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cakt1991's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
3.5
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Elisa A. Bonnin delivers another solid stand-alone fantasy within the span of a year with Stolen City. While it’s very different from her debut, Dauntless, I like that it allowed her to avoid being pigeonholed into one “type” of story. While I found this story slightly less captivating than its predecessor, it still has a lot to offer.
I really liked the themes explored here, particularly about the impacts of colonization, and how fear can drive you to extreme measures. Despite it being fictional, you get the sense that the characters are fighting back against an imperialist threat not unlike those we’ve seen in our world, which makes it relatable.
The characters are where I feel the narrative may have been spread a bit thin. Multi-perspective narratives were also a part of Bonnin’s prior book, but having four of them was a bit much, and I feel the development suffered a bit for it. The relationship between the twins, Arian and Liam, is strong, and Bonnin is great at drawing other relationships between characters. But it’s a bit harder to get a sense for who they are individually.
The pacing also suffers a bit, with the middle lagging after a solid start, then picking up towards the end. But it does feel earned, as there’s meticulous planning to be done, and the payoff is ultimately there.
Despite any personal issues I had, I found this to be a pretty solid sophomore effort overall, and can’t wait to see what Elisa A. Bonnin releases next. If you’re a fan of YA fantasy heist stories, you’ll enjoy this one.
eleennaeisloved's review
adventurous
tense
fast-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
sphynxreads's review
adventurous
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I received an eARC of this book from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is definitely very different from Bonnin's debut, Dauntless, and not quite to my taste. While I appreciated the worldbuilding and themes explored in this story, I felt it lacking the emotion and heart that Dauntless did. For me it was at least because I didn't find myself attached to the characters and I felt we weren't given ample time to really latch onto one. That said, I do think a strong point for this book is the character relationships, which seems to be Bonnin's strongest suit. Pacing-wise, found both the very beginning and the very end to be quite engaging, but the entire middle dragged quite a bit for me. If you like your heist stories to spend a lot of time in the planning phase, you might like this book.
A part of me feels I read this book at the wrong time, so I'm definitely rereading this to see how I feel when it is released.
This book is definitely very different from Bonnin's debut, Dauntless, and not quite to my taste. While I appreciated the worldbuilding and themes explored in this story, I felt it lacking the emotion and heart that Dauntless did. For me it was at least because I didn't find myself attached to the characters and I felt we weren't given ample time to really latch onto one. That said, I do think a strong point for this book is the character relationships, which seems to be Bonnin's strongest suit. Pacing-wise, found both the very beginning and the very end to be quite engaging, but the entire middle dragged quite a bit for me. If you like your heist stories to spend a lot of time in the planning phase, you might like this book.
A part of me feels I read this book at the wrong time, so I'm definitely rereading this to see how I feel when it is released.
bookishflower's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
PLEASE tell me we get a follow up book!!!!!!??????
5*
- Autistic rep
- Biracial rep
- Knife-to-throat scene
- Magic
- Heists!!
- Multi-POV
- Ship that made me giggle and scream, I’m obsessed!
Thank you NetGalley, Swoon Reads and Elisa A. Bonnin for providing me with an arc as a member of the author’s street team in exchange for an honest review!
This became one of my favourite books instantly, and I am completely obsessed! If you’re after a book to follow Six of Crows for its magical heists, look no further! I can completely see Stolen City becoming the new Tiktok 'it' book!
Elisa is a master of world building and Stolen City is no exception. The politics and history of Leithon is explained beautifully, showing the cultural and generational trauma caused by the Imperial occupation- however, this never feels 'preachy'. The magic system was intriguing and unique, the characters had limitations, and, for the most part, no one felt overpowered. I would totally read a prequel book about the creation of the Arcanum, Weavers and Venari family, this world is so rich it deserves more books! (Please!)
Arian and Liam's coming of age was satisfying, but it did feel a little rushed towards the end. I'd love to see a follow up book exploring what happens next with Leithon and the characters!
My favourite part of Stolen City was Arian and Cavar by far, the witty writing and tension?! In love! The heists were really fun and subverted my expectations- so good!
I need people to talk to to gush over this book!
5*
- Autistic rep
- Biracial rep
- Knife-to-throat scene
- Magic
- Heists!!
- Multi-POV
- Ship that made me giggle and scream, I’m obsessed!
Thank you NetGalley, Swoon Reads and Elisa A. Bonnin for providing me with an arc as a member of the author’s street team in exchange for an honest review!
This became one of my favourite books instantly, and I am completely obsessed! If you’re after a book to follow Six of Crows for its magical heists, look no further! I can completely see Stolen City becoming the new Tiktok 'it' book!
Elisa is a master of world building and Stolen City is no exception. The politics and history of Leithon is explained beautifully, showing the cultural and generational trauma caused by the Imperial occupation- however, this never feels 'preachy'. The magic system was intriguing and unique, the characters had limitations, and, for the most part, no one felt overpowered. I would totally read a prequel book about the creation of the Arcanum, Weavers and Venari family, this world is so rich it deserves more books! (Please!)
Arian and Liam's coming of age was satisfying, but it did feel a little rushed towards the end. I'd love to see a follow up book exploring what happens next with Leithon and the characters!
My favourite part of Stolen City was Arian and Cavar by far, the witty writing and tension?! In love! The heists were really fun and subverted my expectations- so good!
I need people to talk to to gush over this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Blood, Genocide, Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Colonisation, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Cursing, Ableism, Confinement, Abandonment, and Fire/Fire injury
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