Peter Okeafor

What Burns Below Peter Okeafor

There is not one Earth but 360 earths. Half of the earths reside in a science based universe. The other half populate a magic based universe. These earths have formed a federation and have an assembly in the city of Centralix where they vote on important issues. Each earth has a magistrate who represents their earth in secret. There are many rules, laws and regulations about how things are supposed to be conducted in Centralix and its member earths. This book is not about what is supposed to happen, but what really happens. The magistrate for our science based earth, 136A, is Octavia Scott. She is a master of working the rules in Centralix, but she also has alternative methods of getting things done. Playing outside of the established rules of Centralix can lead to death if discovered. Maxine Silvercrest and Kush Johnson are the emissaries for our earth and look after things for Octavia Scott. Maxine Silvercrest is a healer. She works with two musical pubescent prodigies, Marvin and Cleon Trucelle. Their magical powers will start to emerge when they turn 18. Unfortunately, the Trucelles are at odds with a violent group of young men in their community. Kush Johnson is a warrior and enforcer of all things magic on our earth. He struggles to control his urges to feed. His past is filled with the traumatic loss of loved ones. There are two types of agents: warriors and healers. Violet Morphew is from Earth 104A . Her grueling warrior based training regime has defeated or killed many people before her. Sir Jonathan Graylee, of Earth 180B, is the most powerful magistrate in Centralix. He is the master of the political game in Centralix, but he has enemies. What Burns Below explores the hidden magical world on our earth and the alliances and various forms of subversive activities used to gain power in Centralix.