Reviews

City of Stolen Magic by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak

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owenpeak's review against another edition

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

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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

novellenovels's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful 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

5.0

lulu121212's review

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adventurous informative slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

ejarvis996's review

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4.0

I will be requesting that our school library buy a copy of this title immediately!

This is a charming children's book (one that I loved even as an adult!) about Chompa a young girl who has magical abilities but whose mother has blocked her powers due to fears that she may be hunted for her powers.

One day Chompas mother is taken by these men - British "scientists" who wish to rid the world of magic. She must embark on an adventure to find her mother and learn more about her own power.

The story is set in Colonial India/Britain and subtly introduces the reader to the idea of colonisation and power without being preachy. Lends itself beautifully to discussions on these topics - an important part of both countries' history.

puppiesrcute's review

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emotional inspiring 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

3.75

Initially, I thought it was going to be a fun, light hearted kid's book with an adventurous rescue mission. I did not expect the depths that came in later on. It felt as if the book matured into something for an older audience halfway through, highlighting darker points of history and

cutting betrayals

that aren't normally seen in children's books. I wish this deeper aspect of the book was fleshed out more rather than leaving it in a vague ending