quite fun and adventurous but I enjoyed Majed reunion the most. He as so terrified and it seemed his wife may have known or maybe not but joining them for a family gathering and letting them talk seemed intentional to me.

4. With magic playing afoot and Falco being able to do things unknown and Amina not being familiar do you think they eventually bring in or find someone to help them with that ?
I would hope so as it seems a bit mad to go into the unknown with no plan. I have a feeling someone will come along to help them, even if there is a price.

DQ's- Day 2: Chapters 7 - 13

So far we have met a mojority of the key players. With Salima requesting that Amina find her grand daughter Dunya because her dead son Asif used to work for her,


6. We are getting hints of a nefarious demise of Asif with the possibility that Amina was involved. Any guesses (If you don't know) of what may have happened. Did anyone else confuse Asif as being Marjana's father?

I was definitely thinking initially that Asif was Marjana's father, but not anymore.
I think there was something gone wrong with Amina's last husband - the djinn or whatever - and yeah, Asif ended up dead as a result of getting the husband into the trunk.

7. So far it seems that instead of Amina being the great baddie that she once was, is really the one being taken advantage of. With Salima forcing her hand to find her grand-daughter. Do you think that even if found her grand daughter would go home willingly?

Salima's a piece of work! I have doubts. I did think the conversation and reflections Amina had with Majed's wife, about strong role model v protection of daughter was interesting, when she acknowledged to herself that she might be on the same side, though not extreme,, of overprotecting to the point of driving away.

8. Amina has gotten her old crew back together (Dalila, an expert poisoner; Tinbu, her first mate; and Majed, her navigator) Which reunion did you enjoy the most?

I enjoyed the action-adventure of the breakout, but the actual relationship with Majed is more compelling

9. With magic playing afoot and Falco being able to do things unknown and Amina not being familiar do you think they eventually bring in or find someone to help them with that?

I guess so. I wonder when and how the husband will come back into it (not read ahead, but SURELY that level of foreshadowing can't be ignored, amirite?!

DQs Day 3: Chaps 14 - 19

10. There's some really graphic scenes in this section. Why do you think Chakraborty chose to be so detailed (esp what Falco did to them), when she could have been more circumspect?

11. We met Raksh! Huzzah! What are you thoughts on final meeting him? Did that opinion change at all during the section?

12. And Falco too! What do you think of him? Does the backstory of crusading fervour in his father leading to financial ruin add or detract from him as a villainous villain?

13. Following from that - we see the first serious religious tensions in this section, in the hesitation to bury the Christian villages and then also in the Crusades history shared. But, rather than dwelling on that point in particular - do you feel that the world being evoked is real, bedded in history, or too glamourised? General thoughts on the setting welcomed!

DQ's- Day 2: Chapters 7 - 13

So far we have met a mojority of the key players. With Salima requesting that Amina find her grand daughter Dunya because her dead son Asif used to work for her,


5. We are getting hints of a nefarious demise of Asif with the possibility that Amina was involved. Any guesses (If you don't know) of what may have happened. Did anyone else confuse Asif as being Morjana father?
I wondered a bit at first but not after Amina started collecting the old gang and Asif came up a couple times. I agree with Cat though that something happened between Amina's last husband (djinn?) and what lead to Asif's demise.

6. So far it seems that instead of Amina being the great baddie that she once was, is really the one being taken advantage of. With Salima forcing her hand to find her grand-daughter. Do you think that even if found her grand daughter would go home willingly?
I mean I think Dunya's willingness to go home will correlate more to how her experience with the Frank has gone. Someone that cherished and sheltered may find the world is more complicated than she expected. But I can also see her not wanting to return and maybe in the long run team up with Amina's crew to travel and see the world.

3. Amina has gotten her old crew back together (Dalila, an expert poisoner; Tinbu, her first mate; and Majed, her navigator) Which reunion did you enjoy the most?
Dalila is my favorite by Majed was the most interesting. I love his wife and thought those interactions were great.

4. With magic playing afoot and Falco being able to do things unknown and Amina not being familiar do you think they eventually bring in or find someone to help them with that?
I'm guessing her last husband will pop back up somehow? He's being talked about/mentioned a lot for him not to me thinks.

DQs Day 2
Ch 7 - Ch 13

So far we have met a mojority of the key players. With Salima requesting that Amina find her grand daughter Dunya because her dead son Asif used to work for her,

6.) We are getting hints of a nefarious demise of Asif with the possibility that Amina was involved. Any guesses (If you don't know) of what may have happened. Did anyone else confuse Asif as being Morjana father?

I get why some of the other characters though maybe Asif was the father, but Amina's been pretty clear with the reader that that wasn't the case. I think maybe there was something going on between Asif and Amina at some point though. And it sounds like there may have been supernatural elements involved in Asif's death.

7.) So far it seems that instead of Amina being the great baddie that she once was, is really the one being taken advantage of. With Salima forcing her hand to find her grand-daughter. Do you think that even if found her grand daughter would go home willingly?

Nope. I think Dunya knows her own mind and does not want to go back to her grandmother Salima at all.

8.) Amina has gotten her old crew back together (Dalila, an expert poisoner; Tinbu, her first mate; and Majed, her navigator) Which reunion did you enjoy the most?

I love that the old gang's all back together! I have enjoyed that in other books too, and no less here. I liked all of the reunions equally, though maybe I was the most entertained by the reunion with Majed, where they're scrabbling in a doorway until Majed's wife intervenes. Kind of slapstick in a good way.

9.) With magic playing afoot and Falco being able to do things unknown and Amina not being familiar do you think they eventually bring in or find someone to help them with that?

I don't think they will bring in anyone else specifically to deal with that, since they're so close-knit and they didn't have a 5th solid crew member before (unless Asif knew a lot about magic? I don't think that's been clarified, although he did grow up in Salima's house and we aren't told if it's Dunya who has amassed the occult library there or if it was already there...). Perhaps once Amina and her crew locate Dunya, they will end up convincing Dunya to help with magic against Falco or something? IDK. More likely there's going to be some kind of huge twist that I am currently not seeing coming!

Judith wrote: "I agree with Cat though that something happened between Amina's last husband (djinn?) and what lead to Asif's demise."

That's a good theory. I was thinking the husband was supernatural (djinn), and something about Asif's death was supernatural-related, but I hadn't necessarily connected the two things.
Though if Amina had romantic and/or sexual relationships with BOTH of them, that makes sense too.

6. We are getting hints of a nefarious demise of Asif with the possibility that Amina was involved. Any guesses (If you don't know) of what may have happened. Did anyone else confuse Asif as being Morjana father?

I'm guessing that Asif and Amina were on a mission together and Asif's death was partly Amina's fault.

7. So far it seems that instead of Amina being the great baddie that she once was, is really the one being taken advantage of. With Salima forcing her hand to find her grand-daughter. Do you think that even if found her grand daughter would go home willingly?

When Amina observed the library it was clear that Dunya spent most of her life researching the Moon of Saba. The Frank offered an opportunity to find the Moon of Saba, so Amina and her crew will have a very difficult time bringing her back home.

8. Amina has gotten her old crew back together (Dalila, an expert poisoner; Tinbu, her first mate; and Majed, her navigator) Which reunion did you enjoy the most?

Dalila is a fun character. I think that good things will happen when she is around.

9. With magic playing afoot and Falco being able to do things unknown and Amina not being familiar do you think they eventually bring in or find someone to help them with that?

It seems like Amina has a very capable crew, but they don't have an answer for the magic. I hope their skills can overcome the magic that will be used against them. They probably need to find more allies on their journey.

So Audible is having a two for one sale, and I just picked this up. I may be starting later in the week. It does look like fun.

@Jenny, it was fun!

Cat wrote: "DQ's- Day 2: Chapters 7 - 13

I wonder when and how the husband will come back into it (not read ahead, but SURELY that level of foreshadowing can't be ignored, amirite?!


CAT your so rite 🙌 And now we know 😍

Jenny wrote: "So Audible is having a two for one sale, and I just picked this up. I may be starting later in the week. It does look like fun."

Jenny the audio is great!

DQs Day 3: Chaps 14 - 19

10. There's some really graphic scenes in this section. Why do you think Chakraborty chose to be so detailed (esp what Falco did to them), when she could have been more circumspect?

I'm guessing to make this more Adult than YA and so we can grasp the severity of the situation and not just "Oh no, it's Falco. But Holy Shitz, it's Falco."

11. We met Raksh! Huzzah! What are you thoughts on final meeting him? Did that opinion change at all during the section?

WOW like he seems so young and bored. Enamored with Amina. I actually loved the drunken marriage part. so fun!

12. And Falco too! What do you think of him? Does the backstory of crusading fervour in his father leading to financial ruin add or detract from him as a villainous villain?

Falco is just evil and selfish. His backstory does not help his evil status at all.

13. Following from that - we see the first serious religious tensions in this section, in the hesitation to bury the Christian villages and then also in the Crusades history shared. But, rather than dwelling on that point in particular - do you feel that the world being evoked is real, bedded in history, or too glamourised? General thoughts on the setting welcomed

So I just watched a play last night called Prince of Egypt and I'm like, "Holy cow I am surrounded by religious/history lessons" I feel that Shannon is really bringing in the history of religion into her books and has probably studied enough of it as an Islam convert to have gained some knowledge in the religions in that region/ fake time period of the book.

DQs Day 3
Ch 14 - Ch 19

10.) There's some really graphic scenes in this section. Why do you think Chakraborty chose to be so detailed (esp what Falco did to them), when she could have been more circumspect?

It didn't strike me as any different from the rest of the book -- fantastical but grounded in emotional realism, the impact of which would have been lessened had the writing been any fuzzier on details.

11.) We met Raksh! Huzzah! What are you thoughts on final meeting him? Did that opinion change at all during the section?

I was not expecting him to provide so much comedy! I'm a little worried that it's partly meant to distract us from suspecting something terrible and dark that he's going to end up doing. But then again, we already know he's fully capable of darkness and has done horrible things in the past. So, complicated I supposed. But still very funny!

12.) And Falco too! What do you think of him? Does the backstory of crusading fervour in his father leading to financial ruin add or detract from him as a villainous villain?

Falco's childhood backstory adds color to how he became who he is: a raging malignant narcissist. A similar backstory could have turned a different man another way, but not Falco.

13.) Following from that - we see the first serious religious tensions in this section, in the hesitation to bury the Christian villages and then also in the Crusades history shared.
But, rather than dwelling on that point in particular - do you feel that the world being evoked is real, bedded in history, or too glamourised? General thoughts on the setting welcomed!

I don't know enough real history or anthropology about the part of the world where this book takes place to say how real it feels (apart from the fantasy elements, obviously), but I definitely appreciate the effort that Chakraborty has put it to situate it in a larger global context, especially vis-a-vis undermining the European Crusader perspective that I assume much of the reading audience is familiar with. I'm enjoying this book very much as a historical fantasy novel, but it also makes me want to learn more about the time and places that inspired it.

DQs Day 3: Chaps 14 - 19

10. There's some really graphic scenes in this section. Why do you think Chakraborty chose to be so detailed (esp what Falco did to them), when she could have been more circumspect?
Because things like that happened and happened often. The details of which are often glossed over, especially in the western world's glamourization of the Crusades in movies and what not.
Also, it shows the level of Falco's depravity before we actually meet him on page?

11. We met Raksh! Huzzah! What are you thoughts on final meeting him? Did that opinion change at all during the section?
He's hilarious. Not what I expected and in all the right ways. I love this cast of characters, hehe!

12. And Falco too! What do you think of him? Does the backstory of crusading fervour in his father leading to financial ruin add or detract from him as a villainous villain?
Well, I don't love this character, but we aren't supposed to. He's bat crap crazy, that's what I think. Umm, no, his backstory allows him to be bitter man with daddy issues, not a depraved cray-cray wizard.

13. Following from that - we see the first serious religious tensions in this section, in the hesitation to bury the Christian villages and then also in the Crusades history shared. But, rather than dwelling on that point in particular - do you feel that the world being evoked is real, bedded in history, or too glamourised? General thoughts on the setting welcomed!
I think she's doing a great job giving a sense of the complex history of this part of the world. The history there is very long, very bloody, and no one is left solely in the right. But it's not seeming forced either and I like how Amina is from time to time compelled to question her own actions and choices. Self reflection is a good thing.

DQs Day 4
Ch 20 to 27

14.) The Moon of Saba certainly has a complicated tale. Do you think the author did this to highlight in a different way how the past is not always what we think? And the true story is often very different from what is recorded in the history books?

15.) Now that we know more about Raksh, what do you think about him? Has your opinion changed over the course of the story? Do you think he'll find out he's a father?

16.) Amina's first conversation with Dunya was certainly illuminating. Was she what you expected? In her shoes do you think you would of pulled a runner with Falco?

17.) Anyone else trying to figure out how Amina survived in the ocean with no potable water for 2 weeks? Also, anyone else want to go to the magical island?

DQs Day 4
Ch 20 to 27

14.) The Moon of Saba certainly has a complicated tale. Do you think the author did this to highlight in a different way how the past is not always what we think? And the true story is often very different from what is recorded in the history books?
I love this and find this part of learning about history and myths to be really fascinating. It's one of the things I love about Michael Sullivan's related series that take place 1,000 years apart. As the reader (if you've read all of them) you know what really happened and then learning how religions and myths evolved over time and are based on things flat our wrong is just really interesting to me.

15.) Now that we know more about Raksh, what do you think about him? Has your opinion changed over the course of the story? Do you think he'll find out he's a father?
He's hilarious and I can understand how he basically charmed his way through everybody. I'm surprised Amina hasn't slipped up already and revealed their daughter. I'm assuming he'll find out by the end.

16.) Amina's first conversation with Dunya was certainly illuminating. Was she what you expected? In her shoes do you think you would of pulled a runner with Falco?
Some of her story was unexpected but explained more why she was so willing to pull a runner. I probably would of done the same in her position.

17.) Anyone else trying to figure out how Amina survived in the ocean with no potable water for 2 weeks? Also, anyone else want to go to the magical island?
I know she drank turtle blood or whatever but 2 weeks seems a bit long for that. And I obviously want to vacay on that island, seems like a happening place

DQs Day 4
Ch 20 - Ch 27

14.) The Moon of Saba certainly has a complicated tale. Do you think the author did this to highlight in a different way how the past is not always what we think? And the true story is often very different from what is recorded in the history books?

The different conflicting stories about the Moon of Saba do indeed highlight the idea of the past not always being what we think, and there are other things in and about this novel that highlight that. From the very start we've been getting examples of how the legends about Amina differ from the realities, and about how the characters' pasts don't always align with what one might think, or how the readers' assumptions about history might be skewed. It's all a consistent theme of the book, which is actually pretty cool.

@Judith, I also love that aspect of Michael J. Sullivan's series -- and funny you should mention it because I was actually planning to read Esrahaddon as my next book before my library loan of Amina came through in time for the BOM, and will probably start it next week instead!
Have you ever read Jane Yolen's Great Alta trilogy? I still need to read Book 3 (there's a pattern here, haha) but that series is also very much about stories having different versions depending on whether they're the truth, the myth, the legend...


15.) Now that we know more about Raksh, what do you think about him? Has your opinion changed over the course of the story? Do you think he'll find out he's a father?

My opinion hasn't changed much; I always thought him quite complicated under the surface, and his very being unknowable. I think he'll find out he's a father, but my theory is that there's all this build up only so that the author can diffuse it in some way, like maybe Raksh will be like "Oh, I've had lots of kids, whatever" and not take much interest or responsibility -- which would obviously suit Amina just fine.


16.) Amina's first conversation with Dunya was certainly illuminating. Was she what you expected? In her shoes do you think you would of pulled a runner with Falco?

I hadn't foreseen the coded-transgender part, but otherwise she was pretty much what I expected. Willful and smart and running from something. In her shoes I have no idea what I'd have done.
Probably stayed, because I'm not especially brave and I appreciate stability and home comforts. But maybe when I was her age I'd have run? No idea, truly.


17.) Anyone else trying to figure out how Amina survived in the ocean with no potable water for 2 weeks? Also, anyone else want to go to the magical island?

LOL, that two weeks was a stretch for sure. And I would only want to go to that magical island if there are pina coladas, and the bird people promised to let me leave alive!

DQs Day 4
Ch 20 to 27

14.) The Moon of Saba certainly has a complicated tale. Do you think the author did this to highlight in a different way how the past is not always what we think? And the true story is often very different from what is recorded in the history books.

Unless I read somewhere this is what the author did, I would never suspect this. I think the Author was trying to add a bit of comedy by making it a wash basin. As I would think any other books will be similar.

15.) Now that we know more about Raksh, what do you think about him? Has your opinion changed over the course of the story? Do you think he'll find out he's a father?
I would think eventually he will find out but with two more books in the works I dont think he well find out soon. I think Amina loves her daughter enough not to tell anyone, even her comrades. Rakshh is so fun he is like a kid who just wants adventure and to fulfill his role in life.

16.) Amina's first conversation with Dunya was certainly illuminating. Was she what you expected? In her shoes do you think you would of pulled a runner with Falco?
I would hope any young girl, once knowing how evil Falco was would run. So no not surprised but was happy Dunya was portrayed as a smart woman who was betrayed and made a mistake like a lot of first loves are.

17.) Anyone else trying to figure out how Amina survived in the ocean with no potable water for 2 weeks? Also, anyone else want to go to the magical island?
NAAAAAHHHH its fantasy everything and anything can happen 🥰

DQs Day 5
Ch 28 - End

18.) In case anyone had any doubt that we've been reading not only historical fantasy but an Action Adventure novel, things have ramped up even more: Amina's deal with the peris, the flight with Khayzur, the council of pirates, the new friendship (?) with Magnun... And now Amina has gained supernatural strength and sight! What do you think about all these developments? What did you like (or dislike) most about all these elaborate plot elements introduced between the Peri island and the final showdown on Socotra?

19.) We finally found out the full story of what happened to Asif. Do you think Amina is culpable for Asif's fate, as she believes she is?

20.) It seems like the author wrapped things up fairly well, while neatly setting up for further installments. Will you read more in this world? Any particular teases or loose ends that most interest you?

21.) Did you read the "Author's Note and Further Reading" -- and if yes, are you interested in any of the books she cites or recommends?

Bonus question: Dunya / Jamal ! Did anyone see that coming?! Thoughts?

It's always weird answering one's own DQs, haha


DQs Day 5
Ch 28 - End

18.) In case anyone had any doubt that we've been reading not only historical fantasy but an Action Adventure novel, things have ramped up even more: Amina's deal with the peris, the flight with Khayzur, the council of pirates, the new friendship (?) with Magnun... And now Amina has gained supernatural strength and sight! What do you think about all these developments? What did you like (or dislike) most about all these elaborate plot elements introduced between the Peri island and the final showdown on Socotra?

It felt like there was a LOT going on, maybe a little too much at times, but it all fit together pretty well like a big plot jigsaw puzzle. I appreciated Khayzur being like a sort of conscientious objector/voice of reason among the peris, and how his strong hint about the marid is largely what helped Amina (along with her newly-gained abilities) do her part in thwarting Falco's plans. I also really liked how Dunya flipped the script on Falco, quite literally, and how all of Amina's old friendships came to bear on the final outcomes. I also loved Magnun and his insanely cool pirate ship.

19.) We finally found out the full story of what happened to Asif. Do you think Amina is culpable for Asif's fate, as she believes she is?

I knew right away that the scene with Asif beyond the door in the cage was a hallucination caused by some supernatural force or creature (I've seen/read too many stories that had this twist, I suppose!) but it was no less effective. I'd never have guessed that Amina didn't "kill" him, per se, but in fact kind of "re-killed" him after he'd essentially come back as a revenant following his death of natural causes. He was resurrected because of Raksh's foolishness, but not intentionally -- and I think Amina is wrong to blame herself simply because she let Raksh on her ship. That's just nonsense, really. If anyone can be blamed (and I'm not saying they should!), it's not even Raksh but Asif himself.

20.) It seems like the author wrapped things up fairly well, while neatly setting up for further installments. Will you read more in this world? Any particular teases or loose ends that most interest you?

I LOVED this book, one of my best reads of 2025 so far, and I will definitely read the next one when it comes out. I'm curious how long Amina will be able to keep Raksh from finding out about her daughter. And I would love to know what "Transgression" Amina will hunt down next, and whether the author will be able to make that plot as fun and surprising as this one.


21.) Did you read the "Author's Note and Further Reading" -- and if yes, are you interested in any of the books she cites or recommends?

There's so much that sounds great, but I'd be most interested first in reading The Ocean of Churn: How the Indian Ocean Shaped Human History .

Bonus question: Dunya / Jamal ! Did anyone see that coming?! Thoughts?

I did NOT see that coming! But mainly my blindspot goes back to what I said in response to that DQ Day 1 question, about how the "sitting at Amina's feet" bits felt a little clunky to me. We've always known that Amina's talking to someone named Jamal, but even now, knowing the whole context, it still feels clunky -- like, there's nothing about the characters' relationship thus far that would point to the tone Amina uses when speaking to Jamal.
IDK. Like, the twist felt a little bit pasted on. But neat at the same time. Perhaps if we get to see how their friendship evolves over time, it'll make this Book 1 stuff work better in retrospect!

DQs Day 5
Ch 28 - End

18.) In case anyone had any doubt that we've been reading not only historical fantasy but an Action Adventure novel, things have ramped up even more: Amina's deal with the peris, the flight with Khayzur, the council of pirates, the new friendship (?) with Magnun... And now Amina has gained supernatural strength and sight! What do you think about all these developments? What did you like (or dislike) most about all these elaborate plot elements introduced between the Peri island and the final showdown on Socotra?
It was kind of a lot to happen in a fairly short period of time. In adventure/fantasy novels it's always a bit like that I think as everything leads up to a final battle. But I wish there was more development from her changes from the island to the final battle.
Overall though, it was fine.

19.) We finally found out the full story of what happened to Asif. Do you think Amina is culpable for Asif's fate, as she believes she is?
No, I think he made his own choices but I understand her guilt. He was her friend/found family and he's dead, she's not. Most of us would carry some form of guilt simply because we'd be wishing so hard we could of changed the outcome.

20.) It seems like the author wrapped things up fairly well, while neatly setting up for further installments. Will you read more in this world? Any particular teases or loose ends that most interest you?
Yes, I will read the next book. I'm enjoying this story and looking forward to her hunting down the next Transgression.

21.) Did you read the "Author's Note and Further Reading" -- and if yes, are you interested in any of the books she cites or recommends?
I skimmed it but appreciate her suggestions. A lot of them sounded interesting and this is a part of the world I don't know much about in the grand scheme of things.

Bonus question: Dunya / Jamal ! Did anyone see that coming?! Thoughts?
That was an awesome fun twist I didn't see coming. It explains though why she was willing to let them record this particular story.

Judith's BOM Tracking

Day 1: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I usually ask DQ's I want to see answers to😍😍

DQs Day 5
Ch 28 - End

18.) In case anyone had any doubt that we've been reading not only historical fantasy but an Action Adventure novel, things have ramped up even more: Amina's deal with the peris, the flight with Khayzur, the council of pirates, the new friendship (?) with Magnun... And now Amina has gained supernatural strength and sight! What do you think about all these developments? What did you like (or dislike) most about all these elaborate plot elements introduced between the Peri island and the final showdown on Socotra?
All her new abilities is quite exciting as "nothing comes for free" As in we know that eventually Amina will have to deal with her abilities that came with the bargain. Or maybe they came from somewhere else. OOHHHHHH

19.) We finally found out the full story of what happened to Asif. Do you think Amina is culpable for Asif's fate, as she believes she is?
Absolutely not!! However how many of us would fall victim. Saying you'd give your soul for such and such is so easy. However he said he would for fortune which he would have eventually gotten after working hard with Amina.

20.) It seems like the author wrapped things up fairly well, while neatly setting up for further installments. Will you read more in this world? Any particular teases or loose ends that most interest you?
I think I would read more in this world as it was fun. I do wanna know more about Amina newfound abilities and how she pays back her debt. Also, she did get that staff, and I wonder what it symbolizes or becomes.

21.) Did you read the "Author's Note and Further Reading" -- and if yes, are you interested in any of the books she cites or recommends?
I don't recall seeing the author's note but I did look up her books. I will continue this series but not sure I would pick up anything else on my own.

Bonus question: Dunya / Jamal ! Did anyone see that coming?! Thoughts? Kinda and ahhh cute

Catherine BOM Tracking

Day 1-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
DQ 2-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 2-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 3-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 4-https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Day 5- https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Judith wrote: "I would say City of Brass is by far the weakest of the trilogy and the most YA leaning of the 3.

But those books are long so a meh of book one is a lot to overcome to continue"

When I read the City of Brass I thought it was incredible! But then I started kingdom of Copper and it just felt sluggish and way to complicated and I couldn't remember all the moving parts. so I didn't continue at the time. I actually go back and enjoy the full trilogy I would have to start over.

DQs Day 1
Beginning - Ch 6

1.) Do you have any expectations going in? Have you read The Daevabad Trilogy (starting with The City of Brass)?

I read City of Brass and loved it. Started Kingdom of Copper but couldn't wade through the abundance of characters and settings for anything to make sense so I stopped. So I was a little nervous that this story was going to be too complex. But so far it hasn't been.

2.) Right off the bat, the quote "that to be a woman is to have your story misremembered". What do you think about this statement?

I think there's some truth to it. Especially since women were largely uneducated and often were not taught to read and write, in earlier days they didn't really have a say in how their story was remembered. So unless the author was truly guided by a sense of truth and justice, to re-tell a story may have meant to make men sound better than they really acted in real life, etc. But I'll allow that that's speculation and hypothesis.

3.) Did complaining about the annoyances and expense of home maintenance make the legendary pirate seem more real and relatable even after fighting off a demon in the previous chapter?

Yes! I love what the others said here - it added context and realness, and you're seeing the actual age of someone and how it plays out in "retirement."

4.) There seems to be a fun bit of the mystical woven into this world. Do you think Marjana's father is human?

Based what was said, no, but I don't know what he is instead...

5.) Are you liking how the book is structured? Like we are sitting at Amina's feet while she tells her tale with some fun extra thrown in between chapters.

I'm really enjoying it. I start to forget that she's dictating this, so the asides are funny when they come in but they remind me that she's dictating. In the audiobook - that part gets muffled and there's a realistic effect to it.

PS- I think these are great questions to start this discussion!

DQ's- Day 2: Chapters 7 - 13

So far we have met a majority of the key players. With Salima requesting that Amina find her grand daughter Dunya because her dead son Asif used to work for her,


6. We are getting hints of a nefarious demise of Asif with the possibility that Amina was involved. Any guesses (If you don't know) of what may have happened. Did anyone else confuse Asif as being Morjana father?
I've read a little bit ahead but what I read I wouldn't seen coming, I really didn't know what could possibly occur. But I always forget that with religious settings with fantasy there's the chance of demonic involvement

7. So far it seems that instead of Amina being the great baddie that she once was, is really the one being taken advantage of. With Salima forcing her hand to find her grand-daughter. Do you think that even if found her grand daughter would go home willingly?
That remains to be seen, I think if Dunya is feeling like there's still more to explore or if she's committed to a certain quest, she won't go home right away.

8. Amina has gotten her old crew back together (Dalila, an expert poisoner; Tinbu, her first mate; and Majed, her navigator) Which reunion did you enjoy the most? They were all interesting in their own right but I love Majed's wife. So that reunion sticks out for me.

9. With magic playing afoot and Falco being able to do things unknown and Amina not being familiar do you think they eventually bring in or find someone to help them with that? I've read a little bit ahead so I'll stay quiet.

DQs Day 3: Chaps 14 - 19

10. There's some really graphic scenes in this section. Why do you think Chakraborty chose to be so detailed (esp what Falco did to them), when she could have been more circumspect?
I was listening on audio and I think this part I was only half listening. One reason is Falco tries to entice Amina into joining him multiple times and the reader has to have no doubt at all why Amina wouldn't be tempted. There's probably more reasons but I do think in general the graphic nature of the scene fits with Amina's story telling style, fits with the time period and what else is going on.

11. We met Raksh! Huzzah! What are you thoughts on final meeting him? Did that opinion change at all during the section? That section we only got bits and pieces of the story. I've read to the end at this point. I still don't know how I feel. But obviously Amina feels VERY strongly about him. So it's interesting to see that play out when I don't have a visceral reaction like she does.

12. And Falco too! What do you think of him? Does the backstory of crusading fervour in his father leading to financial ruin add or detract from him as a villainous villain? Amina pointed out that his past did not account for the gruesome scene in the cave. And those are my thoughts exactly. People can choose to turn their choices and future into something better than they're history. He's attempting to do that but with extremely evil character.

13. Following from that - we see the first serious religious tensions in this section, in the hesitation to bury the Christian villages and then also in the Crusades history shared. But, rather than dwelling on that point in particular - do you feel that the world being evoked is real, bedded in history, or too glamourised? General thoughts on the setting welcomed! I had to try and suspend my religious beliefs to read this book and enjoy it as a whole and that's always difficult for me. I actually think the author does an amazing job of toeing the line between making the setting realistic and glamorized.

DQs Day 4
Ch 20 to 27

14.) The Moon of Saba certainly has a complicated tale. Do you think the author did this to highlight in a different way how the past is not always what we think? And the true story is often very different from what is recorded in the history books? I do, I think that was a great example of her main point at the beginning.

15.) Now that we know more about Raksh, what do you think about him? Has your opinion changed over the course of the story? Do you think he'll find out he's a father?I've read ahead so I won't answer most of this but hoenstly I don't know how to feel about Raksh! I feel like he doesn't deserve all the hostility from Amina but it's hard to say that for sure. And yes my opinion did change.

16.) Amina's first conversation with Dunya was certainly illuminating. Was she what you expected? In her shoes do you think you would of pulled a runner with Falco? Very illuminating and yes, I do.

17.) Anyone else trying to figure out how Amina survived in the ocean with no potable water for 2 weeks? Also, anyone else want to go to the magical island? so she BARELY survived, and it's possible but unlikely. I'm like well it's just a story so I'll let it slide. And I do think that specific island would have some cool features to see. It's fascinating that she got there just by being adrift.

DQs Day 5
Ch 28 - End

18.) In case anyone had any doubt that we've been reading not only historical fantasy but an Action Adventure novel, things have ramped up even more: Amina's deal with the peris, the flight with Khayzur, the council of pirates, the new friendship (?) with Magnun... And now Amina has gained supernatural strength and sight! What do you think about all these developments? What did you like (or dislike) most about all these elaborate plot elements introduced between the Peri island and the final showdown on Socotra? It was a wild and adventurous ending! The author had me hooked all the way through and I really enjoyed it. I'm not sure how I feel about Amina's transformation, like just being on an island you're not really supposed to know about changes you that much? But it's a cool element.

19.) We finally found out the full story of what happened to Asif. Do you think Amina is culpable for Asif's fate, as she believes she is? No, I don't. He made his choices.

20.) It seems like the author wrapped things up fairly well, while neatly setting up for further installments. Will you read more in this world? Any particular teases or loose ends that most interest you? I may read more, it would be interesting to find out if Raksh ever meets Marjana and if she plays a role in future stories. It would be cool to see where the author takes the next installment.

21.) Did you read the "Author's Note and Further Reading" -- and if yes, are you interested in any of the books she cites or recommends? I have not read those sections, but I might be interested.

Bonus question: Dunya / Jamal ! Did anyone see that coming?! Thoughts?
I did NOT see that coming but I can now look back and reason through it.