Title: The Stardust Thief
Author: Chelsea Abdullah
Series: Sandsea Trilogy #1
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Audio
Pages: 480
Length: 15h 38m
Narrator: Nikki Massoud, Rasha Zamamiri, Sean Rohani
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating: Also in this series: The Ashfire King
My Thoughts
I’ve always been fascinated by stories of genies, magical lamps, and wishes. It wasn’t until I read THE GOLEM AND THE DJINNI by Helene Wecker that I realized genies were a misappropriation of Middle Eastern folklore and mythology. Since then, I’ve tried to learn more about the actual mythology. So when THE STARDUST THIEF was a Book of the Month option, I snatched it right up.
THE STARDUST THIEF was everything I wanted it to me and more. I love that the story took inspiration from ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS so that parts of it were familiar. The characters, the world, and the djinn’s magic system were amazing! I loved Loulie and Qadir so much. I loved their connection and how much they rely on each other. At first I thought Mazen was kind of a sissy, but I’m glad he grew into his strengths and stood up for what he believed. I loved that it was told from different POVs so we could witness more of the whole picture. I’m excited how this one ended and I’m looking forward to how the story continues.
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Maggie the Undying #1
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Audio
Pages: 470
Length: 21h 34m
Narrator: Kristen Sieh
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:
My Thoughts
Oh, wow! THIS KINGDOM WILL NOT KILL ME gripped me from page 1. It was non-stop adventure and suspense. I adored this book so much! I need book 2 now!!! I’m so emotionally invested in this story and in these characters. I have so much anxiety wondering how this is going to play out! Everard is my new favorite literary crush! I hope Maggie realizes that he loves her sooner rather than later.
The Unselected Journals Of Emma M. Lion, Vol. 1
Author: Beth Brower
Series: Emma M. Lion #1
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 107
Length: 3h 15m
Narrator: Genevieve Gaunt
Reason Read: Recommended
Rating:
My Thoughts
I’m glad I decided to follow my book club’s recommendation and start the Emma M. Lion series. I really enjoyed the format as it made for an interesting read. I also love the Victorian era England setting. The characters are so much. I especially love Emma’s feistiness and penchant to do what she wants in a time when it was frowned upon. I’m excited to see what happens in volume 2.
How To Write A Love Story
Author: Catherine Walsh
Genre: Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 336
Length: 9h 10m
Narrator: Jonathan Aarons, Róisín Rankin
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed HOW TO WRITE A LOVE STORY. It was a fun premise. I loved the way Walsh wrote grief, its many forms, how it affects our lives, and people don’t grieve the same way. I loved the characters, especially Sam and Ciara. I love watching them get to know each other and learn to care for each other. I loved the setting in Ireland and getting to experience a little of Irish culture.
Half City
Author: Kate Golden
Series: Harker Academy #1
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Format: Audio
Pages: 480
Length: 16h 35m
Narrator: Taylor Harvey, Teddy Hamilton
Reason Read: Recommended
Rating:
My Thoughts
Wow! That ending! I need book 2 now! At least I only have to wait until October for it to come out. I loved HALF CITY so much! I loved the dark academia setting, the Shadowhunter feel to the story, and the characters. I’m so interested to see what happens next, especially to Viv and Reid. Is Reid really reformed? I’m starting to get the sense that he might not be. I hope we get to meet the elusive elders in the next installment and we get to find out who the High Thane is. I’m so so curious if my hunches are right.
The Stardust Thief
Author: Chelsea Abdullah
Series: Sandsea Trilogy #1
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Audio
Pages: 480
Length: 15h 38m
Narrator: Nikki Massoud, Rasha Zamamiri, Sean Rohani
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:
Also in this series: The Ashfire King
My Thoughts
I’ve always been fascinated by stories of genies, magical lamps, and wishes. It wasn’t until I read THE GOLEM AND THE DJINNI by Helene Wecker that I realized genies were a misappropriation of Middle Eastern folklore and mythology. Since then, I’ve tried to learn more about the actual mythology. So when THE STARDUST THIEF was a Book of the Month option, I snatched it right up.
THE STARDUST THIEF was everything I wanted it to me and more. I love that the story took inspiration from ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS so that parts of it were familiar. The characters, the world, and the djinn’s magic system were amazing! I loved Loulie and Qadir so much. I loved their connection and how much they rely on each other. At first I thought Mazen was kind of a sissy, but I’m glad he grew into his strengths and stood up for what he believed. I loved that it was told from different POVs so we could witness more of the whole picture. I’m excited how this one ended and I’m looking forward to how the story continues.