Description

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

‘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

‘Phenomenal’ – Sophie Anderson

‘One of the best children’s books I have read in a decade’ – Louie Stowell

India, 1855. The British rule, and all across the country, Indian magic is being stamped out.

More terrifying still, people born with magic are being snatched from their homes. Rumour is that they are being taken across the sea – to England – by the all-powerful, sinister Company.

When Chompa’s home is attacked and her mother viciously kidnapped, Chompa – born with powerful and dangerous magic that she has always been forbidden from using – must travel to the smoky, bustling streets of East London in search of her. But Chompa will discover far more treachery in London than she had bargained for – and will learn that every act of her rare magic comes with a price . . .

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

‘A wonderful writer who paints a thoroughly convincing heroine’ – Daily Telegraph

‘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

‘Dazzling from start to finish’ – Abi Elphinstone

‘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’ – Rashmi Sirdeshpande

‘A wonderfully vibrant debut . . . A vivid magical adventure’ – Jasbinder Bilan

Publisher Review

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 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 Cracking pace, fabulous magic system, characters, relationships, the whole package! -- Louie Stowell 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 *