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ninjamuse's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Child death, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent and Confinement
kgeogheghan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
The story is told from three points of view: Loulie - a woman who can find hidden magical items, and sells them under the title 'Midnight Merchant', with her jinn friend and bodyguard; Price Mazen - the youngest of the Sultan's children; Aisha - one of the legendary 40 thieves.
The world building in this novel is beautiful. I loved the characters, and seeing the story unfold from their different points of view, each with their own unique voice - seeing their relationships grow and change as they learn more about one another and face the journey to find the magical lamp together. Some parts of the plot felt a little obvious, but the overall story was compelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed the vast majority of this book, but I was somewhat disappointed with the ending. It left me unsatisfied, with too many questions left unanswered. I didn't realize this book was part of a trilogy, so was hoping for sound resolution to the story. I also struggled slightly with keeping up with what was happening in the final scenes, as there was so many moving parts.
Overall, it's a great fantasy book, full of magic and mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The world building in this novel is beautiful. I loved the characters, and seeing the story unfold from their different points of view, each with their own unique voice - seeing their relationships grow and change as they learn more about one another and face the journey to find the magical lamp together. Some parts of the plot felt a little obvious, but the overall story was compelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed the vast majority of this book, but I was somewhat disappointed with the ending. It left me unsatisfied, with too many questions left unanswered. I didn't realize this book was part of a trilogy, so was hoping for sound resolution to the story. I also struggled slightly with keeping up with what was happening in the final scenes, as there was so many moving parts.
Overall, it's a great fantasy book, full of magic and mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Child death, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
azrah786's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
4.5
[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
--
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.
**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
--
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
Moderate: Torture, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Child death, Confinement, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Grief
poppywarphan's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
The Stardust thief is a wonderful and enchanting fantasy inspired by stories from One Thousand and One Nights. The author did a fantastic job at subtly weaving the tales into the story.
DUDES WITH EARRINGS ALERT! 😏
It was so refreshing to have a male character who's not a muscular macho warrior. Mazen is ahimbo curious prince who loves stories. Loulie or Layla is the midnight merchant who sells relics (objects with magical powers). “I would rather marry a dust-covered relic than a man,” Loulie, mood. She travels with Qadir who is a dilf, her jinn bodyguard and father figure.
“You rely on me, but I also rely on you. We are a team, you and I.”
“You are the most courageous person I know, Loulie al-Nazari. Without you, I would still be aimlessly wandering the desert, lost in my grief. You are not weak. That is why I follow where you walk: because I trust you.”
“The compass led me to you, and it is with you I shall stay until destiny demands we part ways.”
Tell me this isn't the most beautiful thing in the world 😭.
Loulie is brought before the sultan, and he blackmails her into going on a quest to find a relic, to which a powerful jinn is bound. He appoints his son Omar, a jinn hunter, to supervise her. It is actually Mazen who joins her—in return for a favor from Omar—disguised as his brother (with the help of a relic), and Aisha, a badass woman as well as one of Omar's 40 thieves. They travel into the desert and face many dangerous creatures. At the end, we find out who the true villain of the story is, that fucks everything up.
We never really get Loulie's and Ahmed's backstory, so I'm missing a bit of context there. And to the Stardust thief, I hope both sides of his pillow are warm.
Can't wait for the next installment. I've recently finished The city of brass, so if you're looking for similar vibes I'd definitely recommend The stardust thief.
Arc provided by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
DUDES WITH EARRINGS ALERT! 😏
It was so refreshing to have a male character who's not a muscular macho warrior. Mazen is a
“You rely on me, but I also rely on you. We are a team, you and I.”
“You are the most courageous person I know, Loulie al-Nazari. Without you, I would still be aimlessly wandering the desert, lost in my grief. You are not weak. That is why I follow where you walk: because I trust you.”
“The compass led me to you, and it is with you I shall stay until destiny demands we part ways.”
Tell me this isn't the most beautiful thing in the world 😭.
Loulie is brought before the sultan, and he blackmails her into going on a quest to find a relic, to which a powerful jinn is bound. He appoints his son Omar, a jinn hunter, to supervise her. It is actually Mazen who joins her—in return for a favor from Omar—disguised as his brother (with the help of a relic), and Aisha, a badass woman as well as one of Omar's 40 thieves. They travel into the desert and face many dangerous creatures. At the end, we find out who the true villain of the story is, that fucks everything up.
We never really get Loulie's and Ahmed's backstory, so I'm missing a bit of context there. And to the Stardust thief, I hope both sides of his pillow are warm.
Can't wait for the next installment. I've recently finished The city of brass, so if you're looking for similar vibes I'd definitely recommend The stardust thief.
Arc provided by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Violence, and Death
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Child abuse, Death of parent, Grief, and Torture
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