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A review by theamyleblanc
The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
4.0
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Just wow. This book immediately draws you into the world with very little effort. I was wandering that souk with the Midnight Merchant and Qadir before I knew what was happening. The sights, the sounds, the smells - they all felt so deliciously real. And the tension between humans and jinn was ever-present. It set the stage really well.
I thought the story moved a little slow at first but having finished it, I now realize that in the beginning, I was staring out at the desert and just taking it all in. And then, as it moved along, it's like someone was pointing out the different features to me. It became clearer and clearer and I appreciated the set-up even more.
The layers to this story are incredible. Not only is the plot intricate and unpredictable, the characters are detailed and dynamic. There are so many tragic backstories but they each feel unique. Watching Loulie and Mazen and Aisha grow was beautiful. Qadir is my favorite, hands down. He's compelling and magical and I want to know more about his story. Though I do appreciate that one of the characters uses they/them pronouns! That was a delightful surprise.
I have been recommending this book to everyone, with the caveat to have patience. "One cannot know the outcome of a journey if one is not brave enough to take it."
Wow. Just wow. This book immediately draws you into the world with very little effort. I was wandering that souk with the Midnight Merchant and Qadir before I knew what was happening. The sights, the sounds, the smells - they all felt so deliciously real. And the tension between humans and jinn was ever-present. It set the stage really well.
I thought the story moved a little slow at first but having finished it, I now realize that in the beginning, I was staring out at the desert and just taking it all in. And then, as it moved along, it's like someone was pointing out the different features to me. It became clearer and clearer and I appreciated the set-up even more.
The layers to this story are incredible. Not only is the plot intricate and unpredictable, the characters are detailed and dynamic. There are so many tragic backstories but they each feel unique. Watching Loulie and Mazen and Aisha grow was beautiful. Qadir is my favorite, hands down. He's compelling and magical and I want to know more about his story. Though I do appreciate that one of the characters uses they/them pronouns! That was a delightful surprise.
I have been recommending this book to everyone, with the caveat to have patience. "One cannot know the outcome of a journey if one is not brave enough to take it."