Nadira's secret gifts have been revealed, but can she harness her powers for good? Rome, 1495. No longer a slave, Nadira is revered for her ability to read and apply the teachings in the mystical ancient text, the Hermetica of Elysium. No, she has earned her place in the company of adventurers who travel to Istanbul to uncover another ancient text. However, Nadira finds herself torn between competing agendas. The Templar Knights are intent on recovering a Grimoire, stolen from them over 200 years ago. The Grimoire is a book of spells that promises to raise the dead, and is being used by the Sultan's necromancer. Her love, Lord Montrose , won't be satisfied until he can avenge the death of his scholar brother, and he wants Nadira to help him find the murderer in Istanbul. Her friend and soulmate, Friar William is in the throes of doubt, as his faith and his deep connection to Nadira is challenged by his first taste of alchemy. And what about what Nadira wants? Can she find a space between the competing agendas of these persuasive men to achieve what she believes her destiny to be? The Servant Girl’s Sight is the second book of an enthralling historical fantasy series by Annmarie Banks. Set in medieval Europe, it is a twisty tale of adventure and mysticism, and will appeal to readers of Noah Gordon and Kate Mosse. Note: Originally published as "The Necromancer's Grimoire."

Saracen and a scholar – there couldn’t be two more dangerous pastimes for a woman as the frenzy of the Inquisition grips Europe. Barcelona, 1495. A scholar lies dying in a spice merchant’s stable when Nadira receives his last words. To Nadira, words are her life. Sold into slavery as a girl, her unusual gift of language keep her employed as her master's scribe. Now, the words that have long been her solace have put her in mortal danger. The dying scholar speaks of an ancient text, the Hermetica, that promises its readers the secrets of the magi of ancient Babylon. Hungry for power, the dark architects of the Inquisition will stop at nothing to find the Hermetica and to use it to solidify their position. At a time when faith is valued and knowledge is dangerous, Nadira emerges as one of the few who can unlock the mysteries within the pages of the Hermetica. Soon she is the unwilling companion to an English baron and his troupe of warriors as they traverse Europe in search of the manuscript, and revenge. As Nadira begins her transformation from servant to sorceress, will she escape the fires of the Inquisition, the clutches of the Borgia pope, and the ambitions of a French king? The Servant Girl’s Secret is the first book of an enthralling historical fantasy series by Annmarie Banks. Set in medieval Europe, it is a twisty tale of adventure and mysticism, and will appeal to readers of Noah Gordon and Kate Mosse. Note: Originally published as "The Hermetica of Elysium."

Duplicitous plans. Deadly struggles. A royal secret. Two missing children. Espionage in dark palace hallways. Evie Linmarsh must face incredible danger to free ruined New Victoria from the devastation of enemy occupation. Her odd friendship with two peculiar people causes her to wonder more and more about what she knows, and a romantic intrigue with an enemy soldier places her in immense danger. During her mission, Evie fails and succeeds more times than she can count, but she discovers that she and her lineage are more significant than once thought.

She is the downstairs maid; he is the Master’s son... Forced to become a kitchen maid at Fortune Hall, Hetty Pearson strikes up an unlikely friendship with the younger son of the house, Richard. But Hetty is just a poor servant girl: what hope does she have of either winning Richard’s heart or escaping his older brother’s more base attentions? Note: previously published as THE JEWEL STREETS by Una Horne

Can an Israelite captive, wrenched from all she loves, serve the very man who destroyed her village? Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with worry and bitterness. Little does she know the Heart Changer is wooing and preparing her for a greater mission—far beyond what she could imagine. This middle-grade historical novel reflects the heartache and angst of a young refugee in a foreign land where all hope seems lost.

The Dream of the Red Chamber is one of the "Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese Literature." It is renowned for its huge scope, large cast of characters, and telling observations about the life and social structures of 18th century China. Many consider it to be the pinnacle of the classical Chinese novel. The "Red Chamber" is a term used to describe the sheltered area where the daughters of wealthy Chinese families lived. The Dream of the Red Chamber is believed to be based on the author's own life and intended as a memorial to the women that he knew in his youth. As Edwin Lowe writes in his introduction, "Henry Bencraft Joly's attention to detail and the faithfulness in his translation of Hong Lou Meng makes this revised edition of The Dream of the Red Chamber an excellent book for the student of modern Chinese." Whether you're studying Chinese or simply interested in literature, this rich, multilayered story will offer you key insights into Chinese culture.