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xtsukix's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
For a debut novel this book had a fascinating and original story, one that I think many people would enjoy. I will say that the characters despite effort felt quite flat, which I imagine will improve the more Abdullah writes, she pulls off the whole “detached grouchy untrusting” character scheme a little too well, where it seems to bleed into every character in the book.
The start was a little boring, and this book took me forever to get through but I do blame that partially on my reading slump. I think I’d give the second book in the trilogy a read when it does come out :) Qadir is definitely my favourite character and I would love to see more of him.
The start was a little boring, and this book took me forever to get through but I do blame that partially on my reading slump. I think I’d give the second book in the trilogy a read when it does come out :) Qadir is definitely my favourite character and I would love to see more of him.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Gore, and Torture
asipofcozy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I could not for the life of me figure out what I wanted to rate this book. I yanked between a 3.75 and 4 star for the last hour and still my mind is warring with me.
The Stardust Thief is a story filled with magic, stories, flawed characters, and betrayal. I mean what more could a girl want. I instantly fell in love with the worldbuilding and the magic system. I felt immersed in the stories that were being told, and it was almost like I was transported into the world when everyone gathered to listen to the old storytellers.
We end up following the POV's of Mazen (the prince), Aisha (the thief), and Loulie (the merchant). There is nothing I love more than flawed characters that struggle with their inner beliefs and views of the outside world. It makes the story all that more enjoyable. Even when Mazen's naive characteristics drove me up the wall, I still enjoyed reading about his struggles of family duty and want of adventure. These flaws also make for great character develoment and complicated characters - which is a big win for me.
Where my rating debate comes in is the writing style and how the book reads. This is labeled as an adult, yet reads and comes across as YA. I wanted more intricate adult fantasy descriptions and in-depth knowledge behind the magic system that most adult fantasy's give. However, The Stardust Thief is lacking in this aspect. While I enjoyed the fast pacing plot and the quick action that had me turning the pages. I wanted those moments of deep imagery, especially in a world that is colorful and full of jinn and magic.
Given that, I still can't wait to pick up the next book when it releases.
The Stardust Thief is a story filled with magic, stories, flawed characters, and betrayal. I mean what more could a girl want. I instantly fell in love with the worldbuilding and the magic system. I felt immersed in the stories that were being told, and it was almost like I was transported into the world when everyone gathered to listen to the old storytellers.
We end up following the POV's of Mazen (the prince), Aisha (the thief), and Loulie (the merchant). There is nothing I love more than flawed characters that struggle with their inner beliefs and views of the outside world. It makes the story all that more enjoyable. Even when Mazen's naive characteristics drove me up the wall, I still enjoyed reading about his struggles of family duty and want of adventure. These flaws also make for great character develoment and complicated characters - which is a big win for me.
Where my rating debate comes in is the writing style and how the book reads. This is labeled as an adult, yet reads and comes across as YA. I wanted more intricate adult fantasy descriptions and in-depth knowledge behind the magic system that most adult fantasy's give. However, The Stardust Thief is lacking in this aspect. While I enjoyed the fast pacing plot and the quick action that had me turning the pages. I wanted those moments of deep imagery, especially in a world that is colorful and full of jinn and magic.
Given that, I still can't wait to pick up the next book when it releases.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Gore, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Genocide, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and War
thecheryl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What an adventure! The Middle Eastern setting does not disappoint. I found this story almost too polished, which is why I couldn't hand it a full 5 stars. But if you're into that style then this book will be perfect for you!
**Contains gore, violence, and profanity.
**Contains gore, violence, and profanity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Gore
readingelli's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death and Murder
kgeogheghan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The story is told from three points of view: Loulie - a woman who can find hidden magical items, and sells them under the title 'Midnight Merchant', with her jinn friend and bodyguard; Price Mazen - the youngest of the Sultan's children; Aisha - one of the legendary 40 thieves.
The world building in this novel is beautiful. I loved the characters, and seeing the story unfold from their different points of view, each with their own unique voice - seeing their relationships grow and change as they learn more about one another and face the journey to find the magical lamp together. Some parts of the plot felt a little obvious, but the overall story was compelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed the vast majority of this book, but I was somewhat disappointed with the ending. It left me unsatisfied, with too many questions left unanswered. I didn't realize this book was part of a trilogy, so was hoping for sound resolution to the story. I also struggled slightly with keeping up with what was happening in the final scenes, as there was so many moving parts.
Overall, it's a great fantasy book, full of magic and mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The world building in this novel is beautiful. I loved the characters, and seeing the story unfold from their different points of view, each with their own unique voice - seeing their relationships grow and change as they learn more about one another and face the journey to find the magical lamp together. Some parts of the plot felt a little obvious, but the overall story was compelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed the vast majority of this book, but I was somewhat disappointed with the ending. It left me unsatisfied, with too many questions left unanswered. I didn't realize this book was part of a trilogy, so was hoping for sound resolution to the story. I also struggled slightly with keeping up with what was happening in the final scenes, as there was so many moving parts.
Overall, it's a great fantasy book, full of magic and mystery, and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Gore, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
louisegraveyard's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gore, Misogyny, and Kidnapping
thebookwormkatie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Phew, friends! This one will take you on a ride! Told from an alternating perspective from three characters in the story, The Stardust Thief journeys alongside a sultan’s son, a merchant, and a thief as they travel the desert for a relic.
Action packed and magic filled, I greatly enjoyed this one! If you loved the Daevabad Trilogy (like myself), you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
I’d be lying if I said I loved all parts. The middle of the book was a slight lull for me, but it picks up SO much towards the end and leaves you craving the next book. I also loved the characters and hated them at the same time 😅
Action packed and magic filled, I greatly enjoyed this one! If you loved the Daevabad Trilogy (like myself), you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
I’d be lying if I said I loved all parts. The middle of the book was a slight lull for me, but it picks up SO much towards the end and leaves you craving the next book. I also loved the characters and hated them at the same time 😅
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Violence
bookwormbullet's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, and War