Daughters of the Lamp (Daughters of the Lamp #1)

An engaging fantasy inspired by a classic tale that’s guaranteed to leave readers eager for more.

 A memorable adventure that’s as exciting as it is insightful.

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. (Feb.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

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

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Daughters of the Lamp

An Indies Introduce pick
A Junior Library Guild selection
A Best Book of the Month for Amazon and Kobo

★ "An engaging fantasy inspired by a classic tale that's guaranteed to leave readers eager for more." —Kirkus, starred review

"This terrific two-pronged adventure [brings] together modern life and classic tales of Ali Baba, with some gratifying twists. . . . A memorable adventure that's as exciting as it is insightful." —Booklist

"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." —Publishers Weekly

"Gorgeously vivid and endlessly exciting, Daughters of the Lamp brims with magic, emotion, and the importance of family." —Aisling Fowler, author of the Fireborn series

"Witty, wondrous, and a mesmerizing glimpse into the magic that's always hidden in the mundane." —M.T. Khan, author of Nura and the Immortal Palace

"Daughters of the Lamp triumphs as an action-packed journey across oceans and centuries. I couldn't put down Lewers's electrifying debut!" —George Jreije, author of the Shad Hadid series

"This magical fantasy adventure infused with Egyptian fairytales is so much fun. . . . Fantasy readers will love this joyful romp." —Book Riot