Do you remember when the first Pirates of the Caribbean came out? That theme song can still drum up strong feelings in response, one that longs for adventure, laughs, and swashbuckling adventures. Well that's exactly what this book does (only better in my opinion). 

Amina is retired, with a child and family she's still supporting from her notorious past as a pirate. However, she's lured out of her decade-long retirement by the wealthy mother of one of her former (and now dead) comrades. Apparently, her granddaughter has been kidnapped by a Frank who is seeking mystical treasures in the area. Will Amina please fetch and return her for a million dinars? With promises of riches that would secure her family's future, the chance to avenge her old comrade's daughter, and the alluring temptation of returning to a life she's missed, Amina agrees. 

I do not know if I have the words to properly sum up just how amazing this book is. It's chock full of amazing characters, tight pacing that never left me bored, dialogue that had me laughing aloud, and a found-family trope that brought tears to my eyes. 

Not only that, but we get an MC who's middle aged?? Finally! There are far too many women in books that tend to fall under the same youthful stereotypes. However, Amina is no doe-eyed heroine. She's a tall, muscular ex-pirate, sturdy and weathered with experiences. She may not be quite as spry as she used to be, but that doesn't mean she's any less capable. And with age comes new and different perspectives as well. Amina embodies the struggle of both desiring more for herself, to fulfill lifelong dreams of exploring and seeing the world while also wanting to be a good mother who's there for her child. It's a topic that I'm sure many can relate to. Throughout the book, we see her start to embrace both sides of herself, no longer denying that her longing to be out at sea is something that is a part of her and also needs attention. 

Can we also talk about her ex-husband? OMG, I LOVE this fun little twist! It just makes it all the more delicious when you get all the full details and their interactions are just *chef's kiss* perfection. His character reminds me a lot of Loki in that he's definitely not one to be trusted and clearly makes decisions all based on self centeredness...but you can't help but love him a little, you know? Just me? 

This is the start of a very promising trilogy and I cannot recommend this enough! It's sheer joy in a fantasy book, full of Middle Eastern pirates, magic, sea monsters, sorcery, and at its heart, a pirate mom you will be cheering for the whole way through.