Incredible, a must read and a future classic. Impeccable worldbuilding, a pacy plot and a heroine to root for. I can't wait to read what Nazneen writes next.

This lovely book sees Chompa - a young girl coming to terms with her magical abilities - travel to England on the back of the disappearance of her mother. A tale of missing children, magical power and deceit follows, as Chompa and her friends try to find out what is going on.
This is a well-written tale, which builds as the story progresses and captures the vibrancy and essence of local communities.

This was a cultural explosion of fantasy and delight. I throughly enjoyed this middle grade adventure for two reasons. One it was magical and mystical and filled with suspense and heart but I also loved it because of its exploration into another culture that I know very little about which I found not only intriguing but also enlightening. I will definitely be checking out more of Ahmed Pathak’s work!

This is fantasy perfect for younger teens. When Chompa’s mum is taken by the British to London she must set out on a quest to rescue her. This is a great adventure story where we see Chompa travel from India to England. The author includes historically accurate parts to the plot including ship jumpers and the boarding house Sal runs.
Throughout the story Chompa learns who to trust and makes mistakes, placing her trust in the wrong people. A great magical story..

This is a charming and delightful children's book , I loved howit was full of family and friendship, with such a beautiful mother daughter relationship. I also appreciated the emphasis on colonialism and the British Empire affect and injustices they imposed. So refreshing to read the truth and hopefully many more to follow
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I enjoyed this. I was a little shocked to start with, on the theme of the book, but then I felt it made sense. We should teach children about history and colonisation.

It was easy to read, likeable characters, easy plot, definitely would recommend to this age group.

or children’s authors… it’s all true. This is an EPIC story. It’s almost saga-like in its composition, as if there should be a before and after to come from debut author (Dr) Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, who is a Lecturer in Creative Writing at Exeter University. The story begins in Bengal in the mid-1800s (British East India Company ‘colonised’ from 1772-1858, and, British crown rule was from 1858-1947). It is by way of Pathak’s Prologue that the reader is introduced to Chompa and her Ammi - daughter and mother, two loners, two witches. This is an unputdownable story about power, and great responsibility!
 
🌱Their magic is of the traditional ways, now feared ways, ways of the Indian peoples who the British didn’t understand or wanted to exploit for their own financial gain. If the villagers relied upon Chompa and her Ammi, then they did so only in secret and with shame. Life is becoming desperate with crops being turned over to producing indigo (‘blue gold’) for the ‘white’ people, which due to extortionate costs, then causes starvation and poverty. When Ammi says Chompa MUST learn English! Yuk, she thinks. Don’t blame her!
 
🌱Ammi’s more complicated way of using Farsi letters as a learned writing-magic to produce powerful charms, is one of 7 ancient magical languages that include Norse, Hebrew, Kikuyu, Ge’ez, Middle Chinese and Ancient Egyptian, write the author. Headstrong Chompa doesn’t have the patience for this. Using her finger-magic is quick and effective, albeit risky and rather uncontrollable. And this is exactly the problem, because simply trying to help her mummy one day, she ends up setting fire to the whole of their hut and the enchanted flames start to cause village-wide panic, and in order to save everyone Ammi has to use her own finger-magic to control the weather to put out the flames. There’s no turning back now. Ammi creates a taviz charm and ties it around Chompa’s neck to stop her from doing any more magic.
 
🌱Then the ‘pale’ ones come… Ammi is kidnapped. Witches, anyone with magic is going missing. Chompa hides and then is rescued along with her mummy’s spell book by an old friend of Ammi’s - Moshin. In a race against time to save Ammi before it’s too late Moshin tries to help Chompa to channel her magic. They manage to schmooze a despicable character to let them aboard his magical ship for London - where big plans are afoot to expose the magical commodities of these Indian witches and Djinn for power.
 
🌱Chompa is on a voyage of discovery - belonging, learning about her magic, who her father is, making friends she’d risk her life for again and again, and going on the most dangerous rescue missions a young Bengali girl could ever undertake in the 19th century world of the British East India Company. The author’s imagination is awe-inspiring and you’ll be spellbound until you’ve finished reading ‘City of Stolen Magic’. There are mysteries within mysteries to behold which all culminate in a dramatic ending. It’s not surprising to learn that this book has been 10 years in the making! I don’t know about you, but I love to think there’s a magic in the air, most of the time…
 
🌱A true magical experience of reading children’s books is learning without realising. This book is jam packed with history, whether the British rule in India/Bengal, or the social history of the Indian community in London, especially the Brick Lane area, where even today you will see dual-lingual road signs. More and more we hear calls for the curriculum the UK to change to introduce teaching on the British Empire to primary school children, not just to learn about Queen Victoria and an era of discovery, but to learn the back stories, the more important stories of who the backbone of the most influential and inflationary age in British history was - the British overseas colonies. 

🌱You must absolutely check out the ‘Author’s Note’ at the end of the book. Pathak cites much of the true historical events and people who have been used in the book - it’s really fascinating and brilliant for discussion, a springboard for further learning. Within the story, Chompa gradually loses her hair. Alopecia is a condition that is rarely seen within children’s books. The author lost her long, this hair to it many years ago and captivates her experience in her story’s heroine.
 
🌱There's are brilliant detailed double spread maps of both 19th century Dacca and London by illustrator Lia Visirin, and the beautiful coverart and story illustrations are by the fabulous Sandy Prabhat (I'm sure you recognised her style!). I’d love to go on about this book for hours, but I’m pretty sure you’ll get the gist… it’s brilliant, you must read it!!

The idea of this book was great and I think generally the book lived up to this, but it didn't quite work for me, and I'm not completely sure why. I also wasn't keen on what happens with the mother at the end -this isn't something I would expect in a middle grade book and I think could have been dealt with differently.

City of Stolen Magic is a wonderfully enchanting adventure that took me on a captivating, unforgettable journey from the villages and ports of India across the sea to London with the most amazing young girl and her loyal friends.

Chompa and her mother have djinnborn magic, a magic that her mother forbids her daughter to use, but Chompa ignores her Ammi and uses her finger-magic, beginning a catalyst of events that starts with her Ammi being captured by the British who want to exploit her magical powers. Chompa is determined to rescue her and, alongside an old friend of her mother, she embarks on a determined and dangerous journey that leads her on an incredible adventure.

Wow! This is a story that completely captured me as I followed Chompa and her new friends, Tipu and Laurie, as they faced peril, unravelled secrets and stood up to the exploitation they met. I loved the rich description of both the Indian and London settings with the use of sights and sounds – and food!

The magic within this story was absolutely fascinating with djinnborn having an affinity with a natural element and djinnspeakers being able to communicate with trapped djinn. As well as the fantasy aspect, there are also underlying themes of prejudice and exploitation through British colonisation.

Chompa is a wonderfully strong character who shows great determination and courage when faced with danger and difficult decisions. She stands up for herself and others when they are faced with prejudice and exploitation, and fights for what she believes in. I adored the close friendships she forms with Tipu and Laurie who prove loyal and supportive friends.

This is a gorgeously magical, mesmerising adventure that is sure to enchant readers of 9+.

A really engaging and original magical fantasy tale set in nineteenth century India and London, It is a story of lost and found families, of mothers and fathers, of discrimination and of children fighting to live in a world hostile to their race and their magic.
It's a very well written and thought-provoking story and you live each moment with the characters.

Words have power!
Thank you to netgalley for a digital copy of this book!
I loved it,
Growing up in India Chompa has been watching her mother make magic by writing. However Chompa has finger-magic.
When a spell goes awry Chompa must travel far to save her family and learn more about her magic.
The story also tackles colonialism and slavery - it's illuminating and a side of history that isn't often told! A story that needs to be told.

Brilliantly written, epic spellbinding historical magical adventure story with amazing twist and great characters

I can already think of several children in my class who will love this book. I loved reading about the djinnborn and finding out more about finger magic. The main characters were well developed and completely different in their personalities from head-strong Chompa to the more sullen Leeza. I enjoyed reading a story that was set in two completely different worlds, both brought to life through the rich description.
I hope there will be further adventures for Chompa as I'd love to know what happened next.

"Hold on Ammi. Don't give up. Magic or no magic, I'll find you. I promise."

City of Stolen Magic was an absorbing read. I read it in just one day and it left a big impression. I will be buying copies for several people in my life.

British Rule of India is a topic which is often glossed over and I knew relatively little about it, but enough to know that it was not a time period to be proud of. City of Stolen Magic takes place in both Colonial India and London and it certainly doesn't hold back in telling it like it is, rightly so.

Chompa lives with her mother, Ammi in a remote Indian village. They are outsiders within the village because of their ability to perform magic, although this doesn't stop the villagers visiting to ask them for magical assistance.

"No one came to see them - ever unless - they needed magic. Not for tea, not for gossip. Just magic."

Chompa is able to perform 'finger magic' but her mother prefers her to use writing charms. Chompa is an impulsive young girl and prefers finger magic because of the ease of use and fast results. Ammi says that it is dangerous and has consequences but will not elaborate further.

"Chompa has always known she could do magic she knew she coulld move and transport things, if she focused hard enough and channelled that focus through her index finger."

One day an incident occurs and shortly after Ammi is taken by 'Pale Faces', otherwise known as the British. Chompa will stop at nothing to get her mum back, even if it means putting herself in harms way.

City of Stolen Magic is an astoundingly good book. I loved the inclusion of Djinn as they are a magical being not often included in books. The mixture of historical fiction and fantasy within the book also makes for a unique read.

"Those damned Britishers want to steal everything from us, even from the food from our mouths, the earth under our feet."

I was fortunate to be allowed early access to this book on Netgalley. The cover appealed and I had heard of the book through my own research for children's books as I am a primary school teacher who is passionate about reading for pleasure.

This book was so exciting from start to finish and I already know some of my pupils that I will recommend this to. I love an adventure story where the main character is female and we are certainly getting more of these from new authors. Chompa is a great character who you really root for throughout. The descriptions in the book of the sights and smells in India and Victorian London are so detailed that you are transported there.

This book would be good to read with a class (upper primary) because there's so much action that it will keep the children interested and it provides scope for covering so many important topics such as: British imperialism and colonisation, trust, betrayal and bravery. I will definitely be recommending this book at my school.

PS. I loved the notes from the author at the end too.

This is glorious. Full of magic and delight. Sassiest character of all time that I’d love more from. This world has such depth that I reckon you could explore it over and over and never get bored.

I absolutely loved City of Stolen Magic ! It had adventure, drama and a wonderful magic system. Set between colonial India and Victorian London, this book deals with a whole host of topics that are woven together brilliantly!

An adventurous and magical found family middle grade.
A young girl with magical abilities that she has yet to fully discover and master, embarks on a journey to find her mother.
After her mother is taken away by ‘pale men’ (the British), Chompa travels from her Indian village to the big city to find help. Via an eventful boot trip on a djinn-powered ship she ends up in London. In Dickensian London she teams up with a band of street urchins to fight some powerful enemies.
I loved the discovery of the different magic systems and the changing setting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Puffin for the ARC

Firstly thankyou to Penguin and Netgalley for the ARC.

This book was a delightful read, perfect for older children/preteen ages. It tackles some important subject matter and teaches some valuable lessons whilst having an enjoyable protaganist and a feeling of adventure throughout.

This story follows Chompa, a young indian girl living with her mother (Ammi) both of whom have magic, but whilst Chompas mother trys to encourage Chompa to excercise caution Chompa wants nothing more than to flex her magical muscles. When diaster strikes and Ammi is taken away by sinsiter thugs, Chompa must team up with allies to get her back and master her magic, all amongst the backdrop of Britaiin's colonisation ofIndia.

This story was a lovely and impactful read, the plot itself being very fast paced with twists and turns along the way..

Chompa is a flawed but relatable character, particularly for children, she is impulsive (as children tend to be) and this impulsivity does lead to negative consequences that she then works tirelssly to fix, even when the adults around her seem to think it impossible. Chompa her determination and resourcefulness to her advantage and making sacrifices to help others.

The backdrop of this story involves the British colonisation of India and the erasure of their culture and traditions, an important subject for particularly British children to be made aware of and it is handled with seriousness and sensitivty in this story, it is also not just treated as some background feature, it is central to the stories plot which is nice to see for a change.

I also really enjoyed the way magic was handled in this, the pull for Chompa between Ammi's traditional writing magic and her seemingly more powerful "finger magic" was compelling and helped add to Chompa's character arc.

Overall a highly enjoyable read that I would definitel recommend.

This story has a super premise, a fantastic magic system, great characters, nice plot twists, and a wonderful setting. I loved that the story is set in India during British rule, and to be honest, I wished the entire story was set there (although I also enjoyed reading about the many migrant communities in London).
I loved the magic system, and the distinction between finger magic and written charms, djinn born versus djinn speakers. The latter are people who can communicate with Djinn who are trapped and bound to some natural element. One of the characters, Tipu, talks to a Djinn called Aaliya trapped by a palm tree (and later a date stone) and forced to do his will. Tipu promises to free her but first she has to do magic for him. Tipu is one of our heroes, one of the children exploited for their magical ability, and Aaliya helps the good side. I though it was an interesting addition to the story, raising the question regarding whether his actions (albeit on a much smaller and kinder scale) really differ from the villains.

In general, the characters were well drawn, from Chompa (determined, feisty, undaunted) to Tipu and Laurie (Djinn speakers she meets on the way to England) to Leeza, Mohsin’s servant, to Millie, the English maid whose weakness is her sweet tooth. Although I guessed the plot twist, it is still a good one.

However my enjoyment of the book was marred by Chompa's mother's story line.
SPOILER TO FOLLOW:.

The villain is holding Chompa’s mother, Amina, to force Chompa to do what he wants. Amina therefore uses her magic to self-immolate in front of her daughter so that she can’t be used as leverage against Chompa. I was really disappointed by this plot point. Depicting suicide as a good thing (Amina says she is setting Chompa free), particularly in a children's book, is really inappropriate. Suicide is an extremely serious, despairing act, and passing over it lightly does not make it okay (actually it's worse). It was totally unnecessary and ineffective from the story's perspective, so I consider it poor story telling as well as inappropriate. I don’t like the end justifying the means in any case, but a parent committing suicide should not be thrown into a story so lightly.
After this scene, it was a real struggle to finish the book. It's a pity because it had a lot of good points but Amina’s story line complete ruined it for me.