A fresh voice, Sawat Chadda has written a tough street story capturing the violence that is out there in most cities. Fifteen year old Billi is facing the last test before she follows her father into the Order. Once through this test, there is only the initiation. But the test is far more horrible than she had imagined and after that, it’ll be a life of violence as she fights to protect the masses from the Unholy. Billi has to choose what she really wants out of life in a harsh and violent world.
Fifteen-year-old Billi SanGreal never meant to make history. Dragged at the age of ten into the modern-day Knights Templar by her father, the Grandmaster, Billi's the first girl ever to be a Templar warrior. Her life is a rigorous and brutal round of weapons' practice, demon killing and occult lore - and a lot of bruises. But then temptation is placed in Billi's path - an alternative to her isolated life. But temptation brings consequences. In this case - the tenth plague - the death of all first borns and so Billi must choose her destiny. And as she soon discovers, death isn't even the worst.
Sarwat Chadda is an exciting new author to the Puffin list. He was the winner of the SCWBI 'Undiscovered Voices' new writers' competition in 2008 with an early draft of Devil's Kiss. He was brought up a Muslim and is married to a vicar's daughter – his writing reflects both these elements. Sarwat lives in London.