Smoke and Whispers

Synopsis

'This is one of these novels where you read it, not just to see what happens at the end, but to see what happens on the very next page' Booklist

When a body is hauled from the River Tyne, Sarah Tucker heads to Newcastle for a closer look. She identifies the dead woman as private detective Zoë Boehm, but putting a name to the corpse only raises further questions. Did Zoë kill herself, or did one of her old cases come back to haunt her? Why was she wearing the jacket a murderer had stolen years before? And what's brought Sarah's former sparring partner Gerard Inchon to the same broken-down hotel where she's staying? Coincidence is an excuse that soon appears pretty unconvincing. Sarah can't leave until she's found the answers to her questions, however dangerous they might turn out to be.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Calling

* The chapter introduces Serafina, a 16-year-old who lives in a secluded monastery in the mountains.
* She is chosen to become a Guardian of the Veil, a magical barrier that protects the human world from a realm of darkness.
* Real example: Serafina's training includes learning various martial arts and elemental magic.

Chapter 2: The Prisoner

* Serafina discovers a mysterious prisoner named Aethon locked in a dungeon beneath the monastery.
* He claims to be a prince from a world beyond the Veil.
* Real example: Aethon's background is shrouded in secrecy, and Serafina is intrigued by his enigmatic nature.

Chapter 3: The Betrayal

* Serafina's mentor, Brother Marcus, reveals himself as a traitor working for the forces of darkness.
* He attempts to kill Serafina and Aethon but is defeated.
* Real example: Marcus's betrayal exposes the vulnerability of the monastery and the threat it faces.

Chapter 4: The Journey

* Serafina and Aethon embark on a perilous journey to find the Key of Stars, a powerful artifact that can unlock the Veil.
* Along the way, they encounter dangerous creatures and treacherous obstacles.
* Real example: The duo must navigate treacherous ravines and outwit cunning beasts.

Chapter 5: The Prophecy

* Serafina learns that she is the chosen one, destined to fulfill an ancient prophecy.
* The prophecy foretells that she will bring balance between light and darkness.
* Real example: Serafina's destiny weighs heavily upon her as she grapples with her responsibility.

Chapter 6: The Battle

* Serafina and Aethon confront the forces of darkness led by a powerful demon named Baal.
* A fierce battle ensues, testing their limits and the strength of their bond.
* Real example: Serafina's elemental magic and Aethon's swordsmanship combine to create a formidable force against the demonic hordes.

Chapter 7: The Sacrifice

* In a desperate attempt to save humanity, Aethon sacrifices himself to destroy Baal.
* Serafina is devastated by the loss of her companion.
* Real example: Aethon's sacrifice demonstrates the ultimate price of selflessness and the profound bond he shared with Serafina.

Chapter 8: The Legacy

* Serafina becomes the Guardian of the Veil and fulfills the prophecy.
* She establishes a new order dedicated to protecting the world from darkness.
* Real example: Serafina's legacy as a symbol of hope and strength inspires future generations to fight against evil.