November 27, 2023
In 985 CE Baghdad, Ali Baba’s tween servant Morgana is forced to flee after a sorcerer attacks, killing both Ali Baba and the visiting Prince Ala el-Din. As per Ali Baba’s dying wish, Morgana takes several enchanted artifacts with her, including a lamp containing a jinni, to keep them out of the wrong hands. A thousand years later, 12-year-old Sahara Rashad, who prizes logic and science over luck and magic, reluctantly accompanies her father to Egypt to attend her uncle’s wedding. While she quickly bonds with her cousin Naima, she takes an instant disliking to her uncle’s fiancée, whom Naima has nicknamed El Ghoula for her abrasive personality. Mysteries surrounding break-ins at the family shop, the necklace Sahara inherited from her late mother, and a hidden family legacy lead to a desperate attempt to prevent an ancient evil from manifesting in the present. Though the two intertwining narratives never directly connect in this joyful debut, a series launch, they nevertheless provide two halves to a fulfilling, atmospheric story in which Lewers draws on Arabian myth and Egyptian culture to weave a fast-paced magical tale of family, destiny, and belonging. Ages 8–12. Agent: Kelly Dyksterhouse, Tobias Literary.
December 1, 2023
Grades 4-7 When Sahara's father surprises her with a trip to his Egyptian hometown for a family wedding, she's apprehensive. Though she's never set foot in the country or met her relatives, she's swept up in warm embraces and new friendships, but things take a turn for the bizarre with the appearance of her uncle's malevolent fianc� and a mysterious glowing necklace. Scientifically minded Sahara must now contend with the fact that magic could be real--and that she may have to use it to save both her family and the world. This terrific two-pronged adventure toggles between 1980s Cairo and 985 CE Baghdad, bringing together modern life and classic tales of Ali Baba, with some gratifying twists. There's also a profound exploration of tension between seemingly conflicting ideas--science and magic, American upbringing and Egyptian heritage, the beauty and messiness of life itself--and the relief in accepting that both things may be possible at the same time. A memorable adventure that's as exciting as it is insightful.
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Starred review from December 1, 2023
Egyptian American Sahara comes to value her dual cultural heritage when her first trip to her parents' homeland reveals a magical family history. Going to Cairo to attend her maternal uncle's wedding was never on 12-year-old Sahara Rashad's summer agenda. Since the death of her mother when Sahara was a newborn, she's had no contact with that side of the family and is unsure how she will be received. Despite her worries, she becomes fast friends with her cousin Naima and feels genuine love from all her relatives, except for her uncle's fiancee, Magda. Sahara and Naima suspect Magda has sinister intentions that the adults don't take seriously. Meanwhile, the story of 13-year-old Morgana, a servant of Ali Baba in 10th-century Baghdad, unfolds in an alternate storyline. As the novel progresses, the connection between the two girls takes shape, revealing a centuries-old family secret in danger from malicious outside forces. Sahara's contemplation of her identity and her search for self-acceptance provide an entertaining and relatable backdrop to her encounters with magical elements. Details of Islamic practices and life in Egypt are peppered throughout the novel, flowing naturally as Sahara asks questions about things she doesn't understand. Lewers cleverly builds on the folktale of Ali Baba and Morgana to construct a magical origin story with a rich sense of place and an original twist that can be expanded upon in future volumes. An engaging fantasy inspired by a classic tale that's guaranteed to leave readers eager for more. (Fantasy. 8-12)
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Starred review from March 1, 2024
Gr 3-7-Past and present combine in this story about magic and adventure in modern Egypt. Sahara dreams of a summer spent with friends at an amusement park, but instead she is going to her uncle's wedding in Egypt. Sahara is disappointed, but also curious about her parents' homeland and especially about her late mother. Sahara becomes enchanted with Egypt; her family shares stories, food, and love. One night Sahara's mother's necklace starts glowing, and the next day it disappears. There is evil lurking; the beautiful bride-to-be may be a witch! Also told in alternating chapters is the story of Morgana, a servant to Ali Baba, who lived long ago and has been entrusted with caring and protecting magical items from those with dark intentions. Can Morgana protect the treasures from dark sorcerers? Will Sahara find her necklace and reveal the true intentions of the nightmare bride? Lewers blends culture, fairy tales, and mystery into a memorable story that will resonate with fans of "Percy Jackson." VERDICT Highly recommended, this book encapsulates unique characters, mystery, and fairy tales in a novel that readers will devour.-Katie Llera
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