The Stardust Thief (The Sandsea Trilogy, 1) by Chelsea Abdullah

Inspired by stories from One Thousand and One Nights, this book weaves together the gripping tale of a legendary smuggler, a cowardly prince, and a dangerous quest across the desert to find a legendary, magical lamp.

Neither here nor there, but long ago . . . 

Loulie al-Nazari is the Midnight Merchant: a criminal who, with the help of her jinn bodyguard, hunts and sells illegal magic. When she saves the life of a cowardly prince, she draws the attention of his powerful father, the sultan, who blackmails her into finding an ancient lamp that has the power to revive the barren land.

With no choice but to obey or be executed, Loulie journeys with the sultan's oldest son to find the artifact. Aided by her bodyguard, who has secrets of his own, they must survive ghoul attacks, outwit a vengeful jinn queen, and confront a malicious killer from Loulie's past. And, in a world where story is reality and illusion is truth, Loulie will discover that everything—her enemy, her magic, even her own past—is not what it seems, and she must decide who she will become in this new reality.
 
Praise for The Stardust Thief:

“A thrilling adventure about found families, ancient magic, and stories that linger." ―Shannon Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass

“The Stardust Thief will transport you, enchant you, and revive your belief in the magic of storytelling.” ―Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun