An action-packed, inclusive and breathtakingly magical middle-grade adventure, for fans of THE UNADOPTABLES and THE GIRL WHO STOLE AN ELEPHANT A spellbinding, epic and heart-racing magical adventure from an exquisite new storytelling talent. 'An unexpected gem of a story . . . A stellar setting, a gut-punch of a twist, and an unforgettable heroine. This has all the hallmarks of classic children's storytelling' - Nizrana Farook author, The Girl Who Stole an Elephant 'A wonderful writer who paints a thoroughly convincing heroine' - The Daily Telegraph India, 1855. The British rule, and all across the country, Indian magic is being stamped out. More terrifying still, people born with magic are being snatched from their homes. Rumor is that they are being taken across the sea - to England - by the all-powerful, sinister Company. When Chompa's home is attacked and her mother viciously kidnapped, Chompa - born with powerful and dangerous magic that she has always been forbidden from using - must travel to the smoky, bustling streets of East London in search of her. But Chompa will discover far more treachery in London than she had bargained for - and will learn that every act of her rare magic comes with a price . . . 'A gripping and spellbinding fantasy woven together with threads of magic, secrets and colonial history . . . An incredible cast of characters and a truly multicultural Victorian London that we don't see often enough' - Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author, Dadaji's Paintbrush 'A wonderfully vibrant debut . . . A vivid magical adventure' - Jasbinder Bilan, author, Ash and the Spirit Bird "The author deftly weaves in themes of colonialism and racism to create an absorbing narrative about slavery, exploitation, and poverty, as she further explains in an author’s note that contains fascinating cultural context. Prabhat’s illustrations in the section openers and chapter headers are visual treats, inviting readers to linger and pore over the little nuggets tucked inside. A brave, pacy book with some spellbinding history."— Kirkus Reviews Exhilarating, thoughtful and rich . . . Easily one of the year's best books for children ― Guardian A wonderful writer who paints a thoroughly convincing heroine . . . Highly imaginative ― Daily Telegraph Ahmed Pathak is a wonderful new voice; the book took her years to write, and it shows in the depth and care of each beat of the story -- Katherine Rundell City of Stolen Magic is phenomenal - vivid storytelling that skilfully and unflinchingly weaves colonial history into an epic, breathtaking, magical adventure -- Sophie Anderson One of the best children's books I have read in a decade . . . Cracking pace, fabulous magic system, characters, relationships, the whole package! -- Louie Stowell Dazzling from start to finish. A spellbinding adventure fused with Indian folklore which sees glorious heroine Chompa journey from rural India to Victorian London as she searches for her mother -- Abi Elphinstone An unexpected gem of a story. Packed with atmosphere - whether the narrow streets and red dust of Dacca or the grimy Dickensian squalor of Spittlelfields - it's populated by larger-than-life characters you will love and hate. A stellar setting, a gut-punch of a twist, and an unforgettable heroine. This has all the hallmarks of classic children's storytelling -- Nizrana Farook A gripping and spellbinding fantasy woven together with threads of magic, secrets, and colonial history. An incredible cast of characters and a truly multicultural Victorian London that we don't see often enough in books -- Rashmi Sirdeshpande Exhilarating and enthralling - I relished every page. A glorious blend of history, magic and thrilling adventure with a truly unforgettable heroine, this book is rare, rich and special -- Katherine Woodfine A wonderfully vibrant debut . . . A vivid magical adventure filled with thrilling characters, pacy storytelling and important historical detail. Children and adults are in for such a treat -- Jasbinder Bilan Nazneen Ahmed Pathak is a British Bangladeshi writer, historian and visual artist who lives in the port city of Southampton. She spent most of her teen years in commuter belt suburbia writing, reading, and listening to melancholy indie music, going on to study English literature at the University of Warwick and completing a PhD in Bangladeshi literature at the University of Oxford. As a historian she researches the geography and history of migration, a subject which is also at the heart of much of her fiction, poetry and visual arts practice. She was selected as one of 12 mentees from 2000 applicants for the 2016/17 inaugural round of Penguin Random House's Write Now mentorship scheme which aims to support and publish underrepresented writers. She has held residencies at Southampton Central Libraries, John Hansard Gallery, Southampton Museums and Archives, and the Francis Crick Institute in association with Poet in th