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City of Stolen Magic

By: Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, Sandhya Prabhat
Narrated by: Shaheen Khan
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Summary

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 . . .

©2023 Nazneen Ahmed Pathak (P)2023 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

City of Stolen Magic is phenomenal - vivid storytelling that skilfully and unflinchingly weaves colonial history into an epic, breathtaking, magical adventure (Sophie Anderson)
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)

What listeners say about City of Stolen Magic

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Fantastic! Loved every moment!

As a teacher, I am always looking for good quality texts to recommend to pupils. This book will take you on a magical adventure filled with culture, diversity and historical references. I did not want it to end.

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Great story

Listened to this for the penguin book cover completion but was presently surprised by an engaging tale with a strong and confidant female lead that I think would be a great role model for many young girls

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