After Thorn I wasn’t sure how Khanani could release a better book, but she did! The Theft of Sunlight is a fabulous sequel which not only kept me reading beyond my bedtime, but also needing the third book right now. HOW DARE THAT CLIFFHANGER?! Keep reading this book review to find out my full thoughts.
Summary
I did not choose this fate. But I will not walk away from it.
Children have been disappearing from across Menaiya for longer than Amraeya ni Ansarim can remember. When her friend’s sister is snatched, Rae knows she can’t look away any longer – even if that means seeking answers from the royal court, where her country upbringing and clubfoot will only invite ridicule.
Yet the court holds its share of surprises. There she discovers an ally in the foreign princess, who recruits her as an attendant. Armed with the princess’s support, Rae seeks answers in the dark city streets, finding unexpected help in a rough-around-the-edges street thief with secrets of his own. But treachery runs deep, and the more Rae uncovers, the more she endangers the kingdom itself.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Edelweiss. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: assault, ableism, human trafficking
I instantly loved Rae’s narration and character. She is clever, brave, and determined all at once. Constantly tackling the ableism surrounding her, Rae is driven by a selfless desire to protect the ones she loves. Over the course of the book, my love for her character grew especially as she becomes immersed in situations full of manipulation and whispers. The Theft of Sunlight is a multi-layered book that delivers swoonworthy tension, endearing family dynamics, and a quest for truth and honesty in corruption.
The Theft of Sunlight is a story both about the corruption that poisons a society, as well as the individual change one person can make. Together with good allies, with people who want to see change done, the possibilities are limitless. But The Theft of Sunlight has so many important conversations about not lashing out in anger, about laughter being a form of cruelty, and the power of stories within stories. Khanani delivers a story that crescendos and by the end I was completely immersed.
But be prepared to scream in agony towards the ending! By the end, I just gained such an appreciation for the ways Khanani connects Thorn and The Theft of Sunlight. And by now I am completely hooked! Find The Theft of Sunlight on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.
ahh the cover is SO gorgeous!! im really glad you enjoyed the theft of sunlight because it’s been on my TBR for a while now, and it sounds like such an amazing book!! lovely review
OMG isn’t it so lovely? I loved both THORN and the cover of this one