City of Stolen Magic

Product Information

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. City of Stolen Magic is aimed at readers as young as nine, on whom this analogy might be lost. But as the novel goes on, the more ambitious themes successfully melt into a highly imaginative plot. 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.

City of Stolen Magic (KS2/3) - Penguin Books UK City of Stolen Magic (KS2/3) - Penguin Books UK

Note: Since this is a children’s book, I think it is important to let readers know that the story includes a death scene. I loved this book! It's a wonderful exploration of magic and also friendship, perfect for younger readers. This imaginative debut novel is bursting with dynamic characters, atmospheric locations and a fast-paced plot. There are also parallels with real historical events, when Britain colonised India and exploited its people and riches, resulting in widespread poverty, famine and enslavement.This wonderful new middle grade book imagines a spunky girl’s journey from her home in India to London. This is the story of Chompa and her mother Amina during British rule. Chompa can do a special kind of magic called finger magic whereas her mother's speciality are the written spells. One day because of Chompa's magic Amina gets kidnapped and taken by the Britishers to London. Then Chompa meets Mohsin who is her mother's friend who helps Chompa to find amina. During her journey she meets Tipu and Laurie who become her friends and help her to find amina and during the climax of the book. What i liked about the story is the magic system where we get to learn about djinnspeakers and djinnborn children. How they can work with different elements and djinns. I also really loved the Author's note as it shows what inspired the author to write the scenes in the book which were related to the British rule and the racism, theft and the slavery faced by the Indians and also other minorities.

City of Stolen Magic by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, review: a critique of City of Stolen Magic by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, review: a critique

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 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. Finding unlikely allies & more about her mother as she tries to find the trail left by the sinister, all- powerful Company, Chompa realises Indian magic is being stamped out & India"s land & people being made to use their resources to make money for those overseas. The magic system and world-building are explained gradually. I was really excited to see how the various characters in the book would wield their powers in the fight against the colonial rulers.Yara’s life is thrown into disarray when, following the death of her mother, she learns that they’re from Zehaira, a kingdom of sorcerers, alchemists and magic. In this compelling fantasy adventure, Yara bravely embarks on a dangerous quest to save her magical homeland.

City of Stolen Magic - Penguin Books UK City of Stolen Magic - Penguin Books UK

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. City of Stolen Magic is a fantastic middle-grade fantasy adventure. With a well-imagined magical system, enchanting worldbuilding and compelling characters, I was swept up in Chompa's story. Her journey, from a small village in India to the seat of the Victorian empire in London allows for an interesting exploration of British colonialism for a young audience, with a fantasy twist. Loved this book! Chompa was such a likeable protagonist for me, and I was so engaged in this world and its ancient history of magic. 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.

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Jude is infuriated when she realises that the rare magic she has stolen to impress her criminal family is protected by a curse. Darkly humorous, with a myriad of magical twists and turns, this inventive novel is a thrilling read.