I have loved the author’s recent works so wanted to check out some of her earlier works as well. When this popped in here, I had to request it.

This is peak YA and sadly, I am not the target audience for this book. It definitely has an interesting premise and has lot of potential for character and story development. However , I felt this was more of a set up book and maybe it gets more complex as the story moves forward which if I am being honest, I won’t be reading.

Overall, if I think within the YA standards, this is a pretty decent first book, fast paced and action packed and can be a good one time read book.

"Sunbolt" by Intisar Khanani is an exhilarating fantasy debut that combines rich world-building with a fast-paced plot. Its strong, resourceful protagonist and intricate magic system make it a captivating and immersive read.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the E-Galley I received in exchange for an honest review.

This book went beyond my expectations from the beginning. It was lively and adventurous from the first page with a wry humour throughout. I immediately bought the sequel when I completed the book. I enjoyed the cast of characters, especially Hitomi.

It was a short enough novel but it was an action-packed one. And very enjoyable!

It grew on me. It took the first couple of chapters but then the originality of the story took over and now I really want to see what happens next.

Hitomi is a foreigner in the island nation of Karolene, which is under the grip of a thuggish warlord called Blackflame with magical powers who holds the nation's ruler under his thumb. She helps a resistance leader who is simply known as "the Ghost" to attempt to undermine Blackflame, and overthrow him if possible. All of this she does while trying to hide her own magic powers so she won't be murdered.

But when the rescue of a family goes horribly wrong and Hitomi is captured, she will find herself on the other side of the world and in the grip of terrifying creatures she thought were only legendary...she will have to use her wits and magic to survive.

This was a very interesting, intriguing read. It went by quite fast due to the limited number of pages, but I'm pleased to say it was an excellent setup and was well fleshed out for an initial entry, which is a pleasant surprise.

I enjoyed Hitomi as a main character. I am invested in her journey and want to see how it all ends, as well as any other adventures she has along the way. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast-paced, fantasy adventure of a slightly shorter length. It's a solid four stars for me, and it only lost out on five because I wish it was longer. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to the next installment. Thank you to Netgalley, Snowy Wings Publishing and Intisar Khanani for the advanced reader copy. This is my voluntary review, and all opinions are my own.

I had downloaded this book for the cover with high expectations, and it has exceeded them all!

Love the storyline♡
Also to mention, the author is the cutest on social media, I loved following her!

Sunbolt is a quick but intense fantasy, full of rich world building and character development. A lot happens, but the plot never felt rushed. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

“The best plans are the simplest”

I absolutely devoured this book! Once I started I could not put it down and even though this is a short book, the character arcs and world building are incredible!

This is a short book and yet the world building is rich and we learn so much about the world and the creatures from the mages to vampires and the politics in play with an oppressive leader and those who fight for justice.
The world is Middle Eastern inspired and we also see glimpses of more of the world which I’m hoping we get to see more of in the sequel.

Hitomi is such a wonderful character, kind and loyal, so determined and resilient and someone who puts herself in harms way to protect those she cares about. Also her love for pineapples, knows no bounds 😂

I also loved the dynamic between Hitomi & Val and how she is determined to trust him and he keeps insisting that he is dangerous but nothing will shake her loose 😂

I absolutely adored this book and I highly recommend you pick it up asap and read all of Intisar’s books because they’re all amazing!

A huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Sunbolt by Intisar Khanani!

I requested this because I love Khanani's works and have since I read Thorn by her. I love how likeable the characters are and enjoyed the world she built.
Sunbolt is about a foreign orphan girl living on an island, working with a group that does not want to be overtaken by a dictator of sorts. During an attempt to protect a noble family from certain death, the girl, Hitomi, gets captured by the enemies and uses her wits and her magic to break out.
This book, in my opinion, was fantastically written and had all the elements of a fantasy: a quest, a journey, an unexplored past and identity. There was also the male interest that I did not see coming. I also thought the male interest was a unique character, what with his different abilities.
The only drawback to this book is that it isn't long enough. I had unanswered questions that I wanted answered and, because fantasy books are generally 300-ish pages, I was confused as to why it ended abruptly. It felt like half a fantasy novel and not a full one. Aside from that, this was a great read.

"Sunbolt" by Intisar Khanani is a captivating and enchanting fantasy novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world filled with secrets, magic, and danger. The story is set in the mysterious and intricately detailed city of Karolene, where hidden alleys and winding streets serve as the backdrop for a tale of intrigue and rebellion.

At the heart of the story is Hitomi, a young woman with a powerful magical aptitude and a past shrouded in mystery. Hitomi is a complex and relatable protagonist who has learned to conceal her true self in a world where magic is both feared and coveted. Her involvement with the Shadow League, an underground movement dedicated to challenging the oppressive rule of Arch Mage Wilhelm Blackflame, sets the stage for a gripping narrative.

One of the strengths of "Sunbolt" is its world-building. Intisar Khanani has crafted a rich and immersive fantasy world where magic is both a source of wonder and a source of danger. The city of Karolene comes alive with its detailed descriptions and vivid imagery, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in the story's setting.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Hitomi's journey. The tension and suspense build steadily throughout the book, and the stakes are raised as Hitomi becomes entangled in a dangerous mission to save a political family from the clutches of Arch Mage Blackflame. The pacing of the story is well-executed, with moments of action and intrigue balanced by quieter, character-driven scenes that allow readers to connect with the cast of diverse and well-developed characters.

One of the standout aspects of "Sunbolt" is the exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the struggle for justice. Hitomi's inner conflict as she grapples with her magical abilities and her past adds depth to her character, making her journey all the more compelling.

If there is one minor criticism, it's that the story leaves some questions unanswered, likely to be explored in future books in the series. However, this also leaves readers eager to continue the journey with Hitomi and her companions.

In conclusion, "Sunbolt" is a spellbinding and beautifully written fantasy novel that will captivate readers with its intriguing characters, richly imagined world, and thrilling plot. Intisar Khanani's storytelling prowess shines in this book, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. Whether you're new to the genre or a seasoned fantasy enthusiast, "Sunbolt" is sure to transport you to a world of magic and intrigue, leaving you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.

The story centres around Tomi (Hitomi), she is still being excluded by the shadow league (as she was in the Shadow Thief) even though she does a lot to support them. It starts with Tomi and the shadow league doing what they do best, which is trying to save the lives of an outspoken family that have earnt the wrath of blackflame and his hateful regime. From there the story is full of twists and turns; new enemies and new friends; and starts to explain more about the world this book is set in. I particularly enjoyed the method to gathering magic, it lead to some very poetic passages. I look forward to learning more about the world the Novel is set in and more about Tomi's journey. I find Intisar's writing style enjoyable and beautifully descriptive. The book and plot moves fast and keeps you engaged throughout.

I would recommend reading this book.

As some people may know, I started the 'Sunbolt Chronicles' with 'Memories of Ash' as I didn’t get to read this book the first time round. Therefore, 'Sunbolt' re-releasing is a lovely coincidence that I am able to read this book at last!

This novel features Hitomi, the Shadow League, and the unjust system within Karolene. Keen to uphold fairness, members of the League set out to rescue an affluent family, who has recently been on the enemy Blackflame’s radar. Wanting to keep them safe from harm due to their similar beliefs, the League and Hitomi devise a plan to save the family. Things get awry, members in on the rescue mission scatter, and Hitomi finds herself at the mercy of a supernatural creature.

With wits, strength, and determination, it is fascinating to see how the events unfold and the action pan out in 'Sunbolt'. There is never a dull moment in the novel: succinct conversations, gentle kindness, and simply plenty of excitement! Magic also plays a significant role in this book, though it is subtle. It is wonderful to appreciate how these elements all flow together.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this novel.

- '“Tell me they didn’t put out here as a guard dog,” I say, dropping down beside him as if that was my intention all along. “Isn’t that demeaning?”
He grins, showing teeth that are a little sharper than the average man’s. “Better than not being invited at all, Tomi.”'

- "I glance skyward. Between the buildings, the strip of bright blue is already darkening. I’m out of time. Swallowing a curse, I head toward the waterfront."

A few years ago several Cannonballers were reading Intisar Khanani’s self published YA fantasy books. Khanani writes the kind of book that grabs you and doesn’t let go featuring teen girls who are chronically underestimated. Khanani is rereleasing her Sunbolt Chronicles, and I am brushing off my YA reading hat. I haven’t read YA since the pandemic started, and that’s no slight to the genre, it’s just where my head has been. Shadow Thief and Sunbolt are a great re-entry point.

Hitomi is an immigrant in a nation that doesn’t make room for immigrants, an orphan in a culture where family is everything, and a secret magic user. She would rather not steal, but she will to feed herself when she can’t get enough work to buy food for the day. She is canny but not infallible. Karolene is a nation of islands ruled by a Sultan, but really ruled by the Arch Mage Blackflame. Hitomi is a part of a secret resistance network, the Shadow League. Blackflame is the series villain, though we don’t spend a lot of time with him. We don’t need to, because we see the evidence of his evil, the disappearances, the mercenaries who destroy without accountability, and the fear. Karolene is drenched in fear.

Shadow Thief is a short novella covering how Hitomi comes to be involved with the Shadow League. Hitomi has been in her own for a while and every day is a struggle to earn enough to feed herself and pay for a safe place to sleep for the night. The head of the Shadow League has been kind to her, but doesn’t want her involved. She involves herself anyway when she learns that he has been arrested by the Sultan. Her familiarity with the Sultan’s prison grants her access to the rescue planning. She is familiar with the prison because the Sultan helps orphans by putting them in jail for a week to scare them out of taking up a life of crime. Things go badly, but Hitomi demonstrates her value, and her desire to be involved.

Sunbolt starts with a fortune teller telling Hitomi to run, and then it doesn’t let up. It’s a short and quick read, and so engaging. The Shadow League is trying to rescue a family targeted by the Arch Mage when they are betrayed. It’s so hard to talk about Sunbolt without getting into spoilers. Hitomi is resourceful and principled. The stakes are high and the world is not safe. Even so, I think it would be a great read for teens.

If you like fantasy and strong female protagonists, you should be reading Intisar Khanani. She writes beautifully. She builds interesting and diverse worlds. Her protagonists are wonderful, believable girls.

CW: state sponsored violence, violence, threats of violence, children in danger, allusions to rape, physical evidence of torture, death on page and in past, injury to animal, betrayal, death of parent from illness in past. Memory loss.

I received Shadow Thief as an advance reader copy from the author, and Sunbolt from NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

I read this book when it first came out ages ago, and have been wanting a conclusion to this story since then. I think it's being re-released? It's still a solid, gripping story with a strong female protagonist, as is typical of Intisar Khanani. It does read like an early version of her work, though - still very well written, but a bit slender. Her later books become more fleshed out.

Solid 4 stars, and I can't wait to see where Hitomi's story goes.

Thanks to NetGalley & Snowy Wings Publishing for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I DNF'ed at 40% of the way through.

I really could not get through the writing and minimal explanation of worldbuilding. I found it quite dull as well.

Orphaned at a young age, Hitomi has learned to hide her magical aptitude and who her parents really were. Most of all, she must conceal her role in the Shadow League, an underground movement working to undermine the powerful and corrupt Arch Mage Wilhelm Blackflame.

This was great. The characters, the world, the plot were all well-developed and well written. I look forward to the rest of the series.

Sometimes you remember reading a book and liking it, but not a lot more.  Why I never wrote up a review about this Muslim authored 153 page young adult fantasy novella (?) in 2013 when it was first published I have no idea, but now that it has a new cover and some minor tweaks I am happy to share it, support it, and urge you all to do the same. My only complaint is the book is too short.  It tells a complete story, but I did not want it to end.  I believe the print version will include the prequel Shadow Thief in the backmatter, and the series will total three books when complete, but I'm not a patient person and even the second time reading this had me sucked in from the very first page and unable to put the book down until I finished The paranormal world building, character development, intrigue, interest, adventure, and curiosity, is masterfully written and conveyed to take the reader on a journey where the next turn is completely unexpected, yet plausible, worrisome, yet hopeful, fast passed, but not rushed, and before you know it the last page has been read, and you are still emotionally attached to Hitomi, longing for Karolene, and anxious to see what will happen next.  There is no Islam in the book, many names come from Arabic though, and there is killing, death, vampires, soul suckers, magic, and lots of secrets yet to come to light.

SYNOPSIS:

Hitomi is still an outsider in Karolene unable to blend in even though she has been there for years.  Her skin and features give her away, but it is her secrets that she tries to hide more than her appearance.  She is part of the Shadow League, and when she gets a chance to help with a mission to save a political family that opposes the Arch Mage Blackflame, her life with the fish sellers is about to change. She encounters vampires, is taken through a portal to a landlocked northern land, is imprisoned with a Breather and starts to test the power of her own magic.  

WHY I LIKE IT:


The twists and turns of the book are a wild ride.  You don't know what is going to happen next, and while it takes a minute to share details of 15-year-old Hitomi's world and Karolene at the beginning, the connection it creates to the main character is worth it as the story progresses.  In a short time you really feel you know how she sees the world, functions in it, and thus the emotional bond makes you invested in what is to come.  I love that Hitomi is mixed race, young, female, fallible, smart, strong, and empathatic and likeable.  She isn't perfect, but you are definitely cheering her on.

FLAGS:

The book has magic, killing, death, plotting, secret, torture, politics, but for the genre and age is relatively clean.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The book is a bit too short for a full book club discussion, but I would absolutely recommend, shelve, and encourage middle school readers and up to grab a copy and take an hour or so off from their lives to read about Hitomi's and make predications about what will happen next.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.
This is a gripping, fast-paced story full of twists and turns.
Hitomi's working for the Shadow League which tries to take down the evil Mage Blackflame. But then the rescue mission for an important political family goes south. Hitomi is then captured by the enemy. Her only goal is to be free again. But to do so she has to defeat her enemies...

An exciting fast paced story where main character, Hitomi explores her magic. I loved the friendship between Hitomi and Val. They have such a lovely build up, and are the highlight of this story.