A 5th-century slave girl is last hope for peace in the bloody clash between Christians and pagans in this novel blending history, adventure, religion, romance, and mysticism, sharing the untold story of the events that led to the burning of the Great Library of Alexandria.

“One of those rare novels that sets 'history' afire, to bathe readers in the glow of a greater, hotter truth. Fans of The Mists of Avalon will find this romantic/alchemical/feminist/spiritual epic equally captivating.” —Tom Robbins, New York Times–bestselling author of Tibetan Peach Pie and Villa Incognito

After she is abducted from her home in the mountains of Sinai, Hannah is enslaved and taken to Alexandria, where she becomes the property of Alizar, an alchemist and pagan secretly working to preserve his culture. Revered for her beautiful singing voice, the young slave is invited to perform at the city's Great Library, where she becomes friends with the revered mathematician and philosopher, Hypatia, as well as other pagans who curate its magnificent collections. Determined to help them uphold pagan culture and traditions, Hannah embarks on a dangerous quest to unite the fractured pieces of the Emerald Tablet—the last hope to save the pagans and create peace.

On this odyssey that leads her to the lost oracles of Delfi and Amun-Ra and to rediscovered ancient cities and rituals, Hannah will experience forbidden loves, painful betrayals, and poignant reunions. But her efforts may be in vain. Returning to Alexandria, Hannah finds a city engulfed in violence, even as her own romantic entanglements come to a head. Now, it's not only her future, but the fate of all Alexandria that is at stake.

“In her captivating debut novel, Van Zandt brings to life a fascinating and forgotten woman of history: Hypatia of Alexandria. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to walk the streets of long ago Egypt, then look no further. You will be enthralled!” —Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Rebel Queen and The Second Empress

“[Van Zandt’s] lyrical writing style and breakneck storytelling kept me riveted to the very last page.” — Robin Maxwell, bestselling author of Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan and Atlantos

Literary