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Synopsis
In 1920s Manhattan, a young fairy godmother is caught in an evil conspiracy to control her sisterhood’s magic in a sweeping historical fantasy by the bestselling author of The Vine Witch . Unlike most dreamers, Celeste made it in Hollywood—albeit as a Fée Gardienne in a magical, centuries-old sisterhood. Yet her excitement is tempered by the death of the Gardiennes’ leader, making Celeste and her fellow fairy godmother Anaïs caretakers of the sacred elder staff. Charged with returning the ancient relic to Paris, they set off for New York City to catch a steamship to France. But the 1920s Big Apple roars with danger in ways Celeste and Anaïs never anticipated. Upon their arrival, a street urchin steals the staff and disappears into the shadows. When Anaïs taps into her rebellious streak to search for the thief on her own, she falls into the clutches of a mysterious band of kidnappers who are seemingly aware of the magical possibilities the stolen staff can offer. To find Anaïs and retrieve the enchanted heart of the sisterhood, Celeste must rely on her wits, her magic, and her trust in a stranger—even if it means putting her friend at risk.
Is The Gilded City of Dreams: A Novel appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This historical fantasy follows fairy godmothers on a quest through 1920s Manhattan involving a stolen magical artifact and kidnapping. Violence is limited to peril and pursuit; no sexual content or strong language.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include kidnapping and death.
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Teens will enjoy the magical sisterhood, Jazz Age setting, and adventure through 1920s New York as the heroines track down a stolen artifact and rescue a friend.