The Daughters of Izdihar: The Alamaxa Duology

Hadeer Elsbai is an Egyptian-American writer and librarian. Born in New York City, she grew up being shuffled between Queens and Cairo. Hadeer studied history at Hunter College and later earned her Master's degree in library science from Queens College, making her a CUNY alum twice over. Aside from writing, Hadeer enjoys cats, iced drinks, live theater, and studying the 19th century.

"A wondrously rich fantasy that highlights the true struggle to revolutionize a society. You will cheer and mourn alongside Nehal and Giorgina as they dare to discover new magic, fight for a more just society, and find love in unexpected places. A debut not to be missed!" — Shannon Chakraborty, bestselling author of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
"Forbidden magic, social revolution, and political intrigue--in The Daughters of Izdihar, author Hadeer Elsbai has written a powerful story of sisterhood, love, and struggle within a rich, vibrant world with complicated characters that leap from the page to smash the patriarchy!" — P. Djèlí Clark, author of A Master of Djinn
“Elsbai’s Egyptian-inspired fantasy world is compelling and fascinating.” — Washington Post
"The Daughters of Izdihar is a gorgeous, clever feminist fantasy novel rich with magic, politics, hunger and fire. An absolute must-read." — Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne
“With a focus on women, magic, and political schemes, this novel is cleareyed regarding social issues, timely, and above all, an engrossing fantasy. Sympathetic yet flawed characters set against a complex society on the edge of change bring this novel to vibrant life.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“This debut fantasy is an impressive feminist feat, with immersive world building, fascinating, complex characters, and a plot that hooked me from start to finish.” — Buzzfeed
“Action-packed, magic-filled, and led by two fierce, vividly-rendered women, The Daughters of Izdihar is a compelling and empowering debut.”  — Ava Reid, bestselling author of Juniper & Thorn
"The Daughters of Izdihar is a thrilling tale of two women’s fight for rights in their patriarchal society, peppered with elemental magic, politics, and a relentless desire for that which is wrongly forbidden. I loved the characters—each one flawed but also trying their hardest to make things right." — Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter
"A powerful fantasy novel filled with clever magic, intriguing politics, and compelling characters who forge a path toward justice, no matter the obstacle." — Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief
"I had such a wonderful time with these ladies--these magnificent, complex, compelling ladies, who yearn and strive and rage so vividly and relatably! I thrilled at their magical discoveries and relished the steel of their grim determination in the face of oppressive expectations and their own justified fears." — Davinia Evans, author of Notorious Sorcerer 
"An absolutely enthralling tale of two women striving for a better world. Filled with magic and politics, The Daughters of Izdihar grips you and doesn't let go. I couldn't put it down!" — Sarah Beth Durst, award-winning author of The Queens of Renthia series
"Recommended for fans of unique settings and feminist fantasy, like The City of Brass, by S. A. Chakraborty, A Master of Djinn, by P. Djeli Clark, or The Power, by Naomi Alderman."  — Booklist
"Hadeer Elsbai has set a wonderful story set in a beautifully imagined world, one I predict will have most readers on tenterhooks for the conclusion to this duology. It is absolutely a must-read for anybody who enjoys feminist fantasy stories, and one I will recommend for years to come." — Fantasy Book Critic