Plot Summary
Ghosts of the Fells
In the Fells, Cettie's memory lingers as a ghost among the poor and desperate. Adam Creigh, now running a hospital for all, sees her face in every suffering child. Cettie herself, far from her old life, is trapped in a poisoner school, trained in deadly arts by her cold, assassin father. She's torn between the skills forced upon her and the memories of love and belonging she once knew. The Myriad Ones—dark spirits—whisper within her, threatening to consume her will. Her longing for home and regret for her choices are constant, but escape seems impossible. The world is at war, and Cettie is a pawn in a game she never chose, her heart aching for the life and love she lost.
Poisoner's Daughter Chosen
Cettie's father, the kishion, returns with a new assignment: she must hijack a tempest sky ship, the Rage, and bond with a kishion of her own. The bond will deepen her power but also her vulnerability, forcing intimacy and shared thoughts. Cettie dreads the loss of control, but compliance is her only hope for survival. She learns her partner is Rand Patchett, a figure from her past, now transformed into a kishion. Their mission is shrouded in secrecy, and Cettie's every move is watched. The poisoner school is a gilded prison, and even friendships are tinged with suspicion. Cettie's internal struggle between resistance and submission to her captors' will is a battle for her very soul.
The Tempest Heist
Disguised and under constant threat, Cettie and Rand infiltrate the Arsine warehouse to steal the tempest. The operation is a test of loyalty, with deadly consequences for failure. The warehouse is a trap, and violence erupts as they fight their way to the sky ship. Cettie's powers—both physical and magical—are pushed to their limits. The mission's true purpose remains hidden, and the lines between ally and enemy blur. The heist is successful, but not without cost: Cettie is forced to confront her own capacity for violence and the chilling realization that her captors' manipulations run deeper than she imagined.
Shadows in Genevar
After the heist, Cettie and Rand—posing as siblings—hide in the opulent Hotel Vecchio. The hotel is a nest of spies and poisoners, and trust is a rare commodity. Cettie's bond with Rand grows complicated, as the kystrel magic links their emotions and thoughts. She senses something is wrong: Rand is not who he seems. The hotel's luxury is a mask for deadly intrigue, and Cettie's every action is shadowed by the threat of betrayal. When the truth is finally revealed, it shatters her last illusions and forces her to flee, hunted by those who once called her ally.
Sera's Reckoning
Empress Sera, burdened by war and loss, faces a reckoning with her past and her council. Lord Welles, once a trusted advisor, is exposed for hypocrisy and treachery. Sera's resolve is tested as she must mete out justice, balancing mercy and the demands of her position. The court is a web of secrets, and Sera's own mother is revealed as a traitor. The cost of power is isolation, and Sera's only solace is her commitment to integrity and the hope of reuniting with her lost husband, Trevon. The empire teeters on the edge, and Sera must decide what kind of ruler she will be.
Treachery at the Table
In a chilling act of betrayal, Sera's mother conspires with Lady Corinne to poison her during a private dinner. Sera is rendered helpless, her trusted maid replaced by a poisoner in disguise. She is abducted and imprisoned, stripped of her power and agency. The walls close in as Sera realizes the depth of the conspiracy against her. Her faith in the Mysteries is her only anchor as she faces torture and manipulation. The empress, once the most powerful woman in the world, is now a pawn in a game of vengeance and ambition.
Prisoner in the Dark
Imprisoned in a filthy lockroom, Sera is subjected to psychological and physical torment by her captors. The poisoners seek to break her will, using her friends and her own pain as leverage. Sera's only hope lies in her unyielding faith and the faint hope that her allies will find her. The darkness is both literal and metaphorical, as Sera confronts her deepest fears and the possibility of her own destruction. The suffering of the children around her deepens her resolve to fight for justice, even as her own strength wanes.
The Empress Abducted
As Sera is moved from one prison to another, Cettie's journey brings her closer to her old friend. Both women are caught in webs of deception, their identities used as weapons by their enemies. Cettie's escape from the poisoner school is aided by mysterious allies, and she is forced to make a choice: forget her past and live in peace, or accept the burdens of memory and become an Oath Maiden. The decision is agonizing, but Cettie chooses to remember, embracing her pain and her duty. The two friends' destinies are now linked by prophecy and sacrifice.
The Hotel's Deceptions
In the Hotel Vecchio, Cettie discovers that her kishion partner is not Rand but Will Russell, a master of disguise and manipulation. The revelation is devastating, as Cettie realizes she has been used as a tool in a plot to overthrow the empire. Will's confession, extracted under duress, exposes the depth of the poisoners' schemes: Sera is to be replaced, and Cettie herself is the intended vessel for the Myriad Ones' queen. Betrayed and hunted, Cettie flees with the help of a mysterious old man and his grandson, guided by the whispers of the Mysteries.
The Truth Unveiled
Cettie's flight leads her to a grove that serves as a gateway between worlds. There, she meets Owen and Maderos, ancient guardians who help her reclaim her memories and accept her role as an Oath Maiden. The truth of her parentage and her unique power to cross worlds is revealed. Meanwhile, Sera's captivity deepens, and the full extent of the poisoners' plot comes to light. Joanna Patchett, another imposter, is unmasked, and the lines between friend and foe are redrawn. The stage is set for a final confrontation that will determine the fate of both worlds.
Escape and Pursuit
With the help of her new allies, Cettie escapes the poisoner school and reunites with the Fitzroys. Together, they race to rescue Sera and confront the remaining poisoners. The empire is in chaos, with Lord Welles leading an insurrection and Montpensier's fleet threatening Lockhaven. Cettie's powers as an Oath Maiden are tested as she battles her father and the Myriad Ones. Sera, freed from captivity, must reclaim her throne and rally her people. The friends' courage and sacrifice inspire those around them, but the cost is high, and the outcome uncertain.
The Grove's Passage
Guided by Owen and Maderos, Cettie passes through the grove's portal, returning to her world with renewed purpose. She is given a choice: forget her pain and live in peace, or accept her memories and become a champion of the Mysteries. Choosing the harder path, Cettie is transformed, her powers amplified by the Dryad's kiss. She learns the truth of her birth and her role as a bridge between worlds. The journey is both physical and spiritual, as Cettie embraces her destiny and prepares for the final battle against the forces that seek to destroy all she loves.
Oath Maiden's Choice
As an Oath Maiden, Cettie is bound by sacred vows that grant her extraordinary power but demand unwavering integrity. She confronts her father, the kishion, in a battle that tests her resolve and her faith. The fight is brutal, but Cettie's commitment to her oaths and her love for her found family give her the strength to prevail. The victory is bittersweet, as she must let go of the past and accept the burdens of leadership. Her transformation is complete: no longer a pawn, Cettie is now a protector and a force for justice.
The Poisoner School Falls
With the poisoner school in ruins and its leaders defeated, Cettie and her allies rescue the prisoners and free Trevon, Sera's husband. The empire's enemies are scattered, but the threat of the Myriad Ones remains. The cost of victory is high, with many lives lost and wounds that may never fully heal. Cettie's actions earn her both gratitude and suspicion, and she must face judgment for her past. The fall of the poisoner school marks the end of an era, but the struggle for peace and justice is far from over.
The Fells' Forgotten Children
Sera's ordeal in the Fells opens her eyes to the suffering of the poor and the forgotten. She vows to end the exploitation of children and the cycle of poverty that feeds the empire's darkness. Her reforms are radical, challenging the entrenched power of the elite and the ministries. Sera's leadership is forged in suffering, and her commitment to justice inspires those around her. The empress's reign is marked by both mercy and strength, as she seeks to heal the wounds of the past and build a better future for all.
The Queen of the Unborn
Sera and Cettie are brought to Cruix Abbey, where the kishion and poisoners seek to unleash Ereshkigal, the Queen of the Unborn. The battle is both physical and spiritual, as Sera must decide whether to release the ancient evil or risk the destruction of all she loves. Guided by the wisdom of Sinia and the guardians of the Mysteries, Sera chooses to trust in the Knowing and accept the burden of leadership. The release of Ereshkigal is both a tragedy and a necessity, setting the stage for a new era of struggle and hope.
The Judgment of Cruix
The aftermath of the battle at Cruix Abbey brings both loss and renewal. Sera's faith is tested, but her courage and compassion prevail. Cettie is finally adopted into the Fitzroy family, her past sins forgiven. The mirror gates between worlds are closed, and the survivors must build a new future from the ruins of the old. Sera and Trevon choose love over power, and Cettie finds peace and purpose with Adam. The lessons of suffering and sacrifice are woven into the fabric of the new empire, as the friends look to the future with hope.
The Broken Veil
The veil between worlds is broken, and the consequences are profound. The empire is transformed by the courage and sacrifice of its heroes. Sera's reign ushers in an era of justice and compassion, while Cettie's journey from orphan to Oath Maiden inspires all who know her. The wounds of the past are not forgotten, but they are redeemed by love and forgiveness. The story ends with a vision of hope: a world where the lessons of suffering have become the foundation for a better tomorrow, and where the bonds of friendship and family endure beyond the veil.
Characters
Cettie Pratt (Fitzroy)
Cettie is the heart of the story—a girl born in poverty, adopted into privilege, and then torn away by the machinations of her true parents, the poisoners. Her journey is one of trauma, resilience, and transformation. Trained as a poisoner and branded as a hetaera, Cettie is forced to confront the darkness within and around her. Her relationships—with Adam, Sera, and the Fitzroys—are marked by longing, regret, and deep love. Psychologically, Cettie is defined by her struggle with guilt and her yearning for belonging. Her acceptance of the Oath Maiden's path is both a sacrifice and a redemption, as she chooses memory and pain over oblivion, and becomes a champion for justice and hope.
Sera Fitzempress
Sera is the empress whose reign is forged in suffering. Betrayed by those closest to her, including her own mother, Sera's journey is one of endurance and moral clarity. Her relationship with Cettie is a lifeline, and her love for Trevon is both a source of strength and sorrow. Sera's psychoanalysis reveals a woman who is both vulnerable and unbreakable, shaped by loss but unwilling to yield to despair. Her reforms are driven by compassion, and her willingness to face the Queen of the Unborn marks her as a true leader. Sera's arc is one of transformation from isolated power to empathetic stewardship.
Adam Creigh
Adam is the embodiment of compassion and integrity. His love for Cettie is unwavering, even as she is lost to darkness and returns changed. As a doctor in the Fells, Adam bridges the worlds of privilege and poverty, treating all who come to him. His psychoanalysis reveals a man who is both gentle and strong, willing to risk everything for those he loves. Adam's relationship with Cettie is marked by patience and forgiveness, and his presence grounds her in hope. His work to solve the cholera epidemic is a metaphor for his role in healing the wounds of the world.
Trevon Argentine
Trevon is Sera's lost love, a prince imprisoned and used as a pawn in the war between worlds. His relationship with Sera is central to both their arcs, representing the possibility of unity and reconciliation. Trevon's psychoanalysis reveals a man shaped by loss and longing, but also by a deep sense of duty. His willingness to sacrifice his crown for love is a testament to his character. Trevon's return is bittersweet, as he and Sera must choose between personal happiness and the greater good.
Lady Corinne (Christina Towers)
Lady Corinne is the architect of much of the story's suffering—a woman whose ambition and pain drive her to betray her own child and empire. Her relationship with Cettie is fraught with manipulation and regret. Psychologically, Corinne is a study in the corrosive effects of power and trauma. Her ultimate fate is a warning about the cost of vengeance and the possibility of redemption, even for the most lost.
Jevin Toussan
Jevin is the poisoner school's enigmatic teacher, a figure who oscillates between kindness and cruelty. His true allegiance is to the Myriad Ones, and his manipulation of Cettie is both personal and symbolic. Jevin's psychoanalysis reveals a man consumed by bitterness and a need for control. His downfall is a direct result of his inability to love or trust, and his role as the accuser is both literal and metaphorical.
Will Russell
Will is a master of disguise, taking on the identity of Rand Patchett and betraying those who trust him. His motivations are rooted in resentment and a desire for revenge. Will's psychoanalysis reveals a man broken by loss and consumed by envy. His relationship with Cettie is a twisted mirror of what could have been, and his end is a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-deception and hatred.
Joanna Patchett (Imposter)
Joanna is a poisoner trained to infiltrate and betray. Her relationship with Sera is built on lies, but her eventual remorse hints at the possibility of change. Joanna's psychoanalysis reveals a woman shaped by poverty and longing, whose choices are both her own and the product of a cruel system. Her fate is a reminder of the human cost of manipulation and the power of forgiveness.
Owen Kiskaddon
Owen is a figure of wisdom and strength, guiding Cettie through the grove and helping her reclaim her destiny. His relationship with Cettie is paternal, filling the void left by her lost father. Owen's psychoanalysis reveals a man who has suffered and learned, whose presence is a source of comfort and direction. He represents the possibility of redemption and the enduring power of love.
Maderos (Myrddin)
Maderos is a mystical figure who offers Cettie the choice that defines her arc. His role is that of a guide and a catalyst, pushing the characters toward growth and transformation. Maderos's psychoanalysis is that of a being who exists beyond time, whose wisdom is both comforting and challenging. He embodies the Mysteries and the hope that suffering can be redeemed.
Plot Devices
Dual Worlds and Mirror Gates
The narrative structure hinges on the existence of two interconnected worlds—Comoros and Kingfountain—linked by mirror gates and, later, a broken veil. This device allows for exploration of identity, belonging, and the consequences of crossing boundaries. The mirror gates symbolize both opportunity and danger, and their destruction marks a turning point in the story. The dual worlds also serve as a metaphor for the characters' internal divisions and the possibility of reconciliation.
The Kystrel and Myriad Ones
The kystrel is a magical amulet that grants power but also opens the wearer to manipulation by the Myriad Ones—malevolent spirits. This device explores themes of agency, addiction, and the cost of power. The kystrel's ability to link minds and emotions is both a blessing and a curse, and its destruction is a moment of liberation for Cettie. The Myriad Ones represent the darkness within and the external forces that seek to corrupt and control.
Oath Maiden and Sacred Vows
The Oath Maiden is a narrative device that grants Cettie extraordinary abilities in exchange for strict adherence to sacred vows. This structure allows for exploration of integrity, temptation, and the meaning of true strength. The choice to become an Oath Maiden is a crucible moment, and the consequences of breaking or keeping the oaths drive much of the plot's tension. The device also serves as a counterpoint to the poisoners' path, highlighting the difference between power used for self and power used for others.
Foreshadowing and Prophecy
The story is rich with foreshadowing, from Cettie's early visions to the prophecies of Sinia and the Dryad's kiss. These devices create a sense of inevitability and tension, as characters struggle to fulfill or defy their fates. The use of prophecy also raises questions about free will and the possibility of change, as characters must choose whether to accept or resist the roles assigned to them.
Redemption and Forgiveness
The plot is structured around cycles of betrayal, suffering, and eventual forgiveness. Characters are repeatedly given opportunities to atone for their mistakes and to extend mercy to others. The legal trial at the end serves as both a literal and symbolic judgment, offering closure and the possibility of new beginnings. The device of forgiveness is central to the story's emotional arc, transforming pain into hope.
Analysis
Broken Veil is a sweeping tale of trauma, resilience, and redemption, set against the backdrop of two worlds on the brink of destruction. At its core, the novel is about the cost of power and the possibility of healing. Through the intertwined journeys of Cettie and Sera, Jeff Wheeler explores the ways in which suffering can be transformed into compassion, and how the bonds of friendship and family can endure even the deepest betrayals. The story's use of magical devices—mirror gates, kystrels, and oaths—serves as a metaphor for the choices we make and the consequences that follow. The narrative structure, with its dual worlds and shifting perspectives, mirrors the characters' internal struggles and the broader themes of reconciliation and unity. Ultimately, Broken Veil is a meditation on the nature of forgiveness: the courage to face our past, the humility to accept our flaws, and the hope that, through love and sacrifice, we can build a better future. The novel's message is clear: true strength lies not in domination, but in the willingness to serve, to heal, and to forgive.
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