The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi: A Novel

Written by Shannon Chakraborty

Narrated by Lameece Issaq and Amin Gamal El

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.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Feb 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9780062963536

Shannon Chakraborty

Shannon Chakraborty is the author of the critically acclaimed and internationally bestselling Daevabad Trilogy. Her work has been translated into over a dozen languages and nominated for the Hugo, Locus, World Fantasy, Crawford, and Astounding awards. You can find her online at sachakraborty.com or on Instagram and Twitter as @SAChakrabooks.

Reviews for The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi

[Chris With Luv · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing, distinctive characters, rich and vibrant world, intriguing (and sometimes chilling) magic, engaging and captivating plot and a fresh, new read. I enjoyed every second of this. It made me laugh, made my heart ache with Amina, and tried to trick me into loving a 'demon' (alas, it worked). This was honestly so good and the voice actors were amazing. I felt every moment of this book. Props to the author, cast, and everyone involved. Will read this again for sure.

[fizzayounis88 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An absolute delight of a book and it is so well-narrated. I love it and recommend to all fans of fantasy adventure.

[Zahra Kadir · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this more than I thought I would. The character voices seem familiar as a SWANA person, despite being a little anachronistic at times. I appreciated the familiar religious language of the characters in everyday life, which felt authentic but not preachy at all.
I think the pacing in the end of the book was a little all over the place, but the rest of the book laid a strong foundation so I didn’t mind that part so much. Despite this book being written by a white author outside of her experience, which I would usually take issue with, I think this book is one of my new faves.

[Briana Riggs · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great narrators! Very fun story, exciting but character rich. I loved all the relationships between Amina and her crew - the supernatural/mythological elements were really well done.

[Oso Isko · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's got the same vibe as Princess Bride. Mostly liked it. A few things were a little annoying. I'll read the next one.

[Phineas Elliott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Clearly the author put effort into this world, I loved every second.

[Rachel MacDonald · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a fun read if you love history and sci Fi and hot pirates you'll love this

[Gamer Inferno · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's pretty good!

Characters are well written. Amina is a very human kind of character with lots of personal flaws and desires, but is also very likeable and relatable. Her crew is also quite likeable, I especially like her map maker for some reason.

Religion is kind of a big part of the story, and props to the writer for treating all religions respectfully.

The story kind of reminds me of Conan comics in the way that it treats magic. In fact, a lot of this story reminds me of Conan. Heck, there is even an evil wizard that she has to fight and Amina constantly makes her hatred of magic very clear.

There is one beat of the story that struck me as fairly convenient for the plot. But perhaps it will be explained in a sequel or something, and it didn't ruin my experience.

[Daphne Fakiolas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an excellent book! It is truly a must-read/must-listen ! I will definitely get myself a physical copy too! The narrators where amazing!

[Sara Cervantes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So good. She is so amazing bc she is different. All of the truths spoken about, the sexism she had to deal with and on top of all of that she still kept her wit. I loved it.

[Liliana Caballero · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved the adventures this pirate had! Could not stop listening! Hope there is a 2nd!!

[Susan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Enchanting, spellbinding and addictive. I loved the characters, their names, the treasure hunts and fights. So well presented with humour, care and emotions. Monsters, sorcerers valued friendships and more. I really loved this, it is a treasure in itself!

[Chrissy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Seriously one of the best audiobooks. The narration was on point! The book was terrific! I want more.

[Kristi Bee · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing writing and the narration is what really sells it and brings gs you into the adventure

[marissa2fallon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A true adventure. I felt like a kid reading this, in the best way. Can’t wait for more installments

[Ant Love · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book took me in a trip of the sea I have never imagined I could explore. This was an amazing book and I loved Amina and her crew so much, especially her relationship with her husband lol

[stefanie bush · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was really amazing!! I loved all of it but especially the narrator. She sounds like someone you just want to hang out with. She totally made the book come alive. I don’t think I would have had the same experience just reading it.

[Ale H · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I fell in love with Amina and her found family. The story filled with adventure and great characters left me wanting for the next book! I want to know more about Amina's life ?

[Taniesha Gibson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great adventure story. I loved every second of this book!

[Chelsea Davis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The voice of Amina is so alive, I feel as if I know her. She’s hilarious and fierce and maternal. She is sexual (without being explicit). She has flaws and regrets. She’s a multi-dimensional woman. The storytelling was so fabulous—just enough breadcrumbs for some great reveals. The world is vibrant, both with magic and history. I loved every minute of this book!

[m8gm9xwcfz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

loved every minute of this book , to finally get to read about my culture and religion is so fun and refreshing I wish there is more books like this one

[Michelle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

5 stars to the narrator!! I am a huge fan of S.A. Chakraborty and this book did NOT disappoint. The world and characters were amazing and I cannot wait to re read this book before the next book comes out.

[Enae Moana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was so much fun, I never expected to love it that much.
It was all the adventure I wanted to embark on and even more. I can't wait to see where Amina's next journey takes them.
Also, it is not the subject but we have some queer rep and it made me love it even more.

[Jennifer Wallace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorite reads of the year. This is a magical realism story of a swashbuckling Muslim female pirate battling djinn in 12th century Oman and Yemen and around the Arabian Sea. It situates the reader in a wealthy, educated, and diverse and inclusive region where an ignorant European Crusader is the "other" (and the villain). I especially liked the audiobook, and the narrators were great. The book isn't historical fiction per se, but the historical background is as realistic as the author could make it, outside of the magical creatures.