A review by beautifulpaxielreads
The Balloon Thief by Aneesa Marufu

adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The Balloon Thief was a story that I have decidedly mixed feelings about. Maybe it was because I had a very stop and start experience with it.

The beginning of the novel was really strong. It had easy-to-follow worldbuilding, snappy and fast-paced plotting, and strong characterisation. I really liked the fact that Aneesa Marufu included a
Spoilertrans character called Anam, I thought that arc was really well done
.

I think the problem started when Marufu tried to introduce a secondary male character and make him the MC's
Spoilerlove interest
, and despite Marufu's attempts to make it work, I just didn't feel any chemistry between them. When they finally
Spoilerkiss
SpoilerI didn't feel it at all.

And while the main conflict between the Ghadaeans and the Hāri was established well - as were the rebel groups that play a key role in the novel - it later became a bit too heavy-handed for my liking. I also felt the ending was rushed.

It was a fun read with some good action scenes, but ultimately I didn't fall in love with it.


Expand filter menu Content Warnings