Set in an alternate Cairo at the turn of the 20th century, where magic and steampunk technology infuse the air, the story follows Fatma el-Sha’arawi, the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. When someone claiming to be al-Jahiz, the famed Sufi mystic who opened the veil to the magical realm forty years prior, returns to wreak havoc in the form of a murderous cult, Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter. With the help of her new partner, a clever ministry bureaucrat, and her girlfriend, an enigmatic lounge singer, Fatma delves into a world of djinn and gods to prevent the imposter's diabolical plot from unleashing chaos upon the world.

This novel is the third installment in a gripping series that transports readers to an alternate history where the 21st century is dominated by the Ottoman Empire. The story follows the adventures of Ashraf Bey, a detective and former fugitive, who is now enmeshed in a complex web of political intrigue and personal discovery in the city of El Iskandryia. As Ashraf investigates a series of murders, he also grapples with mysteries surrounding his own past and identity. Set against a richly imagined backdrop that blends elements of cyberpunk and historical fiction, the book explores themes of power, identity, and the intricacies of family loyalty, delivering a thrilling and thought-provoking narrative.