Within the makeshift corridors of a dark labyrinth, lost beneath an old man's secluded mansion, five reluctant strangers will find one another, drawn together by a mysterious, luminescent force. Searching for lost companions, hidden exits, or redemption for wasted years, each of these strangers will face the toughest challenge of their lives. For, within the confines of the dark labyrinth, the strangers are being hunted by an ancient legend, a shadowy horror unknown to the world of man. Their journeys will take them through haunted graveyards, possessed swamps, and dreamscape realms filled with hopes and horrors; yet, along the way, through all their encounters, the sands of the hourglass are ever-shifting, counting down to a nightmarish reality. Now, racing against time and the shadows around them, these strangers must confront the darkest of demons, an aged man obsessed with immortality, and the ultimate horror he has awakened: the legend of the shadow serpentine.

Amidst the celestial battleground of the Western and Eastern Heavens, a young Eastern prince becomes ensnared in a divine conflict, haunted by the ominous shadow of a demonic serpent. As the gods he cherishes endure successive losses, the prince wrestles with the burden of responsibility, stemming from his own perceived cowardice. Upon completing his earthly mission and returning to the Eastern Heaven, he confronts a new conflict within the divine realms. Caught between asserting his own will and adhering to family expectations, the prince must navigate treacherous celestial politics. In a desperate bid to rescue a cherished friend from the escalating conflict, the Western prince makes a harrowing decision: to trade his very soul to the demon. He is prepared to sacrifice everything in the name of the friendship he shares with the other prince.

What choice do you have when allies and enemies become indistinguishable? "In the Shadow of the Black Serpent" is a thrilling adventure that plunges readers into the depths of ancient mysteries and modern dangers. Set in the bustling city of Cairo, the story follows Sarah Miller, a retired detective from England, as her tranquil life is shattered by a series of global incidents marked by the eerie Black Serpent symbol. This symbol, rooted in ancient civilization, leads Sarah from Tokyo to Berlin, and finally to Cairo's enigmatic alleys, where she unravels a conspiracy tied to Egypt's storied past. As she navigates a web of political intrigue and historical riddles, Sarah faces her own fears and the machinations of those who would harness the sinister power of the Black Serpent. With a backdrop rich in Egyptian mythology and pulse-pounding suspense, the novel offers a riveting blend of action and archaeological intrigue. Sarah emerges as a compelling heroine, her sharp intelligence and tenacity propelling her through a journey of personal growth and relentless pursuit of the truth. "In the Shadow of the Black Serpent" captivates fans of mystery and thrillers alike, weaving a tale of the enduring human spirit and a perilous quest that could forever alter history. Join Sarah Miller as she navigates the treacherous waters of a mystery that could change the world as we know it.

**Don't miss the second series of His Dark Materials on BBC One this November.** A brand new short story set in the world of His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust by master storyteller, Philip Pullman. Serpentine is a perfect gift for every Pullman fan, new and old. 'Lyra Silvertongue, you're very welcome . . . Yes, I know your new name. Serafina Pekkala told me everything about your exploits' Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon have left the events of His Dark Materials far behind. In this snapshot of their forever-changed lives they return to the North to visit an old friend, where we will learn that things are not exactly as they seem . . . Illustrated throughout by Tom Duxbury, the perfect re-entry for fans of His Dark Materials and a wonderful companion to The Book of Dust. 'It's a stunning achievement, the universe Pullman has created and continues to build on' New York Times 'Pullman is an easeful storyteller and an intricate and inventive world-builder, and everything he has to write is worth reading' Telegraph

One year on from the day the shadows shifted – showing people their truest selves instead of just their shapes – best friends Teddy, Betsy and Effie plan to risk all and watch the winter sun rise over Copperwell, in defiance of the Shadow Order. But from their hidden vantage point the three shocked friends witness a mysterious woman shouting a dire warning, before being arrested, beaten, and dragged away in handcuffs.The event leads them on an extraordinary series of dangerous adventures to save their city as they begin to learn the truth about the Shadow Order, the world surrounding Copperwell, and themselves.