The second book in the critically acclaimed New York Times bestselling Gemma Doyle trilogy, an exhilarating and haunting saga from the author of The Diviners series and Under the Same Stars.

Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy, spending time with her friends in the city, attending ritzy balls, and on a somber note, tending to her ailing father. As she prepares to ring in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby, has set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions of London, Gemma’s visions intensify–visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened, something only the realms can explain. . . .

The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world of the realms that Gemma alone can bring them to. To the girls’ great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship.

But all is not well in the realms–or out. The mysterious Kartik has reappeared, telling Gemma she must find the Temple and bind the magic, else great disaster will befall her. Gemma’s willing to do his intrusive bidding, despite the dangers it brings, for it means she will meet up with her mother’ s greatest friend–and now her foe, Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task.

“Extraordinary.”—VOYA in a Perfect 10 Review

“Remarkable.” —School Library Journal

A New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A Book Sense Bestseller
A Book Sense Top Ten Selection
BBYA (ALA/YALSA Best Book for Young Adults)
Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award
Iowa High School Book Award
Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award
Golden Spur Children’s Literature Book Award (TX)

Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy—spending time with her friends in the city, attending balls in fancy gowns with plunging necklines, and dallying with the handsome Lord Denby. Yet amid these distractions, her visions intensify—visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened that only the realms can explain.

The lure is strong, and soon Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world that Gemma takes them to. To the girls' great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship.

But all is not well in the realms—or out. Kartik is back, desperately insisting to Gemma that she must bind the magic, lest colossal disaster befall her. Gemma is willing to comply, for this would bring her face-to-face with her late mother's greatest friend, now Gemma's foe—Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task. . . .

This sumptuous companion to A Great and Terrible Beauty teems with Victorian thrills and chills that play out against the rich backdrop of 1895 London, a place of shadows and light . . . where inside great beauty can lie a rebel angel.

“This extraordinary novel moves along at breathtaking speed from beginning to end . . . astounding.”—VOYA in a Perfect 10 Review

“A remarkable fantasy steeped in Victorian sensibility . . . Gemma and her friends are pitch perfect as young women in a world poised for change, uncertain of their places.” —School Library Journal 

“Rich social commentary, romance, and adventure, even more sumptuously created . . . teens will long for another sequel.” —Booklist 

“Bray provides a satisfying ending, yet she implies a further struggle for power. Fans will want to stay tuned.” —Publishers Weekly

“Gemma’s shivery adventures, lacking easy answers, make for an exciting mystical quest.” —Kirkus Reviews
 
"Featuring complex and compelling characters and an intricately woven plot, this riveting fantasy is steeped in Victorian sensibility -- and filled with history, mystery, and spellbinding romance." --BN.com

"This novel has enough mystery and excitementto thrill the most critical readers." --Children's Literature

A New York Times Bestseller
A USA Today Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A Book Sense Bestseller
A Book Sense Top Ten Selection
BBYA (ALA/YALSA Best Book for Young Adults)
Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award
Iowa High School Book Award
Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award
Golden Spur Children’s Literature Book Award (TX)