Whispers of the Past

Spectral Syndicate #1

by Sophea Chan

Forbidden love. Buried secrets. A kingdom's fate hangs in the balance.

Siles, heir to the all-powerful Spectral Syndicate, has his future set. Until he meets Madi. A clever historian with radical ideas, she awakens desires that could destroy everything Siles has been groomed for.

As their passion deepens, they uncover clues about the Syndicate’s shadowy past which could bring the regime crumbling down. Before Madi can reveal what she knows, tragedy strikes, and Siles is stripped of his title and exiled.

With nothing left to lose, Siles must unravel the whispers of the past to regain his honor. Yet lethal forces lurk in the darkness, ready to silence Siles permanently.

The Syndicate will kill to keep their sins buried. Will the forbidden whispers unite Siles and Madi, or will the truths they reveal tear them apart forever?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Ebooks, Fiction

438 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2024

About the author

Shadows and ink stained echoes. Whispers with monsters, dines with villains. Weaving twisted closed-door tales where light dares not linger.

I'm dedicated to bringing you amazing tales pulled from the depths of my wild imagination to take you on a trip you will never forget with a hint of fright.

My own reading interests include dark fantasy, horror, dystopian, romantic subgenres, YA, bizarro, splatterpunk and cozies. And yes, my mind is as eclectic as my moods sometimes!

Though in regards to writing, dark fantasy is my jam—my heart always seem to long for monstrous tales. You may just find both in all my stories!

Reviews

[Taylor Loewe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay to start with, I don’t think the description of this book is 100% accurate. I don’t recall Siles ever having his title stripped and he seems to be in the clear until the very last couple of chapters which something major happens sooo maybe that needs redone.

Also, the relationship never actually felt like it was developing. They were more like coworkers and then they’d discuss a relationship between the 2 of them with others but it never seemed like something that was apparent to the reader. Also, the FMCs boss is originally portrayed as a father figure but then later on there is jealousy? I can normally overlook little inconsistencies but there seem the be several things that maybe the writer originally wrote, changed her mind on but never went back to change in the writing.

What I did like: the conspiracies! The characters, the personalities, the ghost! Omg I love a good plot to uncover what the government is hiding and discover the past truths. I can’t wait for the next book because of this whole reason. I just know it’ll be good. The FMCs whole interest in history really makes it authentic too. Like she really is capable of finding the truth.

I will be reading the rest of this series and definitely look forward to it!

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers of the Past is the third book in the Enchanted Elemental Empires series, but also the first book in the Spectral Syndicate series.
Wasn’t sure how this book was going to shake up since I wasn’t that big a fan of book two, but this book is another mixed bag for me. This novel gives readers a predominately dual POV between Madi, a historian at a museum, and Siles, heir to the Spectral Syndicate.
I hate to say it, but I wasn’t that big of a fan of Madi. I found her outbursts and abrupt mood-changes rather off-putting, especially when you think of someone who works in a museum being a touch more reserved. Add in that she’s a terrible liar, knows it, but will still lie to your face? Yeah, not a fan.
I did on the other hand gravitate more towards Siles and his “shadow” Matteu. These characters engaged me more and kept me riveted to the pages.
This is an overall pretty engaging start to another series while adding to the overall series first mentioned. There is a lot going on in this book, and I’d be curious to see where it goes from here.

[H.M. Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Whispers of the Past
Rating: 🌟⭐️⭐️🌟
Clean read with mild language

Madi is a historian and thirst for understanding. She also begins to see changes in her society that whisper of the potential of a growing threat to the way things are. Her investigation brings her into contact with Siles, the head of the syndicate. Opposite in almost every way, the two forge a partnership to discover exactly what is going on with the council and if their actions pose any real threat to the society Madi and Siles know. But will more come of this partnership? And what of the ERA mandate?

This was a fast-paced read that sparked my interest fairly quickly. I found the MMC to be a bit of a jerk, but I still liked him a lot. The FMC felt like a bit of an idiot to me - she refuses just about all guidance for security and pushes off any directions for safety. But together they kind of work. At the very least they were enjoyable together. What I truly found interesting was the emerging threat of the ERA mandate for powered people. The society turmoil and the tumultuous changes within the capital were fascinating and kept me reading. I wasn’t a fan of the “end” as it seems to break a cardinal writing rule for a POV character, but I am looking forward to seeing what else this series will do with the society we’ve been introduced to.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers of the Past by Sophea Chan is the first book I’m reading by this author. When I read the book blurb it definitely touched on my I love to read intricate and intriguing book button. I read this book fairly quickly I found myself not wanting to put it down. What I absolutely enjoyed was how great the worldbuilding was in this book; I was drawn in from the start needing to know what was going to happen. It was interesting to me that the darkness in the book slowly creeped in through the chapters, hooking you before you realize it. The characters were also done well even though at times both at one point or another got under my skin... Madi for brushing off concerns for safety, I just wanted to shake her and Siles having his jerkish moments. But I will say they did have a special kind of chemistry that I enjoyed reading. I will
mention this is a fade to black book, no spice. Honestly with all the twists and intrigue I didn’t miss it at all. Overall I thought the book was very well done with such an engaging plot that I was flying through pages. I’m looking forward to reading more about this world and the society. I would recommend this book if like me you enjoy a book with great worldbuilding and descriptions.

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like ages since I’ve read a book like this one: big on the worldbuilding, epic fantasy, intriguing storyline and some twists that feel like a serious kick to the heart for a romance reader like myself. I was wondering for a moment if I read it wrong that this book would be dark, since it starts of like a fairytale filled with sunshine and adventure. Still, after a while I noticed the darkness had been creeping in slowly but surely, leaving thoughts of the sun far behind.

Our main characters Madi and Siles have an interesting relationship. I wouldn’t say they start of as friends or enemies; it’s more like two people who don’t understand each other’s way of thinking are pulled together by some unclear force. Their connection is fun from a reader’s view, and I loved watching the push and pull. Just a heads up there are no spicy moments to look forward to. I didn’t miss them, but I know others think differently about fade to black.

I really enjoyed this story. The worldbuilding is done really well, the characters have a certain chemistry together and there is lots of intrigue involved. I’m just not sure how I feel now that the book is ended…

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madi the local historian noticing changes in her town sets out to see if she can uncover what is causing the unrest and what is the power and the story behind the Cartos Compas. Her curiosity about the history and where to find the answers lands her right in the direct attention of Viali Siles, at first Siles thinks Madi is just a thief, as he finds her in his families library with one of his books. However, he comes to see her theories are making sense. As Siles and Madi work together their friendship changes into a forbidden love. They have his mother against them and his cousin. Every where you turn there is someone trying to stop Siles or get to him through Madi. The plot twists in this story has you shocked and as Siles is suddenly stripped of his heritage and he is on the run. The Elemental Registration Act (ERA) is put into force, all those with powers have to be registered (kind of like the Jews had to be) makes you wonder will the ERA shake the foundations of the Ennea Realms. Will the ERA divide those who seek security against those who fear tyranny. The characters in this story are fantastic from Dr. Fletcher, Siles sister Nova and all the mystical creatures you encounter. What will happen next? What will happen to Siles cousin!

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

We meet Madi in the beginning where she is a historian, in a setup that reminds me of the beginning of the first Mummy movie with her being similar to Evie. Right from the beginning we learn that she’s been doing some digging, It becomes obvious that what she’s trying to do is dangerous in their world. This leads her to meeting Silas, which ends up having a major shift in his life as he agrees with her belief and joins her. 

I had a problem really getting into this book. It’s not that it was bad. The characters were very well written and you get a true feel for the world the author has created. It was more fantasy and world building, with many details given that I just kind of glossed over. There’s nothing wrong with that. It just didn’t really capture my attention very well.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers of the Past is the third book in the Enchanted Elemental Empires shared world and the first book in the Spectral Syndicate series! I have only read Flames of Betrayal so far, but I was excited to enter this world again reading a new story by another author. The world building in this book is phenomenal! I felt completely immersed. Siles and Madi are the main characters each with their own intriguing background. After a misunderstanding, they become friends and then more. Things continue to take a turn when Siles finds himself stripped of power and on the run. This book certainly had a ton of interesting twists, and there is still so much more to explore! I look forward to more from this world!

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story and is the third book in a series but can be read as a stand-alone. Though there are a few things that’ll be missed. Madi is the town historian and she’s determined to find out the story behind the Cartos Compas along with understanding the powers which it has. Madi doesn’t always think through the consequences of her actions and ends up being thought of as a thief. Siles is convinced that she’s a thief since he finds her in the library. She continues to share her theories and as they talk he begins to realize that she might be onto something. I did want to hit him a few times. This is an extremely fast paced story which had me on my toes the entire time. It is also fade to black. Overall it was a very enjoyable read.

[Yvette Bostic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished my ARC copy and I loved it!
Madi, the FMC, is quirky and a little naive, but she's also strong and independent. Her curiosity and fearlessness tend to get her into trouble, especially when she stumbles into a political plot that she can't escape from on her own.
Siles, the MMC, is definitely a 'bad boy', but he's not all bad. We get to learn about his many redeeming qualities throughout the book.
The author does an amazing job creating characters I love and characters I absolutely despise! She balances world building and character building perfectly.
I can't wait for the next book!

[Jaide Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a world where only certain people have the ability to speak to and see spirits, the Viali, Siles manages to find himself tangled with feisty and confident Madi. Madi is a history-an, who finds herself looking for answers that could unravel the current world in which they live. As they find out more and more, they become ensnared in trouble and turmoil. Familial relationships become undermined, unexpected alliances and a battle scene that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat.
I couldn’t stop reading this book every chance I got. It was intriguing, and the plot was built up by multiple POVs. I’m excited to read more!
4/5 story 📚
5/5 drama 🎭
4/5 characters 🙍🏻‍♀️🙎🏼‍♂️

[ShadowKissed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madi is our fmc and she is a local historian noticing her town is changing. She wants to uncover the cause. she also wants to solve the myster of the Cartos Compas. On her journey to unravel her mysteries se runs into Viali Siles. Siles thinks Madi is a thief when he finds her in his library. Then he starts to believe her. As their friendship grows it turns into love. everyone is against them. there are lots of twists and turns... Silas has something awful happen to him. he's stripped of his heritage and goes on the run. the ERA is a nifty twist in this book. i absolutley loved this storyACA

[Sue MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it helpful the way the author gave a description in the beginning of how things were going to be described in the book.
Without it, I think I would have been completely lost.
Even then, I still found myself a bit lost at times, but then I got so caught up in the intriguing mind of the main character.
For someone so unassuming, she really was so strong in her beliefs.
The love interest was exactly that.
It was so totally unexpected that you could not help but be interested. Oh, and hot!
But then the way it ends just leaves you completely frustrated.
You know you have to see what happens next!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cool story

This is book 3 in the Enchanted Elemental Empires book, and I was enamored by the first two. This one was just as good! Madi, who is the local historian, starts noticing changes in her town which causes her to research more and find out what is going on. She meets Siles who starts to help her figure out exactly what is going on. They wind up having a strange relationship – neither really understands each other’s thought process, but they keep being pulled together.

The world building in this series is seriously intense, and the main characters have some dynamic chemistry that just bleeds on the pages. I can’t wait to read more about this world and the series.

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers of the Past is the third book in the Enchanted Elemental Empires series and the first book in the Spectral Syndicate series.

This is my first book going into the Enchanted Empires series. I really wasn't sure what to expect. It took me a bit to get into and was a little confused at first, but the more and more I read, I understood it and became more engrossed in this story. Madi and Siles were such a unique pairing and the way they grow throughout the story. The world building was absolutely phenomenal and definitely loved the writing style.. I'm definitely intrigued on what's gonna happen next.

[FluffPandas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, the author builds the world and I felt totally immersed - just in time for Silas world to come crashing down around him after meeting Madi.

This is a story where the plot is gripping and both main characters go in adventure to discover themselves, Silas, despite the fact his entire future had been planned out tries to forge a different path.

The relationship dynamic is great and develops so well across the book - and that ending is worth reading 1000 pages (and there isn't that many)

[Jasmine Voosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Whispers of the Past' by Sophea Chan is the first book in the 'Special Syndicate' Series. It was certainly interesting and different than my usual reads. You have the two main characters who have a certain chemistry, however, that's where the heat stops and the intrigue begins. The book brings you on a journey with wonderfully, descriptive storytelling and universe building. I loved the ride and will definitely be checking out more from this author!

[katy andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly captivating book!

This book follows the story of Madi and Siles, everything seems against them and their forbidden love, the twists and turns of their discoveries and adventures keep you on your toes.

The detail and descriptions Sophea Chan uses to create this world are amazing!

The depth of the characters and the way they evolve is fascinating I genuinely didn't want to put it down, really excited to read the next in the series

Highly recommend

[Haley Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smiles and Madi are the perfect forbidden love trope. And Madi is like a super historian with theories surrounding the Siles’ family. But Siles’ mom and cousin aren’t a big fan of either of them and now they are in a rush against time to figure things out. I definitely didn’t see him getting stripped of his heritage. That was a huge gasping moment for me. Very interesting story that kept me turning the pages for more twists and turns.

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers Of The Past by Sophea Chan. This is a fast paced epic fantasy with romantic elements. There is some amazing world-building in this. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their interactions. There is definately action and suspense that builds in the book. I definitely look forward to seeing where this series goes. It has low heat and no real spicy scenes in the relationship between Madi and Siles. If you enjoy fantasy books with amazing world-building this is a must read!

[Jessica Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author and I was impressed.

Even though this is the third book in the series, I didn't feel like I was dropped into an already moving landscape. Everything wrapped around Madi and got right into step. Madi definitely wanted to be a strong independent woman, even though she should at least heed a little bit of the advice of those around her.

Overall, had a great time reading this. Wasn't excited about the ending of the book, but can't wait for more.

[JackaayReadsallday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. The author did a great job on world building which is something I appreciate in a fantasy. It was easy to read and had my attention pretty much from the very beginning. The FMC is a little quirky, she totally gives me Evie from the mummy vibes, which I love and who doesn’t love a “bad boy” mmc. The chemistry between the two is great even if Siles is a bit of a jerk. I love a good fantasy mystery and I’m really excited to see where the author takes book two.

[SilentHeather · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic adventure of an inquisitive, determined historian followed by her supportive, over protective and sometimes fatherly figure boss. Madi meets a collection of colourful characters that lead her down a path of mystery and political intrigue, inadvertently crossing paths with the son of a powerful family getting herself into all kinds of trouble. But Madi is relentless and admiral in it, she makes a fantastic hero to the story with her own special charm.

[Michael Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well I picked this one up because I know this authors work but this one is missing something. It felt like a Mummy rip off you know the one with Brendan Fraiser? This book was long as fuck but to me all I kept seeing was Evie and waiting on the mummy to make an apperance so I could be like dont open the fucking book. Well other than that I am ready to see what happens next. I like her YD books alot better more sex and better storylines is my honest opinion. This genre just isnt for her.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read! I was pulled right into Siles and Madi’s story from the first page. I loved the push and pull between these two characters, they’re both complex and likable. The world building is terrific and the plot twists keep you guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed every page and can’t wait for the next book!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas has his future all set out and things are looking good until he meets her. This meeting will change his future beyond what he expects it to be and he will fall in law with he. Others will try to prevent him going away from his path. What is going to happen? Will their relationship work? How will it all go? See how it will all goes

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book took me a while to get into, it turned out to be a very interesting story. With plot twists that kept me reading and over time the characters grew on me.

The ending shocked me and I am hoping there is a second book that will explain what happens next. Because can't leave us on a cliff hanger like that! I need more lol

[Kelly Castillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siles and Madi

We continue to see more happening in this world through all of the stories by the various authors. I feel like this book did a lot more of that world building than the others so far. We have separate characters that are still connected to the world. You can definitely see the writing difference between the authors as you read them. Overall, great read and waiting on the next.

[Lisa Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madi

Madi is the town historian and she's on a mission to find it what's been going in. Along the way her disregard for safety issues makes Siles believe that she's a thief. Now they'll have to work together so she can prove him wrong.
This book is good and I enjoyed reading Madi's story.

[Elitta Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siles is an heir to the Spectral Syndicate. Madi is a historian trying to discover what is going on around her. Desires start to arise between Siles and Madi. Silas has his title removed and exiled. He must recover the whispers of the past to get his life back. The Syndicate will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. Will they be able to survive?