Quick Review: The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

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This was a book club pick way back in January and there’s no good reason why I haven’t already reviewed it. The story of Amina Al-Sirafi and her legendary pirate crew as they come out of retirement for one last job. Amina doesn’t particularly want to leave the safety of her home and her daughter, but when a fallen comrade’s daughter, Dunya, runs off with a dangerous, European treasure hunter, she can’t help but take the job.

The story is told as an interview, with two narrative voices. Amina speaks to her scribe, Jamal. She tells the story of the present narrative of the search for Dunya with flashbacks that fill in what happened to her fallen colleague, why she retired, and how she came about building her crew. The second set of narratives are told by Jamal and they tell the tale of the Moon of Saba, a legendary treasure.

The adventure in this was exciting, the characters were delightful, and the ending was very moving. I really enjoyed this one and I do believe that there will be a sequel, which I’m pretty excited about. If you like pirates, adventure, mystery, treasure hunting, or found family, then this one is for you!

What I’m Reading Now: Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood Read by Callie Dalton and Jason Clarke

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Our book club is celebrating Fantasy Summer.June’s theme is Love is Love is Love. I am reading Not in Love mainly because I have to return it to the library by June 9th. It’s not a fantasy, but itfits the love component.

Review: The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare

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This took me a little bit longer to finish than it normally would. Not because I didn’t like it, but mostly because I’ve been working from home more recently and commuting less. I do most of my reading these days on the subway. I thought this was a good sequel. It picks up not much after the end of the last book. I will admit that some of what happened was predictable, but there was one reveal at the end that I did not see coming. Lin, who claimed she is the Goddess, now has to prove it. Kel is investigating the Shining Gallery incident with the Ragpicker King’s and his crew’s help. Conor is doing his best to be mature and rule, and Antonetta is prepping to marry. A lot is going on, and they have no idea where the real threat is coming from. I do like how Clare can weave together so many interconnected stories so seamlessly. It just flows very nicely together. For me the character that really was the star was Conor. The events of the last book and his feelings for Lin have changed his perspective, and we can see that growth. I do think people underestimate him. That he knows more of what is going on than he leads people to believe. I am really looking forward to where is story goes next. I do love a good mystery, and adding a bit of magic is just a bonus.

Review: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Read by Kate Kellgren

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This month’s Theme for our TBR Project book club was Cottagecore. Since it’s officially Spring, we wanted to read something sweet, simple, and a little rustic. I chose Pride and Prejudice because I have seen many versions of the story in movies and TV, but I have never actually read the book. I didn’t realize until after I started reading that it is the 20th Anniversary of the Kiera Knightley movie. For those interested, it’s being rereleased in theaters to celebrate. I digress. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that there are so many details left out of the many interpretations. The lives of Lizzie and her sister is much more lively than they came across to me in any movie or TV show ever gave me an impression. They are all involved in the running of the house and in the town. While the focus may be on marriage, they all had other interests. It was good to get to know Jane a bit more. She is always portrayed as stoic, which she is, but she is also a lot more observant than she is given credit for. Even Wickham became a more interesting character. Same with Darcy. We get a little bit more incite into his mind much earlier in the novel than I believe we do in most adaptations. He’s not just rude but socially awkward. Who can’t relate to that? Anyway, it was delightful. I am glad I have finally read it.