Told from the perspectives of two women, we are forced to reckon with a society that isn’t far off from our own history - fighting for women’s equality and women’s rights. Nehal, from a wealthy family, is forced into a marriage with Nico, who comes from a wealthy merchant family. All Nehal wants is to attend the Weaving Academy to hone her waterweaving skills and eventually lead an all-female force of weavers into battle. Entrance into the academy, however, requires money and the signature of a parent or spouse, and Nehal’s parents refuse to let her attend. Nico, in love with someone else, is also not interested in this marriage, so he and Nehal strike a deal that allows their marriage to benefit them both. Nehal is soon admitted into the Weaving Academy where she’s able to learn more about this ancient magic.

Our other main female character, Giorgina, comes from a poor, struggling family. She works as a bookseller to make money for her family and also raises money to support the Daughters of Izdihar - a radical women’s group fighting for equality, led primarily by female weavers. An earthweaver, herself, Giorgina hopes to gain control of her abilities, as her emotions often get the best of her. We find out that she is the other woman with whom Nico is in love, which quickly complicates the relationship between Nico and Nehal, and Nico and Giorgina.

Eventually our MCs come together to join forces, realizing they have a lot more in common than they thought. Joining the Daughters of Izdihar just might change both of their lives and advance the women’s movement in Izdihar.

Elsbai’s writing is inspired by modern Egyptian history and it’s obvious she’s taken great care in exploring the complexities of this history to write this story. For some, this book may be a little too on-the-nose when it comes to the feminist movement, but I urge Western readers to consider that there are plenty of countries where women do not have the freedoms we do. This book shows that together, we are stronger than the forces of the oppressor, and I think that’s always an important reminder. I absolutely can’t wait for the second book to release!