Dan Howell is a timid boy, who always does as he is told. He was once friends with Phil Lester, the 'bad influence' who soon ditches Dan for the popular group in Year 7. After five years of not talking to each other, they're partnered in a project and Phil's wants to win Dan over just like he has with most of their year. But yet, Dan is determined to find out what Phil is hiding behind his arrogant mask.

Jesse O'Connor is a young Irish Nova Scotian carrying on the tradition of her sailing fleet. On her maiden voyage to prove her skills, she's sent to Alagaesia! (If you've read the whole series, I think you know the mastermind... But if you haven't then this will be a very vague clue as to Solembum's prophecies.) Watch as she gets herself inexplicably involved in the conflict between the Empire and the Varden, and see if she decides to go or stay.