Brimstone by Callie Hart Summary, Characters and Themes

Brimstone by Callie Hart is a dark, supernatural fantasy that introduces a thrilling world filled with vampires, Fae, and gods. The story follows Saeris, a woman who is caught in a complex web of political intrigue, mystical powers, and personal sacrifices.

As Saeris navigates the dangerous and unpredictable world of the Black Palace and the Blood Court, she must confront her destiny, take control of her newfound powers, and battle enemies both external and internal. The novel explores themes of love, power, betrayal, and sacrifice, leading the reader through an intense, action-packed adventure. It’s the 2nd book in the Fae & Alchemy series.

Summary

Brimstone begins with Kingfisher, a skilled warrior, patrolling the Black Palace of Ammontraíeth. He is on alert for any threats and quickly tracks down a vampire lurking near Saeris’s chambers.

After confronting and killing the vampire, Kingfisher receives a cryptic warning from the creature about Saeris’s fate. Despite this, he dismisses the threat, confident that Saeris is safe.

His attention is drawn to Onyx, a small fox who has managed to cross the perilous Omnamerrin mountains and reach the palace with the help of Carrion Swift. However, Onyx is being chased by a horde of undead feeders.

Kingfisher, with Carrion by his side, rushes to save the fox, engaging in a fierce battle with the feeders to protect Onyx.

Once they return to the palace, they find Saeris anxiously awaiting Onyx’s return. After successfully healing the fox, Saeris prepares for her coronation, where she must claim the throne of the vampires to put an end to the bloodshed.

However, her coronation is challenged by the Lords of Midnight, who demand that she prove herself by feeding from Kingfisher. When Saeris feeds from him, the hall erupts in approval, solidifying her claim to the throne.

As Saeris is crowned, Ereth, a high-ranking lord, attempts to assassinate her during the ceremony. Kingfisher reacts quickly, killing Ereth and sending a clear message to those who would oppose Saeris.

Saeris then asserts her authority over the court, enacting strict laws to ensure her safety and the safety of her allies. Following the ceremony, Saeris must navigate the complex political landscape, including the search for Foley, an old friend whose alchemical knowledge could be crucial to their survival.

In a separate conflict, Kingfisher and his companions face an unexpected threat when eight feeders approach their camp at the riverbank. These feeders are unlike any they have encountered before, as they feed on magic and resist traditional methods of killing.

After a grueling battle, the camp suffers heavy casualties, and they discover that the feeders are connected to a growing threat involving Saeris’s powers and the spreading “rot” caused by Madra.

As Saeris’s powers escalate, she finds herself confronted with the Keeper of Silence, a powerful Hazrax, who reveals that it has made a deal with the vampire king Malcolm. This deal grants the Hazrax the right to stay in the palace, and in return, Malcolm received one favor per year.

The Hazrax’s presence is linked to the growing unrest in the realm, and Saeris realizes she must confront the creature to protect her people and her future.

Saeris’s journey takes her to Cahlish, where she begins to come to terms with her relationship with Kingfisher. They are drawn closer together as they confront their fears and desires, though the threat of Belikon, a powerful enemy, looms large.

Saeris must learn to harness her immense magic and control the power that courses through her veins. As tensions rise, Kingfisher and Saeris find themselves battling Belikon and his forces, culminating in a dramatic confrontation where Saeris demonstrates her strength by using her magic to defy Belikon’s will.

After narrowly escaping Belikon’s wrath, Saeris and her companions embark on a dangerous journey to find a way to stop the spreading rot and defeat their enemies once and for all. Along the way, they encounter new allies, such as Elroy, who reveals important information about the quicksilver and its connection to Saeris.

As Saeris’s powers continue to grow, she faces an even greater challenge: entering the black pool of brimstone to retrieve a powerful artifact that could change the course of the war.

In a desperate bid to save her people and stop Belikon’s relentless pursuit, Saeris risks everything to use her magic to undo death itself. This act of sacrifice brings Onyx back to life, but it also leaves Saeris drained and vulnerable.

As she and Kingfisher attempt to flee, they are confronted by Orious, a servant of Belikon, who seeks to take them captive. Saeris and Kingfisher fight back, but the battle is not over, and the threat of Belikon’s return looms large.

In the final confrontation, Saeris faces the difficult choice of whether to submit to Belikon’s demands or risk everything to protect the ones she loves. She refuses to bow to his will and instead uses her newfound power to defy him.

With the help of Kingfisher and her allies, Saeris takes control of her destiny and breaks free from the chains that have bound her. As the story concludes, Saeris and Kingfisher are reunited, their bond stronger than ever, but the challenges they face are far from over.

The road ahead is uncertain, and the battle for the future of their world is just beginning.

Through the course of the novel, Brimstone explores themes of power, sacrifice, loyalty, and the complex relationships that define both the characters and the world they inhabit. Saeris’s transformation from a vulnerable woman to a powerful ruler is central to the plot, as she learns to control her magic and navigate the treacherous politics of the vampire court.

Alongside her journey is her deepening connection with Kingfisher, whose past and power are intricately tied to her own. Their relationship, built on trust and mutual respect, becomes a key element in their survival as they confront the dark forces threatening their world.

Characters

Kingfisher

Kingfisher is a character marked by both quiet strength and an intense sense of loyalty. As a skilled warrior, he navigates the dark and dangerous world of Ammontraíeth with a remarkable sense of vigilance and precision.

His role as a protector is demonstrated throughout the book, particularly in his relentless determination to safeguard Saeris, his mate, even when faced with overwhelming odds. Kingfisher’s bond with Saeris goes beyond that of mere companionship—he is her shield, sacrificing his limited magical energy to heal Onyx, her fox, and always prioritizing her safety and happiness.

His fierce dedication to Saeris and the emotions he harbors for her, while often concealed behind a stoic demeanor, are core aspects of his character. Kingfisher’s capacity for action is not just in combat; he is strategic and intuitive, especially when confronted with threats to Saeris or the stability of their world.

Despite his skills, Kingfisher is not invulnerable, and his vulnerability surfaces in moments of self-doubt and the burden of his commitment to Saeris, especially when faced with Belikon’s threats. He is also fiercely independent, as seen in his reluctance to adhere to traditional Fae customs, particularly regarding marriage, showing his deep, personal connection to Saeris transcends any formalities.

His devotion to Saeris culminates in moments of sacrifice and selflessness, cementing his status as a protector and partner who is willing to endure great personal cost for her well-being.

Saeris

Saeris is a complex protagonist who navigates her transformation from human to a powerful hybrid with a mix of grace, fear, and determination. Her character arc revolves around her acceptance of power and her role as a ruler, juxtaposed against the personal connections she holds dear, especially with Kingfisher.

Saeris’s initial reluctance to fully embrace her powers gives way to a more assertive stance as she learns to wield her newfound abilities, particularly in moments of intense crisis. Her transformation into a Fae-vampire hybrid brings with it challenges both physical and emotional.

While Saeris is strong-willed and capable, her vulnerability often shows through in her interactions with Kingfisher, revealing a softer side that seeks both love and protection. Her relationship with Kingfisher plays a pivotal role in her growth—through their shared moments of intimacy, challenges, and sacrifices, Saeris learns not only to navigate the intricate politics of the Blood Court but also to balance her identity with the expectations placed upon her as a ruler.

Throughout the book, Saeris struggles with her sense of belonging, often questioning her place within the complex world of vampires, Fae, and gods. Yet, her determination to claim the throne of Sanasroth shows her resilience and her willingness to do whatever it takes to prevent further bloodshed.

As a ruler, Saeris learns to command authority with a blend of compassion and decisiveness, ensuring that those around her respect her power while still protecting those she loves.

Carrion Swift

Carrion Swift is a character defined by his transformation and the secrets he carries. Initially appearing as a secondary figure, Carrion’s true nature is gradually revealed, adding depth to his character.

His transformation from a seemingly unremarkable figure into a being of Fae origin represents a significant internal conflict. His loyalty to Saeris is unquestionable, but it is also complicated by his struggles with his identity and newfound powers.

Carrion’s interactions with Kingfisher demonstrate a dynamic of both camaraderie and tension, particularly when his reckless actions sometimes clash with the more calculated decisions made by Kingfisher. Carrion’s growth is portrayed through his emotional journey, especially as he navigates his place in the world post-transformation.

His initial appearance as someone who hides behind glamours gives way to a rawer, more vulnerable version of himself as he begins to understand his new role. Although Carrion can be impulsive and occasionally overzealous, his determination and courage in battle prove his worth.

His unflagging loyalty to Saeris is a central trait, and his internal struggle with his Fae nature, especially in terms of his relationship with others, adds a layer of complexity to his character. Despite his shortcomings, Carrion ultimately proves himself to be a valuable ally in Saeris’s fight to protect her kingdom and those she loves.

Taladaius

Taladaius, Saeris’s maker, plays a significant role in shaping her destiny, not only as a mentor but as a political figure within the vampire court. As someone who is deeply enmeshed in the power structures of the Blood Court, Taladaius has a measured and pragmatic approach to the challenges Saeris faces.

His position as second-in-command in the palace lends him significant influence, but it also places him in a delicate position between Saeris and the other factions that seek to undermine her rule. While Taladaius is powerful and resourceful, his true nature is revealed to be one of strategic self-interest—he serves his own goals while maintaining a façade of loyalty to Saeris.

His interventions in moments of conflict, such as when he uses forbidden blood magic to dispatch Ereth’s supporters, reveal a ruthless side to his character that is willing to use any means necessary to protect the stability of the court and the vampire hierarchy. While Taladaius is clearly not beyond manipulation or conflict, his loyalty to Saeris remains unbroken, though it is based on mutual necessity rather than genuine affection.

His knowledge of the court’s dynamics and his ability to navigate dangerous political waters make him a vital, albeit morally ambiguous, ally to Saeris.

Lorreth

Lorreth is a character whose true nature is intertwined with both loyalty and a sense of pragmatic detachment. Though he is part of Saeris’s inner circle, Lorreth is often a voice of reason and caution, especially when it comes to reckless actions that might jeopardize the group’s safety.

His presence in the narrative serves as a counterbalance to the more impulsive actions of characters like Carrion and Kingfisher, offering perspective when emotions run high. Lorreth is also a highly skilled and knowledgeable figure, with expertise in both strategy and combat.

His practicality and often stern demeanor make him a stabilizing force in moments of crisis, particularly when Saeris’s emotions or decisions threaten to lead her down a dangerous path. Despite his somewhat detached exterior, Lorreth’s dedication to the group and Saeris’s cause is unwavering.

He plays a crucial role in helping the group navigate the more perilous challenges they face, using his strategic mind to guide their actions. While Lorreth’s emotional connection to Saeris is not as pronounced as that of Kingfisher or Carrion, his loyalty and contributions to her success cannot be understated.

Onyx

Onyx, Saeris’s small fox, plays an unexpected yet vital role in the story. While Onyx’s presence might seem trivial at first, his actions and the sacrifices he endures add emotional weight to the narrative.

His journey across the dangerous Omnamerrin mountains and his race to reach Saeris exemplify loyalty and perseverance, qualities that mirror the loyalty of those around Saeris. Onyx’s bond with Saeris is not just that of a pet but that of a companion who shares in her trials and tribulations.

His injury and the subsequent healing by Kingfisher highlight the deep emotional investment Saeris has in those she loves. Onyx’s death and revival are pivotal moments, emphasizing the themes of sacrifice, love, and the lengths to which Saeris will go to protect her loved ones.

The impact of his death reverberates throughout the narrative, serving as a reminder of the stakes involved in the ongoing battle between Saeris and the forces that seek to destroy her world. Onyx’s spirit, lingering near Saeris even after death, symbolizes the enduring bond between her and those who have given everything for her.

Themes

Power and Control

In Brimstone, power and control are recurring themes that drive much of the conflict and character dynamics. Saeris, the protagonist, ascends to a position of immense power by claiming the throne of the Blood Court, a seat that has traditionally been reserved for vampires.

This acquisition of power is not only political but deeply personal, as it transforms her into a being who straddles the line between the human and the supernatural. The theme of power is reflected in Saeris’s transformation into a Fae-vampire hybrid, which gives her the ability to command and influence the court but also exposes her to the vulnerabilities that come with her hybrid nature.

The vampires in the court see her as an outsider, challenging the established norms, and her power is questioned at every turn. When Saeris is forced to feed from Kingfisher as part of her coronation, it symbolizes the precarious balance between authority and submission, illustrating that power, even at its zenith, often demands a sacrifice or a form of subjugation.

Similarly, the power struggle with Belikon, who attempts to control Saeris through threats and manipulation, reveals how control over individuals and resources is an integral aspect of survival and dominance in this brutal world. The constant clash between Saeris’s growing power and the forces that seek to either control or destroy her illustrates the internal and external battles that accompany the pursuit of power, particularly for those who rise to it under extraordinary circumstances.

Sacrifice and Loyalty

Sacrifice plays a pivotal role in the story of Brimstone, with multiple characters making choices that reflect their dedication to one another. Kingfisher’s sacrifice of his healing magic to save Onyx, Saeris’s fox, is a powerful moment that highlights the theme of loyalty and the willingness to give up something precious for the well-being of others.

Kingfisher, a seasoned warrior who has learned to wield god-swords and control shadows, is not a man known for displaying weakness or vulnerability. Yet, his willingness to use his limited healing power for Onyx underscores his deep commitment to Saeris and her world.

Saeris, in turn, demonstrates loyalty to Kingfisher when she refuses to sacrifice him, even under the most dire of circumstances, and instead chooses to fight for their future together. Their relationship, built on mutual trust and sacrifice, contrasts with the more manipulative alliances seen with other characters, such as Belikon, who seeks control over Saeris for his own ends.

The loyalty between Saeris and Kingfisher also extends beyond the personal realm to a broader sense of duty to protect those around them, even when it means risking their lives or enduring emotional pain. This recurring motif of sacrifice reveals the complexity of loyalty in a world where allegiances shift, and the consequences of betrayal are often fatal.

Identity and Transformation

The theme of identity and transformation is central to Brimstone, with several characters undergoing significant changes throughout the narrative. Saeris’s transformation from a human to a Fae-vampire hybrid symbolizes her evolving identity and the loss of her former self.

As she steps into her new role as queen, she is forced to reconcile the conflicting parts of her identity: the human she once was and the powerful, supernatural being she has become. This duality is further complicated by the expectations placed on her as the ruler of the Blood Court and the challenges of navigating her newfound strength while still grappling with her humanity.

In contrast, Kingfisher’s identity is shaped by his past and his role as a protector. His internal transformation is subtle yet significant, as he begins to confront the possibility of vulnerability and emotional connection, particularly with Saeris.

The idea of identity is also explored through the concept of true names—each character’s true name holds immense power, and understanding or revealing these names is tied to control and freedom. Saeris’s discovery of Kingfisher’s true name is a pivotal moment that shifts the power dynamic between them, symbolizing not just a revelation of secrets but also a deeper connection that transcends the physical and emotional barriers they once faced.

The exploration of identity in Brimstone underscores the notion that transformation, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is a constant process influenced by external forces, personal choices, and the relationships that define one’s place in the world.

Death and Immortality

Death and immortality are profound themes that resonate throughout Brimstone, particularly in the context of Saeris’s struggle with her mortality and the consequences of her newfound existence. Saeris, as a Fae-vampire hybrid, is forced to confront her altered lifespan, which is not entirely human nor entirely immortal.

This conflict between life and death is explored through her interactions with death, both personal and symbolic. The death of Onyx, her loyal fox, is a key turning point, one that pushes Saeris to explore the boundaries of life itself as she uses her immense power to attempt the impossible: undoing death.

The lengths to which Saeris goes to revive Onyx demonstrate her desperation to protect those she loves and her unwillingness to accept the finality of death, even when it seems insurmountable. The repeated confrontation with death, whether in the form of her enemies or the loss of allies, emphasizes the transience of life and the cost of immortality.

Kingfisher, too, faces the concept of death as he struggles to break free from his own bonds, particularly in his imprisonment within the cursed dryad tree. This represents a broader thematic exploration of how characters deal with the consequences of immortality, the cyclical nature of life and death, and the human desire to challenge or escape the inevitability of both.

Brimstone ultimately portrays death not as an end but as an ongoing force that shapes the decisions and actions of its characters, often propelling them into desperate acts that blur the line between life and the afterlife.