“For the greatest crime of the poor in the eyes of the wealthy has always been to strike back. To fail to suffer in silence and instead disrupt their lives and their fantasies of a compassionate society that coincidentally set them on top. To say no.”

“I wanted to travel the world and sail every sea. I wanted to have adventures, to be a hero, to have my tales told in courtyards and street fairs, where perhaps kids who’d grown up like me, with more imagination than means, might be inspired to dream. Where women who were told there was only one sort of respectful life for them could listen to tales of another who’d broken away—and thrived when she’d done so.”

This is a top read in 2023 and it’s written so well that it just flows in a perfect way. I loved this book and I loved how it’s located in countries that I recognise and are close to where I call home. I can’t wait to read the rest of this Trilogy and see how Chakraborty expands this universe and builds on it. There is no information as to when the second book is coming out but I cant wait to read it and experience the adventures with Amina & her crewmates.

Amina Al-Sirafi is a strong woman, who battles many different aspects of lives and goes against the norm of what a female is expected to do in her society. She is a mother, a pirate and a fair & just leader. Following her journey was a delight and such a fun read.