Holly is a rebellious teenager from Gravesend, Kent, who grows into a resilient woman surviving an increasingly unstable world. During her childhood, she hears strange voices known as the Radio People and exhibits dormant psychic abilities. She leaves home searching for independence, unknowingly stepping into a hidden war between supernatural factions.

A brilliant doctor who helps a young Holly Sykes suppress the mysterious voices in her head. Marinus belongs to a group of Atemporals known as the Horologists, beings whose souls transfer to new bodies upon death. Operating across centuries and various identities, Marinus works to protect humanity from predatory supernatural forces.

An amoral, fiercely ambitious student who resents his lack of inherited wealth compared to his aristocratic peers. He uses his charm to manipulate and defraud those around him, seeking material gain above all else. His sociopathic tendencies make him a prime recruit for an exclusive, predatory society known as the Anchorites.

A solitary teenager who dreams of traveling Europe, eventually becoming an award-winning war correspondent. He covers unstable conflicts in the Middle East, developing an addiction to the adrenaline of his dangerous profession. His dedication to journalism frequently creates tension with his domestic responsibilities.

A once-celebrated English novelist whose career is in a slow decline. Arrogant, insecure, and prone to vindictive behavior, he frequently sabotages his own professional and personal life. Over time, his encounters with the supernatural and his growing friendship with Holly force him to confront his own selfishness.

An ancient woman who strikes a confusing bargain with a teenage Holly Sykes by the River Thames. She belongs to the Horologists, possessing deep knowledge of the ongoing supernatural war. She relies on Holly's memories as a form of sanctuary.

A sinister, immortal figure who targets individuals with high psychic potential. She operates within the Anchorites, a predatory sect that sustains its long life by consuming the energy of others.

Holly's highly eccentric younger brother who speaks in strange, prophetic ways. He possesses an unusual understanding of hidden dangers, warning his sister about a force he calls The Dusk.

The daughter of Holly and Ed, who grows up dealing with her father's frequent absences. She studies archaeology and maintains a close relationship with her mother throughout her life.

A critic and aspiring novelist whose scathing review of Crispin Hershey's book sparks a bitter feud. His life is derailed when he becomes the target of a vicious, life-altering prank at a Colombian literary festival.

A smooth-talking car salesman whose affair with his teenage girlfriend's best friend sets the plot in motion. He represents the small-town life Holly is desperate to escape.

An old acquaintance from New Zealand who introduces Hugo to the possibility of immortality. He acts as an intermediary for a powerful, secretive sect.

An intense, enigmatic young woman who repeatedly tracks down Crispin Hershey. She insists he must use his literary platform to warn the world about hidden supernatural threats.

The ancient founder of the Anchorites, a sect that cheats death by stealing energy from others. He recruits selfish, ambitious individuals to maintain his group's power.

Holly's teenage granddaughter, living in a precarious, futuristic Ireland. She represents the fragile future Holly desperately tries to protect as society collapses around them.

A refugee boy who washed ashore in Ireland and was adopted by Holly. He requires regular insulin to survive, making him particularly vulnerable during global supply chain failures.

A young, idealistic Socialist postgraduate student preparing for the miners' strike. His political discussions mask the extreme danger closing in on his rural home.

A passionate postgraduate student who shares her home and political theories with a runaway Holly. Her quiet morning is interrupted by a terrifying supernatural attack.

A successful Spanish publisher who helps manage Holly's literary career. She becomes romantically involved with Crispin Hershey, balancing his erratic behavior with her own professional stability.

A wealthy but naive young man who inherits a prized Aston Martin. He relies on his supposed friend Hugo for financial advice, completely unaware he is being actively conned.

Holly's former best friend whose betrayal causes a permanent rift.

Holly's strict mother, whose slapping of her daughter triggers Holly's decision to run away. She is protective but lacks the communication skills to reach her rebellious child.

A retired physicist and loyal neighbor to Holly during the societal collapse in Ireland. She helps gather supplies and defend their property from aggressive militias.

A geneticist and Aoife's partner. He brings scientific curiosity and warmth to their family dynamic.