City of Stolen Magic

Author Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
Narrator Shaheen Khan
Publisher Penguin Random House Children's UK
Run Time 10 hours and 36 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Action and adventure stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Fantasy, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Historical fiction, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Magical realism, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Witches, wizards and magicians, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Diversity and inclusion, Children’s / Teenage: General interest.

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

A spellbinding, epic and heart-racing magical adventure from an exquisite new storytelling talent.

India, 1855. There are two kinds of magic in Chompa's world. The kind her mother favours: writing-magic, which anyone can do if they take the time. Write a spell in Farsi, and wait. It's calm, controlled, safe, says Ammi. It's slow, frustrating, boring, thinks Chompa.

Then there's finger-magic, which only those descended from ancient djinn are born with. Immediate, powerful - and dangerous, for every act of finger-magic leaves a trace, and comes at a price . . .

Growing up in an isolated village, hot-headed Chompa has never understood why her mother forbids her from using her potent finger-magic - until, one day, Chompa defies Ammi, and casts a spell. Soon after, a group of pale men attack their home and snatch Ammi.

In desperate search of her mother, Chompa must travel to another world: to England, and the smoky, bustling streets of East End London, where the powerful Company is transporting magical people like her and Ammi for the most sinister purpose . . .

'A wonderfully vibrant debut . . . A vivid magical adventure' - Jasbinder Bilan

'An unexpected gem of a story . . . A stellar setting, a gut-punch of a twist, and an unforgettable heroine. This has all the hallmarks of classic children's storytelling' - Nizrana Farook

©2023 Nazneen Ahmed Pathak (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critics Review

Exhilarating, thoughtful and rich . . . Easily one of the year’s best books for children

Guardian

A wonderful writer who paints a thoroughly convincing heroine . . . Highly imaginative

Daily Telegraph

Ahmed Pathak is a wonderful new voice; the book took her years to write, and it shows in the depth and care of each beat of the story

Katherine Rundell

City of Stolen Magic is phenomenal – vivid storytelling that skilfully and unflinchingly weaves colonial history into an epic, breathtaking, magical adventure

Sophie Anderson

One of the best children’s books I have read in a decade . . . Cracking pace, fabulous magic system, characters, relationships, the whole package!

Louie Stowell

Dazzling from start to finish. A spellbinding adventure fused with Indian folklore which sees glorious heroine Chompa journey from rural India to Victorian London as she searches for her mother

Abi Elphinstone

An unexpected gem of a story. Packed with atmosphere – whether the narrow streets and red dust of Dacca or the grimy Dickensian squalor of Spittlelfields – it’s populated by larger-than-life characters you will love and hate. A stellar setting, a gut-punch of a twist, and an unforgettable heroine. This has all the hallmarks of classic children’s storytelling

Nizrana Farook

A gripping and spellbinding fantasy woven together with threads of magic, secrets, and colonial history. An incredible cast of characters and a truly multicultural Victorian London that we don’t see often enough in books

Rashmi Sirdeshpande

Exhilarating and enthralling – I relished every page. A glorious blend of history, magic and thrilling adventure with a truly unforgettable heroine, this book is rare, rich and special

Katherine Woodfine

A wonderfully vibrant debut . . . A vivid magical adventure filled with thrilling characters, pacy storytelling and important historical detail. Children and adults are in for such a treat

Jasbinder Bilan

An incredible story. I’m blown away by the layers of detail and drama, along with a history we don’t see spoken of enough . . . A wonderful, thought-provoking story of magic, community and power – sure to enchant readers

Radiya Hafiza

Ahmed Pathak draws heavily on real history to open up conversations about colonialism and empire, while weaving a vivid and richly imagined adventure. A vibrant and important debut, full of magic and mystery.

The Bookseller

Imaginative . . . Bursting with dynamic characters, atmospheric locations and a fast-paced plot

Booktrust

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