The Stardust Thief is one of my favorite reads of 2022 and one of the best fantasies that I've read in several years (specifically, it is one of the best series starts as well - lays a fantastic foundation for the trilogy). I read this one after reading a lot of Celtic inspired fantasy, and it felt like an invitation to an entirely new world and history. The emphasis on oral storytelling, the retooling of One Thousand and One Nights, the inversion of common character archetypes - it was all executed so skillfully by Abdullah that each twist was deserved and each character felt rich. My biggest frustration when I read fantasy is when authors use omission to create plot tension (I need SOME plot threads, please!), and I never felt frustrated or misled in this. Abdullah introduces new layers of complexity into her system of magic as she reveals expanded backstories for each character, weaving each together so seamlessly that you never lose interest in the quest or feel lost as a reader. And Qadir. Qadir is such a grounding force in Loulie's life and evolution, and I just loved his character so much. The ending was transporting, opening up an entirely new chapter for the start of the second book - I cannot wait to continue this story.

I would recommend The Stardust Thief to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy and loves the promise of a new series. I would note that this is graphically violent (confinement, kidnap, torture and murder).