The Theft of Sunlight

By: Intisar Khanani

Narrated by: Shiromi Arserio

“A vivid masterpiece.” — Nadine Brandes, author of Romanov and Fawkes

“A beautifully written, fantastical page-turner.” — Kirkus Reviews

""Deeply engaging and piercing. An illustration that courage and strength can be found in unexpected places and in unexpected people."" — Nafiza Azad, author of The Candle and the Flame

Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and Sorcery of Thorns, this exhilarating, page-turning fantasy will pull readers into a lush and stunning world where nothing—and no one—can be trusted.

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.

Praise for Intisar Khanani’s Thorn:

“Set in a dark and dangerous world. Well-written and dramatically told, teens will find much to love in a novel in which the princess grows to become a force to be reckoned with.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

“Khanani beautifully crafts Alyrra’s quiet but clear journey of self-definition."" —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

loved it

The only problem with this book was that it ended. Great story and narration.

A Smart Heroine - could not put down

This was a great follow up to Thorn! The author took the original world, bridged it nicely and expanded it into a world of intrigue and mystery, led by a heroine who may have physical "flaws", but has used them to build her mental and emotional strength. Listeners are not left feeling bad for her, but inspired by her intelligence and kindness.

The first few chapters take some patience to get through, but I find that Ms. Khanani spends her time setting up her books so that you are fully immersed in a believable world with complex layers. My biggest issue is having to wait for the next book and the CLIFF HANGER that surprised me at the end! I had to double-check my phone to figure out if my app glitched because the story was done but I wasn't prepared for it.

The narration was also just right and paced well, with varried enough intonations to hear the differences between characters and their feelings. Overall good performance.

Smart main character, strategy and political intrigue

This character is relatable, normal, but unusual in her tenacity and intelligence and faces impossible odds wishing to right wrong in a world of corruption and violence.

Loved it!

Hard to put down. Can't wait to listen to the next book in the series!

Lovely, interesting story

I love that Rae, the main character, is written like a real person. I'm never distracted by awkwardness in the story. It makes sense and so do the rest of the characters. I lose myself in the story from beginning to end. I highly recommend it.