The Bloodstone Thief

by Sabina Khan

Overview

A hilarious and heartwarming fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief! This is the middle grade debut from acclaimed author Sabina Khan.

Laila Habib is having the worst birthday ever, as she's just discovered that her family's two-year stay in Houston, Texas, is going to be extended . . . indefinitely. With one foot in her current life and one foot back in her old home in Mumbai, she doesn't feel like she truly belongs anywhere.

But her day only gets worse from there. Opening up what she thinks is a hidden birthday present, Laila unleashes an evil jinn from a magical amulet. Trapped there long ago by Laila's father, the jinn is eager for revenge, and drags Laila's father back to the magical world of Qaf.

To save her father, Laila must travel to Qaf, where she discovers that there's only one hope for freeing him. She must find the Bloodstone, an object that gives the holder absolute power. But doing so will require a quest that changes everything Laila ever thought she knew about who she is, what she believes, and who she can trust. Not fully belonging in the jinn world or our own, Laila has to create her own community, forge friendships, and fight for her family-no matter who or what they are.

Inspired by Islamic mythology, this hilarious and richly-woven middle-grade fantasy from Sabina Khan sparkles with humor, magic, friendship, and heart -- perfect for fans of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief and Percy Jackson.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338829419
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	09/16/2025
Sold by:	Scholastic, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304
File size:	6 MB
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Sabina Khan, author of The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali and many other acclaimed novels, writes about Muslim teens who straddle cultures. She was born in Germany, spent her teens in Bangladesh, and lived in Macao, Illinois, and Texas before settling down in British Columbia with her husband, two daughters, and the best puppy in the world. Visit her online at sabina-khan.com.

Editorial Reviews

"A rip-roaring addition to the diverse pantheon of middle grade fantasy adventures. Delightful." Sayantani Dasgupta, New York Times bestselling author of the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series

"A thrilling adventure ride brimming with magic, humor, and heart. I loved it from page one." J.C. Cervantes, New York Times bestselling author of The Storm Runner series

"A soaring adventure through a mythical land. This humorous and heartfelt story will steal your breath away." Shana Targosz, author of The Underwild: River of Spirits

“Imaginative and captivating, The Bloodstone Thief brings legends to life in a thrilling journey of magic, jinn, and unforgettable family secrets!” – Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor

"In this high-octane fantasy adventure, Khan draws upon Islamic myth and legend to craft an energetic tale of power, peril, and persistence." Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2025-07-19
A mysterious pendant draws a girl into the mythical realm of jinn to save her father.

Laila Habib doesn’t feel at home in Houston. A middle schooler whose family moved from Mumbai a year ago, she misses her old life, friends, and the feeling of belonging. The move was supposed to be temporary—but on Laila’s birthday, Ammi announces she’s been promoted, and they’ll be staying longer. That night, a devastated Laila discovers a mysterious necklace with a shimmering black pendant—and unknowingly unleashes Bilquis, a powerful jinn, who kidnaps her father. When no one believes her, Laila sets out to rescue him—only to learn that Abbu is the Sultan of Qaf, a hidden realm of ancient magic. With help from Amira, her newly met sharp-tongued jinn cousin, and Raihan, who’s half-human and half-jinn and comes from a refugee camp in Mumbai, Laila must find the mythical Bloodstone, the only way to break Bilquis’ curse. Khan has created a vibrant world rich in South Asian culture and mythology. Laila’s voice is lively and full of spark, striking a strong balance between humor and vulnerability. While the story’s pace is brisk and engaging, some events resolve too smoothly, and other elements (like the jinn refugee camp) are lightly developed. Still, the novel thoughtfully explores themes of family, privilege, and accountability, emphasizing that even young people have the power to demand change.

A richly imagined journey in which ancient magic meets modern identity in amusing and meaningful ways.(Fantasy. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews