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The Kingdom Over the Sea #2

The City Beyond the Stars

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The captivating sequel to “perfect for fans of Philip Pullman and Tahereh Mafi” ( Booklist ) The Kingdom Over the Sea follows Yara and her friends as they change the fate of the kingdom and their magic forever.

Yara may have stopped the magical plague spreading its way through her new home, but to do so, she had to leave her mother in the hands of the sinister alchemists.

Now Yara longs to return to Zehaira and free her mother from her prison. Yet when her mother’s familiar arrives, close to death and bearing a message, Yara must put aside her plans to rescue her and instead set off with her friends to the official residence of the Grand High Sorceress, convinced it holds magic powerful enough to defeat the alchemists.

After a treacherous journey, Yara finds her mother’s house, and in it, a girl claiming to be the daughter of the Grand High Sorceress—a sister Yara didn’t know she had. Meanwhile, the alchemists are circling ever closer, and the magic that Yara’s mother was working threatens the foundations of their world.

Yara is unsure if her newfound sister can be trusted, but she is going to need all the help she can get if she wants to save their mother and take back Zehaira from the alchemists’ rule.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2024

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Zohra Nabi

8 books46 followers

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5 stars
65 (39%)
4 stars
65 (39%)
3 stars
28 (17%)
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4 (2%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for ⋆.˚ livia .☘︎ ݁˖.
279 reviews70 followers
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July 23, 2024
if you have kids, younger siblings, nieces/nephews, or kids in your life in general i really recommend getting this duology for them!! they’re relatively short for middle grade books & are fun and immersive with fantastic plot while still having some really cool and important lessons at the center. these books made me so happy
Profile Image for madeline khloē.
76 reviews
September 13, 2024
i finished this about ten minutes ago and have only just stopped crying. absolutely phenomenal, everybody needs to read these books, regardless of how old you are. when i wasn’t reading this i was thinking about it; the characters mean so much to me, they feel like family, sorry this isn’t very coherent i’m an actual mess I CAN’T BELIEVE WE’RE NOT GETTING MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES.
Profile Image for Paige (pagebypaigebooks).
469 reviews13 followers
May 15, 2024
*3.5 Stars

“What are storytellers but time travellers, taking us somewhere only the stars can remember?“

I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.

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Content Warnings: death, violence

We are immediately brought back into the action and intrigue of Zehaira in this book! Not only do we continue to explore the mysteries of book one, we are also introduced to new and even more complex storylines. I enjoyed how Yara's character grew and developed as she struggled to figure out what was right. Not only did Yara grow personally, but her relationships with her friends and family were also intriguing to read about. The plot kept me engaged and the action grabbed my attention right away. The magic and the rich history of the world of Zehaira were the main focus of this sequel, which made it even more immersive. Additionally, it was filled with both happy and stressful moments that created a balanced tone. The ending did tie up a few loose ends however there was one element that I would have changed.

Overall, The City Beyond the Stars is a story of heart, determination, and the power of friends and family.
Profile Image for Elizabeth P.
503 reviews21 followers
October 8, 2025
I'm not sure if I lost the plot (since it's been a year since I read the first one) or if the book lost the plot, but I struggled with this one. This book seemed more meandering than the first one in the duology, and it threw in unexpected plot points .
I still feel like it deserves at least 2 stars, the book feels unique and I really liked the first book.
Profile Image for Tim.
1,268 reviews31 followers
April 14, 2024
'What are storytellers but time travellers, taking us somewhere only the stars can remember?'

Whoa-whoa-whoa what do you mean, 'There are only two books in this series'? No no no no no!

Apparently, yes. But I only figured it out right before Book 2 ended, so that was a minor tragedy I had to face today.

For quite some time, it felt as if this book is more of a starting point towards the ultimate end, which I assumed was going to happen in Hypothetical Book 3. There was quite a bit happening, although I did find the pacing in The City Beyond the Stars less enticing than in its predecessor. At times, it just seemed as if the things that were happening just weren't happening fast enough, even though there's a lot going on.
After a while, the story picked up the pace and I started feeling apprehensive, since Omair Firaaz came into focus very clearly. So that was a surprise. It feels a bit as if two books have been pressed into one. Now, mind you, I'm not saying that's a negative thing, but I was definitely surprised.

Yara and Leyla and the relationship between is still something to cherish in Book 2, but in general, all (good) characters are very likeable. They're funny, clever and brave, as you want and expect them to be.
The only real addition to Book 2 who makes any difference is Aaliya (the Captain just remains too vague). Her introduction - well, her existence in general - was very surprising indeed. She's not too friendly at first, but she started growing on me after a while. I'm not entirely sure what to make of her in the end, though - Nabi definitely turns her into a gray character.

Especially the latter part of the story is very thrilling and exhilirating, with the final climax in Zehaira. At 326 pages, Book 2 is shorter than The Kingdom over the Sea and I wouldn't have minded it being a bit longer. I always like it when the characters have a chance of calming down after the final battle and seeing them fall into new roles, and unfortunately, that was missing in this book. A lot happens and some characters will definitely take up new responsibilities and follow new destinies, but we never really hear anything of it. The ending felt a bit rushed, in my opinion, and that was something that could have been resolved quite easily as well. The final chapter left me feeling a bit unsatisfied, to be honest.

But despite that, it's still a great story, with a great storyline, fantastic characters and a marvellously crafted world. I loved it. Definitely an author to keep an eye out for.

7.9/10
Average rating for the series: 8.1/10
1,533 reviews24 followers
May 14, 2024
What worked:
Yara is determined to save her mother, The Grand High Sorceress, and she’s angry that no one is trying to rescue her from imprisonment. Yara knows it will be dangerous to leave the boundary of her settlement since it’s concealed by enchantments. However, she learns that her mother is researching a new kind of magic that might be used to stop the alchemists. It might also have devastating effects on the world. Yara’s quest to uncover her mother’s discoveries will lead readers on an adventure through magical protections and hidden worlds.
The setting has a Middle Eastern flair to it that includes elements related to the Persian stories of Shahrazad and the Arabian Nights. Characters can travel about on flying carpets and Yara is accompanied by a magical jinn that takes the form of a goat. Females wear long robes called qamis while turbans or wraps adorn their heads. Stories hold power and one tale references a girl avoiding death by telling an enchanting tale each day, reminiscent of Shahrazad’s strategy to save herself from execution. Former bedtime stories hold unknown magic but original narratives can be used to destroy or kill.
An intriguing part of the book is Yara’s relationship with Aaliya. The two young girls are surprised to find out they’re sisters but Aaliya is especially angry about this news. She’s been calling herself the new Grand High Sorceress since her mother’s disappearance and it’s hard to accept that she’s no longer the only daughter. As the older sister, she still feels some level of superiority over Yara. Yara’s more open to having a sibling but that doesn’t help to change Aaliya’s feelings. Yara has empathy for her sister and she’s mostly able to navigate the turbulent swirl of emotions. Their evolving relationship is a highlight for readers and surprises await during the plot’s climax.
What didn’t work as well:
The early part of the book recounts events from the previous one but readers may want to know more. Apparently, Yara was living with a guardian and didn’t know anything about being the daughter of The Grand High Sorceress. Somewhere along the way she was given her mother’s powers but she’s unable to wield any magic in this book. As always, the easiest way to answer any questions about the backstory is to read the first book!
The final verdict:
The plot presents an innovative twist to the power of storytelling and the complications of discovering the existence of a new sibling. The ongoing conflict in the series pits alchemists against sorcerers and it’s displaced many citizens while others live in anger and fear. Overall, I recommend you give the book a shot.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books236 followers
May 6, 2024
Magic and adventure hit with every page, while friendship, family, and determination create drive and heart.

Yara wants to put an end to the problems, which are killing magic, and free her mother from prison, especially since nobody else seems to be doing much about it. After an argument with her friend, she stumbles across the injured familiar of her mother. It carries a message from her mother, telling her to return home. Clutching to the hope that she'll find a powerful magic to defeat the Grand High Sorceress, she sets off with her friends on a dangerous journey. What she discovers isn't only very unexpected, but threatens magic as they know it.

This takes off where book one left. So, it is important to read this one as a series, and that best with one shortly after the other.

From the very first page, the troubles facing the magical world and Yara take off. The first scenes unveil Yara's concerns and frustrations, and display the dire need she and the others around her are facing as the magic slowly dims. Her personality hits like a whirlwind, especially when unfolding with her friend, Leyla. The relationship between the two is something to enjoy in these pages, but then, many of the characters bring personality and heart.

There is quite a bit going on. Not only do several plot threads continue from book one, but new ones layer in, too. It keeps the story moving along and something happening on every page, and yet, it wasn't quite as smooth as book one. Still, it is an enjoyable, rich read. Yara's facing quite a bit more and has several new things to learn. Her sister brings an unexpected and tale-changing twist, which slides into another unexpected direction toward the end. All of this seemed as if a book three were underway, but the entire tale rounds off at the end in a quick way.

There is quite a bit of richness in the story, not only in the magical setting with clashing sides and intrigue, but family and friends bring warmth, rough moments, and heart. The lyrical magic continues to spin with enjoyable flair, and even takes on a slightly different direction than book two. Then, there's the growth of Yara, who is a character to root for from beginning to end, and has her own issues to overcome underway.

Fantasy friends, who enjoy adventure, tons of magic, and slightly darkish intrigue, will enjoy this duology, and I'm looking forward to see what the author produces next.
I received a DRC and enjoyed this tale quite a bit.
Profile Image for Lizzie Huxley-Jones.
Author 13 books382 followers
February 4, 2024
I cannot tell you how eager I was to read the follow up to The Kingdom Over the Sea by Zohra Nabi, one of my favourite books of last year: the story of a girl whose mother leaves behind a letter and a strange set of instructions after her death that leads Yara across the sea to her true home, Zehaira, formerly the city of sorcerers and alchemists, where magic has now been outlawed.

It’s always hard to talk about a sequel without giving away the plot of the previous book, but this second book reunites us with the fierce Yara, her friends and their task of freeing Zehaira and their sorcerer friends from the alchemists. Nabi takes us on an entirely new adventure with Yara as she journeys to find out more about her mother and her past, in order to save her future.

Where Kingdom introduced us to the world of magic in verse, City shows us a whole new language of spellwork, and with that, new dangers too. In many ways it is a story about the power of words but also the dangers — who gets to tell stories, what do we take from others when we set a narrative, are we erasing history because of who gets to speak it? There are so many important question laced within this story, always bringing us back to how Yara has used her voice and words for magic and protest and bravery.

It’s also very much a story about different types of family. There’s so much I want to say but cannot for spoilers, but needless to say I cried repeatedly while reading!

If you haven’t yet picked up The Kingdom Over the Sea, do now. The sequel lands in May so now is a perfect time to meet Yara Sulimayah, who is a Lyra Belaqua for this generation. You’ll find accomplished storytelling in this debut duology that has all the makings of a modern classic.

Gorgeously illustrated by Federica Frenna and a stunning cover by Tom Clohosy Cole, both Kingdom and City make an incredibly special pair of books.

The Kingdom Over the Sea is out now and The City Beyond the Stars is out on the 11th of April!
Profile Image for WildesKopfkino .
709 reviews7 followers
October 7, 2024
„The Kingdom over the Sea – Die Stadt hinter den Sternen“ von Zohra Nabi ist ein absolut gelungener Abschluss einer packenden Fantasy-Dilogie! Von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite konnte ich das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen. Yaras Abenteuer fesseln mit einer Mischung aus Magie, Spannung und herzergreifenden Momenten. Besonders beeindruckt hat mich der Schreibstil, der leicht verständlich ist und die Fantasiewelt lebendig werden lässt.

Die Charaktere sind wunderbar ausgearbeitet, vor allem Yara als starke und entschlossene Heldin. Ihre Freundschaften und die Bindungen zu den anderen Figuren verleihen der Geschichte eine Tiefe, die besonders junge Leser begeistern wird. Auch die Dynamik zwischen den Charakteren und die überraschenden Wendungen sorgen dafür, dass die Spannung nie nachlässt.

Dieses Buch ist ein Muss für alle Fans von magischen Abenteuern. Die Mischung aus Action, Magie und einer fantastischen Welt ist perfekt abgestimmt. Für mich ein rundum tolles Jugendbuch, das das Genre würdig bereichert. Absolut empfehlenswert!
Profile Image for Renee.
878 reviews7 followers
February 4, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up>/b>

The City Beyond the Stars concludes Yara’s story, as she and her fellow outcasts hope to rescue her imprisoned, biological mother and maybe, just maybe topple the tyrannical alchemist regime.

I really enjoyed the metaphor in both books about sorcery representing intellectualism and scholarship. The author even has well-founded critiques of the elitism that often occurs within intellectual societies as well—and she does not spare Zehaira’s sorcerers whatsoever.

In this book, storytelling magic is introduced, and I loved this on multiple levels. Isn’t the narrative of history, whether immediate or long term, power indeed? Whoever controls the narrative controls how people understand the past. Just look at the idiotic fight happening in our own country.

Unfortunately, the story does embrace the girl-hero-sacrificing-all-her-magic trope, which I do not love. I understand the author’s intent behind the sacrifice and the importance and power in being a normal person, but it’s one of my least favorite tropes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
12 reviews
June 29, 2025
I was really disappointed with this sequel which is a shame because I loved the first book. This just felt so disjointed with far too much crammed in. I would have been more forgiving if this was the middle of a trilogy as they are often the weakest parts of a trilogy. However, it appears that this is it and the series is just two books. It took me such a long time to read as I kept losing interest and putting it down for weeks and months at a time. I literally couldn’t put the first book down! I persevered and managed to get through it and then nearly threw the book across the room in frustration when it just suddenly ended. It just so empty and weak despite having such a strong start.

Such a disappointment.
Profile Image for Matthew.
242 reviews67 followers
April 27, 2025
Too much was thrown into this book, it felt like what had originally been conceived as a trilogy was then forced into a duology, and this just lost so much of its impact as a result. The story was a jumble of jumps from here to there, it felt that the author lost track of her own sense of the magic in the world, and it just lacked a lot of what had been originally embedded into the first book. It was a shame.
Profile Image for Anna  J.
1,410 reviews35 followers
May 30, 2024
This book is packed full of adventure, time travel, and magic. Yara wants to free her mother from prison. She discovers her mother's house, her secret magic and a sister she never knew about. She is racing to try and save her world before the alchemist destroy it.

I liked the fierce friendships and found family.
Profile Image for Amy Stohs.
240 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2024
Great sequel. This series is such a good, new middle grade fantasy. I wasn’t sure about the end exactly - doesn’t all square away for me personally. Otherwise, interesting conflicts and struggles with magic.
Profile Image for Lucy.
1,128 reviews
September 16, 2024
Power is worse than any drug. The more acquired, the more craved. Self sacrifice for the greater good is admired but often thought foolish. Hard lessons to learn.
Profile Image for Kristy.
1,378 reviews14 followers
April 16, 2025
Somebody really should have slapped Yara. She was the cause of a lot of the conflict.

I'm not a big fan of unexpected time travel in stories. It can easily seem like a cop-out.
Profile Image for Aaron Fisher.
25 reviews
June 16, 2025
I did like this book, not as much as the first and for some reasons.
It felt like the story progressed a little slower than the first.
A bit too predictably and yes I know it was a children’s novel and it has to be able to be followed by them
Unclear if we will get another in the series as it isn’t clear at the end. It was finished pretty cleanly but with a one liner thrown out that you would meet another character again in the future so don’t know
Another reason being that as a children’s I don’t think anyone’s agenda needs to be thrown out there. It’s just a fun fantasy story for children however their is one character who is only referred to as they/them. I respect everyone’s rights to believe whatever or choose who they choose to be.
A child does not need to be asking those questions at what the recommended reading level is 8-12
Profile Image for Charlie.
54 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2025
I adored this one more than the first one, there was just so much going on, though the author did a great job of explaining everything in great detail without you feeling overwhelmed. I think the author has an incredible, magical imagination and should be proud of it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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