Hot Girls Read Podcast

Julia

I am very pleased to report that I am head over heels for the book I am currently reading – and of course, it happens to be another one by Shannon Chakraborty: The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi. The biggest draw to me is the world the book takes place in, which is the Islamic world around the 12th century, and specifically around the Arabian Peninsula. It is such a rich cultural/historical context, one that I have always dreamed of and wanted to know more about since I grew up not so far away from where it all takes place. Add to that adventure on the high seas and I am 100% sold – I love some good swashbuckling action (of which there is plenty). What really drives it home for me is not just that the characters are genuinely interesting and also older (our main character Amina is in her mid 40s), but due to the world they grew up in, they happen to be a very authentically diverse crew. I’m talking a mix of ethnicities and religions from around the Arabian Peninsula, Indian Ocean, and East Africa, which fits perfectly within the world building. The adventure and plot have me hooked, but really, it’s the world that the author has introduced me to that makes it impossible to put the book down

Ayesha

My reading is slightly all over the place. I’m trying to play catch up with my physical TBR, ARCs I’ve received/requested, and client reading. It’s a bit of a mess. 

I’ve just started another ARC from 831 Stories – you know I love them! This one is called DOUBLE STANDARD by Mallory Thomas. It takes place on a movie set with a fake dating trope x dating for convenience, which obviously leads to forced proximity (we’ve had a one bed trope). I’m enjoying it so far and it’s quite light-hearted and fun. The great thing with 831 books is that they’re short so I’ll likely finish it tonight!

As for a physical read, I’ve finally picked up THE JASAD CROWN, the sequel and conclusion to the Scorched Throne duology. I’ve accumulated quite a few new fantasies (both gifted and purchased), but I think I need to focus on finishing the series I’m in the middle of – this being one of them. I’m only a few chapters in and, I won’t lie, I’ve already forgotten part of what happened in book 1 (oh no). So I guess you can say, it was best I picked it up now!