The Book of the Dead - Paperback

This is the tale of Aria, an eighteen-year-old street urchin who survives day-to-day using her charms and street smarts. After stealing a loaf of bread from a baker, she narrowly escapes his wrath by fleeing to the rooftops of the city. There, she inadvertently overhears a conversation between a city guard and the shadow wizard Malachi. As Malachi attempts to flee using a teleport spell, the guard offers him an audience with King Orginald, who might be able to help him.
Intrigued, Malachi agrees, and Aria, familiar with the royal castle from her childhood forays in search of food, decides to follow him. She ends up on a balcony, where she overhears Malachi's conversation with King Orginald. Aria learns about the Book of the Dead and discovers that Malachi has stolen it from the royal treasury.
Revealing her presence, Aria interrupts their conversation and offers her assistance in uncovering the secrets of the book. This marks the beginning of Aria's adventure.