After recently rereading Stardust Thief I was so excited to jump back into this world but I ended up pretty disappointed.

I had multiple issues with Ashfire King. My favorite part of Stardust Thief was Louie and Qadirs relationship and they don’t interact for about 85% of the book. Also there was pacing issues. I felt like the characters just kept getting into situations nonstop and then boom random story time. I honestly didn’t care about any of the new characters being introduced and was sad that the jinn world wasn't explored at a slower pace.

After fleeing the villainous Prince Omar, Loulie and Mazen find themselves in the Sandsea, lost in the magical world of the Jinn. But this world is in turmoil. The very magic holding the realm seperate from the mortal world is failing, causing the Jinn islands to sink into the Sandsea. Loulie and Mazen must decide who they can trust: the Jinn Queen trying to protect what is left of their world or the pirate Nabila who believes destroying the rest of the seals on their world will bring the realms together again.

Was this my most anticipated book for 2025? Yes. Did it meet all my expectations and more?! YES!

Seperated from Qadir, Loulie and Mazen must learn to trust and rely on each other. As their relationship grows deeper, they find new friends and allies, but also new enemies. I absolutely adored the deeper look into Hakim and Aisha’s characters as well! The new characters were so fun: arrogant Rijah, the mysterious Ziyad, temperamental Nabila, and playful Duha.

The Arabian lore was incredible as well: new creatures and magic and myth. Chelsea Abdullah just has a way with words that draws you in and leaves you mesmerized. Once I started I couldn’t put it down! The action, adventure, and comraderie blend into the perfect storyline that never feels stagnant or slow and her characters evolve and bloom into real people you can sympathize and empathize with so easily!

I was absolutely thrilled to be approved for this arc and would love to gush about it more but don’t want to spoil anyone else who is looking forward to finding out what happens next. I will be eagerly awaiting the conclusion (which I hope will be soon because omg that ending! Again!).

This is an incredible sequel by an incredible author. From the moment the book opens, it's clever and cheeky, gripping and gutting, and I found myself flying through the pages. I already can't wait for book three, although I'm crying at the thought of saying goodbye to these characters—especially after that ending!