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A review by mallorypen
The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The characters and use of myth as a basis for the storytelling were hugely enjoyable. The jinn (especially Qadir) were interesting, and the relics with their powers and origin made the story feel like both a treasure hunt and a philosophical quandary about power.
That said, this novel had SO many twists and turns I had a rough time keeping everything straight. I liked all the plot points, but getting to them felt in some places awkwardly quick, and in others clumsy and slow.
I also feel like the characters’ relationships are being kept deliberately uncertain in a way that feels more like a book to read more books in a series (which idk if I would be interested in doing) versus building to real resolution.
That said, this novel had SO many twists and turns I had a rough time keeping everything straight. I liked all the plot points, but getting to them felt in some places awkwardly quick, and in others clumsy and slow.
I also feel like the characters’ relationships are being kept deliberately uncertain in a way that feels more like a book to read more books in a series (which idk if I would be interested in doing) versus building to real resolution.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder, War, Domestic abuse, and Death