What Wakes the Bells Summary, Characters and Themes
What Wakes the Bells by Elle Tesch is a dark, mystical story set in the city of Vaiwyn, where a powerful and dangerous entity known as the Bane threatens to destroy everything. The protagonist, Mina Strauss, is a Bell Keeper tasked with preventing the tolling of the Vesper Bells, which could awaken the Bane from its ancient slumber.
However, after a catastrophic event sets the bells ringing and unleashes the Bane, Mina finds herself facing both personal and supernatural battles. As she struggles with her family’s expectations, her own guilt, and the growing influence of the Bane, she must navigate a city on the brink of destruction. The novel blends emotional depth, mysticism, and intense action, exploring themes of family, duty, and sacrifice.
Summary
Mina Strauss, a Bell Keeper in the city of Vaiwyn, is burdened with the responsibility of ensuring that the Vesper Bells do not toll for the thirteenth time, a signal that would awaken the Bane, a malevolent and powerful entity. This duty, passed down through generations, is a central part of Mina’s identity, yet she finds herself questioning her role and the significance of her family’s ancient legacy.
Mina’s mother, Imogen, disapproves of her daughter’s involvement with the bells, further straining their relationship.
One evening, as Mina oversees the bell Arbutus, a bell that has become increasingly difficult to manage, disaster strikes. In an attempt to prevent the bell from tolling, Mina severs the clapper, only to discover that a second clapper mysteriously appears.
Despite her best efforts, the bell tolls for the first time in centuries, causing an eruption of dark energy that signals the return of the Bane. Mina is left shattered both physically and emotionally, as the Bane’s influence begins to spread through the city, wreaking havoc on Vaiwyn.
When Mina regains consciousness, she finds her tower destroyed and the Vesper Bell’s second clapper ominously in place. Her guilt and fear only increase when her mother arrives, cold and unyielding, determined to take control of the situation.
Mina is left to grapple with the consequences of her failure to prevent the Bane’s return, and the city is thrown into turmoil as the effects of the Bane’s awakening begin to manifest. Strange occurrences, such as floods, sinkholes, and broken windows, spread across Vaiwyn, signaling that the Bane’s power is growing stronger.
Meanwhile, Mina’s secret relationship with Max, a confidant who has always provided her with solace, is exposed. Her mother uses this to further criticize her, but Max continues to offer Mina some comfort.
However, Mina knows that her relationship with Max must remain hidden from her mother, lest it further complicate the already strained dynamics within her family.
As the city grapples with the unfolding chaos, the mayor and city council scramble to understand the magnitude of the events. Their investigation reveals disturbing truths about the Bane’s origins, including the fact that Bastian, once a saint, has become the Bane.
His spirit now resides within the Vesper Bell, feeding on the Talus Pox to regain strength and power. As the Saints—divine entities tied to the city’s foundation—begin to make their presence known, it becomes clear that the city’s fate is tied to the destructive force of the Bane.
The Saints reveal that the foundation of Vaiwyn was built on the sacrifice of the Alchemist, who gave her life to imprison Bastian centuries ago. However, Bastian’s malevolent spirit is now trying to reclaim control of the city, manipulating its infrastructure and inhabitants for his own ends.
Mina and her family realize that their knowledge of the Bane’s true nature is incomplete, and they are faced with a powerful enemy they do not fully understand.
Mina is left to contend with her growing sense of helplessness, as she struggles to navigate her family’s expectations, her own guilt, and the increasing threat of the Bane. Meanwhile, she discovers that Max has been manipulated by Bastian, whose control over him deepens as the Bane’s influence spreads.
This revelation shatters Mina, who is forced to confront the fact that the person she once trusted is no longer the Max she knew.
As the city descends further into chaos, Mina finds herself increasingly isolated. The conflict between personal duty and familial expectations becomes more pronounced, especially as her mother, Imogen, continues to make decisions without consulting Mina.
The emotional and psychological toll of the situation weighs heavily on Mina, who is forced to take responsibility for her actions and the role she played in the Bane’s reawakening.
In a final, desperate attempt to stop Bastian and save Max, Mina seeks the help of Vanya, a mysterious figure who has knowledge of the Analith, an ancient relic that holds the key to defeating the Bane. Vanya initially refuses to help, fearing the consequences of allowing the relic to fall into the wrong hands.
However, Mina’s determination and the severity of the situation push Vanya to reconsider, and she agrees to assist Mina in her quest.
As Mina and Vanya attempt to retrieve the Analith, they face numerous obstacles, both physical and metaphysical. Throughout this journey, Mina struggles to reconcile her feelings for Max, whose soul is still trapped within Bastian’s form, and the greater responsibility she feels to save Vaiwyn from total destruction.
Her internal battle intensifies as she must make the painful decision to either save Max or destroy him to stop Bastian’s influence once and for all.
In the climactic confrontation, Mina faces the full force of Bastian’s power, as well as the moral and emotional weight of her decisions. She ultimately sacrifices Max, freeing his soul from Bastian’s grasp and ensuring that the city is no longer under the Bane’s control.
With Vaiwyn saved, Mina takes on a new identity as the Keeper of the city, tasked with protecting it from future threats and ensuring that the legacy of the Bell Keepers endures. The novel ends with Mina finding a sense of peace, as she begins to rebuild her life and her relationship with Max, now free from the Bane’s influence.
Characters
Mina Strauss
Mina Strauss is the central character of What Wakes the Bells, and her journey is one of profound personal conflict, guilt, and growth. As a Bell Keeper in Vaiwyn, she holds a responsibility passed down through her family to prevent the dangerous Vesper Bells from tolling, a task that has historically been vital to protecting the city from the awakening of the Bane, an ancient and malevolent force.
Despite her training and lineage, Mina’s internal struggle is marked by her emotional vulnerability, especially in relation to her domineering and critical mother, Imogen. Mina’s sense of duty is constantly challenged by the weight of familial expectations and her own self-doubt.
Her failure to prevent the Vesper Bell’s thirteenth toll—a moment that signals the return of the Bane—leaves her shattered, both physically and emotionally. This event sets the stage for her transformation from a woman caught in the constraints of her family’s legacy to one who must navigate the complex intersections of guilt, love, and responsibility.
As the story progresses, Mina’s development hinges on her relationship with Max, her confidant and love interest, who becomes a pivotal force in her struggle against the Bane. Through her journey, Mina evolves from a passive character defined by her familial ties into an active force working to save her city and herself.
Imogen Strauss
Imogen Strauss, Mina’s mother, is a cold and calculating figure who represents the expectations and burdens placed on Mina by tradition and duty. Imogen’s relationship with her daughter is strained, as she often undermines Mina’s capabilities and imposes a harsh standard of success.
Her authority and control over Mina are central to the emotional conflict that drives much of Mina’s internal struggle. Imogen’s detachment is not simply a product of her personality but is also linked to deeper secrets surrounding the Bane and the Vesper Bells—secrets that she is reluctant to share with Mina.
Imogen’s role in the narrative is complex, as she holds knowledge of the supernatural forces at play in Vaiwyn, yet her unwillingness to open up to her daughter leaves Mina feeling isolated and misunderstood. As the story unfolds, Imogen’s true motivations and her involvement in the darker aspects of the city’s history are revealed, adding layers of intrigue and tension to her relationship with Mina.
Despite her apparent coldness, Imogen’s actions are ultimately driven by a desire to protect her family and the city, though her methods often clash with Mina’s own sense of agency.
Max
Max serves as Mina’s confidant and the person she feels most at ease with, offering her the emotional support she desperately needs amidst the chaos surrounding the Vesper Bells. His role in Mina’s life becomes even more significant as the story progresses, particularly when Bastian, the antagonist, takes control of Max’s body.
This tragic possession forces Mina to confront the love she has for Max and the painful realization that the person she cares for is now lost to the malevolent forces that threaten Vaiwyn. Max’s transformation under Bastian’s influence is a source of deep emotional turmoil for Mina, as she must navigate the intense grief of losing him while also trying to save him.
Max represents Mina’s hope and vulnerability, serving as a mirror for her emotional growth. His relationship with Mina is not just a romantic connection but also a symbol of the personal sacrifices that she must make in order to fulfill her duty.
Max’s ultimate fate is intertwined with Mina’s journey, as she must decide whether to let him go or continue to fight for the man he once was.
Bastian
Bastian is the primary antagonist of What Wakes the Bells, a figure shrouded in divine power and malevolent influence. Once a saint, Bastian has become the Bane, an ancient and destructive force whose awakening threatens the very existence of Vaiwyn.
His possession of the Vesper Bell and his ability to manipulate both the physical and metaphysical realms make him an overwhelming presence in the story. Bastian’s power is not just physical but psychological, as he uses his influence to manipulate those around him, including Max.
His relationship with Mina is defined by his role as the antagonist, but it is also deeply personal, as Mina’s connection to him is complicated by the role she plays in his eventual return. Throughout the narrative, Bastian serves as a dark reflection of Mina’s own fears and doubts, challenging her sense of self and pushing her toward making impossible choices.
His ultimate goal is to regain full control over Vaiwyn, and his manipulation of key characters underscores the central themes of power, corruption, and loss in the story.
Vanya
Vanya is a mysterious and enigmatic figure whose role in the story is initially one of reluctance. She holds crucial knowledge about the relic that can potentially defeat Bastian, but her fear of the consequences of using such a powerful artifact makes her hesitant to get involved.
Vanya’s character serves as a guide to Mina, offering her both wisdom and perspective in her battle against the Bane. Though initially resistant, Vanya’s eventual decision to aid Mina reflects the broader theme of personal sacrifice and the need to take action in the face of overwhelming evil.
Her wisdom is tempered by a deep understanding of the city’s dark history and the sacrifices made by those who came before her. Vanya’s reluctance to engage directly in the conflict adds an element of tension to the story, as Mina must convince her to take a stand against Bastian.
Vanya’s own past, marked by loss and regret, informs her actions, and her eventual role as an ally underscores the importance of solidarity and collective action in the face of existential threats.
Quinn
Quinn is a tragic figure who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama of Vaiwyn’s downfall. Wrongfully blamed for the recent attacks on the city, Quinn becomes a scapegoat for the corruption and fear that permeate the leadership of Vaiwyn.
Her execution serves as a turning point for Mina, pushing her to confront the moral decay of the city’s power structures and the complicity of its leaders, including her own mother. Quinn’s death is a moment of intense emotional upheaval for Mina, as it forces her to reckon with the injustices that have been hidden from her and the lengths to which those in power will go to maintain control.
Though Quinn’s time in the story is brief, her death catalyzes Mina’s decision to act against the forces that threaten her city, solidifying her transformation from a passive observer into an active participant in the struggle to save Vaiwyn. Quinn’s fate highlights the theme of innocence lost to political corruption and serves as a stark reminder of the cost of power in a city on the brink of destruction.
Themes
The Burden of Legacy and Duty
Mina’s struggle with her family’s legacy as a Bell Keeper is central to the narrative of What Wakes the Bells. From the very beginning, the weight of her inherited responsibility is clear—she is part of a long lineage tasked with maintaining the balance of Vaiwyn through the careful tending of the Vesper Bells.
This responsibility is not just a job but a defining aspect of her identity. Mina’s position as a Bell Keeper forces her into a perpetual state of tension, as she must constantly juggle personal desires with the demands placed on her by tradition.
Her failure to prevent the thirteenth toll of the Vesper Bell is a breaking point, marking a significant shift in how she views her role and her legacy. Throughout the book, the pressure of maintaining the legacy becomes increasingly burdensome, particularly as she grapples with her strained relationship with her mother, Imogen, who epitomizes the cold, critical nature of the family’s past.
This tension between Mina’s desires and the weight of her family’s expectations creates an emotional conflict that drives much of her character development. Mina’s journey reflects the complexities of living up to a legacy, particularly when it is marred by guilt, secrecy, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.
Guilt and Redemption
Guilt is a recurring theme that haunts Mina throughout the story. Her sense of personal failure is compounded by the catastrophic events set into motion by the tolling of the Vesper Bell.
The awakening of the Bane—an ancient and powerful demon—fills Mina with a deep sense of guilt, as she believes her inability to control the bell has led to the city’s downfall. The story does not shy away from the emotional and psychological toll that guilt takes on its characters, especially Mina.
As the narrative unfolds, her desire for redemption becomes more apparent, not just as a means to atone for her failure but as a way to regain her sense of agency and purpose. She is forced to confront the harsh reality that redemption is not simply a matter of undoing her mistakes; it involves sacrifice, facing painful truths, and navigating a web of personal and familial expectations.
The theme of redemption is not only tied to Mina’s own journey but also to the broader struggle of the city of Vaiwyn, as both she and the city must reconcile with the repercussions of past actions and seek a path toward healing.
Power and Corruption
The city of Vaiwyn is a place of stark contrasts, where the sacred and the profane are intertwined, and power is both a tool for survival and a source of corruption. The Bane, once an ancient saint, embodies the dangers of unchecked power, as he uses his influence to manipulate the city and its people.
Through his possession of Max and the use of the Analith, Bastian—who has become the Bane—represents the destructive potential of power that is concentrated in the wrong hands. The theme of power is also reflected in the city’s leadership, particularly in the character of Mina’s mother, Imogen, who is a figure of authority yet lacks the moral clarity to act justly.
The conflict between Mina and her mother is a microcosm of the larger power struggles within Vaiwyn. While Mina seeks to free the city from the grip of the Bane, her mother is more concerned with preserving the status quo, even if it means sacrificing the lives of innocent people.
The narrative underscores the corrupting influence of power, both personal and institutional, and how it distorts people’s values, leading them to prioritize control over justice, truth, and compassion.
Love and Loss
Love, in its various forms, plays a significant role in What Wakes the Bells, particularly in Mina’s relationship with Max. Their love, which begins as a quiet and private bond, is tested when Max becomes the vessel for Bastian’s power.
Mina’s deep emotional attachment to him drives much of her internal conflict, as she must come to terms with the possibility that the person she loves may no longer exist. The tragedy of this lost connection underscores the theme of loss, which is not just emotional but also metaphysical.
As Mina faces the horror of Max’s transformation into something unrecognizable, she is forced to question the nature of love itself. Is it bound to the physical form, or does it transcend the body, existing in the memories and feelings associated with that person?
Mina’s grief is palpable, and her emotional journey throughout the story reflects the difficulty of moving forward when a part of oneself is lost. The theme of love and loss is also tied to the broader narrative of sacrifice, as Mina’s willingness to let go of Max highlights the painful but necessary act of surrendering personal desires for the greater good.
Fate vs. Free will
Mina’s journey is also one of grappling with the tension between fate and free will. Throughout the story, she struggles with the idea that her life and actions are determined by forces beyond her control.
As a Bell Keeper, she is bound by the traditions and responsibilities of her lineage, and her failure to prevent the awakening of the Bane seems to confirm the inevitability of her fate. However, as the story progresses, Mina begins to question whether she is truly bound by destiny or if she has the power to shape her own future.
The appearance of Elora, a saintly force within her, serves as a catalyst for this realization. Elora’s presence encourages Mina to embrace her role not as a passive participant in a predestined story, but as an active agent capable of making choices that will alter the course of her life and the city’s fate.
This internal struggle is central to Mina’s character development, as she learns to reconcile the weight of her familial duty with her desire for autonomy. The theme of fate versus free will ultimately underscores the narrative, with Mina’s triumph representing the potential for change and self-determination, even in a world steeped in destiny.