Perilous Prophecy

In 1860s Cairo, a diverse metropolis where people of different backgrounds coexist, evil ghosts and restless spirits begin to plague the streets. Six young men and women from various cultures, backgrounds, and faiths are summoned as the Guard—individuals gifted by their Goddess with powerful abilities to combat this supernatural threat. Beatrice, a British-born eighteen-year-old and the Guard's leader, struggles with self-doubt about her position. She questions whether a bookish, sheltered young woman should lead others into battle, especially when Ibrahim, a dark-eyed member of the Guard with a stronger will, seems better suited for command. As ghosts terrorize Cairo's streets and an ancient prophecy approaches its final, deadly conclusion, Beatrice and her Guard have limited time to master their powers before a great battle arrives. This novel is a prequel to Leanna Renee Hieber's gaslamp fantasy Strangely Beautiful and returns to print after more than a decade, newly edited and revised for Tor's publication. Winner of the Prism Award for Best Fantasy Novel.