While there is nothing (strictly speaking) "wrong" with this one, it was, for me, completely impenetrable. I downloaded it years ago, didn't read it then, and then took almost a month to read it when I finally got around to it. If you know my reading habits at all, dear followers, you know exactly what I'm saying.

This was a good read full of twists, but I don’t know what it is about a lot of books where the chapters alternate between more than two point-of-view characters. A lot of the characterization was lost on me because I kept forgetting whose POV I was reading.

There was a lot to love here even if it's not my favorite. I loved the three pov we got. It gave the story a lot of depth. The magic system is interesting even if I question by our FMC didn't think more into the relics that she sold ever? She seemed pretty naïve for someone who is supposed to come off as savvy. I loved her friendship with her djinn. That was my favorite part. I think the plot dragged a lot in places and didn't always have sensible progression. I loved the Arabic use and cultural aspects used. I will say, It was both brutal and whimsical at times which could be jarring. I'm not sure it captured me enough to want to read the next book but I'm not against it.

"Neither here nor there, but long ago..."
Loved every moment of this adventure filled journey! It gave me everything I want from my fantasy books - a magical new world to obsess over, characters I'd want as real-life friends and the found family trope!!

Can't wait to read the sequel, The Ashfire King.

The Stardust Thief

What a FUN fantasy adventure!! This one absolutely flew by and I could not put it down. Magical Jinn who leave behind relics, a search for a magical lamp, and a journey wrought with thieves and murderers intent on taking the power for themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, even if at times, some of the characters survival felt a bit lucky.

The cliffhanger has me picking up the next book in the trilogy, The Ashfire King, immediately to know what happens next!

Mystical Middle-Eastern adventure, Magic, and a quest for the magic lamp! I could not put these down. Felt a little like Aladdin mixed with some seriously awesome plot. The twists made my head spin. The lore was so cool. And the way the author mixed languages in immersed me ever deeper. I LOVED this series.

📖 4/5⭐️
🎧4/5 ⭐️
Desert Magic. Cursed Relics. Found Family.

This book was like a magical desert adventure with jinn, cursed relics, and a thief who’s hiding way more than she lets on. The world felt really vivid, and I liked how it was inspired by One Thousand and One Nights. The main characters were fun (and a little messy), which kept things interesting. It slowed down a bit in the middle, but the plot twists totally made up for it. Excited to see what happens next!

Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for an arc of this book!

Ratings -
Book: 4/5 🌟

The premise around the story "thief steals magic and steals it with jinn bodyguard" and me running 🏃‍♂️

Thank you, Orbit, for the eARC of this book!

This really gave me Aladdin vibes but so much more, and I think the audio gave it life.

I think that this is a series that would be great for anyone that is wanting to start into fantasy or needs to pass the time. This is definitely a YA series, and I would definitely recommend it to my teenager niece.

Loulie's character is my absolute favorite as she is the midnight merchant, but she is headstrong and very loyal.

DNF @ 15%

I really liked the idea of a genderbent Aladdin retelling, which is how I remember this marketed to me when I got it in 2022. I think this is an accurate way to market the book. I read a lot of fantasy, and I know epic quests are very popular, so I'm sure this book has a lot of readers. I need a bigger "why" behind my fantasy - I need an epic, oppressive force that we're fighting against and a hero who is powerful and able to protect those who have been oppressed. I also really like romantasy, and while I imagine there will be some romance in this book, it does not seem to be the focus of the story. So while this is a well written book, it's just not a good match for my tastes.

I would recommend this one for fans of epic quests and characters who are forced to work together in spite of their differences.

I’ve recently been enjoying epic fantasy to scratch that world building itch. The story is told through three of the main characters, each with different motivations, traumatic backstory, and secrets. There is one main character that doesn’t narrate (it makes sense why) but I hope to see his narration in a future book.

I truly enjoyed the world building, particularly the connection and conflict between the human world and the jinn world. The existence of magic is a very unique concept and I am looking forward to more about this.

I read this galley to be able to jump right into the new release and it was so good! I wasn't sure what to expect going in and wow - I just love the world Chelsea Abdullah built SO MUCH. it's so rich and breathtaking yet also gritty - I hope that makes sense!
We are given the POVs of three wonderful characters - Loulie, Mazen, and Aisha. They each bring depth to the story and are integral to the plot. My biggest issue with the book is that the pacing was slow at times - overall it held my interest even when it felt slower. It's a medium paced book in general and is full of character development. It was so good and I'm jumping right into book 2!

4.5 stars rounded up

What a gorgeous and immersive read! The Stardust Thief is a masterfully woven tale that draws deep inspiration from One Thousand and One Nights, blending ancient storytelling magic with a rich fantasy world full of jinn, danger, and deception.

The characters were an absolute highlight—Loulie, Mazen, and Aisha were all incredibly distinct and easy to love in their own ways. The multiple POVs kept the pacing tight and the stakes high, each voice adding new depth and dimension to the story. I was especially drawn to the nuanced relationships and the secrets each character held close.

The prose was beautiful and evocative, and the plot unfolded with a steady rhythm that never lagged. I loved the way the book played with the power of stories—how they shape identity, perception, and even reality. The world was infused with ancient magic and danger, creating a setting that was as enchanting as it was deadly.

The ending left me on the edge of my seat, and I’m anxiously awaiting the sequel. If you love magical quests, morally complex characters, and tales steeped in myth and legend, this one’s a must-read.

The Stardust Thief is an enthralling adventure that completely captivated me with its twists, turns, and rich storytelling. Inspired by Arabian folklore, this book weaves together myths, magic, and an unforgettable quest filled with danger, mystery, and unexpected alliances.

At the heart of the story is Loulie al-Nazari, also known as The Midnight Merchant—a legendary smuggler who traffics in forbidden magic. I loved her character; she’s resourceful, clever, and fearless, making her the perfect guide through this world of djinn, ghouls, and treacherous bargains. She’s joined by a ragtag group of companions, including a cowardly prince and a steadfast bodyguard, all of whom bring depth and humor to the journey. Their dynamic—especially the campsite banter—was one of my favorite parts!

The book is full of stories within stories, adding to its immersive and magical feel. The mythical lamp at the center of their quest is only the beginning of the intrigue, as every step forward reveals new dangers and secrets. I adored the Arabian Nights vibes, and Chelsea Abdullah’s writing made it feel like I was traveling through a living, breathing world of ancient legends.

Also, I have to say—the title The Stardust Thief is just stunning, and the cover is absolutely beautiful. I love the white design; it stands out in such a striking way!

With its legendary smugglers, reluctant royals, exasperated mortals, and plenty of peril, this book had everything I love in a fantasy adventure. If you enjoy ragtag misfits, mythical relics, and high-stakes magic, I highly recommend picking this one up. I can’t wait for The Ashfire King on April 15!

I was completely drawn into this Arab-inspired fantasy from the start. The writing is just beautiful, and the world they've built is so rich and alive. Honestly, the food descriptions alone had me drooling!

It took a little while to get going, but once it did, the pacing was spot-on. There was a great mix of quiet, character-driven moments and exciting action scenes. All three perspectives were engaging, and I ended up really caring about Qadir and Aisha in particular.

What I really appreciated was how the characters had to struggle. They weren't magically skilled or lucky; they had to earn every victory, which made the story feel surprisingly grounded, even in a fantastical setting.

That ending, though! Talk about a cliffhanger. I'm absolutely hooked and can't wait to see where the story goes next.

I'm giving this one a solid 4.5 stars. Huge thanks to Orbit Books for sending me an ARC and a physical copy for review.

Great fantasy read. The author did a fantastic job with the writing and scene setting. I would absolutely recommend this book.

Told from the perspectives of three individuals, a merchant of illegal jinn artifacts, a prince, and one of the legendary 40 Thieves, The Stardust Thief takes you on a journey to find an ancient lamp in the middle of a desert. (Yes, THAT ancient lamp in the middle of a desert.)

As the story progresses, our three main characters are faced with danger, quandaries, and challenges to where their loyalties lie and to what they have always believed.

Absolutely binge-worthy. Once I picked up this one, I did not want to put it down. I was hooked from the very first page.

I received gifted copies from Orbit. All review opinions are my own.

Edited review. Upon reread I struggled to connect with these characters again and the overall story. The writing also seemed a bit too simplistic. Others may enjoy this book. It wasn't to my taste.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book post release in anticipation of the sequel.

Enjoyable, love the representation and the storyline. The adventure was thrilling, the mythology captivating, and the world-building vibrant. Thanks for writing this, as an Arab reader it means so much to me.

The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah is an enchanting adventure inspired by Arabian Nights, and I really enjoyed it! The world-building is rich and immersive, with a perfect blend of magic, danger, and myth. The characters are complex and engaging, especially the morally gray ones, and the plot kept me hooked with its twists and intrigue. It’s a strong start to the series, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. Definitely recommend for fantasy lovers!