Thief of Cahraman

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
I enjoyed Aladdin as a movie and I enjoyed The Selection series, so I was very curious how this novel would play out. I was not disappointed with the story and the characters, even though it was obvious who the prince was. Adelaide is a thief who does not know much about her family, only bits of information her mother gave her before she died. When a witch forces Ada to find a golden lamp to save her friend and her friend's father from death, she knows her time is limited. How can she catch a prince when she does not have the "requirements". There are several trials in the competition until the final five are chosen. Ada knows she has no chance and needs to find the lamp quickly before she is eliminated. She never counted on the friends she would make, or the thief who is helping her with her task. However, Ada cannot tell Cyrus the truth about why she needs to find the lamp. The more time she spends with Cyrus, she wants a future with him where they can return to her village and she can tell him the truth, that she is not really a lady. When the prince's identity is revealed, Ada knows her time is running out and she will need to the win the competition to save her friends from the witch or the witch will kill them. I cannot wait to read the next novel!

4.5 stars

***ARC receivd in exchange of an honest opinion***

Thief of Cahraman was a delightful surprise. At first I thought it was a bit slow, but as the story progressed I kept falling more in love with it.

This book has all the elements I love in a good fantasy YA book: a kickass heroine, secrets, mysteries, a great fantastical world and a swoon-worthy hero. Not to mention the writing. That really impressed me.

I confess that when I saw the book on Netgalley the cover didn't impress me a lot (ai liked some elements of it - like the image, despite not being a fan of covers with people in them - but I don't like the lettering, font and the way the title was positioned, I felt like it was too much and trying too hard - which got me the wrong impression of how the book would go). But something stood out and I read the blurb to make sure I'd like to read it (as you know I'm not in the habit of reading synopses before reading books, but when they catch my attention - without spoiling the book or plotline - they are quite helpful). I'm really glad I requested to read it though. This book caught me by surprise and I loved it!

The plotline was quite different and I loved how witty the story was. I sense a lot of mysteries unveiling very soon (like the truth about Ada and he mother) and I can't wait for the next phase of the story.

This was definitely a good read and if you like fantasy books The Thief of Cahraman will certainly keep your attention!!

Loved this. I was able to guess a bunch of what was happening but it was a great book and I can't wait for the next one.

This book was a great read. It was fast paced. The characters were likeable and you could really connect with. I would recommend this book to others and I am eager to read more from this author.

The Thief of Cahraman is the story of Aladdin with a twist. I loved Lady Ada and the Prince & that she was able to show her thief's talent in the bride competition. Tempest created a great talent of the underdog. Lady Ada definitely makes an impression on everyone she encounters. This is the first book in the series and I look forward to the next book and other offerings from this author.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is about Ada, who has been homeless and moving from place to place since her mother died. Once she's found a place she wants to stay, she's taken away by a witch who puts her in a contest against 49 other girls, and the winner gets to marry the prince of Cahraman.
This book was really entertaining. When Ada first goes to the competition, I didn't think I'd be able to remember one girl from another, but I was. Not every girl was focused on, which was good, because the four who were focused on each had their own personality.
The big I saw the twist coming, but the main character didn't so seeing her emotions when it happens was great. I'm honestly really excited to read the sequel.

I loved this book! This book started off with a girl living in a village scraping by and stealing to help herself survive. Then comes the twist, she is suddenly whisked off into another world and a beautiful romance happens! I’m wanting more! I became so engrossed in the story I stayed up late and finished the book in two days! I loved the puzzles, action, and the turmoil. All The characters are interesting, funny, and some are sad. The love story that is woven into the story kept me turning the pages to see what happened. It reminded me a little of the story “The Selection” but with a much better plot and interesting characters. It’s an awesome book and I want to read the sequel today lol

I really enjoyed this novel about Ada as she competed with highborn young ladies to win the hand of the prince while she tries to steal a gold lamp from the palace to free her friend and her friend’s father. There is intrigue and humor, as well as cat fights among mean girls as Ada and the others try to stay in the competition. What a fun read! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my fair and honest review. I can’t wait for book 2!

Omg. I... loved this book! And I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

The story was just so entertaining and the writing was absolutely great. You can easily picture everything that happens and the world it's set in.

I was a little afraid I wouldn't enjoy the competition since it's compared to The Selection (and I did not like that series mostly because of the characters if I can remember correctly since I read it years ago). I really didn't have any expectations for this book so it was a really nice surprise.

I loved the main characters (Adelaide and Cyrus) and also the side characters. I'm rooting for Aymen and I can't wait to learn more about him.

Besides the romance, I'm also curious to see if Adelaide manages to find what she's looking for in order to (view spoiler)

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for letting me read and review this book!

Captivating alluring and very intriguing, this thriller romance fairytale only links to the fable Aladin I find is the Vault and the lamp but everything else is in reverse with the thief being a kickass woman with a lotta spunk. This new fairytale switch I like, it has been an engrossing and exciting read with a few surprises along the way. It emphasizes what true friendship is all about and all about your character and how you treat others. This book had an old frame but the new design-build is exceptional, it puts more zest into the fairytale twist, a memorable and entertaining read.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.
I loved how this story unfolded and dealt with different fairy tales. For those wanting a new take on the Aladdin, this story has wonderful aspects of young adult, fantasy. It does remind me of The Selection, but there is enough of a twist and changes that make it really intriguing. Excited to see how this series turns out!

Thief of Cahraman Lucy Tempest
First let me tell you that this is a retelling of Aladdin with a female protagonist. There are snippets of other fairytales, here and there, “Easter eggs,” if you will, thrown into the mix. This was a light and enjoyable read and is book 1 in the Fairytales of Folkshore trilogy.
Adelaide (Ada) is an orphan and a thief. And an excellent thief at that. All she wants is to leave her past behind her and find a home and family where she can feel safe and loved. She has finally found a home with her best friend Bonnie and Bonnie’s father. She thinks her past of thievery and deceit are behind her. No sooner can she adjust to her current life, does a witch emerge. The witch, Nariman, abducts Adelaide and her new surrogate family and threatens to kill them, by sacrificing them to a beast if she doesn’t do as the witch commands. Adelaide is a strong girl, quick-witted, and sharp. She could abscond easily but she has a softer side though, and will do anything she has to in order to save her new family. So she agrees to help the witch in exchange for the safe return of her loved ones, the Fairborns. She finds herself in the Kingdom of Cahraman, “to perform an impossible heist,” as the blurb states.
The witch wants her to (guess what) steal something. The way for her to do this is to enter a competition in which she could die, if she loses, or marry the Crown Prince, should she win. In order to enter the competition for the Prince’s hand in marriage, she must masquerade as “one of fifty eligible young women of status.” The witch has set her on a deadline. As the time keeps drawing near, if she doesn’t nab the object of the witch’s desire, her family will be sacrificed and she could lose her own life as well.
Throughout the duration of her endeavor, she meets a variety of delightful supporting characters, as well as some that are not quite as charming. They all lend well to the plotline and help to move the story forward. There is, of course a kindling romance between Adelaide and one of these individuals, Cyrus. He is everything a girl could dream up for herself, too good to be true, but nonetheless, their relationship flourishes in the backdrop of this treacherous undertaking. I don’t want to reveal too much, so I will leave it at that.
Altogether the book was a creative and impressive retelling of the story. The author’s writing style made this a light, and enjoyable read. The ending leaves you hanging and is set up very well for the continuation of the trilogy. I would recommend this book to any fairytale retelling lover or fantasy fan. 5/5.

This book was given to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This review, or portions thereof, will be posted (where able) on Amazon, Goodreads, Kobo, Bookbub, BAM, Litsy, IG, B&N, Pinterest, Facebook, Kobo, and my own blog. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide all links at this time, as I am using my phone.

Thief of Cahraman is a retelling of the classic story of Aladdin ! I loved following Ada along her journey, though I quickly figured out who her escort was I loved reading along and her never seeing the signs. Just as the book was picking up and had my heart racing, cliff hanger !! I almost screamed out loud and immediately had to find the second book in the series because I am dying to know what happens to Ada and Cyrus ! This is a must for any fan of retelling fairy tales and of course if you love the original Aladdin then you will love this just as much !

What a gorgeous cover!!
If you enjoy fairytale re-tellings, you'll love the Theif of Cahraman. This is a light re-telling of the Aladdin story. I enjoyed it and wanted more. Can't wait to read the next books in the series!!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Favourite Quote: “For endless moments, I felt as if the marketplace disappeared around us as our eyes locked. There was nothing left in the world but his eyes and my thundering heartbeat.”

Synopsis

‘You have been summoned to Sunstone Palace to compete as one of fifty eligible young women of status, in our search for the future Queen of Cahraman’

Since her mother died 5 years ago, Adelaide, also known as ‘Ada’, has been moving from town to town thieving in order to survive, mainly for necessity, but she can’t deny that she has adapted a skill for it over the years and may sometimes use it to her advantage – or vengeance. When she heard rumour that her mother lived in North Ericura, Ada felt suddenly drawn to the border of Man’s Reach to the town of Aubenaire, thinking it will be a nice place to settle down and be closer to her mother once again. With a good steady job, clean accommodation, plenty of food and a warm-hearted friend Bonnie who would do anything to make Ada feel at home, she finally felt happy.
One evening a stranger appeared, Lady Nariman Rostam, begging Ada to help her with her broken carriage at the edge of Hornswood forest. Confused by the story since there was only rumours of uncharted lands at the other end of the woods, Ada’s curiosity outweighed her fear of the woods and she followed Lady Nariman back to her carriage, only to find nothing there. The world turned upside down when Ada found herself transported to another world of sand and spices, the Kingdom of Cahraman, with a threatening mission to steal an object from the Sunstone Palace, or Bonnie and her father will die. With no choice, she poses as Lady Ada to enter the palace to fulfil her task.

‘”What is this?” I asked, getting dizzy keeping up with her pacing.
“This place or this situation?”
“Either, both – just tell me what you want so I can go home,” I pleaded.
“Where is home, though?”
That question hit me like a punch to the throat, choking me, making it difficult to speak. She knelt beside me, looking much younger than she did earlier, her features softening by some emotion that I couldn’t fathom. “Allow me to welcome you to mine in this realm.”

My Thoughts

One thing said for sure, I absolutely adored this book! I was given a copy to read via NetGalley because I fell in love with the cover and for all of my blatant obsessions with retellings of Beauty and the Beast, I’ve not yet read a retelling of Aladdin until now. I can’t say it will be the last either. This hit my favourites list instantly!

The characters were great, each had their own impacting personalities you come to love and hate, from Bonnie with her innocent disposition with her passionate desire to venture across fantasy lands with Ada, Cherine and Cora both different in temperament but unexpectedly become good friends whilst competing against each other both helping Ada become the Lady she claims to be, plus you’ve always got to have the competitive nasty arrogant character that will do what they can to win, Princess Fairuza.

‘She cupped my cheek affectionately. I again had a feeling Cora realised how afraid I was of being eliminated, and for a reason other than caring about the competition itself. She had no empty words or white lies to give me, but this quiet empathising gesture meant far more than any variation of “You can do it!” could have.’

I really liked Cyrus, our elusive disguised hero that takes pleasure in sneaking into the Palace vault with his demon accomplice, Ayman. Together they decided to help Ada in sneaking around the Palace to find her lost treasure, even when she couldn’t give them a full explanation as to what it was or why it was so important to her. Cyrus was charming, sneaky, witty and underneath it all, a perfect gentleman. Who wouldn’t be swooned by his pleasing personality and giving nature.

‘His nod was sympathetic. “I’ve found that I can’t stand the taste of anything orange. Apricots, carrots, and, well, oranges.”
“That’s nice,” I hissed. “But you really need to stop dodging my questions.”
The corner of his bright eyes crinkled and heart-melting dimples formed in his cheeks as he chuckled. “You’re focused, I like that.”
“Well?”
“Shouldn’t I have the honour of knowing who’s threatening to report me first?”
I mock curtsied. “Call me Ada.”
He bowed fully this time, tucking his free arm under his chest. “Call me Cyrus.”‘


Ada was everything you want as a fairytale protagonist; independent, determined, down to earth, courageous and well, herself. Not a false girl in a dress set on living happily ever after with her prince on a pedestal, but rather selfless and brave for those around her. She gives up everything to put others before herself, even if it means to steal from the crown in order to do it which is punishable by life in prison. She was so fixated on saving Bonnie, that she didn’t really take in everything going on around her. I really liked the fact that she didn’t get lost in the luxury or in the chance to win the Prince and start a new life for herself in the Palace. She was determined to take part in the act in the competition only to buy herself more time to look around for Nariman’s oil lamp.

The settings were fantastic with the beautifully stunning palace interior right down to the dusty market streets with it’s ancient shrines to the goddesses. It was easy to lose yourself in the story when the author was able to bring the scene to life so easily, even if it was getting lost in the palace dungeons.

‘We rounded the corner and sheets of water instantly dropped down on us, pouring down the windows as we went through a faintly glowing waterfall. Behind it was a cave, the ever-shifting reflections of the cascading water dancing on its walls. The train’s movement set off millions of blue dots and they came to life, lighting our way as we travelled deeper inside the mountain.’

I liked the whole fairytale aspect of this book, not only the Aladdin retell, but also how Cinderella was also subtly included in the mixture with her cruel stepmother and vicious stepsisters at the beginning. A friend of Ada’s that she wanted to help protect before being swept off to Cahraman. It had the perfect amount of our original Aladdin tale with a lovely little twist. I’m already itching to read Tempest’s latest sequel which I have already pre-ordered; Prince of Cahraman. I need to know what happens next!

A jewel! In all honesty, I almost stopped reading this book. But the reviews on it are so good I kept going and I am so glad I did. It started slow, but once you got into the book, wow. and then it stopped and now I want more. Of course!! Read this! its great!!

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

Thief of Cahraman book one
By Lucy Tempest
The Fairytales of Folkshore series starts with Adelaide in a charming retelling of Aladdin/The Selection.
First, may I say that I loved how the Author has laid out this book, giving us seek peeks of books to come like Ella who we meet in the start of the book.
Adelaide is what some would call a thief, but deep down she just dose what others refuse to do to survive and to help others who need it the most.
After living most of her life on the street without knowing what the day would bring, she is befriended by Bonnie, who invites her to live in a spare room at the Fairborn Families home, the two girls are quick to become friends even if Bonnie has a desire to adventure and Adelaide has the desire to find a home and family of her own.
all is well and Adelaide is just starting to think she has found her forever home, when a nock comes to the door of the Poison Apple Tavern one darkening night, a night that should have been filled with happiness, being the start of Saint Albans Festival, the two friends had been on there way to the bonfire.
A woman that looked like she must have been a lord’s wife or something in all her finery came to them asking for help, she had somehow gotten lost in the Horn Woods and she needed Adelaide to help her find a missing piece of her carriage.
Adelaide with her good heart but wise bearing was reluctant to go with her at first, but she looked like she was on the run and Adelaide new all to well that feeling, so Adelaide and the mysterious lady who’s name she finds out is Nariman head back into Horn Woods, most say the forest was haunted.
Nariman push’s her into a porthole that takes them faraway to a kingdom that she had believed was only a tale.
Now Nariman is holding Bonnie and her Dad Mr. Fairborn as a ransomed in exchange for a golden lamp that is hidden somewhere in the kingdom of Sun Stone.
But for Adelaide to get into said kingdom she must play a dangerous game for the hand of the coming king to be.
With more then her own life on the line she’s giving a time line and no way out, but how long came she last in a castle full of watchful eyes and hidden passages that leads to who knows where. Surely a thief would not last a day in a castle like this, let alone win the hand of her dream prince.
I found this book hard to put down and full of fun, I loved the portrayal of the kingdom and not to mention the endless dresses that shined out just as much as the characters in the book.
Review done By Eleanor E.

What a wonderful surprise this book was! I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher, drawn in by a stellar cover. This story moves along in a wonderful flow, settings transport, and I loved the characters’ development and voices. Such a lovely read! This is the kind of book that you hang onto for a future re-read.

Thief of Cahraman was one of the most creative fairy tale retellings I have ever read so far! I adored Adelaide! She was a strong protagonist. The rest of the characters were well-developed. There were a few things that I didn’t like about this book. The world-building was very confusing and needed more explanation. Also, I thought it should have ended better. Nevertheless, I’m excited to read the next two books in this trilogy to find out what happens to Adelaide. This is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Mass, Naomi Novik, and Marissa Meyer.

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This book was a lot better than I heard. The characters and the storyline is very well written. Adelaide is a thief who has been living on the run and she is taken by a witch and forced into an impossible task. She is doing this to protect her new family and she has to put everything on the line including her life. She is in love with a fellow thief. She is competing in a contest to become the future queen. Her world is turned upside down when the mysterious prince makes himself known. Want to know what happened you are going to have to read it. It is great.

I am so hooked on these books! I can't wait to read the next ones in this series. So well written and such a great twist on an old tale. Lucy Tempest is definitely onto something with this series. The covers are gorgeous and this story was so well developed! All the characters add something to the story. You will just keep reading from beginning to end in one sitting because it is that good.

Adelaide has gone from town to town and has made a living stealing things. Her mother died when she was young and she has no other family so now she continues to wander from place to place. Adelaide has found somewhat of a family that has taken her in, but when a witch tells her that she has to steal a certain thing from the Prince in order for them not to be sold to the beast forever, she has no idea how she is going to accomplish this. Her way into the Prince's castle is to be one of the fifty girls that "tries out" to be the Queen of Cahraman.

With Adelaide being so far from a princess or knowing anything about how to act like one, trying out for the spot of the Queen is going to be a task that she has no idea if she is able to accomplish. When the girls that are cut are announced, Adelaide is never on the list. How in the world is she able to make the cut to keep going? Adelaide has to figure out how to find the one item the witch wants, but with guards and eyes watching her every move, will she ever be able to sneak away and get what she needs to save her new found family? Will Cyrus be able to help her in time? How does Cyrus know so much about everything pertaining to the castle?

You will fall in love with Adelaide and root for her immediately. In some places you will be holding your breath to find out if Adelaide succeeds with her "try outs" and with accomplishing the heist that she needs to. I can't wait to read the next books in this series to find out what ends up happening with Adelaide. Very well done Lucy Tempest! These are very unique stories that hook you immediately!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this and I always know I did when I go straight to buy the sequel as I need to know what happens next. The start was a little slow , but I’m glad I stick with it. A retelling of Aladdin and the characters are likeable even some you think you won’t like grow on you, once you get past the beginning the pace really picks up and you don’t want to put it down. Looking forward to the next books.

When i first started reading this i didn't realize that it was a retelling of Aladdin(only realized a third of the way through). But i am also glad that i didn't know, because i was able to love this book with out the expectations. This It was so well-written and engaging, it had me hocked from the First Sentence. Cant wait to read the Next book.

I can't believe how AMAZING this book was!! I really loved it! In fact, I couldn't put it down and had to just keep reading another chapter until I finished it at 3 am.

I am big fan of fairytale recreations and spin off and could read them all day long. However, this was by my far my variation that I have read! There is another extremely popular one that most teens and young adults have read that I did enjoy, but I still enjoyed this one so much more!

The characters are just so interesting and likable. I loved the gender swap of Adelaide, known as Ada, for Aladdin. It was particularly interesting seeing the world from her perspective. Like Aladdin, although a petty thief, she is perhaps one of the most generous and kind-hearted people in the book. She has had to thief through her life in order to meet her needs through life and sometimes out of fun to right others wrongs, but she seems to genuinely care for others. Even returning some stolen items when she later realized it may hurt another and put them under suspicion. All Ada wants is to live a life of known with those she cares up being well taken care of. However, there is another fate lined up for her as she ends up competing for Queen of a far away and formerly unknown land to her, and hand of the prince among 49 other girls. This is very reminiscent to The Selection series, which I also really love. She makes some close friends through book one and proves that some things, kindness, wit and sacrifice, are more important than a royal upbringing. All the while she is fighting for those she cares for and trying her best to ensure their safety.

This appears to be Lucy Tempest's first novel, yet I am quite surprised as it feels like she is much more experienced than most debut novels I have read in the past. She weaves the story so seamlessly and keeps the reader so engaged, that it is rather shocking she has not done it prior to now. I am so excited to read the rest of the series and was disappointed when the book ended as I wanted to keep reading and find out what happened next! I will definitely be reading the rest of the series as I can't wait to follow Ada's story further and that of her friends! It is a tricky thing to make the main character interesting to a broad audience and prompt them to care strongly about her fate, but even harder to influence the reader to feel that way about all of the secondary characters of the novel too! Tempest is a master at both and I am anxiously waiting on the tip of toes to see what happens for each of them!

A magical backdrop has been masterfully set up for this land and I am excited to see what happens in and what other characters will be introduced. Be warned: This book will suck you in until the very end and push you out with your head still in the clouds, dreaming and speculating, desirous to continue on to the next book as soon as possible!!

Aladdin meets the selection

Spoilers

Adelaide works at a tavern and is a thief.She steals from lady dufreyne after she destroys almost everything in the tavern,insisting a package sent there was stolen.Adelaide likes Ella ,lady dufreynes step daughter, but she is always busy with chores for her step mother.There are rumors of fairies in the nearby woods. Bonnie ,Adelaide friend,wants to explore other lands and look for fairies and other life forms.The girls explored the woods and saw red eyes watching them.A lot of people dislike lady dufreyne and how she treats her stepdaughter.Adelaide meets a witch named nariman who has a scheme to help her steal a heirloom of hers from castle.Nariman threatens the safety of Adelaide friend bonnie and her father in exchange for successfully stealing the oil lamp heirloom.”You have been summoned to Sunstone palace to compete as one of fifty eligible young women of status,in search for the future queen of cahraman.” Adelaide becomes a part of elite competition of girls to become queen but there are dangerous consequences if she’s cut.Adelaide has to come up with elebarote back story while trying to come up with plan in order to steal the heirloom.I liked Adelaide from the beginning and thought of all the stories her and bonnie would be able to tell in end.I loved how bonnie father treated her like family.Adelaide finds a fellow thief at castle who is not who he appears.I liked that the thief was named cyrus it’s a family name.”I barely blurted out the urge to say rob the vault and run away with me .” I liked cherish out of the contestants but cora was a laid back favorite.I was curious about Ayman ,cyrus’s friend.Adelaide saves a life and sticks up for her friends showing her true talents.”if you feel that blackening your eye is on par with attempted murder princess then I have nothing left to say to you.” Some parts were predictable .I would love to read the rest of the series .

#theifof cahraman #netgalley