When this enthralling novel begins in the London of 1867, six previously unacquainted adolescents find themselves inexplicably drawn together at Westminster Bridge. It seems that each of them now has the ability to see ghosts, though they are unable to hear the spirits speak. The six young people follow a raven to a mysterious building that seems to appear out of nowhere. Once inside the deserted Athens Academy, the six discover a hidden chapel where a beautiful woman appears in a portal.

This enigmatic lady tells the group that they now constitute The Guard, a group of mortals enhanced with supernatural gifts who protect the balance between their world and the one beyond to ensure that Darkness does not overrun and destroy the barrier between the two worlds. The six will eventually be joined by a seventh, they are told, and they must beware trickery.

Twenty-one years later, the Guard has settled into some semblance of normal adult lives, their otherworldly activities notwithstanding. Alexi, the group leader, and Rebecca have reopened Athens Academy as a school, while the others have vocations ranging from minister to painter, all the while serving as protectors of their city and their world. Still awaiting their seventh member, Alexi obsesses over the memory of the woman who appeared to the group those many years ago, believing the seventh will somehow resemble her.

When new student Miss Percy Parker arrives at Athens Academy, she creates quite a stir. Percy has pale white skin and hair, along with unusual crystal eyes, characteristics she hides with scarves and glasses. Aside from her unusual appearance, the young lady has a few attributes she seeks to keep hidden. Able to see and hear ghosts, Percy also experiences intense visions. While Alexi seeks to determine Percy’s significance to the Guard’s Grand Work, nefarious forces are at work to undermine all that the group works to protect.

Hieber skillfully creates a lush, sensual spirit world with tactile imagery while at the same time imbuing her human London with a Victorian sensibility. Percy’s transparent skin and her covering of it serve as a metaphor of what lies beneath the everyday world that the Guard seeks to keep hidden from humanity. Crafting an engrossing historical urban fantasy novel with intriguing characters, the author provides a highly satisfying reading experience with a wide appeal. This reviewer avidly awaits the next book in the series.

Book Stats:

• Mass Market Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Leisure Books (August 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0843962968
• ISBN-13: 978-0843962963

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