Where Magic Meets Purpose
Whispers of the Valley, the debut novel of the Phoenix Series published by Daastan, is a captivating fantasy adventure written by Maria Maqsood Ch. It is a richly layered tale of courage, friendship, and self-discovery.
In her recent interview with Daastan, Maria opened up about her journey from a curious, story-loving child to a first-time published author, sharing how a decade of healing, teaching, and quietly carrying worlds inside her finally found its voice on the page.
Maria Maqsood: The Author
Maria Maqsood Ch. is a doctor, physiotherapist, and storyteller in her late twenties, based in Sheikhupura, Pakistan. By day, she helps patients regain strength and movement in her clinic and teaches English communication skills to those who once struggled to find their voice, much like she once did.
About her lifelong calling as a storyteller, she shared:
“I am a doctor and physiotherapist by profession, but at heart, I have always been a storyteller.”
Long before she put pen to paper, Maria was a quietly observant child who found entire worlds between the pages of books and never stopped narrating stories to her family.
Her greatest inspiration came from her mentor, Ali S. Ch., a Captain and businessman whose tales of adventure across the globe ignited in her a desire to create the same sense of wonder and connection through her own writing. It took her more than a decade, but that inner fire never went out.
Beyond her professional life, Maria’s favorite moments are the quiet ones: a book in a coffee shop, a conversation with a loved one, or watching an idea slowly grow into something bigger than herself.
She shared something really meaningful:
“My journey has taught me that healing is not limited to the body. Sometimes healing comes through a conversation. Sometimes through a story. Sometimes through finding the courage to speak when your voice has been silent for too long.”
Currently, she is working on Book 2 of her Phoenix Series, a story born from her fascination with transformation, courage, and the extraordinary light that can emerge from life’s darkest moments. Like the Whispers of the Valley (Phoenix series).
Whispers of the Valley: The Best Adventure Novel
Maria Maqsood shared an overview of her adventure novel “Whispers of the Valley:”
Whispers of the Valley ( Phoenix Series) is the story of Naael, Anna, and their companions, whose lives change when they enter Phantusia, a mysterious academy hidden deep within an enchanted valley.
Unlike ordinary schools, here in Phantusia, students learn courage, resilience, wisdom, and compassion not from textbooks alone, but from the choices they make and the obstacles they overcome.
Naael, the protective and cautious one, would do anything to keep those he loves safe. Anna, adventurous and endlessly curious, is always ready to embrace the unknown. Together with their companions, whose friendship, humor, and unique personalities bring Phantusia to life, they embark on a journey filled with wonder, secrets, and discoveries that will shape their futures.
Yet beneath the beauty of the valley lies a greater purpose. For generations, Phantusia has prepared its students for the coming of the Fearless One: the one destined to stand against St’ana, a dark force whose shadow threatens everything the valley holds dear.
As ancient mysteries begin to unfold, Naael discovers that some battles cannot be avoided, some truths cannot remain hidden, and some sacrifices may be greater than he ever imagined.
But beyond the prophecy, beyond the secrets of Phantusia, and beyond the battle against St’ana, one question remains:
Will Naael be able to save the people he loves most?
Phoenix is a story of friendship, courage, and sacrifice, and of growing up, facing the unknown, and discovering that sometimes the greatest challenge is not defeating darkness but protecting the light that matters most.
The Inspiration of Maria Maqsood Behind “Whispers of the Valley”
When asked about the inspiration behind Whispers of the Valley, Maria responded:
“People often struggle not because they lack information, but because they need wisdom, confidence, purpose, and belief in themselves. Stories had a unique way of teaching courage, kindness, resilience, and hope without feeling like lessons. I wanted to create a world where these lessons could be explored in a meaningful and memorable way.
That desire became Phantusia.
Phantusia is more than a hidden academy in a magical valley. It represents the idea that life itself is a classroom. Every challenge teaches us something. Every friendship shapes us. Every fear invites us to grow.
At its heart, Whispers of the Valley ( Phoenix series ) is not just a story about magic, prophecies, or defeating darkness. It is a story about becoming and becoming brave when you are afraid. Becoming hopeful when circumstances seem impossible. Becoming the person you were meant to be.”
The Role of Daastan as a Book Publisher
Whispers of the Valley is published by Daastan, one of Pakistan’s top publishing houses. Daastan supports writers from across Pakistan and around the world.
You can purchase a copy of this adventure novel from MeraQissa, Daastan’s online bookstore, where readers can discover and buy books by a wide range of authors.
Maria Maqsood’s Experience in her Own Words
“I was connected to Daastan Publishers by Sir Ali of Amal Academy, and that is how Daastan Publishers became my companion in my journey as an author, especially during the moments when the path ahead seemed unclear.
The publishing world felt overwhelming. What made the difference was having a team that genuinely believed in my work and was willing to guide me through each step of the process.
One of the greatest sources of support was Sir Ommer. He believed in my story when it existed as little more than a single scene and an idea. Whenever I encountered a problem, uncertainty, or obstacle, he approached it with patience and a solution-oriented mindset.
Daastan made the publishing journey smoother by providing guidance, clarity, and support throughout the process. Whether it was addressing technical concerns, answering questions, offering direction, or helping me navigate unfamiliar aspects of publishing, the team ensured that I never felt alone in the journey.”
Key Takeaways Of Whispers of the Valley
According to Maria Maqsood:
Whispers of the Valley (Phoenix Series) is more than a fantasy adventure; it is a story designed for readers who often feel unseen, unheard, or quietly overwhelmed by the world around them.
Naael mirrors those who are introverted, shy, or silently carrying the weight of fear. Yet within him lies something far greater: purpose, courage, and the desire to protect what matters most. His story is a reminder that being quiet does not mean being weak, and being cautious does not mean being incapable.
Anna represents the part of us that wishes to break free, speak without fear, and live fully even when uncertainty exists. Together, they reflect the balance many readers are searching for within themselves.
Through friendship, adventure, laughter, and the living world of Phantusia, the story reminds readers that growth does not require perfection, only willingness.
The Phoenix Series is a must-read because it doesn’t just entertain, it understands. It meets readers where they are and slowly guides them toward courage, connection, and self-belief.
Maria Maqsood’s Message for her Readers
Maria said to every reader who finds their way into Whispers of the Valley ( Phoenix series) and Phantusia, I want to say this:
“If you see yourself in Naael, know this: your overthinking is not your weakness. Your caution, silence, and depth are forms of care and awareness the world often overlooks but deeply needs. If you see yourself in Anna, know this: your curiosity, voice, energy, and desire to explore are not “too much”, they are light in motion.”
My message to you is simple: don’t be afraid of becoming.
