The facinating focus on Arabic cultures is a pleasant change of pace for me, however I found myself wanting a glossary to define certain terms. While context provided some measure of assistance, I would have preferred actually having the information (Google is exactly helpful when I don't know what I'm trying to find.) That said the characters and story were compelling and I found myself constantly having to mentally update my theories. It was overall a good book that I'm glad I purchased and I am looking forward to getting the next volume. :)

This. Was. Everything. Fans of the City of Brass Trilogy I have found our newest obsession. This was AMAZING. I’m literally speechless. So this is the end of the review. READ THIS BOOK.

Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy is my shit! I loveeeeddd this! I did get lost a few times with what was happening and had to go back and re-read to catch on with the plot, but overall I really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next one. 

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 by Chelsea Abdullah is a great debut fantasy. Abdullah seamlessly weaves together stylistic references to A Thousand and One Nights, intricate and compelling world-building, interesting political dynamics, and an exciting quest story. The characters’ relationships are well developed and their motivations clear, and Abdullah’s use of multiple POVs is effective. I’m looking forward to the sequel! 

My only complaint as a reader — and it’s really just expression of personal preference — is that I really wish the characters were more morally ambiguous than they are. The protagonists aren’t perfect, but they’re straightforwardly easy to cheer for, while the antagonist is unquestionably evil: they all feel a bit ‘safe’ in terms of character development, and this combined with the plot unfolding in an entirely linear fashion leaves me feeling like I would’ve appreciated more complexity. 

While written for adults, I can see this book having crossover appeal for readers who prefer/enjoy YA; the human main characters are in their early to mid twenties. Though first in a trilogy, this book also works reasonably well as a standalone, with the ending clearly leaving room for the sequel but also feeling sufficiently conclusive. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing an ARC in exchange for this review. 

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 what’s to come. 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 magic alongside her very charming 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. I should mention for those who wish to know beforehand; there was little to no romance in this book. There’s chemistry between the characters, certainly, but no big romances (so far). Nevertheless, the relationships were great. I really loved Loulie and Qadir’s relationship.

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.