Publisher's Synopsis
Astrid Spellman is no ordinary girl. Living in the quaint, magical town of Ember Hollow, she's grown up surrounded by mystery, enchantment, and a family full of powerful witches. Her mother, a renowned potion master, her father, a legendary spellcaster, and her siblings-each with their own magical abilities-have set the bar high for Astrid. But despite her heritage, Astrid feels like an outcast in the world of magic. Though her family's talents are vast, Astrid's magical abilities are... different. While her siblings conjure firestorms or summon creatures from other realms, Astrid can only see visions of the past-a rare and unpredictable skill that doesn't seem to serve much purpose in a world where powerful spells reign supreme.
Still, Astrid's quiet, inquisitive nature leads her to one uncharted area: the Forbidden Forest, a place where even the bravest of witches dare not tread. For generations, it's been rumored to hold the key to the lost magic of the world-an ancient, forgotten power said to have been sealed away after a catastrophic battle between warring magical factions centuries ago. The forest is filled with dangerous creatures, hidden dangers, and secrets that could turn the entire magical realm upside down.
When Astrid stumbles upon a mysterious, glowing stone deep within the heart of the forest, her life takes an unexpected turn. The stone, known as the Sable Stone, is said to hold the last remnants of the lost magic. But its power is volatile and unpredictable, attracting the attention of those who wish to control it-and those who will stop at nothing to destroy it. As she touches the stone, a surge of magical energy courses through Astrid, unlocking abilities she never thought possible. Her visions of the past now allow her to see not only history but also glimpses of future events, shifting her destiny in ways she cannot fully comprehend.
Soon, Astrid discovers that she is not alone in her quest. A group of unlikely allies comes together: Elara, a fiercely loyal shape-shifting rogue with a dark past; Darian, a charming and resourceful scholar who seeks knowledge above all else; and Kael, a warrior from a long-forgotten clan with his own connection to the forbidden magic. Together, they form an uneasy alliance to protect the Sable Stone and uncover its secrets. But as they journey deeper into hidden realms and ancient temples, they uncover dark forces stirring-forces that seek to control the stone's power and use it to tear apart the fabric of magic itself.
As Astrid faces off against malevolent sorcerers, ancient guardians, and magical creatures both beautiful and terrifying, she begins to learn that the true power of the Sable Stone lies not in controlling magic, but in unlocking the untapped potential within herself. The more she embraces her unique visions, the clearer it becomes that her magic is not a burden, but a gift-a key to unlocking the forgotten mysteries of the world. However, this knowledge comes at a price. Every step forward leads her closer to the heart of the mystery-and the darkness that seeks to destroy everything she holds dear.
As Astrid's connection to the Sable Stone deepens, she discovers that the forest's ancient magic has its own will, and the boundary between friend and foe becomes blurred. Those who would use her to control the stone's power are not always who they appear to be. Betrayals are uncovered, secrets are revealed, and Astrid is forced to make impossible choices about her destiny.
