Picture this: it's just after World War I, and a young woman named Tressa Norne arrives in New York after a harrowing ordeal in Asia. She was held captive by a mysterious cult called the Yezidees, and she's brought something back with her—not a souvenir, but psychic abilities she doesn't fully understand. Now, members of that same cult are hunting her on American soil, and they're not just after her. They're trying to unleash ancient, world-ending evil.

The Story

Tressa teams up with a government agent named Victor Cleves, who's investigating strange, occult-related crimes. Together, they realize Tressa's psychic gifts might be the only weapon against the Yezidees. The book jumps from New York drawing rooms to secret temples, with psychic battles, assassins, and a race to stop a ritual that could throw the world into chaos. It's part spy thriller, part supernatural adventure, with a dash of romance.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how modern this 1920s book feels. Tressa is a surprisingly capable heroine—she's traumatized but not helpless, and her psychic powers make her an active player in the fight. The villain, Sanang, is properly menacing without being cartoonish. Chambers also has this knack for making psychic battles feel tense and physical, even though they're happening in the characters' minds. The pacing is brisk, and there's a real sense of global stakes.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for readers who enjoy early 20th-century adventure with a supernatural twist. If you like the feel of H.P. Lovecraft's stories but wish they had more action and competent heroines, you'll appreciate this. It's also great for anyone curious about where modern 'psychic spy' tropes got their start. Just be ready for some dated attitudes—it's a product of its time—but look past that, and you'll find a thrilling, imaginative ride.