4/5
Overall this book has a strong world, a unique perspective but most importantly a wonderfully well written and realised protagonist in Chompa
City of Stolen Magic takes you on a journey across the ocean filled with wonder.
The book is easy to read and flows well, with engaging drama, characters and plot lines which all culminate very satisfyingly.
My only critiques with it may be from my age (an adult) as a reader. First of all, I believe the events of the book are as a whole, too quick. There never feels like there is quite enough time for a character to think about their decisions and their consequences or the situation they are in. This can lead to a couple of events that should be big or dramatic as feeling rather quick and easy.
Secondly they’re are a few tropes in this book and a twist I did see coming but the book handles them well and actually uses some of the predictability of the twist to it’s advantage by having some of the characters correctly guess it also.
I believe the villains of the book could be made to be more threatening and fleshed out as well but this is only a minor point as every other character pales in comparison to the lead: Chompa.
Chompa is brilliantly written and overcomes her struggles in often times unique and charming ways. Said struggles also always feel unique to her and not the usual struggles of many characters in books of this genre.
Overall, 4/5