Category: Their Reads

Their Reads

The Lost Story

Blending fantasy, nostalgia, and emotional depth, The Lost Story is a love letter to novels like The Chronicles of Narnia that transported us all as children—and a gentle reminder that wonder never grows old. Shaffer’s follow-up to The Wishing Game is tender, wistful, and steeped in the belief that stories can save us.

The Lost Story

by Meg Shaffer

What if your childhood fairy tale… actually happened?

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer

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The Lost Story

Meg Shaffer

Fantasy, Fairy Tale

322

July 16, 2024

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The Quick Look

Blending fantasy, nostalgia, and emotional depth, The Lost Story is a love letter to novels like The Chronicles of Narnia that transported us all as children—and a gentle reminder that wonder never grows old. Shaffer’s follow-up to The Wishing Game is tender, wistful, and steeped in the belief that stories can save us.

  • Themes: Being lost, found family, belonging, books and stories as magic
  • Read if you like: The Wishing Game, The Chronicles of Narnia, portal fantasies, quiet hope.
  • Best for: Readers who still believe in fairy tales, fans of bookish magic, or anyone who’s ever used fiction to make sense of real life.
  • Skip if: You prefer fast-paced fantasy or dislike stories that straddle realism and whimsy.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING
The novel centers on Rafe and Jeremy, childhood friends who vanished under mysterious circumstances and reemerged with a fantastical story no one believed. Years later, journalist Emilie is sent to uncover the truth. The pacing is gentle but immersive, with enough mystery to keep you turning pages and enough magic to keep your heart invested. Some may wish for more time in Shanandoah, the magical realm found in the dense forests of West Virginia, but what’s there is vivid and rich.

CHARACTER & VOICE
Rafe, Jeremy, and Emilie each bring something unique to the story. Rafe’s quiet vulnerability, Jeremy’s loyalty, and Emilie’s curiosity give the book emotional texture. The dynamic between the trio feels real, tender, and earned. The character work isn’t flashy—but it lingers, like the best kinds of friendships.

STYLE & ATMOSPHERE
Shaffer’s prose is warm and thoughtful, with a soft-spoken lyricism that complements the fairy-tale tone. There’s a distinct sense of melancholy and wonder woven into the fabric of every chapter. The atmosphere feels like reading under a blanket with a flashlight—a little mysterious, a little wistful, and very safe.

THEMES & DEPTH
This is a book about being lost—physically, emotionally, narratively—and about finding your way back through love, memory, and belief. Stories aren’t just escape in The Lost Story—they’re how we process trauma, shape identity, and make meaning. For readers who’ve ever clung to a book like a lifeline, this one speaks your language.

PERSONAL TAKE
I absolutely loved this one. It reminded me of why I read—to feel something, to believe in magic again. It’s a book that makes the case that fairy tales aren’t childish—they’re vital. And it does so without being overly sentimental. I would recommend this to anyone who needs a gentle, lovely book to remind them of the power of stories.

The Final Verdict

A moving, magical reminder that we’re never too old for fairy tales—especially the ones that help us come home to ourselves.

Favorite Quote

“All books are magic. An object that can take you to another world without even leaving your room? A story written by a stranger and yet it seems they wrote it just for you or to you? Loving and hating people made out of ink and paper, not flesh and blood? Yes, books are magic. Maybe even the strongest magic there is.”

The Fragile Threads of Power

Every now and then, a sequel shows up not just to revisit an old world, but to expand it—breathe new life into familiar characters and locations, and make your heart race like it did the first time. The Fragile Threads of Power does exactly that—and somehow even more. 

The Fragile threads of Power

by V.E. Schwab

A Return to Red London and a Magical Reunion Worth the Wait

The Fragile Threads of Power

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The Fragile Threads of Power
Fragile Threads, book 1 (part of the Darker Shades saga)

V.E. Schwab

Adventure; Fantasy; Pirates!

644

September 26, 2023

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The Quick Look

Every now and then, a sequel shows up not just to revisit an old world, but to expand it—breathe new life into familiar characters and locations, and make your heart race like it did the first time. The Fragile Threads of Power does exactly that—and somehow even more. 

  • Themes: Found family, magic and imbalance, personal sacrifice, legacy
  • Read If You Like: The Darker Shades series (our reviews here, here, and here), multi-POV fantasy epics, or books that beg to be read aloud with dramatic flair.
  • Best for: Fans of Schwab’s magical multiverse and anyone who believes great characters make great fantasy.
  • Skip if: Don’t even think about it.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING:
This isn’t just a continuation—it’s a new arc. A rich, fully realized entry point that pulls the threads of the past together and spins something thrillingly fresh. Schwab raises the stakes with political unrest, magical upheaval, and a larger, fractured world on the edge of a new era. The pace is sharp, with carefully timed reveals and cliffhangers that never feel cheap.

CHARACTER & VOICE:
If you’ve missed Kell, Lila, Rhy, or Alucard—you’re in for an emotional reunion. But it’s the new characters who take center stage in surprising, powerful ways. Ren is an instant standout, Tess will charm the magic right off your shelves, and Kosika is equal parts terrifying and tragic. Schwab gives every POV character a reason to matter. No one feels wasted. Everyone feels real.

STYLE & ATMOSPHERE:
Read it. No—perform it. Schwab’s writing sings aloud. Whether you’re whispering secrets in Grey London or unleashing elemental chaos in Red, every line feels built for drama and heart. She’s always had a lyrical style, but this is another level. It’s theatrical in the best sense of the word.

THEMES & DEPTH:
This book explores the responsibility that comes with power, the wounds left behind by legacy, and how fragile alliances can be in a world built on unstable magic. But at its heart, it’s still a story about chosen family, and the risks we take for those we love.

PERSONAL TAKE:
This was an experience. I read every word aloud to Jenni and it felt like we were there. I’ve loved Schwab before, but this is the book that made me want to scream it from the rooftops. It’s a near-perfect continuation that doesn’t rely on nostalgia—it earns every new beat with ambition and heart.

The Final Verdict

This one breaks our rating system… Schwab has never been more confident, more cinematic, or more emotionally on-point. The Fragile Threads of Power is a celebration of everything that made the Darker Shades series magical—and a thrilling beginning of something entirely new.

 

Want a reminder of how we felt about the rest of Schwab’s Darker Shades series? Check them out here:
A Darker Shade of Magic
A Gathering of Shadows
A Conjuring of Light

Interesting Facts About Space

Emily Austin’s Interesting Facts About Space is as charming as it is quietly profound. A deeply funny, gently sad story about grief, phobias, sisterhood, and the ways we try to make sense of our brains. Enid is one of the most endearing narrators you’ll meet this year.

Interesting Facts About Space

by Emily Austin

Sometimes, the quirkiest minds hold the deepest truths.

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin

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Interesting Facts About Space

Emily Austin

Contemporary Fiction

302

January 30, 2024

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The Quick Look

Emily Austin’s Interesting Facts About Space is as charming as it is quietly profound. A deeply funny, gently sad story about grief, phobias, sisterhood, and the ways we try to make sense of our brains. Enid is one of the most endearing narrators you’ll meet this year.

  • Themes: Mental illness, therapy, phobias, working through trauma, love, found family
  • Read if you like: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead, quirky heroines with heavy hearts
  • Best for: Readers who love character-driven fiction with quirky, introspective voices.
  • Skip if: You need plot-forward pacing or struggle with nonlinear narration.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING
Enid is a quirky, anxious woman obsessed with space facts, avoiding social obligations, and processing her trauma. The novel follows her as she navigates an overwhelming world with humor and hypersensitivity. There isn’t a ton of traditional “plot,” but the emotional movement is real—and fast. A great audiobook pick for a single-day listen.

CHARACTER & VOICE
Enid is unforgettable. Funny, insightful, self-aware, and often paralyzed by anxiety, she’s a protagonist that feels honest and raw. Supporting characters help balance the weight of her interior life—especially her therapist, sister, and coworkers. If you love strong internal monologues and stream-of-consciousness narration, this is your book.

STYLE & ATMOSPHERE
The writing style leans heavily into voice—almost journalistic in its stream-of-consciousness and quick cuts between memory, observation, and space trivia. It takes some getting used to, but the rhythm becomes part of the book’s charm.

THEMES & DEPTH
Mental illness is treated with nuance and care here. This is a story about how people cope—with trauma, fear, grief, and being neurodivergent in a world that prizes smooth edges. It’s also a quiet celebration of therapy and the messy beauty of connection.

PERSONAL TAKE
I adored this book. Enid is someone I’d love to meet—her space facts are delightful, but it’s her emotional honesty that won me over. While her narration may be a hurdle for some, it only made me feel closer to her. It’s weird, heartfelt, and sweet in the best ways.

The Final Verdict

A quirky, heartfelt story that’s as funny as it is quietly profound. Enid might just be your new favorite oddball.

A Conjuring of Light

A high-stakes, no-breaths-taken finale that delivers redemption, heartbreak, and triumph in equal measure—A Conjuring of Light is fantasy at its finest.

A Conjuring of Light

by V.E. Schwab

Magic Comes to Life and Demands Everything in Schwab's Fiery Finale (Darker Shades, book 3)

A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

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A Conjuring of Light
Shades of Magic, book 3

V.E. Schwab

Adventure; Fantasy; Pirates!

624

February 21, 2017

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The Quick Look

The threads of magic pull tighter, the stakes reach impossible heights, and V.E. Schwab delivers a final act that refuses to let go. A Conjuring of Light is the explosive, emotional finale this dazzling trilogy deserves. See our review of A Darker Shade of Magic and A Gathering of Shadows.

  • Themes: Sacrifice, Power, Redemption, Legacy, Adventure
  • Read If You Like: Series finales with emotional payoff, found families, redemption arcs, or magical wars that pull no punches.
  • Best for: Readers of books 1 and 2 (don’t skip them!), fans of emotional arcs, and lovers of morally complex fantasy.
  • Skip if: You’re looking for a breezy, easy read—this one demands your full attention.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING:
From the very first page, A Conjuring of Light hits the gas—and never lets up. It picks up right where A Gathering of Shadows leaves off. Red London is in chaos, darkness is spreading, and our beloved characters are barely keeping their heads above water. Schwab crafts a tension-filled narrative that escalates to a roaring crescendo, with minimal downtime. It’s exhilarating—but exhausting. Then again, that’s kind of the point.

CHARACTER & VOICE:
This book is a gift to fans of the series. Every major player—Kell, Lila, Rhy, Alucard, Holland, even the royal parents—gets their moment to shine. Holland’s arc in particular is a masterclass in redemption, while Rhy begins to grow into the king he’s meant to be. Schwab’s strength in building emotionally complex characters is on full display here.

STYLE & ATMOSPHERE:
There’s a lyrical confidence to Schwab’s prose. She writes magic like music—rhythmic, pulsing, and utterly alive. The world-building remains lush, but it’s the internal stakes that hit hardest. With so many POVs, you’d think it would get muddy, but it doesn’t. Each thread contributes to the emotional tapestry of the finale.

THEMES & DEPTH:
At its core, this is a book about facing the darkness, both externally and within. Schwab asks what it costs to protect a world, to love fiercely, to fight for something even when it seems hopeless. There’s sacrifice, heartbreak, and triumph—but no cheap shortcuts.

PERSONAL TAKE:
While A Gathering of Shadows remains my personal favorite, A Conjuring of Light gave me what I needed: closure, catharsis, and a deep admiration for every character’s journey. My only critique? I wished for one or two moments of stillness to process everything—but that relentless pace is also what makes it feel real.

The Final Verdict

A powerful, fast-burning finale that closes the trilogy with all the fire, heart, and magic Schwab’s crafted from book one. A Conjuring of Light is a triumph of character and storytelling.

Best of all? The fun’s not over! The saga continues with The Fragile Threads of Power!

A Gathering of Shadows

Power is seductive—but balance is essential. In this dazzling sequel to A Darker Shade of Magic, V.E. Schwab ups the stakes with a whirlwind of magic, identity, and ambition that refuses to be put down.

A Gathering of Shadows

by V.E. Schwab

Sparks Fly at the Essen Tach Tournament (Darker Shades of Magic, book 2)

A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

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A Gathering of Shadows
Darker Shades of Magic, book 2

V.E. Schwab

Adventure; Fantasy

509

February 23, 2016

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The Quick Look

Power is seductive—but balance is essential. In this dazzling sequel to A Darker Shade of Magic, V.E. Schwab ups the stakes with a whirlwind of magic, identity, and ambition that refuses to be put down. 

  • Themes: Power & Sacrifice, Self-Discovery, Identity, Balance, Connection
  • Read If You Like: Magical tournaments (Think Tri-Wizard Tournament on steroids), high-stakes drama, morally complex mages, or anything that blends emotional depth with spellbinding adventure.
  • Best for: Fantasy lovers craving high-stakes competition, dynamic character growth, and richly imagined worlds.
  • Skip if: You haven’t read book one yet—this picks up threads that will land harder with context.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING:
If A Darker Shade of Magic was world-building with a flicker of plot, A Gathering of Shadows is where the series truly ignites. The introduction of the Essen Tach, an international magical tournament, injects irresistible tension and excitement. While political machinations simmer in the background, Schwab lets the character arcs shine—especially for Kell and Lila, who are each navigating what it means to belong.

CHARACTER & VOICE:
Lila Bard continues to be one of fantasy’s most compelling antiheroes—bold, reckless, deeply human. Kell’s inner turmoil and moral compass clash with the expectations of Red London (and the burden of living a life for his brother, Rhy), while new faces add spice to the ensemble (Alucard Emery, anyone?). Schwab excels at writing relationships that are as volatile and enchanting as the magic itself.

STYLE & ATMOSPHERE:
This is where Schwab’s writing noticeably levels up. The prose is confident, the pacing tight, and the emotional beats hit harder than before. Whether she’s describing the shimmer of a magical duel or the ache of a quiet betrayal, every sentence feels like it belongs.

THEMES & DEPTH:
At its core, A Gathering of Shadows is about the tension between identity and expectation—what it means to forge your own path, especially when the world wants to define you. It also explores how power corrupts, how relationships can anchor or unmoor you, and how magic is both a gift and a test.

PERSONAL TAKE:
I devoured this book. From the brilliant structure of the tournament to the emotional unraveling of beloved characters, I was hooked. Schwab’s evolution as a storyteller is on full display here, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

The Final Verdict

A rare sequel that surpasses its predecessor, A Gathering of Shadows delivers everything you want in a fantasy novel—magic, heart, betrayal, identity, and just enough cliffhanger to make you immediately reach for book three (our review here).

The Lost Apothecary

Unravel history’s hidden secrets in an inspiring tale that illustrates it’s never too late to rediscover yourself and pursue your dreams.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

Poison, Power, and the Art of Starting Over

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

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The Lost Apothecary

Sarah Penner

Historical Fiction; Feminist Lit

301

March 02, 2021

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The Quick Look

In a hidden corner of 18th-century London, a secret apothecary brews justice for women wronged by men. Centuries later, a modern woman discovers that sometimes the most dangerous thing you can do is reclaim your life.

  • Themes: Female Friendship, Self-Discovery, Societal Expectations, Lost Dreams, Empowerment (and yes, Poison)
  • Read If You Like: The Midnight Library, Circe, or historical fiction with a feminist edge and a little magic.
  • Best for: Lovers of historical fiction, feminist themes, and dual-timeline storytelling.
  • Skip if: You need high fantasy or heavy action—this one is more subtle and emotional than plot-driven.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING:
Told in dual timelines, the story follows Nella and Eliza in 1791 London—one a secret apothecary serving wronged women, the other a curious young girl caught in a growing web—and Caroline in present-day London, reeling from personal betrayal and unfulfilled dreams. The pacing is tight and purposeful across both timelines, with each chapter weaving tension, revelation, and emotional weight without dragging.

CHARACTER & VOICE:
Each woman has her own quiet fire. Nella is hardened but aching. Eliza is wide-eyed and determined. Caroline is questioning everything, and her unraveling is one of the book’s most relatable arcs. You’ll root for them all—for different reasons, in different ways. Their voices are distinct, authentic, and compelling.

STYLE & ATMOSPHERE:
Sarah Penner’s writing is transportive. Whether you’re in a cramped backroom of an apothecary shop or wandering the banks of the Thames, the setting feels immersive without being over-described. The tone strikes a balance between wistful and sharp, grounded in emotional realism with a hint of the magical.

THEMES & DEPTH:
The novel explores how dreams are deferred—by circumstance, by society, by fear—and how easily a life that looks “perfect” from the outside can feel hollow. It’s about what happens when women support each other, when they choose boldness over silence, and when they step out of the lives they’ve settled for to pursue the ones they want. And also? It’s about poisoning the patriarchy. Which is just fun.

PERSONAL TAKE:
This was a total win for me. I loved the balance between history and present day, and how each storyline reflected different facets of the same truth: that you don’t have to stay stuck. It’s feminist lit that doesn’t feel preachy—just powerful. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s ever wondered if they gave up too much to fit someone else’s mold. I want all the women in my life to read this and feel the freedom to pursue a life they’re proud to have.

The Final Verdict

Empowering, atmospheric, and filled with fierce women—The Lost Apothecary is a beautifully woven tale of rediscovery, revenge, and reclaiming your story.

AND PENNER’S PENNING A SEQUEL!!!

A Darker Shade of Magic

Witness the corrupting power of magic in the world-building debut featuring intriguing characters, spellbinding magic, and fascinating worlds.

A Darker Shade of Magic

by V.E. Schwab

One Coat, Four Londons, and a Menagerie of Memorable Characters

Darker Shades #1: A Darker Shade of Magic

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A Darker Shade of Magic
(Shades of Magic, book 1)

V.E. Schwab

Adventure; Fantasy

400

February 24, 2015

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The Quick Look

What if there were parallel Londons separated by magic doors only accessible by special blood magic users—each with its own rules, magic, culture, and dangers? In A Darker Shade of Magic, V.E. Schwab crafts a multiverse fantasy that’s equal parts richly imagined and irresistibly dangerous. 

  • Themes: Power, Corruption, Identity, Balance
  • Read If You Like: The Magicians, Six of Crows, or multiversal blood magic with royals, pirates, and thieves!
  • Best for: Fantasy fans craving immersive worldbuilding and character-driven magic.
  • Skip if: You’re not ready to commit to a trilogy or you struggle with slower starts.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING:
The story centers on Kell Maresh, one of the last Antari who can travel between four parallel Londons: the rich and thriving Red London (Kell’s home), the harsh and violent White London, the magic-less Grey London (this is where we live), and the destroyed and sealed-off Black London. When he accidentally smuggles a dangerous artifact back to Red London, chaos follows—and so does Lila Bard, a pickpocket with daggers, dreams, and a death wish. The pacing is steady, occasionally slow, but always driving toward something bigger.

CHARACTER & VOICE:
Kell and Lila are both immediately magnetic. Kell is burdened by duty and scarred by secrets. Lila’s amazingly reckless, bold, and impossible not to root for. Rhy, Kell’s royal brother, adds warmth and charm that hints at deeper layers. These characters make the book. Schwab excels at crafting people you want to follow, even when you’re not sure where they’re going.

STYLE & ATMOSPHERE:
If you came from The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue expecting lush, lyrical prose, you might feel a little whiplash—this is an earlier Schwab, and the writing reflects that. But what it lacks in polish, it makes up for in vision. Red London in particular is vivid, rich, and alive. You’ll wish you could step through the door with Kell.

THEMES & DEPTH:
This is a story about power—who wields it, who yields to it, and how easily it can twist the strongest of wills. The multiverse structure isn’t just for spectacle; it’s a reflection of imbalance, desire, and danger. You can feel the edges of deeper questions being sharpened for later books (Just what exactly happened in Black London and why is it sealed off???).

PERSONAL TAKE:
At first, I wasn’t entirely sold. Coming off of Addie LaRue, this felt like a step back in style. But then the world started to bloom, the characters took over, and by the end, I was in. Fully in. If this were a standalone, I might have hesitated to recommend it—but as the opening of a trilogy? Absolutely. Read it. Stick with it. The series becomes something truly special.

The Final Verdict

A rich, imaginative start to a multiverse fantasy filled with vivid worlds and unforgettable characters. The prose may be early-career Schwab, but the magic? Already fully formed.

Ready to dive into book 2? Read our review of A Gathering of Shadows.

Listen for the Lie

Join snarky Lucy as she returns home to search for the killer of her best friend—even if the killer turns out to be herself.

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

A Snarky Survivor, A Dead Best Friend, and a Killer Podcast

Listen for the Lie

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Listen for the Lie

Amy Tintera

Crime; Thriller; Mystery

333

March 05, 2024

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The Quick Look

If your best friend was murdered and everyone thought you did it—including maybe you—would you go back to your hometown to find out the truth… while guest-starring in a podcast about it? Listen for the Lie is as darkly funny as it is compulsively thrilling. 

  • Themes: Memory, Self-Doubt, Small Town Secrets, True Crime Obsession
  • Read If You Like: Only Murders in the Building, Sharp Objects, or the “Serial” podcast—plus biting one-liners
  • Best for: Thriller fans who love unreliable narrators with a razor-sharp edge.
  • Skip if: You’re not into murder mysteries, podcast-style structure, or adult content.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING:
Lucy Chase has been acquitted of murdering her best friend, but the public’s verdict isn’t as kind. When a wildly popular true crime podcast decides to revisit the case, Lucy is dragged back to her hometown—and into a truth she’s not sure she’s ready to uncover. The plot moves fast, but never feels rushed. The alternating podcast transcripts add momentum and intrigue, and the mystery stays twisty without ever feeling manipulative.

CHARACTERS & VOICE:
Lucy is everything. Sarcastic, sharp, self-aware, and emotionally complicated. Her voice carries the novel, and Amy Tintera makes her impossible to pin down in the best way. The supporting cast—podcaster Ben Owens, the town that turned on her, her grandmother (oh! her grandmother!) and even the late best friend—are vivid and memorable. Trust no one.

STYLE & ATMOSPHERE:
Tintera’s writing is clean, witty, and packs an emotional punch when it needs to. The podcast transcript sections are smartly done and help give readers a sense of the public’s perception without pulling you out of the story. The atmosphere is classic small-town claustrophobia: gossip thick in the air, secrets around every corner.

THEMES & DEPTH:
This isn’t just a whodunnit—it’s a story about how trauma distorts memory, and how quickly public narratives are shaped by hearsay and media. The podcast angle feels fresh and current, but never gimmicky. And Lucy’s internal struggle (how do you trust yourself when you’re not even sure what happened?) gives the book real weight beneath its sharp voice.

PERSONAL TAKE:
I loved this book. Lucy is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a thriller in a while. I laughed. I gasped. I flipped pages like a maniac. This is the kind of book that could easily translate into an excellent audiobook (and probably already has). It’s a rare thriller that balances real emotional complexity with pure entertainment.

The Final Verdict

A fast-paced, emotionally sharp thriller with a protagonist you won’t forget and a podcast plot that absolutely delivers. Come for the murder mystery, stay for Lucy’s unmatched snark.

Anxious People

A failed bank robbery. A group of accidental hostages. A rabbit costume. Somehow, Anxious People turns all that into one of the most unexpectedly moving novels about being human.

Anxious People

by Fredrik Backman

A Hostage Situation with a Side of Existential Therapy

Anxious People

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Anxious People

Fredrik Backman

Contemporary Fiction; Humor

336

April 25, 2019

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The Quick Look

A failed bank robbery. A group of accidental hostages. A rabbit costume. Somehow, Anxious People turns all that into one of the most unexpectedly moving novels about being human. 

  • Themes: Regret, Empathy, Parenthood, Mistakes, Human Connection
  • Read If You Like: Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library, ensemble casts with heart, therapy disguised as plot twists.
  • Best for: Readers who love emotional rollercoasters disguised as quirky comedies.
  • Skip if: You need action-heavy plots or get impatient with nonlinear storytelling.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING:
At first glance, Anxious People is about a bank robbery gone wrong. But really, it’s about everything that happens in the quiet between the chaos—the misunderstandings, the coping mechanisms, the stories we tell ourselves so we can keep going. Fredrik Backman spins what could’ve been a zany hostage farce into something far deeper: a meditation on anxiety, guilt, forgiveness, and persevering through the madness of life. The pacing is deliberate, even meandering at times, but that’s part of the charm.

CHARACTER & VOICE:
This is where the book absolutely shines. Every character—no matter how small, odd, or initially annoying—gets their moment of tenderness and truth. Backman has a rare talent for cracking open the shell of a person and showing you the fragile, aching heart inside. You’ll want to hug the bank robber. And the hostages. And the real estate agent. And even the grumpy retirees. Especially the grumpy retirees.

STYLE & ATMOSPHERE:
Backman’s writing is witty and warm, with a rhythm that feels like someone telling you a story at a kitchen table—pausing to sip coffee, backtrack, and drop profound truths in between punchlines. It’s a little offbeat, but it works. The setting is secondary—this could be any apartment in any small town—but that’s intentional. The emotional geography is what matters most.

THEMES & DEPTH:
What starts as a mystery (who IS the bank robber and why are they holding folks hostage?) slowly unfolds into something much more philosophical. It’s not about who did it—it’s about why we all feel like we’re constantly screwing up and how much we need each other, even when we’re at our worst. Anxious People is a reminder that we’re all a bit of a mess, and that’s exactly what makes us worthy of love. It’s a book about how hard it is to be a person, and how we keep trying anyway.

PERSONAL TAKE:
I adored Anxious People. It’s funny, heartfelt, a little chaotic, and profoundly human. It’s the kind of book that sneaks up on you. One minute you’re laughing at someone hiding in a bathroom; the next, you’re reevaluating your entire approach to life. Backman doesn’t just write stories—he holds up a mirror.

The Final Verdict

A deeply compassionate, cleverly written reminder that everyone you meet is just doing their best—not unlike you. Come for the hostage drama, stay for the existential breakthroughs.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi

A retired pirate captain. A kidnapped girl. A “one last job” mission that turns into a high-seas, high-stakes adventure. Shannon Chakraborty’s The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi is the pirate fantasy you didn’t know your bookshelf was missing. 

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi

by Shannon Chakraborty

A Swashbuckling Saga of Motherhood, Magic, and Mayhem

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi

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The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi

Shannon Chakraborty

Adventure; Fantasy; Pirates!

467

February 28, 2023

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The Quick Look

A retired pirate captain. A kidnapped girl. A “one last job” mission that turns into a high-seas, high-stakes adventure. Shannon Chakraborty’s The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi is the pirate fantasy you didn’t know your bookshelf was missing. 

  • Themes: Motherhood vs Freedom, Found Family, Secrets, Faith, Greed, Redemption
  • Read If You Like: Pirates of the Caribbean, The City of Brass, badass women with complicated pasts 
  • Best for: Fantasy readers craving originality, adventure lovers, fans of morally complicated women.
  • Skip if: Honestly? Don’t. Just hoist the sails and dive in.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING:
It starts with a mystery and a promise—rescue a missing girl, make a fortune, and go back to retirement. But nothing is ever that simple. Amina al-Sirafi, former pirate queen turned semi-domesticated single mother, is pulled back into a world of sorcery, secrets, and sea monsters. And thank the stars for it. The plot moves like a well-rigged ship: fast when it needs to be, steady when it’s time to reflect, and never once capsizing under the weight of its ambition.

CHARACTER & VOICE:
Amina is a revelation. She’s not your typical fantasy heroine—she’s better. Older, wiser, angrier, and still heartbreakingly human. Every member of her crew (each introduced one-at-a-time, so they each get their own moment) is unforgettable, from her fiercely loyal allies to the rivals and rogues they cross paths with. This book is brimming with personality, and Chakraborty writes dialogue that crackles with life. Honestly? I’d follow Amina and her crew off the edge of the world and back.

STYLE & ATMOSPHERE:
Chakraborty’s prose is lush without being overdone. She blends historical detail with high fantasy in a way that feels seamless, immersive, and deeply original. The Indian Ocean setting is alive with magic and myth. Every scene is anchored by sharp voice and vivid sensory detail. It’s the kind of book you don’t just read; you live in it.

THEMES & DEPTH:
What happens when a mother misses her past self more than she expected? Amina’s internal tug-of-war between being a mother and being herself is the book’s emotional heart. But this isn’t just about parenting—it’s about aging, legacy, loyalty, and carving space for your identity in a world that’s quick to define it for you. There’s something deliciously subversive about a woman in her forties stealing back her story.

PERSONAL TAKE:
I loved this book. As in: recommend-it-to-everyone, scream-about-it-in-group-chat, pre-order-the-sequel kind of love. I didn’t think I needed a pirate fantasy steeped in Middle Eastern lore starring a middle-aged mother of one, but now I want a dozen (though, it’s set up for maybe six more?). It’s fun, it’s fierce, it’s thoughtful—and it’s one of the best things I read all year.

The Final Verdict

A wildly entertaining, richly imagined adventure that sails far beyond the tropes. Amina al-Sirafi is the pirate queen fantasy needed—and deserved.