About the book: year / A novel that opens a trilogy inspired by the tales of the Arabian Nights, but with an original plot. The smuggler Luli al-Nazari, together with her genie bodyguard and the Sultan's son, goes in search of a magic lamp and in the course of the adventure finds out that everything she knew is not at all what it seemed. Not here, not there, but a long time ago... Luli al-Nazari, infamously known as the Midnight Merchant, is a criminal smuggler involved in forbidden magic, aided by a djinn bodyguard with a dark past. Saving the life of a cowardly prince, she attracts the attention of the powerful Sultan. And he, wanting to use her services, forces Luli to go in search of an ancient lamp that can revive the barren land... but at what cost? Having no choice but to obey or be executed, Luli, together with the sultan’s eldest son, goes in search of the artifact. They must confront ghouls, the vengeful Jinn Queen and bloodthirsty assassins. In a world where history is reality and illusion is truth, Luli learns that everything—enemies, magic, and even her own past—is not what it seems. And she must make a choice about who she will become in this new reality. Goodreads Award Nominated. “Thrilling adventures, families lost and found, ancient magic and stories that come to life... I love it!” – Shannon Chakraborty “The author has created a sumptuous feast of layered, classic stories and characters that will leave you eager to unravel their mysteries. The book will captivate you, enchant you and revive your faith in magical legends.” – Shelley Parker-Chan “A grand adventure with unforgettable characters, enchanting magic and lots of warm hearts!” – Melissa Caruso “A story that references such classic Arabian Nights stories as Aladdin, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and the story of Scheherazade that frames them, but then goes on its own exciting path. A wonderful immersion in a beautifully crafted adventure." – Kirkus “The author's ambitious debut weaves an intricate story that draws on the tales of the Arabian Nights to create something entirely new... Lush descriptions bring the setting to life, and the emphasis on myth and legend, contrasted with the harsh reality of the characters, enhances the sense of mystery and enchantment . This powerful, intriguing adventure will leave readers craving more." – Publishers Weekly “This trilogy opens with a superbly written novel that is strongly influenced by the art of story and personal storytelling, especially the classic Arabian tale “A Thousand and One Nights...”. The author is a gifted storyteller who weaves together three disparate perspectives to bring to life a rich world, teeming with magic, where anything you dream can happen.” – Booklist “Abdula writes a story like a sparkling, burning object, visible against the pitch darkness of the night, always out of reach of us. Her talent is to make you feel like magic exists." – Buzzfeed “An impressive first in an anticipated trilogy that not only touches on several popular themes and trends (found families, retelling classics) but also offers new perspectives. It will appeal to readers who appreciate atmospheric books. Recommended for absolutely everyone, not just fantasy fans.” – Library Journal “This novel is like a dream—captivating, engrossing, and heartfelt. Abdula weaves a grand adventure out of tales within tales, showing that those we love can lift us up or break our hearts.” — Andrea Stewart, author of Daughter of the Bone Shards “You'll be immediately captivated by the characters and captivated by this exploration of how the stories we hear and the stories we tell ourselves, both beautiful and heartbreaking, shape us. Perfect for fans of Shannon A. Chakraborty's Daevabad Trilogy." – S. L. Clark