The Firmament of Flame

Synopsis

The explosive conclusion to the epic saga that started with THE STARS NOW UNCLAIMED, the space opera SFX calls 'a glorious romp'!

Always outnumbered, always outflanked.

That's the motto of the Justified, the small band of mercenaries who are determined to set the universe to rights after accidentally unleashing a cataclysm upon it. 

Find the fight before it finds you.

But they're not the only people who are trying to change the order of the universe. A group of psychotic beings, the Cyn, seem determined to stop the Justified.

Hit them before they hit you.

This little band of heroes are going to have to travel to the farthest reaches of the universe in order to stop the Cyn and save the world. But there's a balance to the universe… and they're just about to upset it. Hard.

*** Praise for Drew Williams and the Universe After series ***

'A proper space spectacular, the love child of Destiny and StarWars, raised by Firefly on a steady diet of Resident Evil… The dialogue is snappy and the jokes are laugh out loud: an escapist, gleeful, explodey space opera' Tor.com

'The only thing more fun than a bonkers space battle is a whole book packed with bonkers space battles. Come for the exploding spaceships, stay for the intriguing universe' Becky Chambers, author of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

'An immersive, rollicking yarn'  SFX

'Pirates, smugglers, soldiers, spies, snarky spaceships, and really big guns . . . and that's just the first chapter. The action gets bigger, the stakes get higher, and I loved it!' Claire North, author of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Alchemist's Protégé

* Summary:
* Introduces Ethan, a young apprentice to the legendary alchemist, Dr. Montague. Dr. Montague tasks Ethan with a dangerous mission: to retrieve a rare artifact called the "Firmament of Flame."
* Real Example:
* Ethan's apprenticeship resembles that of Harry Potter and Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series, where a young and ambitious apprentice learns from a enigmatic and powerful mentor.

Chapter 2: The Ruins of the Old Empire

* Summary:
* Ethan and his companions, a skilled swordsman named Kira and a wise sorceress named Anya, embark on a perilous journey through the ruins of an ancient empire. They encounter hostile creatures, treacherous traps, and crumbling architecture.
* Real Example:
* The ruins of the Old Empire evoke the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, where crumbling temples and overgrown vegetation create an atmosphere of mystery and danger.

Chapter 3: The City of Whispers

* Summary:
* Ethan, Kira, and Anya reach a strange and enigmatic city known as Eldoria. They navigate its hidden streets and encounter enigmatic characters who may hold the key to the Firmament of Flame.
* Real Example:
* Eldoria's labyrinthine streets and mysterious inhabitants resemble the city of Ravnica from the Magic: The Gathering card game, where secret guilds maneuver and ancient secrets are uncovered.

Chapter 4: The Trial of the Elements

* Summary:
* Ethan and his companions face a series of trials that test their skills and abilities: the Trial of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Each trial brings them closer to the Firmament of Flame, but also intensifies the dangers they face.
* Real Example:
* The Trial of Elements resembles the challenges faced by Aang in the Avatar: The Last Airbender series, where he must master the elements and defeat the Fire Nation.

Chapter 5: The Heart of the Fire

* Summary:
* Ethan finally encounters the Firmament of Flame, a powerful and ancient artifact that holds the secrets of the universe. He must confront his inner demons and overcome his fears to claim its incredible power.
* Real Example:
* The encounter with the Firmament of Flame mirrors the confrontation between Harry Potter and Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, where a young wizard must face his destiny and make a life-changing choice.

Conclusion

The Firmament of Flame is a gripping fantasy adventure that weaves together elements of alchemy, ancient ruins, hidden cities, and elemental powers. Ethan's journey is a testament to the power of courage, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge. It invites readers to explore the unknown, embrace the challenges that come their way, and discover the hidden flame within themselves.