Reviews

City of Stolen Magic by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak

ambermoony's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

ymca12's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

bethu3's review

Go to review page

adventurous 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? It's complicated

3.25

suemyreads's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

jbo74's review

Go to review page

adventurous 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

alimcjoy's review

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a spectacular read. A great way to introduce some very dark and difficult elements from history to young readers in an approachable, accessible way. The main character is a heroine waiting for the opportunity and she definitely finds her opportunity. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lilistar's review

Go to review page

adventurous informative 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? No

4.0

girlglitch's review

Go to review page

4.0

City of Stolen Magic is a fantastic middle-grade fantasy adventure. With a well-imagined magical system, enchanting worldbuilding and compelling characters, I was swept up in Chompa's story. Her journey, from a small village in India to the seat of the Victorian empire in London allows for an interesting exploration of British colonialism for a young audience, with a fantasy twist.

Vivid and fast-paced with a courageous young heroine, City of Stolen Magic is a spellbinding debut and I couldn't put it down.

*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*

owenpeak's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Fabulous! This book was gorgeously written and all of the characters were so charming and intriguing. It was so cool how this novel tackles unsettling and disturbing subject matter- the British colonial impact on India and the rest of the world- in a way that demystifies the subject for children yet doesn’t shy away from the horrors and brutality that actually existed within the colonial project. Chompa was a brilliant protagonist; I loved her djinnborn powers and how she made realistic and honest decisions that made her not just a hero, but a relatable hero. Moreover, I found the interweaving of folklore and Bengali traditions into the story seamless and that they really enriched the world that was being created!

j4ynie's review

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring 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