Dive into the electrifying world of the Templar Chronicles by Sarwat Chadda, where ancient mythology collides with modern-day mayhem! This urban fantasy series follows Billi SanGreal, a teenage girl thrust into the shadowy ranks of the Knights Templar, battling supernatural horrors while grappling with her own identity. With heart-pounding action, complex characters, and a savage blend of duty and defiance, it’s a must-read for fans of dark, thrilling tales.
Unlike typical fantasy heroines, Billi is a reluctant warrior, torn between her destiny and her desire for a normal life. Her journey through London’s gritty streets, facing demons, werewolves, and ancient evils, will keep you glued to the pages. Ready to explore a world where honor and heartbreak go hand in hand? Let’s uncover the magic of the Templar Chronicles!
How the Templar Chronicles Began
Sarwat Chadda, a London-born author with a passion for mythology, crafted the Templar Chronicles inspired by his love for the Crusades and his multicultural background. Raised Muslim and married to a vicar’s daughter, Chadda infused the series with diverse perspectives, creating a unique heroine in Billi SanGreal. His travels across Mongolia, India, and beyond shaped the series’ vivid, gritty world, first launched with The Templar’s Daughter (originally Devil’s Kiss in 2009), re-released in 2020 with expanded content.
Chadda’s vision was to reimagine the Knights Templar as a modern secret society fighting supernatural threats. His engineering background gave way to storytelling after winning the 2007 ‘Undiscovered Voices’ competition, landing a deal with Puffin. The result? A series that blends historical lore with contemporary edge, perfect for readers craving something bold and fresh.
The Heart of the Templar Chronicles
The series kicks off with The Templar’s Daughter, where 15-year-old Billi, the only female Templar, faces her brutal initiation and battles the Angel of Death, Michael. In The Templar’s Witch (originally Dark Goddess), Billi confronts Baba Yaga and a werewolf pack, wrestling with grief and romance. The Templar’s Curse (2021) sees an 18-year-old Billi, now a seasoned warrior, facing an ancient Middle Eastern evil that threatens everything she loves. Each book ramps up the stakes, blending Russian lore, Arthurian legend, and Islamic perspectives.
Themes of duty, sacrifice, and identity weave through the series, set against a dark, urban London where catacombs and secret rivers hide Templar lairs. Chadda’s style is relentless—think vivid action scenes, gallows humor, and tragic romance. Billi’s evolution from a resentful teen to a fierce, conflicted hero anchors the narrative, making her a standout in YA fantasy.
The series’ mythology, drawing from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim folklore, feels both ancient and modern. Whether it’s battling fallen angels or navigating love triangles with Ivan Romanov and the enigmatic Kay, Billi’s story is as emotional as it is thrilling, appealing to fans of Cassandra Clare and Laini Taylor.
Why the Templar Chronicles Resonates
The Templar Chronicles stands out in urban fantasy for its fearless exploration of faith, diversity, and moral ambiguity. Billi, a Muslim-background heroine in a Christian order, challenges stereotypes, offering representation that’s rare in YA. Fans praise the series for its tight pacing, rich world-building, and Billi’s raw, relatable struggles, with some calling it a ‘devastatingly affecting’ read.
Though not a household name, the series has a cult following, with readers hooked on its intense action and Billi’s iron-willed heart. Chadda’s ability to blend horror, humor, and spirituality keeps the Chronicles alive, inspiring those who love dark, character-driven stories. Its re-release with new content proves its enduring appeal, inviting new readers to discover its magic.
- Publication Years: 2009–2021 (re-released 2020–2021)
- Number of Books: 3
- Genre: Urban Fantasy, YA
Grab The Templar’s Daughter and plunge into the Templar Chronicles’ dark, thrilling world! Join Billi SanGreal’s fight against the Unholy and discover why this series is a hidden gem in urban fantasy.