Reviews with content warning for Kidnapping - The Stardust Thief

[This review can also be found on my BLOG]

**I received a proof copy from Orbit Books UK in exchange for an honest review**

CW: violence, blood, injury, kidnapping, torture, murder, death, child death, death of parent, grief, confinement
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If you’re craving an adventure in a whole new world then look no further!
Inspired by the stories from One Thousand and One Nights, The Stardust Thief is the entrancing first novel in an all new trilogy that reimagines and entwines the tales and legends anew.

We follow Loulie Al Nazari and her bodyguard Qadir, a merchant and jinn (sometimes lizard companion) duo who make a living by travelling the lands tracking and selling magical relics – a dangerous occupation in a world where such items are illegal and where jinn are hunted for the magic in their blood.

Despite the outlawed nature of her trade her infamous reputation comes to the attention of the Sultan, who once she is captured offers her her life in exchange for her services to locate a lamp, an ancient relic with immense power. The company of the Sultan’s son and a member of the Forty Thieves is also part of the deal and so the 4 of them embark on their quest across the Sandsea desert and all the perils it has to offer.

"Some things are out of our control. You know that just as well as I. All we can do is make choices based on the cards fate deals us."

Fast paced and addictive, Abdullah’s narration immediately draws you in to a world full of magic, myths and mayhem that anyone who has ever enjoyed a previous rendition of these classic stories and mythologies will instantly warm to. However, the atmosphere and settings in this book evokes much more authenticity and I think this comes down to Abdullah’s love for her own culture as well as her love for stories and storytelling which shines through the writing.

The best multi POV stories are the ones that keep you hooked on all the character perspectives and for me this was definitely one of those. Loulie, Mazen and Aisha each have a distinctive voice and I found myself loving them all (and I love Qadir too of course.) It was particularly inspiring to see their perseverance through the challenges on their journey, the truths and lies that get uncovered on the way and also when coming to terms with their individual vulnerabilities.

"We're all afraid Prince. The only difference between a hero and a coward is that one forgets their fear and fights, while the other succumbs to it and flees."

Just as compelling are the character relationships which Abdullah has developed beautifully. The dynamic between the leading trio and Qadir is really fun, equal parts wariness and banter that eventually reaches a borderline found family feel and I can’t wait to see how this develops further in the rest of the series. I even found myself totally invested in the relationships with minor characters such as Mazen and his brother Hakim and even Loulie and Ahmed. However, the most endearing relationship which I know everyone will agree with is the one between Loulie and Qadir. I honestly love it so much when there is a wholesome platonic duo at the heart of a book.

What was also pretty great was the little interludes of story interspersed amongst all the action and carefully plotted twists and reveals at times when a character is recalling a tale from legend. This not only further celebrated the art of storytelling but also touched on the themes and idea of how key details in accounts and histories can be lost and consciously distorted over time.

All in all a fantastic and highly enjoyable debut and I can’t wait to come back to this world and continue to follow these characters on the adventures Chelsea Abdullah has in store for them next!
Final Rating – 4.5/5 Stars

Content Warnings

laurareads87's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

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

4.0

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah is a great debut fantasy. Abdullah seamlessly weaves together stylistic references to A Thousand and One Nights, intricate and compelling world-building, interesting political dynamics, and an exciting quest story. The characters’ relationships are well developed and their motivations clear, and Abdullah’s use of multiple POVs is effective. I’m looking forward to the sequel!

My only complaint as a reader — and it’s really just expression of personal preference — is that I really wish the characters were more morally ambiguous than they are. The protagonists aren’t perfect, but they’re straightforwardly easy to cheer for, while the antagonist is unquestionably evil: they all feel a bit ‘safe’ in terms of character development, and this combined with the plot unfolding in an entirely linear fashion leaves me feeling like I would’ve appreciated more complexity.

While written for adults, I can see this book having crossover appeal for readers who prefer/enjoy YA; the human main characters are in their early to mid twenties. Though first in a trilogy, this book also works reasonably well as a standalone, with the ending clearly leaving room for the sequel but also feeling sufficiently conclusive.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing an ARC in exchange for this review.

Content Warnings

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