*The Stardust Thief* by Chelsea Abdullah is a great debut fantasy. Abdullah seamlessly weaves together stylistic references to *A Thousand and One Nights*, intricate and compelling world-building, interesting political dynamics, and an exciting quest story. The characters’ relationships are well developed and their motivations clear, and Abdullah’s use of multiple POVs is effective. I’m looking forward to the sequel!

My only complaint as a reader — and it’s really just expression of personal preference — is that I really wish the characters were more morally ambiguous than they are. The protagonists aren’t perfect, but they’re straightforwardly easy to cheer for, while the antagonist is unquestionably evil: they all feel a bit ‘safe’ in terms of character development, and this combined with the plot unfolding in an entirely linear fashion leaves me feeling like I would’ve appreciated more complexity.

While written for adults, I can see this book having crossover appeal for readers who prefer/enjoy YA; the human main characters are in their early to mid twenties. Though first in a trilogy, this book also works reasonably well as a standalone, with the ending clearly leaving room for the sequel but also feeling sufficiently conclusive.

*Content warnings:* blood, violence, death, kidnapping, injury, fire injury, war, forcible confinement, animal death, a few sexist comments

*Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing an ARC in exchange for this review*.

The Stardust Thief -book review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5

The cover of this book drew my attention right away! The characters, the world, it all blew me away! The magic systems and the world building were just amazing. I enjoyed learning every aspect of the backstory within this world.

I love our FMC, she is badass with humor, rage, sadness, and compassion. She and her dijin make the perfect team. Their relationship is platonic, Like a father and daughter! But truthfully I loved how all the characters work together to make this book amazing. I could not just settle on one favorite! I cannot wait to continue this journey in the sequel!

Thank you Abdullah, Orbit UK, and Netgallery for providing me this magically eARC, in exchange for an honest review!

A vibrant and engaging read!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read the Stardust Thief. I really enjoyed this read it had magic, adventure, and betrayal. I am already looking forward to the sequel. I do wish at parts the pacing was better. I tore through the last quarter of the book but there were definitely parts that felt like they dragged

I was excited to read The Stardust Thief, and it's a fairly solid fantasy, but it didn't quite work for me.

The premise is fun: Loulie is a young thief with a jinn bodyguard, and they meet and save Mazen, a prince in disguise. They have to find a magic lamp and navigate a conflict between humans and jinn. There are references throughout to tales from 1,001 Nights.

I really enjoyed the world Abdullah created: it feels alive, full of colour and sound. The magic is intriguing and I was interested in the history and myth that brought us to the start of the novel. I loved the emphasis on the power of storytelling.

Unfortunately, I never became fully interested in the current-day characters and plot as I was reading. Loulie and Mazen feel a bit like generic YA fantasy characters for me, and the prose is fairly basic, with awkward dialogue. It reads quite young, though seems to be marketed as adult fantasy. (And I love YA fantasy -- but this one just didn't grab me.) I'm a reader who loves interesting characters and a strong voice. I wound up reading halfway and deciding not to finish this one.

However, I think readers who are more plot-driven will find a lot to like here. As I mentioned, the world is interesting and immersive, in a way that (for me) the characters aren't. It's a solid book, just not to my personal taste.

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for my review copy of this book.

*3.5 stars*

There was a lot to love about this book and overall I had a mostly positive experience with it. There were a few things that didn't quite work for me, but I did enjoy it and am looking forward to continuing on in the series.

I really enjoyed the setting and world building. Abdullah does a great job balancing the political and the magical, while displaying how tied together they actually are. There is a rich history to this regime, and world, that gets excellently woven throughout the course of the novel. I also really appreciated the complexity of the plot. What starts out as a quest to find a magical item, quickly develops into something so much more and I am very eager to see how the story develops through its sequels. I also really enjoyed her prose and I am very into a lot of the themes that crop up later into the book.

The middle third of the novel is where things come to a grinding halt and really affect the pace of the story. There were way too many regurgitated plot points, in quick succession that just left me scratching my head. It was also about here that I noticed there was way too much telling rather than showing, specifically regarding the characters and their relationships. Abdullah doesn't really let you ponder or explore already established relationships. The reader is almost directly applied to by the author and told why the relationships are the way they are, rather than letting us fill in the blanks on our own through context/flashbacks. Like any further and she would have been breaking the fourth wall. I did enjoy the characters and their interactions. Everyone has secrets to hide and major misgivings of each other which made for some intriguing and exciting reading. I just hope in the future Abdullah has the confidence in her storytelling to not do that as much.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Man, this is going to be an unpopular opinion but I thought this was just okay. My feelings for it are so generic that I really don't have much to say but here's what I can come up with:

- The bright spot of this novel is the way Abdullah took inspiration from The Arabian Nights without retelling the original story. This was a super creative approach to a reimagining and I'd like to see it become more common.
- I know that there's been a lot of talk in the last few years about how some mature, sophisticated content gets labelled YA because the author is female. I think this book has the opposite problem. It's labelled an "adult" fantasy but it read very YA. The themes, the writing, even the ages of the characters - YA.
- Of the 3 POV characters, two of them - Mazen and Loulie had basically the same voice, which meant I sometimes got lost when I couldn't tell who was who from the action alone.

I'm sure this book will be super popular and Abdullah is clearly a talented storyteller, but I was just left feeling very "meh."

This was such a fun Adult fantasy with incredible Arab rep! The novel follows four characters, Loulie, Mazen, Qadir, and Aisha on a quest to find a magical lamp, and I loved how each POV in the novel (we get 3 characters' POVs) offered such a distinct voice from each character. It was really cool being able to see each characters' motivations, fears, and desires through their chapters. I also loved how the main plot of the book was interwoven with real, popular Arab stories--stories that I grew up with myself. I think these were definitely the highlights of the novel for me!

I think the one reason why I didn't enjoy this book as much was the fact that the story felt unnecessarily long considering how simple the plot and premise was. I think a lot of the storytelling and plot could have been tightened or more concise to get to the main point of our four MCs' journey. Nevertheless, I think this is a great debut from Chelsea Abdullah and I can't wait to see where this series goes in the next two books!

This was a wild ride of stories and secrets, shocking reveals, betrayals, and allegiances that shift like the sand. And so, so much magic. I absolutely loved it.

The four characters on their quest (Louli, Mazen, Aisha, and Qadir) were all very different, and all hiding secrets, and it was so satisfying to watch them become closer and slowly reveal them. Some of them, anyway. They were all like onions, slowly peeling back the layers, offering up stories that were A truth but not always The truth. Piecing it all gradually together was very satisfying, like completing a challenging jigsaw puzzle.

I loved the djinn relics and how they tied everyone together in unexpected ways. I loved the secrets behind them, and the magic. I loved how they kept showing up where they weren't expected and revealing new tidbits of information each time.

The story was so vast and grand and full of tales within tales and stories that aren't only stories and truths that aren't the whole truth that I still can't quite wrap my head around it, and I know I will be rereading it before diving into the sequel when it comes out. And I absolutely will be reading it as soon as I can get my hands on it because that ending left me with so many questions and not nearly enough answers.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing an e-arc for review.

The Stardust Thief is a compelling adventure story that follows three characters on a quest for an ancient Djinn relic. This book was mysterious and magical, and I absolutely loved the worldbuilding and magic system.

I also adored all of the major characters, particularly Mazen. They all have intriguing motivations that we learn more about as the story goes on. Having read some other books focused on Djinn magic, such as The City of Brass and A Master of Djinn, I find myself so intrigued by the different tales and interpretations. This one was satisfyingly complex without being difficult to understand.

I am so excited to read the next book and to read more from this author in general. This book was just so fun and such a good adventure story!

I loved this book! I think the first chunk of the book was a bit slow but the narrative pace and voice really solidified after the first like 30% or so. This book was absolutely magical and so amazing, I can't wait for more in this world! I hadn't heard too much about this title when I first requested this, but I was really intrigued by the plot description and I'm so glad I got a chance to enjoy this because it is p h e n o m e n a l !

The Stardust Thief is the first in what is sure to be a solid, atmospheric new fantasy trilogy. This is Abdullah’s debut novel, and I found it to be a strong, well written story with compelling characters and an enchanting setting. A new riff on the classic tale of The Thousand and One Arabian Nights at its core, The Stardust Thief carves a new path into uncharted territory while still beautifully honoring its inspiration. I’ve read very little Arabic-inspired fantasy, but this book made me thirsty for more.

Loulie is the infamous Midnight Merchant, a seller of jinn relics that are nearly impossible to locate. In the land of Madinne, jinn are viewed as monsters and killed on sight, harvested for their silver blood, which is the only thing that can breathe life into the arid landscape. The more lush the oasis, the more jinn blood has been spilled there. These jinn often leave behind relics, magical objects that can do different things, and these objects are considered priceless. Thus, Loulie has a booming business. Her secret? A magic compass and and inhuman bodyguard. She is our main perspective character, joined by Mazen and Aisha. Mazen is a prince, the youngest son of the sultan. He’s obsessed with stories, and I found him and his development delightful. Aisha is one of the forty thieves, and she took a while to grow on me.

I ended up really enjoying all three perspective characters. I was never tempted to skim through one to reach another. All three of these characters had some serious issues to work through, but they all experienced some pretty fantastic development over the course of the story. But, while they had faults, they also had characteristics that drew me in from the beginning, especially Loulie and Mazen. I came to care about them quickly, which made me even more invested in their development. They felt realistic to me.

While I very much enjoyed the characters, the setting was probably my favorite element of the story. I loved the descriptions of the oases, and found Abdullah’s dark take on their existence fascinating. The idea of a people being brutally slaughtered because their deaths bring life to the desert is horrifying, and not a concept I had seen before. The descriptions of the markets, and the food, and the palaces, and even the desert were all equally enchanting. Speaking of enchanting, I found the magical relics populating the story fascinating. They were so varied; some held immense power, while others may do something small, like an endless hourglass or a ring that lets you breathe underwater for a few seconds. But whatever their power, they were always unique.

Periodically throughout the book, Abdullah would include little stories in the style of the Arabian Night tales. I loved these, and the subtle shift in the voice of the writing that accompanied them. These stories, and what Abdullah says about the power of stories, were in my opinion the heart of the entire novel. The stories we tell have such power. The power to keep those we love alive, the power to shift perspective to such an extent that we essentially rewrite history, the power to inspire and enrage and transport. Abdullah’s belief in this power shone through in her writing.

If I had any qualm with The Stardust Thief, it would be the pacing. Sometimes things seem to be trudging along for so long that, when the action suddenly hit, it felt a bit like whiplash. There were points where it was both difficult to keep up and keep going. In that regard, it felt very much like a first novel. And while I loved the characters, there were points where I became so exasperated with their stubbornness or lies or what have you that I would have to put the book down for a time and cool down before continuing. However, these complaints were infrequent, and I thought that overall this book was a strong foundation for whatever comes next.

The Stardust Thief is a truly enchanting debut, with a lush setting and characters who are easy to root for. There were times when I was reminded of Strange the Dreamer, a story I adore. And I loved the ways in which this fresh, original story paid homage to one of the oldest and most revered sets of stories in written history. This was a wonderful first installment for a fantasy series, and I can’t wait to see where Abdullah takes the story next.

The Stardust Thief is *chef’s kiss*! I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one. The first 25% was kind of slow. It was setting up a lot of foundation and world building, but once the action gets started, it doesn’t stop. This book had some of everything I love; great fantasy, culture, characters you care about, plot, and a complete ending. Although I can’t wait for the next book, this didn’t end on a cliff hanger. The ending sets up a whole new adventure for the next book. It is a blessing and a curse to read books early. I love having early access, but what am I supposed to do until the next book comes out?!

PHENOMENAL. I can't say anything except this book was phenomenal. The quest, the dynamic of the group, the friendships !!! Everything was so unique in this book and I cannot wait for the next books in this trilogy! Chelsea truly creates magic!

I really enjoyed reading The Stardust Thief. Chelsea Abdullah's writing transported me to a magical world filled with jinn and an impossible secret war. I loved the twists and turns this novel took and rooted for the main characters along the way. Loulie, Mazen, Aisha, and Qadir brought all the drama of a great, unlikely team-up and I can't wait to know more about their stories in the next two books!
I preordered and can't wait to share this adventure book with friends!

I was not expecting this book to be an absolute RIDE! It combined all my favorite things from previous desert-themed books like The Wrath and the Dawn, We Hunt the Flame, and Rebel of the Sands. It has many stories from One Thousand and One Nights, tons of jinn, magic and relics, and an intriguing quest full of hidden identity, secret politics, and desert traveling. The characters are magnificent and truly have a lot of growth through the book. Although there's no romance in this one, I have very high hopes that this book sets up the stage for a fantastic romance in book two. And the writing was superb: detailed and flowing and easy to get lost in.

Honestly I expect this book to be a huge hit once it releases. I can't wait to read books two and three! Definitely pick this up if you want a sweeping desert fantasy with jinn magic and fantastic characters and world building.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Orbit Books, for the ARC!

Thank you to Orbit & NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

★★★★★

"Qadir had said she was the bravest person he knew. Now she would prove it to herself"

I absolutely loved this debut! Since I cracked this open I have not been able to put it down. You know a book is good when you're grabbing it whilst doing something else. An exceptional debut.

Things I loved:
World building & lore
Characterisation including strong female characters
Complex opposite sex relationships with no romance

I love, love, loved Loulie and Mazen. I loved Loulie and Qadir's relationship (more platonic mentor relationships in books please - it was giving me Vin & Kelsier energy!)

Abdullah blew me away with her ability to draw me completely into the world she has created. The smattering of handed-down stories interwoven into the book! The vivid descriptions of places, magic and people.

I eagerly await the sequel!

The Stardust Thief is the first book in the upcoming Sandsea Trilogy. Inspired by A Thousand and One Nights, this is the tale of a legendary smuggler, a cowardly prince, and a perilous quest to find a magical lamp...

**This review is a little spoilery (Not big things though)!*

Not gonna lie, I had a really hard time getting into this book. I found the multiple perspectives with short chapters really distracting and off-putting. I felt like the story almost needed longer chapters or more perspectives. It took me about half way until I felt really drawn in and invested in the story. After that point, I was completely blown away. I really appreciated the references to A Thousand and One Nights. They were palpable, but not complete knock-offs. It gave the story a warm, familiar feeling. The only thing that I'm still really disgruntled by is the title of the book. There were a couple of references throughout the story, but we never found out what it meant or how it ties in to the story. Hopefully we find out in book 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me a digital copy for review. The opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect those of the author or publisher.

This book is so beautifully and magically crafted. Both Loulie and Mazen are such intriguing characters, but the most charming aspect of this book is indefinitely the world building and magic system.

I was surprised to find out thus was a debut novel! It is so beautifully crafted. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series!!

The MENA representation is a huge bonus to this book.

The Stardust Thief is a glittering and adventurous tale about a merchant, a jinn, a prince, and a thief who set out on a perilous quest to retrieve an ancient relic from the mystical Sandsea.

Did I use enough fancy words to convince you to read it? No? Well then, I guess I’ll try to convince you by gushing about what might end up being my favourite read of the year.

The book follows three main perspectives: Loulie, a merchant of magical relics with a jinn bodyguard; Mazen, the youngest and most cowardly of three princes who has a heart for the desert he longs to explore; and Aisha, a fierce and uncompromising thief who I didn’t expect to love but ohmygosh I love her.

All of these characters have such distinct voices throughout the book and there wasn’t a single boring moment with any of them. Even characters without a POV like the mysterious jinn bodyguard, Qadir, and others I won’t name so you can find out for yourself, were full of personality and life.

Nevermind the way that Chelsea Abdullah described each location and setting in such a beautiful yet digestible way. Or the super fascinating and most imaginative magic system I’ve read in a while. Despite being able to tell that this was a debut every now and then, everything else made up for it. EVERYTHING. This book was so compelling from the very first page (not an exaggeration, I had such a struggle to put it down that only my stress over school was enough to surmount). Especially the clever and smooth way that the tales/interludes were incorporated (and told). This world and The character’s stories will sweep you up and take you along a whirlwind ride you won’t regret embarking on.

Extra extra kudos for some freaking good Arab rep. I know this isn’t the only adult fantasy book with Arab rep written by an Arab author out in the world but it’s the first one I’ve read and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

Ok there did I convince you now?

Netgalley blessed me this Ramadan. Thank you for the ARC.

Lots of ratings and reviews for this one already. I'll just recommend it to Fantasy fans. It's a good start to a series. I see lots of 5 stars in it's future.

I really appreciate the free review copy!!