'Rich and immersive. . . full of mesmerizing magic!' P. Djèlí Clark, author of A Master of Djinn

Clara Johnson can talk to spirits - a gift that saved her during her darkest moments, now a curse that's left her indebted to the cunning spirit world.

So when a powerful spirit offers her an opportunity to gain her freedom, Clara seizes the chance. The task: steal a magical ring from the wealthiest woman in the District.

Clara can't pull off this daring heist alone. To pull off the impossible, she'll need help from an unlikely team: from a handsome jazz musician able to hypnotize with a melody, to an aging actor who can change his face.
But as conflict in the spirit world begins to leak into the human one - an insidious mystery is unfolding, one that could cost Clara her life.

Praise for The Monsters We Defy:

'Leslye Penelope blends magic, mystery and mayhem in this deliciously complex historical fantasy' Veronica G. Henry

'Penelope's blend of fantasy and history is pitch perfect. . . Readers will be wowed' Publishers Weekly

'A high-stakes, delightful read' Buzzfeed

'An enchanting adventure that weaves a spell' Justina Ireland

'A fresh and engaging take on historical fantasy' Marie Brennan

'Masterfully crafted. This smart and entertaining magical heist novel hits all the right notes' T. L. Huchu

'Clara is a heroine for the ages' Alaya Dawn Johnson