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.

Thank you netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this book. I absolutely loved this book, it was so cute and whimsical and the writing just flowed it was great, I read it in two sittings after forgetting to pick this book up when I first got it I am glad I picked it up when I did as it was just what I needed at the time. 4.5 stars

I was provided with an advance reader copy of the ebook free of charge via Netgalley in return for an honest review .

The cover art drew me in as it so often does. Two large impressive cities and a young girl who seemed to be the bridge between them? I had to know more.

This book is a master piece of historical fiction and fantastical magic of the East. I loved getting to know more about the traditions and languages of India.

Along side that you have wonderful vibrant characters who have to face fear, loss,hardship and continue to fight for what they believe is the right path.

Even better they admit when things are their fault. I throughly loved this amazing read and I know other bookworms will too.

My son loved this book, and reading as a family did not get boring and how could it with another problem showing it's face just as you thought everyone was good. I don't need to recommend this book (although I will be doing) as my little one has already told all his mates about it

I will be requesting that our school library buy a copy of this title immediately!

This is a charming children's book (one that I loved even as an adult!) about Chompa a young girl who has magical abilities but whose mother has blocked her powers due to fears that she may be hunted for her powers.

One day Chompas mother is taken by these men - British "scientists" who wish to rid the world of magic. She must embark on an adventure to find her mother and learn more about her own power.

The story is set in Colonial India/Britain and subtly introduces the reader to the idea of colonisation and power without being preachy. Lends itself beautifully to discussions on these topics - an important part of both countries' history.

I’ve not got very far into this book yet but I’m excited to start from the cover and opening language used. I will update my review once I have delved further into it.

My 9 year old absolutely loved this.

In her own words - this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I loved the way a new problem or issue was introduced every couple of chapters and how that would lead to further problems. It was very entertaining. I was really sucked in to this story and I loved the characters. I can’t wait to get a paperback copy and read it again. I hope it’s developed into a series of books.
5 stars. Have been telling my friends and my teacher all about this book and recommending they read it over the summer holiday.

High praise and probably her favourite read of 2023 to date.

2.5 stars

I can’t quite put my finger on what was wrong with this book, but I was just bored by it. It took me two full weeks to finish, which is incredibly unusual for me for a middle grade novel of this length, and I considered DNFing it multiple times, despite knowing I was reading it for review. The story just dragged, and I found Chompa herself really irritating.

The discussion of colonialism also felt a bit jumbled. I definitely think fantasy can be used to comment on really world issues, but something about the way the magic was incorporated in this case felt like it obscured the actual atrocities that the British committed in India – again, I can’t really verbalise why, but it just didn’t work for me.

Also, I didn’t love the blend of magic and Muslim representation. I obviously read plenty of fantasy and have no problem with the genre in general, but if you’re going to combine magic with characters who practice real-world Islam, you’ve got to be a bit careful, and this just fell on the wrong side of that line. There wasn’t really any explicit Islam in the book, other than the characters’ names and various ‘Hai Allah’s (a subcontinental expression of shock) sprinkled into the dialogue, but still – the kind of magic practiced in the book is explicitly forbidden in Islam, so the way it’s presented just felt a bit off.

Chompa is a determined young girl with a magic running through her veins and fairness in her heart. But nefarious forces are conspiring against not only our headstrong hero but all the magical children they can corral, and time is running out for their survival.

I enjoyed the historial aspects that were blended with the fantastical, highlighting the issues that were seeping through colonial India. The character of Chompa was well written, and she was someone that was hard to tear away from as the drama unfolded. The author takes the reader on a dark journey, as every emotion is wrung out as the dastardly plan is fully revealed.

Nazneen Ahmed Pathak is an author that is going to make a mesmerising contribution to children’s literature. You will be under Chompa's spell immediately.

Thanks so much to @netgalley and @penguinbookssouthafrica for an e-arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion ✌️

Chompa lives with her mother in a small village in India. Her mother is teaching her to write charms and learn her Farsi, whilst sternly telling Chompa to never use her 'finger magic'.

One night Chompa decides to disregard her mother's plight and almost sets the village on fire in the process. To combat the fire Chompa created, Ammi uses her OWN finger magic to stop the raging fire. Chompa NEVER knew her mother could also do magic like her.

That night the 'pale ones' come to their home and take Ammi against her will, before then she hides Chompa and makes her PROMISE that she will stay hidden no matter what.

With Ammi gone, Chompa ventures out of the village on her own, in search of someone her mother once knew to help her get Ammi back.

My thoughts....

Fun middle grade, filled with adventure, friendship and magic.

I LOVE a good middle grade but because the story is told by Chompa's POV as a VERY young girl, it feels almost a bit... Too young... For me 🌸

It was fun though, watching a sheltered little spitfire, venture out into the world, learning new things meeting new people and finding not only her mother, but herself and her magic in the process ♥️

This was such an interesting read! I found myself so engrossed in the story, the characters had such incredible arcs, and I can't wait to follow this author's journey!

When Chompa uses her finger-magic to light a fire, little does she know that she has started a series of events that will endanger the lives of many. When her mother is kidnapped, Chompa uses the magic she was always forbidden from using to try and rescue her. But she will learn that not everyone can be trusted and that using her powerful magic comes at a price…

I enjoyed City of Stolen Magic because of the strong characters and the intense action. This is great choice for older children who love stories involving magic and strong female lead characters.

I loved how there was more than one kind of magic in the story, and each character had different skills and strengths and every one of them was important in how the action played out.

Chompa was a wonderful female heroine. She was brave and smart but also very caring and put the needs of others before her own.

Here is one of my favourite quotes:

“Hair was what princesses worried about, but in real life, it got in your eyes and mouth… Chompa threw the scarf aside. She was never going to be a princess. And she didn’t want to be one, either. She was something far more powerful. She was a witch.”

I also have a soft spot for Tipu, who proved he could stand up for himself and was an amazing and kind-hearted friend.

This is Nazneed Ahmed Pathak’s first novel, and I can’t wait to read what she dreams up next.

Note: Since this is a children’s book, I think it is important to let readers know that the story includes a death scene.

My thanks go to Puffin for sending me an ARC via NetGalley.

#CityofStolenMagic #NetGalley

Chompa lives with her Aami (Mum) in the mid 1800s India. Magic is slowly being stamped out by the Pale-faced English colonisers. There are two types of magical people - djinn born and djinnspeakers. Djinn born have the magic within them and djinnspeakers needs djinn to use their magic. Both Chompa and her Aami find themselves in trouble as finger magic using djinn born. After Chompa’s Mum is kidnapped, Chompa finds herself on a journey across the sea to London to try and save her. This truly is a magical tale that weaves historical details with spellbinding fiction. Nazneen Ahmed Pathak does an amazing job of detailing how the English would have interacted with the Indian (djinn born/speakers), and creates beautiful descriptions of the ship and the areas visited.
This is a well developed tale that keeps the readers interest and will suit older primary children upwards. Also a great story for adults who are not afraid to embrace the magical.

OMG, this book is, like, amazing! The writing totally sucked me in, and the relationships between the characters were sooo special. And let's talk about the magic and world-building—it was legit mind-blowing! The finger magic thing? Totally unique and had me hooked from the get-go.

All the characters were so well-written, but my fave was Chompa. Her bond with her mom, Ammi, was seriously heartwarming. Their story had me feeling all the feels, and I was totally rooting for them the whole time. Their fam love was just on another level, you know?

If you're into magic and awesome characters in epic worlds, you HAVE to read this book. Seriously, I was totally obsessed right from the start. Recommend it to all who dig that kinda stuff!

Thank you to both the author and publisher for sending me this ARC!

I LOVED this book.

Fantastic world building with a well fleshed out magic system. I was thoroughly immersed in the story and adventures of the main character Chompa. She is head-strong, curious and brave, which I love to see in children's stories.

This story follows Chompa's journey in discovering her magic and how she can use it to change her fate and the fate of many others.

The book introduces the history of colonialism in an easy to understand way for younger readers, which is an important part of both Indian and British history.

I will be recommending this book to my sons school in the hopes that they will include it in their library and cant wait to add it to my own collection!!

Chompa and her mother live in a small village in India in 1855. The country is under British rule, and magical people are being kidnapped across the country in an effort to stamp out the magic so feared by the British. Chompa doesn't understand why her mother forbids her to use her finger magic, not realising the dangers, until one night when her mother is taken. Realising her mother has been kidnapped by the all powerful Company, Chompa is heartbroken and alone as she sets out on a journey to try and rescue her.

I loved this book! It's a wonderful exploration of magic and also friendship, perfect for younger readers.

Chompa is a brilliant lead and one I think a lot of readers will resonate with. She doesn't understand her mother's rules at the start which I think is something that children everywhere will identify with! She grows to be a strong character though, and one who will do everything she can to protect and help her friends and family. I enjoyed seeing her friendships with Tipu, Laurie and Leeza blossom.

I thought all of the characters were well developed to be honest. Chompa is the one we get to know the best being the protagonist, but the others were still detailed enough for them to have their own personalities and be strong characters in their own rights.

Plot wise I thought the story was fantastic. There is enough danger here for it to feel like a real adventure, but without being too graphic or scary for younger readers. The magic systems are really well described, and I particularly enjoyed that we get to see several different types of magic and how they worked. There is a lot of detail in the world building, and it really helped to bring the story to life.

As an English reader I thought Nazneen Ahmed Pathak did a brilliant job of exploring some uncomfortable truths. The book touches on the devastation caused by the British colonialism in India, and certainly doesn't shy away from showing the damage it caused, without being too upsetting for younger readers to read about.

I thought this was a wonderful novel, and one of my highlights of the year so far. I would love a chance to see return to India with Chompa and her friends and see where their adventures take them next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Childrens UK for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

As the British rule, India (in the year 1855), anything magical is being stamped out all around the country.

Worse, people born with magic are being taken away. Pepople say it's the terrifying Company that takes them all the way across the sea, to England.

Chompa was born with powerful magical powers but her mother has always stopped her using them, until the day her home is attcked and her mother kidnapped. Chompa then needs to travel to East London to try and find her mother. She will come across deception and treachery, revealing old secrets that will turn her life upside down and learning that performing magic doesn't come without a price.

There was plenty of adventure and twists in the City of Stolen Magic. A great read!