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Published: 29/06/2023

A breathtakingly evocative period mystery steeped in magical lore, Pathak's debut travels from rural India to Victorian London as Chompa undertakes a quest to rescue her mother from the clutches of the sinister Company.
Waterstones Exclusive Edition with sprayed edge - A Standard Edition is available here
Waterstones Children's Book of the Month for July 2023
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.
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
ISBN: 9780241665565
Number of pages: 384
Weight: 500 g
Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 35 mm
MEDIA 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
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