Before I start, I just want to say, can we normalise putting recaps at the beginning of fantasy series? I always struggle to remember what happens in books, so having recaps seriously helps me out! I loved the way this one was done, and it really helped transport me back into this story and remember the characters and where they found themselves at the end of the first book.

I thoroughly enjoyed being back in this world and with these characters, who I realised I actually really missed. I love the world that Abdullah has created and the fact that we got to see even more of it in this book. Abdullah does an amazing job at world-building with rich description and captivating writing that it's impossible to put down!

The character development in this book was amazing, and I loved following them on the paths they found themselves on. Aisha is still one of my absolute favourites. She's an absolute badass, and I really liked getting to see her grow as a character.

Honestly, this is a great sequel, and this series is absolutely amazing. I really recommend picking this series up if you haven't already!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“Remember, Mazen, there is no such thing as a single truth. There are just the stories we tell others, and the ones we tell ourselves.”

This is the sequel to The Stardust Thief which I loved & the sequel was even better! I devoured this book, it’s action packed from the beginning & I loved the character arcs of Loulie, Aisha & especially Mazen!
This picks up where book 1 ends & we get to see the jinn world & of course, chaos ensues.

Loulie & Mazen have to work together to get back to the human world but also help save the jinn world. I loved seeing Loulie learn to be more vulnerable and open up to Mazen. Her learning to trust despite her fear of losing those she loves.
Mazen, my sweet storyteller, grows so much, from being afraid to learning to be brave & fight for those he loves.
Aisha was also so great in this, her balancing her autonomy & independence with learning to rely on others. How she realises she is more than just the thief Omar made her.
They make such a great trio!

There are also hints of a romance that is so slow burn that they barely realise they’re falling for each other but had me screaming giggling kicking my feet!

I also loved seeing more Rijah & Hakim & of course Qadir. We learn a lot more about him too in this.

The build up as their storylines converged, how we see revelations & hints to that explosive ending where you finally think everything will be okay but then you read the last line and all you want to do is scream because there’s no book 3 in sight!

Anyways, highly recommend reading these books if you love found family, arabian nights inspired stories, jinn magic & the power of storytelling.

The anxiously awaited book two in the Sandsea Trilogy was everything I hoped for. The stakes are higher now the world has been explained and our beloved characters are experiencing more danger than ever. The growth of Mazen and Aisha especially captured my heart, and the growing relationship between Mazen and Louli was so sweet.
Chelsea’s writing is lyrical and weaves magic and storytelling into something that feels real, as if I could step into the page and find myself in the desert.
Highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys magic, storytelling, found family and Middle Eastern inspired settings.

Neither here nor there, but not so long ago….
I loved this with all my heart, just like the first.
I missed this characters so much! The moment I got my hands on this book I was locked in!!
This follows where the first left off. At first it was a bit hard to follow since I haven’t read the first one in some time, but as the story when on it was easy to catch up.
The world building still continues to amazing me, especially this “new world”. I got much more connect to this new world than to madinne tbh. There was so much compassion and acceptance in the jinn than in humans, even despite of all the Jin’s went through. Once you dive into this new world the adventure and pace never stops (same as the first). It’s so action packed that you can’t put it down. All of the characters really, had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
Speaking of characters, I loved the new characters in this book and how well they fit into this story and how smooth it was. But a character in special. I loved how we got to know more or Qadir story. But do not be mistaken, even tho we got to know Qadir story and some of his secrets I think he’s gonna surprises more.
I could talk of all the characters (but then we would never get out of here lol)
I’ll just say this, I loved how they came to accept and trust each other. How they’re friendships got stronger and they have each others backs. Just like family.
There’s so much more I wanted to say but then this would just be to long.
All I can say is, it was worth the wait. The reward was the sweetest and so well written.
I just know this whole trilogy is gonna have my heart ♥️

Chelsea, what have you done to my beloved Qadir? 😭

THE ASHFIRE KING immediately picks up where we left off at the end of THE STARDUST THIEF, with three of our main cast (2/3 the POVs) plunged beneath the Sandsea and in the ancient jinn country that sunk and the others scattered on the surface, all fighting to survive, reunite, and stop jinns and thieves from destroying their worlds.

The worldbuilding has gotten more lush, the action more heart-pounding, and more mysteries are piling on top of each other. I didn't see the final twist (literally on the last page) coming, but I did manage to catch on to the others. The new characters don't bog down the book as we get to hear their opinions/POVs on the larger conflicts, they expand the world, and add extra personalities to grate against our main characters.

Mazen finds much freedom in being an unknown, getting away from his traitor Omar's reaches, and is charmingly enchanted by the jinn world. Seeing him build up his confidence in his storytelling and his battlefield wit is a joy to read. Loulie frets over the well-being of her kidnapped guard, Qadir, whom she doesn't know whether he's close to death or not, while cracking her head on how to get her, Mazen, and the Shapeshifter back to the surface. Her reckless bravery puts her in interesting positions and some of the best action sequences all feature her. Aisha, meanwhile (a character I was shocked to root for by the end of book 1), is busy trying to rescue Qadir, adjust to her new normal, and figure out what Omar's greater plans are. Her prickly personality is a nice contrast to Loulie's wariness and Mazen's wide-eyed optimism; ah, how I missed it. I like her internal turmoil over Omar's betrayal and her newfound state (ahem iykyk), learning to adjust to uncertainties and allowing herself to be a tad vulnerable.

I'm seated for the final part of our journey (it'll hurt me to see this trilogy end). CHELSEA PLS SPARE QADIR FROM MORE SUFFERING IN THE NEXT BOOK, PLEASE.

TLDR: a frenzic, tense instalment

P.P.S. FINALLY! I know why Chelsea called this "the bird book." Can confirm: lots of birds.

Thanks to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and Orbit for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the first book, but this second one is also good; I had difficulties recalling the characters because the first book was so long ago, but I still enjoyed it!

Chelsea Abdullah brings in the second installment in the Stardust Thief trilogy to the next level. After establishing the foundations for the story in book 1, I often struggle with book 2, usually it makes or breaks it for me, but this one definetely made it. The mix of character development, with plot accellerating and the stakes increasing, Chelsea Abdullah has a potential to rise up to one of the great fantasy authors.

This book was everything a middle book in the series should be. Chelsea Abdullah weaves great world building and wonderful adventure. It’s easy to follow the plot and pacing of the story and the mysteries keep you entrenched and wanting more! Her description of the jinn world and even the new being encountered was well done.

I enjoyed Loulie’s growth in this book. It was great seeing her coming into her own and believing in herself and her abilities. I enjoyed her weighing the facts and making decisions based upon them. I understood the need for her and Qadir to be separated to encourage her enlightenment. However,I did miss their relationship.
Mazen is still the same mostly. I think his sweetness and stability is important to the story—that constant, unwavering bright presence. He has a certain emotional awareness that has greatly evolved since book 1 and adds to his trustworthiness. I do find a measure of juvenility in him compare to others characters even Loulie. In addition, there was a measure of convenience with him constantly having a plan or even popping up in particular scenes, and I believe it was written to push a certain subplot.
I love Aisha. Her willingness to acknowledge that perhaps there’s more to life than the lies that she’s been told. To realize that her past has shaped her but it doesn’t have to be her future.
Qadir has had quite a journey, and even from reading book one you get a sense of profound loneliness from him.
Overall, I enjoy how the author allows you to see the story through different lenses, and to understand that life isn’t always black and white. Also, these characters’ self reflection is done well. They are beings who have made mistakes and I do like the fact that many of them acknowledge those mistakes and strive to correct them.
I enjoyed Hakim in this story. I’ve been intrigued about him since the first book, and his character was a welcomed addition on a larger scale.
Lastly, while the book isn’t heavily enthralled in romance, it does have elements. Personally, I’m not as invested in the particular romance that has developed. I enjoyed the friendship immensely and thought that it was a refreshing change and was not surprised at the developing subplot. I just feel a disconnect with that regard to a romantic relationship between them and it’s not because of the slowburn.
Overall, I would highly recommend this series and look forward to the grand finale and any other books written by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books UK for this e-arc!

An amazing sequel, it was fun rejoining the world and all our favs and seeing what they are up to!
Chelsea knows how to write a damn good book!

My most anticipated read of the year did not disappoint.

Loved this as much as the first.

All the faves are back, but they're trapped in Djinn land and things are not going to go well for them.

This was super easy to fall back into - there's a wonderful recap at the start, cleverly disguised as one of the many stories told throughout the series, so getting caught up is easy and we can get straight back to the action.

There's further character development of our regulars which is quite rewarding, and there are some fun new faces which will hopefully have some more air time in the third book.

There's plenty of action, magic and storytelling, and the stakes are nice and high. It took a little bit for me to understand what was being asked of Loulie, but it was still easy enough to follow along.

There's a new threat in this story which was fun to follow, and there is a lot of grey in the characters so choosing sides is never easy.

There's also strong friendships and bonds which just make my heart melt. I feel so much for these characters.

Absolutely loved it - just as absorbing as the first with more magic, more action, and more fun.

Very keen for the last book in the series and already hoping there are plenty of spin offs!

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC

4 stars

"The Ashfire King" was a really good continuation of the series and I think I enjoyed it a little bit more than the first part. Some chapters could have been tightened up a little more, but overall the pacing was really good.

The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah is a masterpiece of a book! I couldn't stop reading this book for a bit. I rated it 5 stars because I couldn't give it more stars. This book was literally perfection!

The Ashfire king opens immediately after the events of The Stardust Thief and book opens with a recap of the events that took place in the previous story. I always appreciate it when authors take the time to do this and this was beautifully written in the style of the stories that continue to be a large part of this trilogy.
As before we have the three main POV characters. I loved Mazen just as much in this book and liked the way he gained in confidence. Loulie on the other hand didn’t stand out as much as I expected. The character of the Midnight Merchant didn’t seem to have as much determination this time around. Aisha definitely showed the most character growth and probably had the most to deal with as she learned how to live with someone else in her head all the time. I really liked the way that she gradually realised that she did care for her companions. I was sorry in a way that the characters were split up as I love the dynamics between and felt like cheering when they were finally reunited. I also felt it was a shame that despite being the titular character. Qudir isn’t present in the story for most of the book. However I did love the Rijah, the shapeshifter jinn.
Chelsea Abdullah’s world building is simply amazing. The jinn world under the Sandsea is incredibly detailed and vivid. The contrast between the places where magic is still strong and the ones that have been abandoned is just brilliant. As before, the stories were woven into the book and I loved the way they gave us different versions of what had happened in the past.
The main problem for me was that the book was just too easy to put down. One of the signs of a great book for me is one where I don’t want to stop reading as I’m desperate to find out what happens next but sadly, thet wasn’t the case here. I’m interested in the story but don’t feel as involved with it as I am with some fantasy novels. It’s the middle book of a trilogy and I think it shows. The pace was fairly slow and although I was interested in what was going to happen, I never actually felt gripped by it. It was an enjoyable read but didn’t have the immersive appeal of The Stardust Thief for me.
Huge thanks as always to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

🌙 I finished The Ashfire King arc, it’s the second book in The Sandsea trilogy. First of all, I’m absolutely obsessed! I already loved the first book in the series, but the second one It completely blew me away. From the very first page to the last one, the story is packed with action, twists, and incredible details. Chelsea does an outstanding job of expanding the world and introducing more characters, deepening the magic system, and building an immersive setting that makes you feel the story so alive.

🌙 One of the things I adore most is how the author integrates Arabic words into the story, making the world feel even richer and more authentic. It adds a depth that enhances the entire reading experience. Another aspect that makes this book really enjoyable is how the story unfolds through three different POVs. Each character’s pov allowing us to experience the world from different angles with different challenges it comes to make the journey feel even more tense.

🌙 This series is perfect for anyone who craves a thrilling mix of adventure, action, and magic where the stakes are raised not only through epic battles but also through the characters’ personal battles.
🌙 I rating the book 5/5 😍⭐️.

🌙 I want to thank NetGally, the author and Little Brown Book for the Arc of this book.

The Ashfire King is the anticipated sequel to The Stardust Thief, which I have read back in 2022 and loved so much (writing this down, I didn't realize it has been that long since the first book, although I have definitely been waiting patiently for the release date of the sequel the moment I closed the first book.

The Ashfire King takes place immediately after the events that happened at the end of The Stardust Thief, with Loulie and Mazen finding themselves trapped in the jinn realm and Loulie separated from her bodyguard (and king of jinn) Qadir. Thinking they would find a sanctuary, instead Loulie and Mazen found themselves stuck inside a sinking realm and between a war.

My favorite thing about The Stardust Thief was the characters - I loved each of the characters and their dynamics ESPECIALLY Loulie and Qadir's. I'm a bit disappointed that although Qadir is still a big part of this story, he doesn't appear a lot but The Ashfire King introduced to us a lot more great characters and dynamics. I do however, loved the character development that Loulie, Mazen, and Aisha went through in this one, and I loved the new dynamics between the old characters as well along with the new ones.

The Ashfire King is definitely a lot more complex and plot heavy than The Stardust Thief but what I loved and appreciated from this series is that the author is such a great storyteller and I never felt bored or confused while getting introduced to new magic systems or world buildings. I would even say the writing and the atmosphere of this book felt cozy? This series is definitely a series I would recommend fantasy readers to pick up if they want to read something fun but also something to make themselves feel comfy during a rainy day.

Considering I waited almost 3 years for the sequel, I think I can wait a few more (or maybe even faster? who knows) for the ending. I will definitely be picking it up after that ending. Thank you so much Orbit UK and Netgalley for the e-arc.

(also, before I forget, huge huge huge appreciation for the recap in the beginning!!!)

3,75 stars*

The Ashfire King is a worthy second instalment to the Sandsea Trilogy. This book starts off where The Stardust Thief left off. The beginning also contained a helpful recap of book 1, which was amazing. I’m happy I read The Stardust Thief only two months ago, because it didn’t take me long to get back into this world.

The Ashfire King is as adventurous as its predecessor, with more worldbuilding and exploring, and great characters. I only wished we would have seen more of Qadir. Another thing I didn’t really like was the pacing. The story was consistently slow paced without there being any real climaxes. This made me struggle to get through it.

Nevertheless, I would still recommend this series, and I can’t wait for book 3!

Thank you, Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

I want to thank the publisher and NetGallley for the free e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

“The ashfire kind” is the second book in “The Sandsea trilogy” by Chelsea Abdullah. “The stardust thief” was one of the best books I’ve read in 2022, I loved it a lot! I am a huge fan of desert setting and jinns. I love a great adventure, where characters move on the map and we can see a lot of different things and places and creatures.

While I loved the characters in “The ashfire king”, my biggest complaint is about the plot. I found it hard to care about it. I wanted to see more of Qadir and I didn’t like how much the author split the characters. It made it hard for me to care about them on their one. And I know that helped with their development, but I just love a found family that are together for a long time in the story. I couldn’t concentrate enough on their stories because I just waited for them to get together again. When they did get together, the author splits them again.

I liked how Mazen’s character developed, he became one of my favourites, Aisha was ok, but happy to see her again. And Loulie was pretty amazing, as always. But again, I missed Qadir a lot and when we got him again, we don’t spend a lot of time with him.

“The ashfire king” suffers from the middle book syndrome, but, at the same time, it’s not a bad book. I will continue the series, because I actually like it a lot! Can’t wait to see what the author does with the last book.

Oh, we're SO back.

The Ashfire King picks up almost right where The Stardust Thief left off, with a very helpful recap to kick off the book (please, authors and publishers, normalize this, I'm begging you). While it had been three years since I had read the first book, it didn't take me long at all to be swept back into this world.

You can tell that Chelsea Abdullah has put effort into the world and, more than that, that she really loves the world. It's so vast, so thought-out, and I love how these books span so much of it.

We once again get lots of folklore - which, be still, my heart. I loved the lore, and how much we learned in this book. I'm sure book three is going to absolutely fuck me upside the head and I am ready (???) for it.

However, as good as all of that is, the standout remains the characters. When you get multiple POV characters, they're often not all created equally, and - okay, Loulie and Aisha remain my favourite POVs, but they're all very, very strong. The characters are complex, they grow, they're engaging to read, and this applies to supporting characters as well.

A very strong second book in a very strong Arabic folklore-inspired epic fantasy trilogy. I don't know what the third book is called or when it will be released, but I do know that I would die for it.

Thank you to the publisher, Orbit, and to NetGalley for the ARC.

✨ “To live is to persevere. For the world, and in spite of it.”

- The Ashfire King (by Chelsea Abdullah)

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Despite how deeply I loved first book, “The Stardust Thief”, I still tried to temper my high expectations for the sequel before reading it…. But wow did I not need to do that!
“The Ashfire King” somehow went above and beyond what I hoped for!

Steeped in Arabian folklore, with its enthralling tales and mystifying creatures, the series brings to life those elements by building a world rich in enchantment and hidden wonder. In this installment, the characters find themselves exploring a new realm that uncovers unexpected secrets and long buried stories (about both the human and jinn realms) that unravel and connect the threads of both worlds.

I LOVE how transportive the book is, how it makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters, stepping (or flying) from one thrilling adventure to the next! The action and excitement are nonstop, making the book so easy to get lost in. But more than that, I was riveted because I rooted wholeheartedly for the characters.

The sequel digs deeper into the characters’ motivations and inner struggles. The new sides we see to Mazen, Loulie, and Aisha are so gratifying. And it’s in this book we see the dynamics between them really start to flourish.

I love how some of them (no spoilers) get closer, are able to be more vulnerable, and bring out the best in each other.
And overall, the interactions between the gang are so much fun! They’ve come so far since we first met them!

With exhilarating pace and alluring storytelling, “The Ashfire King” gives us foes (new and old), dubious allies, unexpected twists, a new arsenal of magic (one of which is unexpectedly adorable), and political machinations that connect the various story-threads and expand the plot to new levels.
In this sequel, the author manages to create a book that exceeds its predecessor while promising an even bigger and more exciting third book to come!

“The Ashfire King” releases April 15 !

The Ashfire King by Chelsea Abdullah is the breathtaking sequel to The Stardust Thief, drawing readers even deeper into a world where myth and magic collide under the burning sun of the Sandsea. With lush prose, intricate lore, and heart-wrenching stakes, Abdullah delivers a second installment that’s not just a bridge between books—but a brilliant expansion of her universe, brimming with tension, emotion, and unforgettable characters.

Picking up where The Stardust Thief left off, we follow legendary merchant Loulie al-Nazari and exiled prince Mazen bin Malik as they escape into the realm of the jinn—only to find themselves in the midst of a crumbling world teetering on the edge of ruin. The once-magnificent jinn cities are sinking, their ancient protections unraveling as political factions rise and rebellion brews beneath the surface. Far from the sanctuary they hoped for, Loulie and Mazen are swept into a centuries-old war where loyalties are uncertain, alliances are dangerous, and choices carry the weight of entire civilizations.

The world-building in The Ashfire King is nothing short of masterful. Abdullah brings the jinn realm to life with rich, immersive detail—a world as beautiful as it is deadly, where magic pulses through the very air and the echoes of forgotten kings linger in every corner. The stakes are heightened, the scope expanded, and the lore deepened in ways that feel organic and gripping.

At its heart, though, this is Loulie’s story. Her internal struggle is compelling. She is a heroine shaped by loss, driven by resilience, and constantly evolving as the world around her shifts. Her growth is mirrored by Mazen, whose quiet strength and inner conflict add a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Their bond, tested by betrayal, danger, and the weight of their pasts, is one of the novel’s most compelling threads.

The political intrigue is razor-sharp, the rebellion simmering with tension, and every character feels meticulously crafted—flawed, nuanced, and very human, even when they’re not. Abdullah’s prose is both lyrical and powerful, perfectly capturing the majesty and peril of the jinn world while delivering action sequences and emotional beats with equal skill.

The Ashfire King is an epic fantasy that refuses to be predictable. Twists abound, and just when you think you have a grip on where the story is going, Abdullah shifts the sands beneath your feet. The ending is as shocking as it is satisfying, setting the stage for a conclusion that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

Perfect for fans of jinn lore, immersive fantasy, and character-driven storytelling, this sequel is a triumph. Chelsea Abdullah has firmly cemented herself as a voice to watch in epic fantasy—The Ashfire King is everything a second book should be: richer, darker, and wholly unforgettable.