4.25 stars

Richly imagined and extravagantly told The Stardust Thief is a 2022 debut to be reckoned with. An atmospheric desert setting, beautiful storytelling, cinnamon roll characters, politics, plotting and a plenty of magical mischief - this book truly has everything you could ask for!!

We follow Loulie, known as the Midnight Merchant, who finds magical djinn relics and sells them (somewhat illegally) along with the help of her secret djinn bodyguard Qadir. When she finds herself involved in saving one of the princes lives and mixed up with the royals, the Sultan blackmails her into find for him a powerful ancient relic along with the help of the crown prince and one of his loyal warriors, know as the 40 thieves. The crown prince, Omar, and his thieves are djinn hunters and are on a mission to kill any djinn they find. Meanwhile Mazen, one of the younger princes who longs to escape the confines of the place strikes a deal with his brother to switch places and Mazen ends up being the one to go with Loulie on her mission into the desert. Mazen and Loulie must contend with underhanded plots threatening the empire, magical ancient beings out for vengeance and their own secrets and pasts, along with those of their companions.

One of my favourite things about this book (and i'm about to cringe at myself for saying this) was the vibes. It perfectly encapsulates the cosy feeling of being told a bedtime story combined with that sense of magical adventure and nostalgia from favourite childhood stories. I really liked all the mythology and atmosphere of the story as well - it was beautifully created and imagined. I don't usually like to comp titles but this gave me very similar vibes to the daevabad series (which I love), so I think if you enjoy that series you will also really like this.

The prose is excellent; one of my favourite styles where it is descriptive and feels lush while not being overly flowery and still very easy to read. I was engaged while reading every sentence and nothing felt like it was put in there unnecessarily. Also in very high praise of this book it was one of the only fantasy books that I could read in the evenings whilst revising for exams, which I think speaks a lot to how engaging it was.

Additionally I really enjoyed the characters. We follow 3 main POVs - Loulie, Mazen and Aisha who are all delightful to follow in addition to a strong cast of side characters.

<b>Loulie</b>-Loulie was a very engaging main character to follow. Her personality was really fun and I really enjoyed her interactions with all the other characters. I also really liked the magical artefacts she collects - I love stuff like this and the little worldbuilding details made it very enjoyable.

<b>Mazen</b>-Mazen was definitely my favourite character - I'm a sucker for the pathetic cinnamon roll princes who are kind of incompetent at everything but have a heart of gold. I really enjoyed Mazen's story of him slowly coming out of his sheltered life and exploring what the world has to offer whilst trying to do the best he can (and often failing lol but never giving up). The relationships he has with his family are also interesting, Omar his brother is a very shady character, and subsequently has quite a complex dynamic with Mazen which is interesting to explore. His other half brother Hazeem is a bastard prince and they have a really sweet relationship but it's complicated by the politics and sultan's attitude.

<b>Aisha</b>-Aisha wasn't my favourite at first but something happens in her character arc about 60% into the book which made her so much more interesting and I think she has a lot of potential for the sequel. She is also a lot more morally grey than Loulie/Mazen and her goals and motivations are not too clear.

Not a POV character but I did really like his character was Qadir, Loulie's bodyguard and djinn companion. He has a lot of secrets and was a fascinating character to slowly peel back the layers from. I also really enjoyed his brand of grumpy (but secretly a cinnamon roll) over-protective bodyguard. I really loved his and Loulie's relationship as well (it was favourite relationship in the book) - initially I thought it might be romantic but I'm actually really glad it wasn't. They have a very caring and sweet relationship and lots of fun banter - it was just very enjoyable to read and added a lot to the story!

I loved seeing our characters finding more about themselves and the depths of their strengths and what values truly matter to them. Also I liked exploring the attitudes to djinn in the world - they are widely feared and hunted but Loulie believes they are not all bad (especially given her attachment to Qadir) and the other characters are learning throughout the there is a lot more complexity to the djinn than they thought.

The only reason I think I didn't give this book 5 stars was I do feel like some elements of the plot could have been a bit better structured and paced but I still really enjoyed the book and cannot wait for book 2!

My expectations for this book were high. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to them.
The Stardust Thief is labeled as an Adult book but, except for the age of characters, everything else is pretty YA starting with the writing style. I expected something less basic and more complex. The same goes for the characters, they weren't developed enough. It's a pity because it had the potential to be a great story.

I really really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately something about it just didn't resonate with me. The world building was strong and I quite enjoyed the magic system and the history of the Jinn, but I found the plot dragged in places and I just wasn't excited about finishing!

I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Stardust Thief was an enchanting and adventurous fantasy that draws you in. I was impressed how seamlessly the histories of the jinn and humans were interwoven with stories. This was definitely an interesting take on One Thousand and One Nights, which was my favourite while growing up. We dive right into the quest for a long lost and powerful relic of a jinn king. I loved learning about the stories of jinn. Despite the strong plot, I couldn't help but feel that none of the characters particularly stand out. We are given just a hint of their background but never really get to know them. The only character relationship that I really liked was that of Qadir and Loulie. Mazen and Aisha were intriguing and I can't wait to know more about them in the sequel. Another thing that I loved about this book is that there was no romance. It was refreshing to see people with conflicting opinions on a quest without romance at the forefront. Sometimes I just want to read about characters that are enemies become friends. This certainly delivers it. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a plot driven fantasy that is filled with stories and adventures.

The Stardust Thief is in my favourite books of 2022. It is easily one of the best fantasies I have read in a long, long time, and a phenomenal first instalment of a series that has me immensely excited for more. The fact it is a debut? My mind is blown. The characters, writing style, world building and overall plot were perfect. This is one of those rare gems I wish I could rate more than 5 stars. It’s perfect for fans of the Daevabad trilogy and those who seek an enthralling reimagining of tales found in One Thousand And One Nights.

Chelsea Abdullah’s writing style was very engaging and welcomes readers to cosy up and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. I could see everything illustrated by Abdullah; it unfolded vividly in my mind like a big screen movie.

The magic system and world building were beyond enjoyable. With blades of fire, jewellery that allows shapeshifting and underwater breathing and so many more enchanted trinkets, I was truly in awe. I thoroughly enjoyed learning every facet of the setting; its backstory and present, and potential future. I fell more and more in love with the story with every sandstorm, myth and sword fight; I couldn’t put it down!

My “favourite” character kept changing throughout. The Stardust Thief is narrated by three characters; Loulie, Mazen and Aisha. Loulie is a merchant in magical relics alongside her very charming bodyguard/companion, Qadir. Mazen is a dreamer and the second born son of the Sultan, and Aisha is a renowned thief.

Each have a strong individual arc that is skilfully developed. They’re witty, resolute and a little misguided, but most of all, they’re incredibly endearing. All together? The potential is limitless. Their dialogue and dynamics were superbly established. It is a very rare feat for a series with multiple POVs to get me invested in every voice, but much to my surprise, I care very much about all three of our narrators. I wouldn’t object to the introduction of a certain jinn’s perspective, either. I am beyond excited to see where they go next (both individually and together).

Quite frankly, I am obsessed. In my more dramatic moods, I need the sequel almost as much as I need air. The ending!? Promising an even grander adventure?! Genuinely, I know the closing lines by heart.

Utterly captivating and rich, I feel like I’ve been up, down and around the world within these pages of complete adventure. The Stardust Thief is the kind of story that makes you look to the wider world and be full of wonder: it gives the gift of believing there is magic, full of shining possibility, just waiting to be discovered. Thank you Abdullah for writing this story; I would say The Stardust Thief is in my favourite reads ever, and I cannot wait for the sequel!

Thank you kindly to Abdullah, Orbit UK and NetGalley for an eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Chelsea Abdullah... We need to talk because WHAT WAS THAT?! I feel like you enjoy putting your readers on a rollercoaster that just is pure pain then 2 seconds of relief before the whole things starts again.
Anyway Qadir/Loulie are so precious to me I will fight anyone who tries me❤️
All the characters were so well written and the world was so immersive that I just couldn't put this book down.
It does feel as though the characters aren't fully developed (makes sense considering they've just started their journey in this book), but some parts were a bit repetitive. The plot really sold me anyway and I'm very excited for the next book. It wasn't what I expected at all and for that I'm grateful!

A nice easy-to-read palette cleanser. A lovely take on the One Thousand and One Nights. We follow our characters on a grand adventure in a land of sand and heat. The descriptions of this world had me painting pictures in my mind.
I would recommend for young adults and up

The Stardust Thief will transport you, enchant you, and revive your belief in the magic of storytelling. I highly recommend this book! Stunning, a page-turner which stays long in the memory!

This is a debut adult fantasy inspired by 1001 Nights stories that I enjoyed a lot. It's an engaging adventure story, fast paced, entertaining, full of magic - jinns and ifrits and magical relics

The world building is outstanding, it transports right into the desert in a very real and very magical way. The desert with all its secrets and magic was like a living character in the story. The magic system is not overly complicated, it made sense to make and was easy to follow which is not always the case in high fantasy.

We have a group of different, even opposite characters brought together by the circumstances together on a quest through the desert. Aisha stood out to me with her loyalty and revenge that fueled her action in the story. She starts a a jinn hunter with a single focus on her mission only to learn things are not always what they seem to be, there is more than loyalty and revenge. There is friendship and trust and tentative even if elusive happiness.

Mazen is a gentle, bookish second son of the sultan, carrying his mother's love of love of stories, dreaming of adventure but being completely ill-suited for it - he is shy, pampered and protected. He doesn't become a fearless warrior but he learns how to go for things he wants, he learns to act instead of always hiding. He suffers betrayal and loss but gains friends (sort of) that he wants to keep safe and protect.

Loulie - is everything - a force of nature unstoppable, independent but also vulnerable, we see her completely defeated and in despair only to find her strength again, not without the help of Qadir. Her resilience is formidable but it's her vulnerability that broke me. Her grief, her sense of loss, of her own self included, was heart-breaking.

Qadir is a very interesting character in this story - Loulie's sullen bodyguard for those who don't know them but in truth he is her most trusted friend, her guardian. Yet, he remains mysterious, secretive almost till the end. Theirs was really the most interesting relationship for me. They are very close, they are each other's destiny (not in a romantic sense). He needs her as much as she needs him.

The story plays a lot with lies and deception, the different personas the characters assume and I loved seeing that the world is not just black and white, it's all about nuance. People have many sides, they are always changing and growing.

Another central element in the story was the storytelling itself, the power of words to shape our world. I have always loved 1001 Nights for the magic of the stories Scheherazade tells, they create worlds and save lives. Mazen is Scheherazade's son and he carries her heritage as a storyteller.

There is no cliffhanger but the ending made me excited for the sequel. The desert has so many more stories to tell. Mazen and Loulie's adventure is far from over.

CW: parental death, patricide, violence, torture

This is one of those books which, for me at least, promises a lot but doesn't really deliver on most of it - I'm often left wondering if this is a first-time novel issue, as that seems to be a common theme when a good premise is dramatically underused.

Anyway, the basic premise of The Stardust Thief, is that it's set in a world where the jinn are both feared for their power but also envied and hunted for the same - their blood has magical properties and there are also 'relics' which contain elements of their power (usually some kind of device like our protagonist's compass, which can locate missing things or people). The book itself is set up with chapters from different points of view, which is rarely my favourite way of organising a story, especially if you feel the need to label them (as this book does) with the character's name. Is this in case you can't actually tell one character's perspective from another?

Our main character was rescued as a child from the massacre of her tribe and now makes a living finding relics along with her rescuer/erstwhile bodyguard, who hides his jinn identity from everyone else. She's blackmailed into a particular mission by a prince who leads a group of jinn killers but who then uses jinn magic to send his younger (and eminently disposable) brother on the trip instead, along with one of said jinn killers. The rest of the book consists of their journeys and adventures.

It's always a difficult sell when your reader is left only giving a crap about one relationship (our protagonist and her friend/parental figure) and not really caring all that much about the other main characters. At least there's no attempts made, or if there are then they're really low key, of pushing a romantic storyline between our protagonist and the prince she's travelling with, as that would have been the last straw for me. As it is, the world-building is excellent (though a little heavy handed at times) but the characters just aren't written strongly enough against that backdrop and I was left thumbing through quite often to get to the end. Not a promising set-up for the first book of a trilogy!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley. This is my honest review of the book in question.

I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an enhanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Stardust Thief is an incredibly gorgeous story full of adventure that flows through the pages like desert sands. It never fascinates or excites.
To me, the most intriguing feature is how the book had the interweaving of history related to what happened at the time. Compared to other parts of the book, which seemed to be drawn out, in time uninteresting.
The storytelling in these stories really drew me in. I admit, I had to skim through some parts, as I was not particularly interested in what was happening. However, there were some exciting moments
I felt that by the end of The Stardust Thief, a lot of memorable characters and concepts were created and ready for the series. Unfortunately, I still couldn't deal with the book for most of its duration. All three characters are based on intriguing philosophical and intellectual principles, but I don't think we've learned much about them. There are a lot of combat situations that convey an adventurous sense, but that also means that many elements of connection happen quickly or even backstory - I can't help thinking that many of the most fascinating incidents end up happening.

Wow, this book was incredible! I’ve found it difficult to put my thoughts into words because I was honestly just blown away.

The world building and the way the author crafted it to make the locations so real really took me out of reality, placing me in this world I just want to find out more about. I didn’t want to pull myself out of the book; I wanted to live in it and I’m so happy this is a series. I already cannot wait to jump back in.

I loved the characters. Every one felt like a real person, that I was walking beside them listening to them tell their story. The plot felt unique whilst also taking inspiration from folklore. And I LOVED that because the author weaved it together so beautifully, throwing twist after twist at me and always keeping me on my toes.

I cannot wait to get my hard copy of this, and for the rest of the series to release. It cannot come soon enough! Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author, for a chance to read and review this incredible book!

An absolutely stunning fantasy brimming with adventure that spills across the pages like the desert sands, The Stardust Thief is equal parts enchanting and gripping. I cannot wait to see what Chelsea has in store for us next.

My gratitude to NetGalley for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

The Stardust Thief is an adult, Arab inspired fantasy that immediately piqued my interest when I saw the synopsis. I thought it had a lot of potential, but ultimately, that potential was not reached. I mean, it's a good, solid book, but it didn't impress me that much.

The characters were okay. I liked them, but they also felt a little flat to me. Like halfway through and I felt nothing, except for maybe Mazen. I think objectively, Mazen and his characterization was unique, because so often the main male character is dark and brooding or suave or something of that sort. Mazen is incompetent, sometimes his actions makes you want to bonk his head, and I really enjoyed his character.

The most interesting aspect for me is how there were tales inserted through the book that connected with what was currently happening. The storytelling in those stories really sucked me in compared to the other parts of the book, which felt slow and sometimes even boring. Admittedly, there were portions I had to skim because I wasn't all that invested in what was going on. There were a few exciting moments though, especially near the middle part that had me on the edge of my seat and gasping and wondering at what was going to happen next.

The author definitely has potential to write better books and I'm looking forward to the next books that they will be publishing. Still on the fence if I will continue the series or not. Overall, I think this is still a solid fantasy book despite its issues, and I feel like a lot of people will enjoy it, especially those who are just dipping their toes into the genre.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Last year I got really into the Shadow and Bone/Six of Crows series and I fell in love with this in exactly the same way. I love a book that transports me, and this epic Arab fantasy certainly did just that! It’s full of rich, evocative description that sweeps you away into a world of magic and stories. I loved spotting the familiar tales of the 1001 Nights - the magic lamp, the 40 thieves, Scheherazade, etc - and how they were weaved into the narrative. The magical relics were great fun (couldn’t help thinking the compass is very Jack Sparrow and the shadow relic very Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak!).

However, the best thing about this book for me is that it’s full of loveable, 3-dimensional characters with realistic flaws. When we first met Loulie I thought, ooh brilliant, a badass female character with bags of personality… then I met Aisha, who is just as badass, if not more! I also loved the contrast between the three princes: cocky Omar, studious Hakim, and Mazen the underdog, who develops so well as a character throughout.

I do think there were times when the story became a little convoluted and it was difficult to understand the narrative. However, there was a delicious twist near the end and I am itching to read the next instalment!

"One cannot know the outcome of a journey if one is not brave enough to take it."

Loulie, Midnight Merchant and purveyor of illegal jinn relics, must cross the desert with the Sultan's son in search of an enchanted lamp, long lost in the shifting sands of the Sandsea and believed to contain a mighty jinn. Accompanied by Qadir, Loulie's jinn bodyguard and faithful companion, and Aisha, one of the legendary Forty Thieves, the group of adventurers face betrayal and unlikely allegiances at every turn, from a mysterious killer in black robes, to ghouls and jinn, to the most formidable opponent of all: their own selves.

The worldbuilding is rich and vibrant, and Abdullah paints such a wonderful picture of rolling deserts and vibrant cities. The tales that she sprinkles in throughout the story are a wonderful way to impart more of the world's lore to the reader.

The characters were compelling, each with their own flaws, their own strengths and weaknesses. Their motivations were believable, and I enjoyed watching each one grow in their own way, at their own pace.

Each chapter was bite-sized, taking only a few minutes to read, making it the perfect "just one more chapter" book, and easy to hop in and out of during spare moments. Each main character takes turns being the focus of each chapter, letting the reader really get to know each one's inner thoughts and their heart.

Occasionally I was left a little confused by the action scenes, which tended to be quite chaotic. During the final encounter, I felt as though I lost the thread a few times and had to backtrack in order to pick it back up again.

I'm looking forward to continuing on with this trilogy. I'm invested! I am also obsessed with the dynamic between Loulie and Qadir, and I wonder what sort of hero gentle Mazen will turn out to be?

UM...?! I already knew this was going to be a 5-star story before I even read it. Also, to anyone who has read this majestic book: who is your favourite, and why is it Qadir? (Also, I NEED TO SEE QADIR AGAIN AGH.)

The Stardust Thief is a beautiful start to an Arabic fantasy trilogy inspired by stories from One Thousand and One Nights. It follows a merchant who sells relics, her jinn bodyguard, a cowardly prince and a thief associated with the Forty Thieves, and through a series of events, they are sent to find a legendary lamp and the powerful jinn trapped within it.

Within this world, the desert isn’t some exotic landscape with little character and is restricted to being home to monsters and villains: it’s a rolling landscape that hides secrets in its ever-shifting dunes; it’s a home that many storytelling wanderers miss when away in cities; it gifts you the stars as you go to sleep. This is just to say I love how the desert is a vivid setting full of life in the book. And this is just ONE aspect of the book's worldbuilding. Wait 'till you read the rest! (And I can't wait for what's to come in the next one!)

A prominent theme of the novel is storytelling: it's a way for people to get together after a long day of travel; it's a favourite pastime of the cowardly prince; it's a way for truths to live on, even in unrecognizable forms; and more. Additionally, I freaking love all the fables and myths that are smoothly interwoven within the folds of the story. It just adds more richness to the book's world.

Some quick-fire notes:
- I love this band of characters and the arcs they go through. GOD, and the slow reveal of secrets (I'm especially looking at you, QADIR)? The internal struggles? If there's anything these characters aren't, it's boring.

- Twist after twist after twist! Literally can’t get enough of them. Admittedly, I was too swept away by the magic of the book to remember to wear my detective hat at all times, but I'm happy to have at least predicted *some* of the twists!

- I'm nervous about what will happen in the next two books.

Overall, a MUST-READ!

Thanks to Netgalley and Orbit for providing me with the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

By the end of The Stardust Thief, I felt that there were a lot of interesting characters and ideas all set up and ready for the series. Unfortunately, for most of the length of the book, I just didn't connect with it like I wanted. The three protagonists are all built around interesting thematic and conceptual premises, but I don't feel we gained a lot of detailed understanding of them. There are a lot of action scenes, which give a very adventurous feel, but it meant that a lot of the relationship stuff is brief or just backstory - I can't help but feel many of the most interesting things happened "offscreen". The embedded stories also didn't shine enough for me to enjoy them - I was hoping this kind of storytelling story would have a more distinctive sense of voice and style. As much as it didn't work for me, I'm very happy to see where the series goes, because it feels like a narrative that will find its feet now some of the major set-up is done.

Review to be posted on GR closer to publication

2.5/5

this was such an underwhelming read, i barely have anything to say about it.

everything about the stardust thief was simply serviceable. there was a plot, there were characters, there was a magical world - it was certainly a book! if an incredibly mediocre one. it lacked the complexity i've come to expect from adult fantasy - characters, plot, worldbuilding were all okay, nothing wrong with them exactly, but they were just too simplistic, predictable and surface-level for my taste. the characters felt so one-note and passive, like the plot was only happening to them instead of them doing anything significant to drive the action forward. the writing felt more geared towards a younger audience - again, very simple and bland.

the relationships were all pretty superficial and boring except for loulie and her jinn bodyguard qadir - their adopted child/parent bond was so genuine and sweet, it kept me from completely giving up on this book.

i wish so badly i could've loved the stardust thief as much as i loved its premise but it turned out to be too uninspired and forgettable for me, and i doubt i'll read the sequels. however, if you're a newbie fantasy reader looking for a light beginner adult fantasy, i'd recommend this! it's also heartening to see an arab adult fantasy by an arab author and i can only hope this is the gateway to better ownvoices arab fantasy books being published in the future.

The Stardust Thief is a story about stories, and for a debut novel it is nothing short of amazing.

For starters we have three povs, and they are all distinct from each other. The characters are all fully realised and none of them end the book as they begin it, they all go through some kind of change, some more drastically than others. I adored Mazen, the storytelling Prince. The kind hearted, non-violent Prince who is so well meaning, but also very hopeless. Luckily he has reluctant bodyguard Aisha, and the Midnight Merchant Loulie to help him. There's also a mysterious Jinn who I was curious about right from the beginning, he is one of the main draws that kept me reading and I was no disappointed in the answers we got about him.

Secondly we have the idea of relics. I love a good magic system and the way it worked in The Stardust Thief was fascinating. The use of relics to give humans magical abilities, and the Jinn with their elemental powers, it all made sense in the novel and I appreciated the way Abdullah explained it all. The way it all gets turned on its head later on as well, my mind was blown! It was such a good twist and I applaud Abdullah because I never saw it coming.

The Stardust Thief was an absolute joy to read, a fast-paced adventure ride that I loved absolutely every moment of. Now just to speed up time so I can get the sequel into my hands (especially after that cliffhanger!!) because I cannot wait to see what comes next for these beloved characters.

Many, many thanks to Orbit and Netgalley for allowing me to read this wonderful book ahead of publication in exchange for an honest review.