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lvjysunday's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent
memento_morri's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Child death
mallorypen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
That said, this novel had SO many twists and turns I had a rough time keeping everything straight. I liked all the plot points, but getting to them felt in some places awkwardly quick, and in others clumsy and slow.
I also feel like the characters’ relationships are being kept deliberately uncertain in a way that feels more like a book to read more books in a series (which idk if I would be interested in doing) versus building to real resolution.
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Murder, and War
ishouldreadthat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free.
The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah is a debut adult fantasy novel inspired by the 1001 Nights. With a lovely setting, great characters, and a compelling plot, it's definitely one to pick up if you enjoy:
-Badass and clever women
-Hot jinn dads
-Cinnamon roll princes
-Friendships!!
-The power of storytelling
-Non-European settings
I listened to the audiobook for this one, and really enjoyed the narrators, but the editing leaves a lot to be desired (lots of repetition and strange cuts). I hope they go in and edit these issues, because it's a great way to read this book!
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent
lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Death and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence
kbairbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Misogyny, Sexism, and Alcohol
beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
First, to the good stuff. I liked how Abdullah intertwined the best-known Arabian Nights stories into her tale, incorporating
It wasn't long after our narrators - Loulie, Mazen and Aisha (as well as Qadir) - set out on their journey (not a spoiler as it's in the official blurb) that I started to get confused. It was still incredibly gripping to read - but I was no longer as invested as I was in the beginning.
So what went wrong? For me, it was a number of things. A few plot holes which I couldn't rationalise to myself. Too many convenient escapes where someone or something turned up at just the right moment. The characters felt too thin and weren't developed enough to make me care about them. I was confused about jinn lore and exactly how the magic worked. And I think it was too long, with twist upon twist until it became impossible to keep track of who knew what and when.
In conclusion, a strong start and some clever ideas, but the worldbuilding and character development left a lot to be desired.
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Gore, Self harm, Grief, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pregnancy
Many murders and violence occur through magical means.kylieqrada's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Torture, Blood, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death and Child death
xtsukix's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The start was a little boring, and this book took me forever to get through but I do blame that partially on my reading slump. I think I’d give the second book in the trilogy a read when it does come out :) Qadir is definitely my favourite character and I would love to see more of him.
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Gore, and Torture
elizabeth_lepore's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Genocide, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexism