When Kallia learns that her employer and closest friend – the master magician known as Jack and the owner of Hellfire House, the club where she works – has been lying to her and messing with her mind, she escapes. The magic system is spectacular, and the mysterious ruined city divided into four Houses represented by suites of cards hints at so much more backstory that I hope the author will explore in the second book. But the book is so much more than just a retelling. This book was described as a modern Phantom of the Opera, and I got major Phantom of the Opera vibes in places, especially when Jack – the magician who would be the Phantom in this retelling – keeps appearing in mirrors. From the cover to the prose to the magical world, the extravagance of the book takes over. I’ve been looking forward to this book for so long, and it didn’t disappoint.įirst of all, this book is gorgeous. The second one in the series just became a must buy for me.

Tarisai and others also have to fight for their place in the world and to have their power fully recognized simply because they are women. The story also tackled tough issues, such as what happens when a society sacrifices some of its citizens for the comfort of others. Some characters also had romantic feelings for each other, but this story is unique in the depth of its friendships. The genuine care and companionship between the the council is beautiful to behold. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a book that portrayed love between friends as well as this one. The magic is enchanting, with each council member bound to their prince through The Ray, a magic of light that brings them so close they can hear each other’s thoughts and makes them sick if they spend too much time apart. The world is a richly woven tapestry that transports you to another place and time. Until the day she finally agrees to join, setting in motion forces beyond her control. She thinks it’s the only way to save Dayo. Dayo loves her right away, but Tarisai refuses to be anointed a council member, afraid of her mother’s power over her.

So she’s sent to the Children’s Palace as a candidate for the council. Only one of the Emperor’s eleven council members has the ability to harm him. Tarisai was born for one purpose: to kill the Emperor-to-be, Prince Dayo.

Where dreams descend book 3