Publisher's Synopsis
In the heart of modern-day Detroit, a city rebuilding itself, Anastasia Asma'u is an ambitious FBI special agent, more accustomed to following leads and chasing down criminals than engaging in myth and folklore. When a peculiar death at a construction site leaves behind otherworldly symbols, Anastasia is drawn into a world beyond her understanding.
One fateful night, Anastasia is visited by Artiya'il, a celestial messenger, who reveals the truth about her lineage and her destiny. As a descendant of the ancient Asasiyyin, she is the bridge between the mortal and the supernatural. This revelation is overwhelming, but Anastasia doesn't have the luxury of denial. The city she loves is becoming a battleground for supernatural entities.
During the Jinni War, Anastasia witnesses firsthand the might of the supernatural. She learns of Amir, a seemingly benign household genie, at odds with Sakhr, the mighty jinni king. Their war threatens to lay bare the supernatural world to humans, risking chaos. Anastasia, with her newfound power and understanding, brokers a tenuous peace, earning respect among supernatural beings but making her some powerful enemies as well.
In the corridors of the FBI, whispers of betrayal haunt Anastasia. Evidence points to an insider colluding with Awar, a sinister devil of lust. As she delves deeper into this treachery, she grapples with her dual identity. How can she uphold human laws when supernatural stakes are so high?
The arrival of a coven of African witches in Detroit escalates tensions. Led by the enigmatic Bilquis, who runs Detroit's underground supernatural club, they seek an alliance against Azazil, an archangel turned devil. This draws Anastasia into the complex politics of supernatural alliances, as Bilquis's loyalty remains ambiguous.
As Detroit's supernatural landscape becomes even more complex, Were-creatures led by an imposing Were-lion from Africa demand territory. As humans become the target of mysterious attacks, Detective Ayo, a skeptic of the supernatural, joins Anastasia. Their dynamic is charged, a mix of skepticism, intrigue, and a growing, undeniable attraction.
The climax of this installment comes with the waters of the Great Lakes stirring as Mami Wata, seductive and deadly African water spirits, rise to claim them. With the city at the brink, Anastasia must rally her allies, trust in her lineage, and tap into powers she's only begun to understand.
As the battle rages, the celestial being Zuhra, who has transformed into Venus, emerges as a guiding light for Anastasia, a beacon of what she might become if she fully embraces her destiny. But with guidance also comes a warning. The path of the asasiyyin is fraught with danger, and every decision has consequences.
Hasuse, the enigmatic earth angel, offers Anastasia weapons of celestial might. But can he be trusted? The unpredictable Irshi, both benevolent and malicious, further challenges Anastasia's mission, testing her patience and resilience.
