Play Book Tag discussion

Reading this swashbuckling tale of pirate adventure, it's clear to the reader that the author had a whole lot of fun writing this. It comes through in the writing and just raises our pleasure as readers to the highest level.

Amina el Sirafi is a retired pirate, something of a legend, now raising her daughter and caring for her home and family. Along comes an adventure she can't refuse, for a host of reasons, but the money dangled in front of her would provide her family with security. Plus it's rescuing someone's kidnapped daughter which pulls at her heartstrings. Without looking too closely, off she goes, middled-aged, with a bum knee, gathering up those who sailed with her during the height of her career, on a quest to save a girl, make an obscene amount of money, and, let's face it, be on the sea again. It turns out a bit differently than expected, of course.

It's set medieval times in the 12th Century northwestern Indian Ocean - think Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula. The Crusades continue in the north though the sack of Jerusalem is some years in the past. There are magical and fantastical beings, a quest for an object that gives enormous power, wonderful secondary characters, and of course multiple life/death situations. Chakraborty has provided a rich tapestry filled with action, wonderful characters, history and culture. The writing itself is that of a storyteller reciting tale of derring-do. This is exactly the type of fantasy I most love to read.

I can't wait for the next one.

Wonderful review, Theresa! Believe it or not, this book has somehow made it on to my TBR.

@Joy - I think you would really enjoy this. I think many who don't typically read fantasy or adventure would have great fun reading it. It's a journey on multiple levels too -- and I know you love journeys.

I do love journeys, and I also know that I can use a book like this when there are challenges or tags involving fantasy and there are limited choices on my reading list.

It also has a bibliography - most of her acknowledgement at end is her sources. That research shines through.

You talked me into it! I wonder if it has a good audiobook production. I'm going to be driving a bit with the holidays approaching.

I like swashbuckling and pirates, so I added it to my TBR also.

On the strength of Theresa's review, I'm adding it to my dwindling TBR too.

Jgrace wrote: "You talked me into it! I wonder if it has a good audiobook production. I'm going to be driving a bit with the holidays approaching."

Per one of my Feminerdy Book Club members today - audio is excellent and in fact has 2 voices -- one from Jamal the scribe telling the tales and one for Amina, and the sections where the 4th wall is broken are really cleverly done.

I believe every single one of you will enjoy it!

I read half the book yesterday - granted under the gun but still it moved right along.

All those who came to book club today liked it - we had several absentees due to health or visitors so don't have a full response. None of us had a criticism - a rare moment. We are all going to BookCon NY in April 2026 which around when the 2nd book is being published. We all have great hopes that the author will be there both on panels and signing her new book. She live in NJ after all.

I am so glad you liked it as much I did Theresa! And I believe everyone here who added it will like it as well.