Badlands Summary, Characters and Themes | Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Badlands by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is a suspenseful thriller that immerses readers in the vast and desolate desert landscapes of New Mexico.  Combining elements of archaeology, crime, and mystery, it presents a gripping tale of an FBI investigation intertwined with ancient cultural enigmas.

The story uncovers secrets buried beneath the sun-scorched earth, where human remains are discovered, leading to the unraveling of a chilling mystery involving a woman’s death and connections to ancient rituals.  Through careful forensic analysis and a search for truth, the characters navigate an intense and perilous journey to uncover what really happened in the unforgiving desert.

Summary

The story of Badlands unfolds across two distinct yet interconnected narratives.  The first follows a woman who is lost in the desert.

She struggles against the brutal heat, her mind spiraling into confusion as she fights to survive.  As she wanders, her thoughts flash back to moments of her recent past, including burning money and destroying her phone.

She eventually succumbs to the desert’s heat, her body collapsing in the wasteland, where it is left to decompose under the scorching sun.

The second storyline introduces a film crew working on an indie Western movie in the same desert.  Cinematographer Alex Bondi is preparing to fly a drone for aerial shots when the crew makes an unexpected discovery.

The drone captures a human skeleton in the vast, arid landscape, accompanied by pieces of discarded clothing, including a running shoe and a shirt.  The crew members, unsure of what they’ve found, debate the next steps, with director Luke Desjardin pushing for the scene to be filmed.

They are caught between the eerie realization that they have stumbled upon a body, and the grim fascination that fuels their desire to film the remains.

The FBI is soon brought into the investigation.  Special Agent Corrie Swanson and her partner, Supervisory Agent Sharp, arrive at the scene where the body was found.

After examining the remains, Swanson notes that the bones show signs of animal disturbance, suggesting the woman’s body had been left to rot for some time.  The clothing found at the site is mass-produced and inexpensive, indicating that the woman may have been trying to hide her identity.

Among the peculiar items discovered at the scene are two small, green pebbles.  These stones are identified as ancient lightning stones, known to have been used in shamanistic ceremonies by the Ancestral Puebloans, a people who once inhabited the area.

Swanson suspects these stones could hold the key to solving the mystery of the woman’s identity and death.

The investigation intensifies as Swanson delves into the use of modern forensic tools, including a 3D facial reconstruction of the woman’s skull.  The reconstruction reveals a woman in her thirties, with blonde hair and good dental health, which raises more questions about who she might be.

The woman’s clothing appears to be cheap, which further suggests she was deliberately trying to obscure her identity.  Swanson runs a search through missing persons databases to find a match, beginning with the information gleaned from the facial reconstruction.

As the investigation progresses, Swanson uncovers an additional clue: an ancient Folsom point spearhead at the scene, although it doesn’t seem to have been used as a weapon.  The focus shifts back to the lightning stones, as they continue to appear significant.

Using advanced AI tools, Swanson refines her search, narrowing down thousands of possible missing persons to a manageable number.  With the help of the AI, Swanson feels closer than ever to solving the case.

Meanwhile, Swanson reflects on her growing independence as an FBI agent.  Under the mentorship of Sharp, she has gained confidence and is beginning to take more leadership in the case.

Her mentor encourages her to continue driving the investigation forward, recognizing that she is ready to take on more responsibility in her career.

As the investigation deepens, it becomes clear that the mystery surrounding the woman’s death is not easily solved.  The combination of ancient artifacts, the eerie desert setting, and the victim’s suspicious actions all suggest something far darker at play.

But just as they are closing in on an answer, Swanson and Sharp must confront the chilling possibility that the woman’s death might be connected to something far older and more dangerous than they originally imagined.

The twist comes when it’s revealed that the woman found in the desert is connected to a larger mystery involving ancient rituals and possibly a sinister figure from the past.  The mystery of the Gallina people, an ancient tribe with dark spiritual practices, is introduced as a key factor in the investigation.

The connection between the ancient artifacts and the body found in the desert becomes clearer, as Swanson and her team begin to understand the full scope of the case.

As the investigation moves toward a resolution, the tension builds, leaving the characters to grapple with the significance of the findings.  The conclusion sees Swanson closer than ever to identifying the woman, but not without further uncovering disturbing truths about the desert’s past and the dark forces that may still be at work in the present day.

With the case nearing its conclusion, Swanson’s journey of personal growth and professional achievement intersects with the chilling realization that some mysteries are far from ordinary.  The fate of the woman in the desert is far from a simple crime scene, and the investigation opens doors to secrets that may never fully be understood.

Characters

Nora Kelly

Nora Kelly is a skilled and determined archaeologist with a deep passion for uncovering ancient mysteries.  Throughout Badlands, she is portrayed as an insightful, intelligent character who is driven by the pursuit of truth.

Her role in the investigation is crucial as she pieces together clues relating to ancient cultures, particularly the Gallina tribe, and their potential involvement in modern-day deaths.  Nora’s expertise in archaeology and her ability to connect the dots between the past and present make her a compelling figure.

Her discovery of the Chaco Phenomenon and the ancient, ritualistic practices connected to the Gallina people reflects her sharp mind and willingness to venture into uncharted territories.  Despite facing immense danger, Nora remains focused on solving the mystery, displaying a tenacity that drives the narrative forward.

Her connection with her brother, Skip, and her partnership with FBI agent Corrie Swanson provide both emotional depth and the strength needed to confront the dark forces at play.

Corrie Swanson

Corrie Swanson is a key figure in the investigation into the mysterious deaths in the desert.  As an FBI agent, she brings a pragmatic approach to the case, combining her knowledge of forensics with a keen sense of intuition.

Corrie is characterized by her growing independence and determination to solve the case, marking a significant evolution in her career as she steps into a more autonomous role.  Her partnership with Nora Kelly is essential to the unfolding mystery, as the two women complement each other’s skills—Nora with her archaeological knowledge and Corrie with her law enforcement expertise.

Corrie’s investigative process is methodical, as she sifts through forensic evidence and uses advanced tools like AI to narrow down potential leads.  She is observant and quick to notice key details, such as the green lightning stones, which become crucial pieces of evidence in the case.

Her journey throughout Badlands reflects both professional growth and personal transformation, as she navigates the complexities of the investigation while confronting her own fears and uncertainties.

Skip Kelly

Skip Kelly, Nora’s brother, is introduced as a skeptic who embarks on a journey that leads him into the heart of a dangerous cult.  Initially drawn to the cult’s mystique and the allure of forbidden knowledge, Skip quickly finds himself ensnared in a life-threatening situation.

His character arc reveals a transformation from naive curiosity to the desperate realization of the true horrors he is facing.  Skip’s involvement in the cult, and his eventual entrapment during its darkest ritual, showcases his vulnerability and internal struggle.

His relationship with Nora is central to his character development, as her determination to rescue him from the cult’s clutches reflects the deep familial bond they share.  Despite his initial skepticism towards the supernatural elements of the story, Skip’s experiences force him to confront the terrifying reality of the cult’s power and the ancient forces at play.

His role in the narrative serves as both a catalyst for Nora’s actions and a grounding force that ties the personal stakes of the story to its larger supernatural themes.

Carlos Oskarbi

Carlos Oskarbi is a professor whose obsession with ancient spiritual practices and occult rituals plays a pivotal role in the unfolding mystery.  His character is initially shrouded in mystery, as his controversial teachings and involvement with dark rituals lead to the deaths of multiple individuals.

Oskarbi’s fascination with the Gallina culture and its ancient practices creates a dangerous link between the past and present, leading his disciples—like the cult led by Dr.  Morgan Bromley—into an abyss of supernatural power.

As the narrative unfolds, Oskarbi’s dark spiritual journey becomes a key focus, with his quest for ultimate knowledge and power leading to the creation of a deadly cult.  Oskarbi’s manipulation of his followers, including the belief that they could unlock dark forces, reflects his twisted vision and the consequences of his obsession.

His character serves as both a mentor and a villain, driving the narrative toward a tragic climax.

Dr. Morgan Bromley

Dr. Morgan Bromley is the successor to Carlos Oskarbi and becomes the leader of the cult after Oskarbi’s death.

Charismatic and ruthless, Bromley continues the dark spiritual practices established by Oskarbi, including drug-induced rituals and sacrifices aimed at summoning a powerful, otherworldly entity.  Bromley’s belief in the cult’s mission to unlock dark powers through ritual sacrifices makes him a dangerous and manipulative figure.

His leadership over the cult demonstrates his deep commitment to the malevolent goals of the group, even as it leads to horrific consequences.  Bromley’s control over his followers and his willingness to use them as pawns in his quest for power make him an antagonist driven by an insatiable hunger for ultimate control.

His eventual downfall, caused by his own hubris and the uncontrollable power he sought to harness, is a tragic end to his character arc.  Bromley embodies the dangerous allure of forbidden knowledge and the disastrous consequences of seeking power without regard for human life.

Edison Nash

Edison Nash is a private collector of Native American artifacts, whose obsession with rare and powerful items plays a crucial role in the investigation.  His character is defined by his knowledge of ancient cultures and his controversial methods of acquiring valuable artifacts, which draw the attention of both Nora and Corrie.

Nash’s involvement in the case comes when he reveals his possession of prasiolite lightning stones, similar to those found at the crime scenes.  His insights into the cultural significance of these stones offer valuable context to the investigation.

However, Nash’s obsession with collecting and his willingness to acquire items through dubious means make him a morally ambiguous figure.  He provides a window into the intersection of ancient rituals and modern greed, showing how the pursuit of power can lead individuals to cross ethical boundaries.

Despite his valuable contributions to the case, Nash’s personal motivations and actions ultimately make him a character whose role in the investigation is as complex as the mystery itself.

Luke Desjardin

Luke Desjardin is the director of an indie Western film crew, whose discovery of the body in the desert sets off the chain of events in Badlands.  His character is defined by his determination to turn every aspect of his film production into a captivating story, even when it involves uncovering a human corpse.

Desjardin’s decision to film the remains of the dead body, despite the ethical objections of some of his crew members, highlights his pragmatic and somewhat detached approach to the situation.  While his focus on the film’s success may seem callous to some, it serves as a critique of the entertainment industry’s tendency to exploit tragedy for profit.

Desjardin’s actions reflect the moral ambiguity that often accompanies the pursuit of fame and recognition, setting up a contrast with the more empathetic characters in the narrative.  His role in the story is crucial in setting the stage for the investigation, though his lack of concern for the human cost of the discovery makes him a morally gray figure.

Themes

Rituals and Sacrifice

The theme of rituals and sacrifice plays a central role in the narrative, driving much of the intrigue and danger the characters face.  This theme is explored through both ancient practices and modern-day cult activities.

The rituals surrounding the Gallina people and the Chaco Phenomenon are linked to death, human sacrifice, and the invocation of dark spiritual forces.  The women found dead in the desert and their connection to ancient rituals suggest a deliberate pattern of ritualistic acts, where victims are either chosen or manipulated to take part in these sacrificial rites.

As Nora and Corrie uncover more details about the Gallina people, they learn that their ancestors may have practiced human sacrifice to appease or communicate with spiritual beings.  In the present day, the cult led by Dr. Carlos Oskarbi and later by Dr. Morgan Bromley continues this twisted legacy, performing ceremonies to summon a supernatural entity called Xuçtúhla.

The dark and dangerous allure of power through these rituals is explored in the way the cultists, including Bromley, believe that their acts of sacrifice will grant them ultimate strength and transcendence.  This obsession with the spiritual power derived from death highlights the theme of how belief systems, both ancient and modern, can twist human actions, pushing individuals to commit horrific acts in the name of a higher purpose.

Identity and Concealment

The theme of identity and concealment is intricately woven into the story, primarily through the mystery surrounding the victim found in the desert and the cultural contexts that shape the investigation.  The victim’s deliberate actions—stripping off her clothes, discarding personal items, and dying in a remote, harsh environment—speak to a sense of intentionality and perhaps an attempt to conceal or sever connections to her past.

As Special Agent Swanson delves deeper into the investigation, the evidence of the victim’s attempt to hide her identity becomes more apparent.  The use of cheap, mass-produced clothing further suggests a conscious effort to obscure her true self.

The mystery surrounding the victim’s identity becomes a central puzzle, compelling the characters to uncover not only her name but also the reasons behind her choices.  Additionally, the presence of ancient artifacts, such as the lightning stones, hints at a deeper connection between the victim’s identity and the ancient, ritualistic practices of the Gallina people.

The investigation gradually uncovers clues that point to a complex and troubled past, involving academia, ancient cultures, and possibly even the victim’s personal disillusionment with modern life.  The concealment of her identity is not just physical but psychological, reflecting a deeper desire to escape or bury her past, possibly tied to her research into the Gallina and their practices.

This theme speaks to the broader human struggle with self-perception, secrecy, and the lengths individuals might go to protect or hide their true selves.

The Supernatural vs. The Rational

A key theme throughout the narrative is the tension between the supernatural and rational explanations for the events unfolding in the story.  As the investigation progresses, characters like Nora and Corrie find themselves confronted with increasingly bizarre and inexplicable occurrences that suggest a supernatural dimension to the deaths and rituals.

The idea of ancient spiritual powers, curses, and dark entities becomes more pronounced, particularly with the discovery of the cult’s practices aimed at summoning Xuçtúhla, an otherworldly entity.  The supernatural elements, including the haunting presence of the entity and the disturbing visions experienced by the characters, challenge the logical and scientific frameworks the characters are used to.

Nora’s background in archaeology and her skepticism of spiritual beliefs are tested as she uncovers evidence that points to a deeper, more esoteric truth.  Meanwhile, Corrie, as an FBI agent, is trained to follow logical and evidence-based approaches to solve crimes.

The conflict between their rational investigations and the supernatural aspects of the case highlights the broader theme of how human beings grapple with forces beyond their control or understanding.  In the end, while some of the events may be explained away by science, the characters’ experiences suggest that there are forces at play that cannot be easily dismissed, forcing them to confront their own beliefs about the world and the nature of reality.

Corruption and Obsession with Power

The theme of corruption and the obsessive pursuit of power runs throughout the narrative, primarily seen in the character of Dr.  Carlos Oskarbi and his successor, Dr. Morgan Bromley.  Oskarbi’s academic success and his descent into darker, occult practices reveal the dangerous consequences of unchecked ambition and the corruption of intellectual curiosity.

His fascination with the Gallina and their rituals is not just a quest for knowledge but a hunger for power, as he seeks to harness ancient spiritual forces for personal gain.  Oskarbi’s teachings and manipulations of his students and followers demonstrate how the pursuit of power can corrupt individuals, driving them to dangerous extremes.

Bromley, inheriting Oskarbi’s obsession, continues his predecessor’s work and even amplifies it, leading to the formation of a deadly cult.  The cult’s aim to summon Xuçtúhla and the sacrifice of innocent lives to achieve this goal reveals the destructive nature of this obsession with power.

The characters who fall under the influence of Oskarbi and Bromley—particularly the cult members—are victims of this corruption, as their desire for spiritual transcendence blinds them to the horrors they are committing.  The theme emphasizes how the thirst for power, whether spiritual, intellectual, or personal, can twist human nature, leading individuals to exploit others and sacrifice their morals in pursuit of their desires.

Psychological Trauma and Survival

The psychological trauma experienced by the characters is another prominent theme, particularly in the aftermath of the horrific events they endure.  For characters like Nora, Skip, and Corrie, survival is not just about physical escape from danger but about coming to terms with the emotional and mental scars left by the terrifying experiences they faced.

The cult’s rituals, the supernatural events, and the knowledge of their own brush with death leave lasting marks on their psyche.  Even as they return to their everyday lives, they are haunted by the memories of what they witnessed and endured.

Nora’s determination to save her brother, Skip’s physical and mental ordeal, and Corrie’s growing sense of independence as an FBI agent reflect the ways in which each character processes their trauma and attempts to find meaning or closure.  The theme of survival in this context is not just about overcoming the immediate threats but about the long-term impact of facing such extreme circumstances.

The psychological toll of these events lingers, affecting their relationships and their sense of self.  The narrative portrays the resilience of the characters, showing how they struggle to reconcile the darkness they encountered with their desire to move forward, but it also highlights the difficulty of truly escaping such profound trauma.

The lingering effect of these events speaks to the inescapable nature of psychological wounds and the way survival does not always equate to healing.