Reviews

I think it's very interesting and cool how the British empire and it's various atrocities seems to be becoming more of a theme in children's books because it's an important thing for kids to learn about that we don't teach about (or if we do probably not from the perspective of this was terrible)

It's a really fun adventurous story with exciting plot twists and compelling characters, with a diverse cast, which also brought a lot of life and depth to the depiction of 19th century London that was representative of a multicultural society some people like to pretend didn't exist until after WWII.

The whole concept of magic as a resource to be exploited by colonialists who also want to undermine more traditional methods/egalitarian values (writing-magic) in order to profit worked really well as a metaphor and I think children will get a lot out of it

Content Warnings

clareswindlehurst's review

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5.0

When Chompa uses her finger-magic to light a fire, little does she know that she has started a series of events that will endanger the lives of many. When her mother is kidnapped, Chompa uses the magic she was always forbidden from using to try and rescue her. But she will learn that not everyone can be trusted and that using her powerful magic comes at a price…

I enjoyed City of Stolen Magic because of the strong characters and the intense action. This is great choice for older children who love stories involving magic and strong female lead characters.

I loved how there was more than one kind of magic in the story, and each character had different skills and strengths and every one of them was important in how the action played out.

Chompa was a wonderful female heroine. She was brave and smart but also very caring and put the needs of others before her own.

Here is one of my favourite quotes:

“Hair was what princesses worried about, but in real life, it got in your eyes and mouth… Chompa threw the scarf aside. She was never going to be a princess. And she didn’t want to be one, either. She was something far more powerful. She was a witch.”

I also have a soft spot for Tipu, who proved he could stand up for himself and was an amazing and kind-hearted friend.

This is Nazneed Ahmed Pathak’s first novel, and I can’t wait to read what she dreams up next.

Note: Since this is a children’s book, I think it is important to let readers know that the story includes a death scene.

My thanks go to Puffin for sending me an ARC via NetGalley.

#CityofStolenMagic #NetGalley

rosiej's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

schlotte's review

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adventurous emotional 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? No

4.5

franmoldaschl's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

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