April 15, 2024
One year after the events of Daughters of the Lamp (2024), Sahara's journey continues amid the bustling streets of Cairo, where ancient magic collides with modern-day dilemmas. Back in Egypt to visit family for the summer--this time with her best friend, Vicky Miller--Sahara Rashad meets up with both familiar faces and new allies and uncovers the truth about the hamsa necklace and its connection to the magic lamp. Supplementing the modern-day story are chapters from the perspective of 13-year-old Maghrebi Princess Husnaya from 965 C.E., which build the lore of the magical artifacts and the origin story of the "greatest sorceress of all time." Burdened by the weight of her mystical duty, Sahara grapples with keeping secrets and the looming threat of the witch El Ghoula, who seeks to awaken an ancient evil. A crisis forces Sahara to confront her jealousy over the new friend Vicky has made in Cairo. Throughout the tension, Sahara's personal growth shines, culminating in a compelling climax during which she realizes the true power of trust, teamwork, and asking for help. While the pacing initially lags, the narrative swiftly gains momentum, delivering a satisfying blend of adventure, intrigue, and heartfelt lessons. Enriched by historical lore, Arabic words and phrases, and Muslim elements, Lewers' tale weaves past and present into a captivating tapestry of magic and destiny, setting the stage for further escapades. An engaging adventure set in an enchanting world. (author's note) (Fantasy. 8-12)
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