Ahoy there me mateys!  I really, really enjoyed this sea yarn!  It takes place at various locales around and on the Indian Ocean.  It was so refreshing to hear about the Age of Sail outside of the European tradition.  After reading, I had fun looking up the history and geography of the places in the novel.

It was also awesome to read about a retired kick-ass middle aged female Muslim pirate named Amina who is forced to go back to sea due to a threat to her family.  I enjoyed the magical elements, the diversity, the sea creature, and her fun crew (the poisoner in particular).  I really loved hearing about Amina's past and how her choices are coming back to haunt her.  I liked that the story was written in the format of Amina's story as told to a scribe.

The minor quibble is that the bad guy was a bit bland and had boring intentions.  That said, I am looking forward to finding out what happens next.  Arrrr!

Side Note: The publishers say it is set a thousand years before the Daevabad Trilogy which I have not read.  It is now on the list.  Also the novel is the first of a trilogy but can be read as a standalone.  Arrr!