This book is definitely very different from Bonnin's debut, Dauntless, and not quite to my taste. While I appreciated the worldbuilding and themes explored in this story, I felt it lacking the emotion and heart that Dauntless did. For me it was at least because I didn't find myself attached to the characters and I felt we weren't given ample time to really latch onto one. That said, I do think a strong point for this book is the character relationships, which seems to be Bonnin's strongest suit. Pacing-wise, found both the very beginning and the very end to be quite engaging, but the entire middle dragged quite a bit for me. If you like your heist stories to spend a lot of time in the planning phase, you might like this book.

A part of me feels I read this book at the wrong time, so I'm definitely rereading this to see how I feel when it is released.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars!

I LOVED Dauntless by Bonnin, so I was excited to request and receive this one. Also, the cover? Like STUNNING. The premise of this speaks to me, especially when dealing with thievery, heists, magic, and the everpresent consequences of imperialism. While it was a bit difficult to stay focused on the plot with FOUR different POVs, it all connected well toward the end of the novel. I particularly like how morally gray the characters all were, as they all grappled with moral decisions and how their decisions can have a larger impact on their actions and the ramifications of them Zephyr's betrayal arc, Liam's dark magic, Carvar's change in ideas, and Arian accepting who she was made interesting plot points, and I like how there wasn't a right or wrong answer for most of their decisions.

The lore is really interesting too, but I think there needed to be more explanation for it. There is a LOT of lore and world building in the novel, and while it leaves itself open for more books at the end, I think some of the message and the plot was lost because the world building was not fleshed out enough. I wanted to learn more about the weavers, and the clans, and the empire, and imperial and all of that, and I think it would have made the story more developed and potent in its message.

I had enjoyed Dauntless by Elisa A. Bonnin, so I was excited to read this book. It was just as strong as Dauntless and I could see the growth from the first to this book. I enjoyed the plot of the book, it was what I wanted from the description. The characters were fun and I was invested into their motivation. It had a great heist going on and I enjoyed every minute of it.

"Once, a long time ago, those gates were never closed. Once, she could walk through those doors and find the solution to every problem, could sit at her mother’s knee, unload all her worries and let her soothe them away. Could go riding with her father and forget her cares. Could simply be."

Thank you, Swoon Reads, for allowing me to read Stolen City early!

Bonnin wrote another thrilling fantasy book with very beautiful neurodivergent representation.

PLEASE tell me we get a follow up book!!!!!!??????
5*
- Autistic rep
- Biracial rep
- Knife-to-throat scene
- Magic
- Heists!!
- Multi-POV
- Ship that made me giggle and scream, I’m obsessed!

Thank you NetGalley, Swoon Reads and Elisa A. Bonnin for providing me with an arc as a member of the author’s street team in exchange for an honest review!

This became one of my favourite books instantly, and I am completely obsessed! If you’re after a book to follow Six of Crows for its magical heists, look no further! I can completely see Stolen City becoming the new Tiktok 'it' book!
Elisa is a master of world building and Stolen City is no exception. The politics and history of Leithon is explained beautifully, showing the cultural and generational trauma caused by the Imperial occupation- however, this never feels 'preachy'. The magic system was intriguing and unique, the characters had limitations, and, for the most part, no one felt overpowered. I would totally read a prequel book about the creation of the Arcanum, Weavers and Venari family, this world is so rich it deserves more books! (Please!)
Arian and Liam's coming of age was satisfying, but it did feel a little rushed towards the end. I'd love to see a follow up book exploring what happens next with Leithon and the characters!
My favourite part of Stolen City was Arian and Cavar by far, the witty writing and tension?! In love! The heists were really fun and subverted my expectations- so good!
I need people to talk to to gush over this book!