Midnight Summons and Compulsions

Angel Salvatore, Boston's only necromancer, is dragged from his bed by vampires to deal with Greg Doyle, his brother Isaac's best friend, who's been caught breaking into vampire headquarters. Angel quickly realizes Greg is under a magical compulsion, not acting of his own will. Using his unique death magic, Angel breaks the spell, learning Greg was hired by a mysterious figure named Deuce to steal something, but Greg never knew what. The encounter is tense, with vampires and magic swirling, but Angel's power and reputation keep him in control. The incident hints at a larger plot, and Angel's protective instincts for his brother and friends are clear, even as he's drawn deeper into supernatural politics and danger.

Vampires, Kisses, and Nightmares

Exhausted from the magical ordeal, Angel is cared for by Simeon, an ancient and alluring vampire Elder. Their chemistry is undeniable, and a kiss in the aftermath stirs feelings Angel has long denied. Flashbacks reveal their first meeting: Angel, attacked by fledgling vampires in a club, unleashes his necromantic power, earning the respect—and interest—of Simeon. The city's supernatural undercurrents are treacherous, and Angel's reputation as a necromancer both protects and isolates him. The night ends with a demon crashing into Angel's home, forcing him and Simeon to flee, their fates now entwined by violence, magic, and a growing, dangerous intimacy.

Demon in the Dawn

Angel and Simeon battle a summoned demon in the streets of Boston as dawn approaches. The demon, called by a summoner using Angel's hair, is relentless, but Angel's quick thinking and magical prowess allow him to destroy the summoning circle, banishing the creature as the sun rises. The aftermath is chaos: the street is destroyed, police swarm the scene, and Angel is interrogated by Detective Collins, who harbors a deep grudge against him. The city's magical and mundane authorities are at odds, and Angel is left exhausted, his home in ruins, and his sense of safety shattered. The attack is a clear message—someone powerful wants Angel dead.

Family, Wards, and Warnings

Angel's life is a web of strained relationships and magical responsibilities. His teaching partner Milly scolds him for not keeping her informed, and together they try to piece together who might be targeting Angel. Angel visits his brother Isaac, finding him living in squalor and refusing to use the protective wards Angel set up. Their argument is raw, exposing old wounds from the Blood Wars that decimated their family. Angel's attempts to protect Isaac are met with resentment, but his love is unwavering. The chapter ends with Angel visiting his family's graves, mourning the past and fearing for the future, as the threat against him grows.

Ghosts of the Blood Wars

Angel's day job as a magical instructor is interrupted by the murder of his old mentor, August Remington, whose body is left as a message. The trauma of the Blood Wars resurfaces, and Angel is forced to confront the city's indifference to the deaths of those associated with his family. The murder is a personal blow, and Angel's grief is compounded by guilt and unresolved feelings. The city's supernatural politics are ruthless, and Angel realizes that the past is not as buried as he hoped. The murder investigation is stymied by prejudice and corruption, leaving Angel to seek justice on his own terms.

Lessons, Loss, and Murder

Angel's teaching is disrupted by the discovery of August's body, torn apart by a vampire. The police are quick to suspect Angel, given his necromantic abilities and the city's lingering distrust. Angel's grief is palpable, and his sense of isolation deepens. The murder is a catalyst, forcing Angel to take matters into his own hands. He resolves to use forbidden magic to speak with the dead, risking everything to uncover the truth. The city's magical and mundane authorities are at odds, and Angel's position is precarious, caught between duty, loss, and the need for vengeance.

Raising the Dead

Angel, with Simeon's help, breaks into the city morgue to perform a resurrection ritual on August's corpse. The spell is dangerous and draining, but Angel's determination is unyielding. August's spirit is briefly called back, revealing that an ancient vampire named Deimos is behind the attacks, seeking the secret of Angel's power. The ritual is interrupted, forcing Angel and Simeon to flee with August's body, which Angel cremates in a traditional mourning fire. The act is both a farewell and a declaration of war—Angel will not let his loved ones be used as pawns, and he will stop at nothing to end the threat.

Fog, Fire, and Flight

After the resurrection, Angel and Simeon evade the authorities, using magic and cunning to cover their tracks. They seek refuge in Simeon's suite, where their relationship deepens, and Angel learns more about vampire society and the true nature of the bond forming between them. The city's supernatural politics are treacherous, and Angel's enemies are closing in. The chapter explores themes of trust, vulnerability, and the cost of power, as Angel and Simeon navigate the dangers of love and war. The threat of Deimos looms, and Angel prepares for the inevitable confrontation.

The Master's Test

Angel is summoned to meet Constantine Batiste, the Master of Boston's vampires. The encounter is a test—Batiste attempts to seduce Angel, challenging his loyalty to Simeon. Angel's refusal, and his declaration of intent to love Simeon, solidifies their bond and earns Batiste's respect. The scene is fraught with danger, as vampire politics and personal desires collide. Angel's defiance is both a risk and a statement of identity—he will not be used or controlled. The chapter cements Angel and Simeon's relationship, setting the stage for the final battle against Deimos.

Gala of Shadows

The clan hosts a grand gala to welcome new members, including the enigmatic William Bridgerton. Angel, dressed to kill and at Simeon's side, navigates a web of intrigue, suspicion, and supernatural posturing. The event is a showcase of power, with alliances and rivalries on display. Angel's search for Deimos intensifies, and the presence of Daniel Macavoy—a figure from Angel's past—raises the stakes. The gala is disrupted by violence and betrayal, as old wounds are reopened and the true enemy is revealed. The chapter is a turning point, where personal and political conflicts converge.

Betrayal in the Blood

Daniel, manipulated by Deimos (revealed as Elder Etienne), attacks Angel in a panic, unleashing a demon in the process. Angel's quick thinking and magical mastery allow him to subdue the demon, transforming it into a loyal companion. The truth about Deimos's identity and motives comes to light—he is a traitor who betrayed his own kind and orchestrated the attacks to seize power. The city's supernatural order is shaken, and Angel claims Daniel as his apprentice, offering him protection and a chance at redemption. The chapter is a crucible, forging new alliances and setting the stage for the final confrontation.

The Necromancer's Dance

Angel and Simeon track Deimos to the ruins of the Salvatore family mansion, where Isaac is held captive. The past and present collide as Angel confronts the traumas of the Blood Wars and the loss of his family. Deimos's fledglings attack, but Simeon's strength and Angel's magic prevail. In a desperate gambit, Deimos wounds Angel, leaving him near death. Through the nascent bond with Simeon, Angel draws strength and returns, destroying Deimos in a blaze of hellfire. The battle is both physical and spiritual, a dance of death and love that reclaims Angel's agency and future.

Love in Death's Embrace

With Deimos defeated, Angel rescues Isaac, and the brothers are reunited in the ruins of their childhood home. The victory is bittersweet—loss and trauma linger, but hope is rekindled. Angel and Simeon's bond is solidified, their love a source of strength and renewal. Daniel begins his path to redemption as Angel's apprentice, and the city's supernatural order is restored. The chapter is a meditation on grief, forgiveness, and the power of chosen family. Angel's journey comes full circle, from isolation and fear to connection and love.

New Beginnings

In the aftermath, Angel, Simeon, Isaac, and Daniel build a new life together. The apartment is filled with laughter, love, and the promise of healing. Angel's role as a teacher and protector continues, and his relationship with Simeon deepens, the bond between them now unbreakable. The city remains dangerous, but Angel faces the future with hope and determination. The story ends with a sense of renewal—old wounds are not forgotten, but they are no longer the only story. The necromancer's dance continues, now a dance of life, love, and possibility.

Characters

Angel Salvatore

Angel is the last necromancer of the Salvatore line, marked by trauma from the Blood Wars that destroyed his family. He is fiercely protective of his brother Isaac and those he loves, but struggles with isolation, grief, and the burden of power. Angel's magic is tied to death, making him both feared and needed in Boston's supernatural community. His relationship with Simeon is transformative, teaching him vulnerability and the possibility of love after loss. Angel's journey is one of reclaiming agency, forging chosen family, and learning that strength can coexist with tenderness. His arc is a dance between darkness and hope, ultimately embracing life.

Simeon

Simeon is an Elder vampire, over four centuries old, known for his strength, wisdom, and dry wit. He is both a warrior and a diplomat, navigating the treacherous politics of vampire society with grace. Simeon's attraction to Angel is immediate and profound, evolving into a deep, abiding love. He is patient, respectful of Angel's boundaries, and willing to wait years for trust to grow. Simeon's loyalty is unwavering—he risks everything to protect Angel, even defying his Master. Through Angel, Simeon rediscovers vulnerability and the capacity for joy, his ancient heart awakened by love.

Isaac Salvatore

Isaac is Angel's younger brother, the only other survivor of the Salvatore massacre. Traumatized by loss, Isaac copes through self-destructive behavior, resisting Angel's attempts to protect him. He is powerful but undisciplined, his magic tied to fire. Isaac's relationship with Angel is fraught—resentment and love intermingle, shaped by years of grief and misunderstanding. The events of the story force Isaac to confront his pain and begin healing, especially after his abduction and rescue. Isaac's arc is one of gradual reconciliation, learning to accept help and reclaim agency.

August Remington

August is Angel's former teacher and his father's best friend, a powerful sorcerer broken by the loss of the Salvatore family. His murder is a personal blow to Angel, reigniting old wounds and propelling the plot forward. August's spirit, briefly resurrected, provides crucial information about Deimos and the larger conspiracy. His death is both a loss and a call to arms, reminding Angel of the cost of inaction and the importance of facing the past.

Deimos / Etienne

Deimos, masquerading as Elder Etienne, is the architect of the attacks on Angel. A master manipulator, he betrays his own kind for power, orchestrating murders, compulsion, and the summoning of demons. Deimos's charm masks a ruthless ambition, and his ability to manipulate both humans and vampires makes him a formidable foe. His obsession with Angel's power drives the plot, and his eventual unmasking is a turning point. Deimos embodies the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrosive effects of betrayal.

Daniel Macavoy

Daniel is the son of the Salvatore family's enemies, a young sorcerer manipulated by Deimos into attacking Angel. Traumatized and poorly trained, Daniel's actions are driven by fear and desperation. His arc is one of guilt, confession, and the possibility of forgiveness. Angel's decision to claim Daniel as his apprentice offers a path to healing, breaking the cycle of vengeance and enmity. Daniel represents the collateral damage of old wars and the hope for a different future.

Constantine Batiste

Batiste is the enigmatic and charismatic Master of Boston's vampires. His motivations are complex—he seeks to use Angel's power to secure his clan's dominance, but also respects Angel's autonomy. Batiste's tests and manipulations are dangerous, but ultimately he values loyalty and strength. His interactions with Angel and Simeon reveal the intricacies of vampire politics and the costs of leadership. Batiste is both ally and antagonist, a reminder that power is never simple.

Milly (Dame Mildred Fontaine)

Milly is Angel's teaching partner and confidante, a powerful sorceress with a no-nonsense attitude. She provides emotional support, practical advice, and comic relief, grounding Angel when he is overwhelmed. Milly's loyalty is unwavering, and her presence is a reminder that family can be chosen. She represents wisdom, resilience, and the importance of community in the face of adversity.

Detective Grant Collins

Collins is a police detective with a personal grudge against Angel, rooted in the old rivalries of the Blood Wars. His suspicion and hostility reflect the city's lingering distrust of necromancers and the supernatural. Collins's actions complicate Angel's efforts to seek justice, embodying the dangers of prejudice and the difficulty of overcoming the past.

Eroch (the demon/dragon)

Eroch is a demon summoned to kill Angel, bound by a geas and forced into violence. Through Angel's magic and compassion, Eroch is transformed into a small, loyal dragon, freed from pain and servitude. Eroch's journey mirrors Angel's own—enslaved by the past, but given a chance at a new life. As a familiar, Eroch symbolizes hope, transformation, and the possibility of redemption.

Plot Devices

Death Magic and Necromancy

The story's central device is Angel's unique necromantic power, which allows him to manipulate death, speak with the dead, and heal mortal wounds. This magic is both a source of fear and a tool for justice, blurring the line between life and death. The resurrection of August, the banishing of demons, and the healing of Daniel all hinge on Angel's mastery of death magic. The device is used to explore themes of trauma, agency, and the cost of power, as well as to drive the plot's major confrontations.

Magical Compulsion and Betrayal

The use of magical compulsion—on Greg, Daniel, and others—serves as a plot engine and a symbol of the ways people are used and betrayed. Deimos's ability to manipulate both humans and vampires is central to his villainy, and the breaking of these compulsions is a key act of liberation. The device also highlights the importance of consent, autonomy, and the dangers of unchecked power.

The Bond and Chosen Family

The developing bond between Angel and Simeon is both literal and metaphorical—a magical connection that grants strength, healing, and purpose. The story uses the vampire "Leannán" bond as a device to explore vulnerability, trust, and the possibility of healing after trauma. The formation of a new, chosen family—Angel, Simeon, Isaac, Daniel, Milly, and even Eroch—contrasts with the losses of the past, offering hope and renewal.

Foreshadowing and Narrative Structure

The novel uses foreshadowing—Greg's compulsion, the demon attack, the murder of August—to build suspense and tie together personal and political stakes. The narrative structure alternates between action, investigation, and intimate character moments, allowing the emotional arc to mirror the external plot. The use of flashbacks, dreams, and magical visions deepens the psychological complexity, revealing the scars of the past and the possibilities of the future.

Analysis

The Necromancer's Dance is, at its heart, a tale of survival and transformation. Angel Salvatore's journey from haunted survivor to empowered hero is shaped by loss, grief, and the ever-present threat of violence, but also by the redemptive power of love and chosen family. The novel interrogates the costs of power—how trauma can isolate, how magic can both heal and harm, and how the past is never truly buried. Through the lens of urban fantasy, the story explores themes of prejudice, forgiveness, and the struggle to reclaim agency in a world that fears difference. The romance between Angel and Simeon is not just a subplot but the emotional core, demonstrating that vulnerability is not weakness, and that healing is possible even after unimaginable loss. The book's lessons are clear: strength is found in connection, love is an act of courage, and the dance between life and death is one we all must learn.

Last updated: January 8, 2026