Summary

The Prologue opens in Idris in 2007, with warlock Magnus Bane arriving at the home of warlock Ragnor Fell. Idris is the base for Shadowhunters, a group of angel-blessed fighters charged with keeping the human world safe from demons and rogue Downworlders (creatures, including warlocks, werewolves, faeries, and vampires). Magnus discovers Ragnor's house is wrecked and he is depressed, a situation that occurs occasionally because warlocks are long-lived creatures and are often solitary in nature. Ragnor says a Prince of Hell named Sammael wants Ragnor to find a realm suitable for amassing magic and followers to take over the world. Ragnor's plan is to fake his own death and disappear. Magnus is looking for the Book of the White and Ragnor tells him where it is hidden. Magnus suggests hiding places and pledging to help, but Ragnor leaves.

Part I is titled New...