Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sands of Wonder #1

Daughter of Thieves

Rate this book
A street rat. A magic lamp. An obnoxiously handsome prince.

What should have been an easy-in, easy-out job with my father became a nightmare when he was arrested by the soldiers of Zunbar. As if things couldn't get any more complicated, my estranged mother has demanded I enter the Desert Trials and find the magic lamp hidden inside the Dragon’s Lair cave.

The Desert Trails: a series of ten tasks to prove a sorceress's proficiency in the art of magic.

How hard could it be?

Only, I wasn't blessed with the gift of magic.

Surviving the trials is only part of the problem. I’ve inadvertently partnered with Prince “Abu” and he’s bent on taking the magic lamp from me. I'm not about to let some dashing prince steal my father's freedom.

But the Dragon’s Lair is more like the Cave of Nightmares, and I can’t escape without Prince Abudar’s help. If we don’t work together, we might not make it out alive, and I am not wasting my only wish in order to escape.

With the chance to make a single wish, can a street rat finally prove her worth? Find out in this adventure-packed, gender-swapped retelling of Aladdin!

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2021

23 people are currently reading
491 people want to read

About the author

Lichelle Slater

27 books211 followers
Personal dragon trainer, lover of glitter, writer of fantasy.

Reading has always been a huge passion, from The Hobbit to Goosebumps. Some of my fondest memories are at the library or being read to, and when I embarked on my journey of becoming an author, I did so with the dream of sharing the worlds in my mind with others.

I currently live in Salt Lake City, UT with my adorable King Charles, Perseus, and work full-time as a special education preschool teacher.

I am a USA Today Bestselling author and was nominated for "Unforgettable Book of the Year" for The Beast Princess and "Mind-Blowing Fantasy of the Year" for The Siren Princess at Penned Con 2020, and as Best Debut Author at UtopiaCon in 2017 for Step Right Up (now Circus of the Stars, Ringmaster).

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
59 (52%)
4 stars
29 (25%)
3 stars
16 (14%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
5 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Beth.
191 reviews30 followers
November 23, 2021
What a fun ride! This story of a female thief, a prince, and a jinn is a loose retelling of Aladdin (with the genders swapped). Aladdin was one of my favorite Disney movies growing up, and while this tale didn’t seem to be based on that version of the story, I got such a kick out of the occasional Disney Easter eggs in there (such as Caspara, the main character, calling Prince Abudar “Prince Abubu.”) And I’m not joking when I say that “A Whole New World” was playing in my head as the characters rode on a magic carpet.

Caspara has believable flaws, as does Abudar, and I loved their “will they or won’t they” romance. The book is paced well, with lots of adventure, and the writing style is fun and easy to read. Beware that there’s quite a cliffhanger at the end! I’m looking forward to Book 2.

This is a clean read, without swearing, sex, or gory violence.

4.5 stars.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Jessica.
192 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last. Definitely YA but an enjoyable read. I will be recommending it for my nieces and nephews. It was an engaging world and the story was beautifully written.
Profile Image for Megan Rivera.
434 reviews72 followers
December 18, 2021
An phenomenal book and I enjoyed reading it. I loved the storyline and characters within this book.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
346 reviews14 followers
November 21, 2021
The last retelling I read wasn’t exactly good, for me. . .so I was a little weary to read this one. This is yet another reason why I love being part of book tours, not only does it provide exposure to books, maybe you wouldn’t pick up on your own, but it also kind of forces you to read books that you maybe wouldn’t have otherwise.

This was a book tour book for me, It’s a retelling of Aladdin and since my last retelling wasn’t exactly good, I was a little hesitant about reading this one but I’m so happy my commitment to being part of this tour made me read it. It stopped being a “I have to” do this real quick.

Caspara is a little rough around the edges but that’s to be expected when she’s raised by her “single” dad who is a thief.

Caspara and Kasim go on a job where they were setup. The Grand Sorceress wanted to find Caspara and knew that wherever Kasim was, so would she. Kasim figured this out a little too late and was arrested, while Caspara gets away. That night, changes her whole life.

The things that she finally finds out about her life and her dad’s past really throw her. She doesn’t understand why she wasn’t given the truth and wants answers BUT her dad is arrested and can’t give her those answers.

Roshanak eventually gets to Caspara and makes a deal with her. Caspara is to participate in the sorceress trials so she can go into Kasim’s family vault and take a lamp. In return, Kasim will be freed.

The trials, help show Caspara that she’s not just a simple thief. Those skills saved her and her eventual companions more than their magic did. Meeting and getting to know Abudar, Caspara finds out that her dad had kept a lot more from her that she even knew. Abudar sheds some light into what the strange tattoo she has means and how it relates to him.

In the end, Caspara does what she was sent to do but like all baddies, Roshanak doesn’t hold up her end of the deal. Caspara is then stuck in the palace and she doesn’t mind TOO much when she’s learning more about herself and about the purpose of her tattoo.

This is a story about a young woman finding her purpose in life. Realizing that she has more to offer than she even knew. Realizing that she’s not less than everyone else because her lack of magic.

Book ends on a heavy and messed up cliff hanger. Caspara is hurt and sends Abudar away which makes way for the least expected person to pull a not-so-nice move.

Need to know what happens, NOW!!!
289 reviews10 followers
November 19, 2021
I loved The Sultan and the Storyteller, so I was so excited to read Daughter of Thieves! Though I did not realize that The Sultan and the Storyteller was a prologue for this series ;D I was so confused when I first read it, and I was incredibly excited when I realized who all these characters were. I loved that we got so many cameos, but it still focused on an entirely new cast of characters.
Caspara was such an interesting character! Her whole world had fallen apart, and she was trying to pick up the pieces. I loved watching her as she started to grow and learn to trust people. While she wasn’t my favorite character, I felt like I was able to understand her. Also, there are 2 other books, so she has a lot of character growth to go :)
Abu was adorable! I honestly thought he was a jerk when he was first introduced, but he definitely grew on me. While Mithra was really annoying to me at first, I felt like I grew to understand her as I continued to read the book. One thing that I was kinda upset about though is how unaware Mithra and Abu were about the real world. They did not seem to even realize poverty existed in their kingdom. I feel like Sharira and Zayne would have wanted their children to know about the good and the bad going on in their kingdom. While I didn't love these characters as much as Sharira and Zayne, I'm still interested to see how they'll grow!
The plot was fascinating to me too! There were times when it felt slow maybe because I was used to reading novellas from Ms. Slater, but it was interesting. I was not expecting a lot of the twists and turns, and I’m excited to see where this series goes next. I have a lot of questions that need answers! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves clean romantic, fantasy books!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
106 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2021
Daughter of Thieves is a book of exciting adventure and a unique retelling of the classic story of Aladdin.

I was entertained from page 1 and never stopped! This book is a very well-written YA Fantasy with a coming of age female main character, Caspara, who has a big heart and a brave outlook on life. Caspara is a thief and learned the tricks of the trade from her father. She believes there is nothing more to become of her life than the life of a thief, but boy is she wrong! Caspara has so much to learn about herself and her family and the journey the author takes you on is so exciting!!

I loved that this story kept certain aspects of the classic Aladdin story, but also had so many creative and unique twists and turns that made it its own magical story. I feel the author did an astounding job of drawing the reader into the story and keeping them captivated.

I loved this book and would absolutely recommend this read! I cannot wait for the second book of the series!
Profile Image for nat _lovestoread.
946 reviews11 followers
November 17, 2021
A fun and enjoyable Aladdin retelling!!! 💕
Lichelle has a beautiful gift of writing the most enjoyable retellings I have read; they are fun, so well written, which makes the reading smooth... before you know it, you have finished the book and are craving for the next one!!! 🥰
This Aladdin retelling gender swap, has a beautiful world building, an enthralling plot and twists and turns you won't see coming... that ending!!! 🤯😓
Caspara is an amazing FMC, she is so likable and relatable, I really felt her... I'm so excited to know what the next books in the series will bring us, the best is yet to come!!! ❤
Profile Image for Susan Laspe.
Author 5 books11 followers
November 19, 2021
I completely love this story. Caspara has been mostly alone her whole life, living like an outcast, a thief. She believes she has only one way to participate in this world, one way to survive—by a life of thievery. That is, until she meets Prince Abudar. Will she meet her destiny, or go back to her old ways? I love the main character and how she interacts with each of the characters, her own inner thoughts, and what she feels she must do to accomplish her goals—even if those goals change over and over again. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,893 reviews116 followers
November 15, 2021
I love the way this author takes a well known fairytale and totally makes it her own! This one is Aladdin but with a gender swap as well as other twists and turns. It’s full of action, danger, mystery, intrigue and a little romance and the characters are awesome and so much fun. Totally hooked from the first chapter this had me captivated till the very last page does I am anxious to read book two!
335 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2021
This is a fast, fun, clean re-telling of Aladdin with a dose of Ali Baba and the forty thieves mixed in. The writing style is engaging and flows smoothly making it easy to read. The story has lots of twists and turns to keep it interesting. My one complaint, it ends in a cliffhanger which is never a good thing.
Profile Image for Sherri McPhie.
1 review
November 22, 2021
Daughter of Thieves... I absolutely LOVED it! Such a great spin on the classic Aladdin! Caspara’s world gets turned upside down on what should have been a simple in and out job... Ahhhhhh there’s a handsome prince, a jinni, twist and turns I didn’t expect, and the mystery of discovering who she really is!!!!!! Definitely a great read! And the epilogue.... WHAT.... I need book to now!
Profile Image for Jamie Dalton.
Author 31 books413 followers
November 10, 2021
First, this is a retelling that hasn't been done a lot and I loved it! It was a unique twist on a classic with betrayal, revenge and fantastic character and world building. Also, can we talk about how pretty that cover is? 😍 and
Profile Image for L.D. Walters.
39 reviews
August 17, 2025
I love these gender-flipped stories! Especially since this one was based on my favorite Disney Princess. The retelling of Aladdin and the Forty Thieves. The beginning had me captivated. I loved that Caspara was the Street Rat instead of Abudar. She was easy to relate to, and I could see myself in her. Also, her nickname for the prince was a throwback to Aladdin's pet monkey Abu. The little easter eggs in the story had me turning page after page. I could not put this book down. While there could be some improvement in grammar, the flow, pacing, world-building, and character development were well thought out. I can't wait to read book two!

50 reviews
April 5, 2023
Wonderful spin

This book is a wonderful and unexpected spin on the alladin tale. You will find yourself drawn into a wonderfully crafted new world and will fill bereft when it ends. There are twists and turns you will never expect. I can't wait to get the next book and continue the tale.
43 reviews
July 13, 2025
This book is a retelling of the Ali Baba Forty Thieves with a neat twist.
It makes me want to keep on reading.
Points for this book:
1) A world where Dragons and Jinni Exist
2) magical realm where magic is passed down to daughters
3) a rebellion like no other
4) Secrets that make you want to know more
5) The MMC and the FMC have a forbidden relationship and they are too cute
Profile Image for Kim - Inside the Wong Mind.
387 reviews30 followers
November 20, 2021
Daughter of Thieves
by Lichelle Slater
Rating: 4/5

After reading another story from the author, I was excited to join her ARC team for her new series, Sands of Wonder. I am a huge fan of fairytale retellings and this reimagining did not disappoint. The adventurous story is full of action, mystery, and romance. Who doesn't love a heroine who can succeed without magic when everyone else has magic?

Caspara's character is feisty and loyal and has no magic. I loved her character and how "unaffected" she was by Prince Abudar. She was some the reader wanted to root for. As the story continued, more and more events kept me reading to early in the morning (lost some sleep) but it was definitely worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed Prince "Abu" too and was thoroughly surprised at the end of chapter 17. The author did a good job and the story is well written and very entertaining. I loved all the characters - with some from her prequel - and need to read more. The book ends with some unresolved occurrences and I will be reading what comes next.

I also loved that the author included a map and some spell translations.

Highly recommend this exciting, adventurous YA fantasy with romance and intrigue.

PG-13 content.

My thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Profile Image for Megan Danielle.
468 reviews16 followers
November 13, 2021
A unique twist on a classic tale!

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if Aladdin had actually been a prince and Jasmine had been the diamond in the rough street rat that had to quest to find the genie? Throw in a little magic and some lovable favorites and you've got Daughter of Thieves. You get the nostalgia of the Disney movie mixed in with Lichelle Slater's own unique twist that is to die for!

The characters in this novel are to die for! Especially Igborg! I related to Caspara so much and was rooting for her in even the most dire circumstances, of which there were plenty. This is a tale about being marginalized, having hope, being crushed, and fighting for what is right.. with a little bit of romantic subplot along the way. There were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming and so many moments that hit me in my feels so hard. Cannot recommend this book enough and I'm excited to get a copy of book two in my hands the second it comes out! I need to know more!!!
Profile Image for Dezarea Dunn.
Author 7 books20 followers
November 11, 2021
Caspara is a thief in training on the verge of her sixteenth birthday. One fateful ‘score’ will change her life forever, the events that follow uncovering secret after secret.
She, a person without magic, is forced to participate in the dangerous trials for young sorceresses, risking her life for family and love. Will it be enough to protect her way of life, or will everything she holds dear slip through her grasp like desert sands?

This Aladdin gender-swap, retelling is vibrant and fraught with emotion. The setting is beautiful and well constructed, the characters lifelike, and the story magical and high stakes. It’s clean, which I appreciate in a YA story.
Honestly, Aladdin was never my favorite. I’m definitely a Beauty and the Beast gal. But Lichelle’s story sucked me in and held me captive, refusing to release me until there was nothing left to read.
I can’t wait for the release of book two and recommend Daughter of Thieves to absolutely anyone and everyone!
Oh! . . . And there’s dragons.
Get. It. Now!
152 reviews
March 21, 2022
This one took a while, mostly because of my laziness, but once I got going, it kept my interest.

Good
Subverting the male female axis, making the Alladin character female and the royalty male.
A nod to all the classic Arabian Nights stories including: the Forty Thieves, the Lamp with Janni, Scheherazade, and others.
Characters that you like. I was interested in most of them.

Bad
Gender locked magic. Yes I know that this is a subversion of "all the wizards are male" trope. But just because the original is bad, doesn't mean the reversal will be good. It's still a bad trope.

Ugly
Nothing really.


So I give it four stars. This is the first book in a series and it did end on a bit of a cliff hanger. Will I buy the next one? Yes, mostly because I want to see where the story progresses!
Profile Image for Jodi.
Author 3 books1 follower
November 6, 2021
Every book that I have read by Lichelle Slater has been imaginative and drawn me into the story from the very first page. The last two, The Sultan and the Storyteller and Daughter of Thieves are my favorites thus far. I love the world Slater has created, the characters she has brought to life, and the way she is inspired by classic fairytales but redesigns them in such a new way. The only bad part of this book is that I finished it and have to wait until 2022 for the next installment of the series!
And that ending! It's going to keep me up at night imagining all the different directions the next story could take. I loved this book, and if you're just starting the series start with The Sultan and the Storyteller first to ensure you can notice all the references and get the full story.
Profile Image for bookbreaks_n_hottakes.
147 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2021
“If it came down to magic to truly get through each trial, I didn’t stand a chance. But maybe my brains could be greater than magic.”

A delightful twist on the next generation of following the Aladdin Tale, Slater has once again stolen my time into the early hours of the morning as I devoured this book.

If you get a chance, make sure to read her book “The Sultan and the Storyteller (A Villain's Ever After)” as this series lies in the same world. While not necessary, it does provide some fascinating back story behind characters in this novel.

Eagerly awaiting the completion of the series!!
I was given access to an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Lymari Yenderrozos.
744 reviews19 followers
November 13, 2021
Gender swapped retelling of Aladdin packed with action, mystery, and romance. I loved Caspara’s character and found myself really relating to her. I was fully hooked from start to that ending that left me gasping. This was such a fun YA read. I found the story very imaginative and the backdrop was just stunning. Fast paced with great world building, this book definitely left me wanting to read the next one! The only unfortunate part is I have to wait until 2022 to read it! *I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
164 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2021
*All of my reviews are voluntarily written*

I've always enjoyed fairy tale retellings, and Lichelle doesn't disappoint with this one! I find her story telling and writing style to be smooth and easy to read. I always end up flying through her books, and this one is no exception.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book, and I could really relate to the MC, Caspara. I also enjoyed Prince Abu's character.

Of course, there are dragons! Why not?

I can't wait to get into book 2!
1 review1 follower
November 11, 2021
A truly original and magically creative spin of a story I grew up loving, I was delighted from start to finish!
I started it while eating breakfast and honestly didn't put it down for the rest of the day!
From the fantastic world, to the character struggles and growth, to the magic and conversation I loved getting lost in this story and I am seriously dying for the next book!
Profile Image for J.N. Tomczak.
Author 6 books132 followers
November 14, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I really loved the main character Caspara. She's relatable and feisty and witty. The worldbuilding is fantastic. Overall, this was an intriguing blend of Aladdin and the Forty Thieves with plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Hanna.
44 reviews
November 22, 2021
Oh my goodness!! I started this book this morning and just finished it!!!!!! It has turned my day into quite the rollercoaster. I'm so sad and happy about everything that happened and mad that I have to wait until June to continue reading the story!!! This book has joined the rank of my favorites. Can't wait for book 2!!
Profile Image for Ushna.
129 reviews37 followers
December 6, 2021
I love fairytale re tellings , most of them and this retelling of Alladin/ Alibaba and the Forty thieves is no exception. It's fun and interesting and there's mystery too. All the elements of an excellent fantasy tale.
I have my hopes pinned on Caspara and Abu as endgame.
Can't wait to read the next one , hopefully with more 101 Arabian Nights references ❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
November 7, 2021
Such a captivating book. I adore all of these characters especially Igborg. The twists and discoveries keep this book firmly in your hand. I am so excited to see what happens next! If you are looking for a touch of magic, romance, adventure, betrayal this is for you.
2 reviews
November 22, 2021
Another great read by Slater! Full of adventure! I love that it isn't a typical "Aladdin" story. Amazing characters and plot twists! Ends in a cliffhanger and I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.