A Mother's Desperate Sacrifice

Two centuries ago, Lady Rydainn, in a desperate bid to protect her family from the Solassions, offers her infant son, Zevander, to the mage Cadavros. The mage, a master of dark magic, demands the child in exchange for a powerful protection spell. Despite her pleas, Cadavros performs a ritual that marks Zevander with the sablefyre, altering his fate forever. This act sets the stage for a haunting legacy of survival in a world dominated by dark forces.

The Curse of the Woods

In the present, Maevyth, an orphan with a mysterious past, lives near the dreaded Eating Woods, a place where sinners are banished to die. The villagers believe the forest harbors a demon that devours the wicked. Found as a baby near the woods, Maevyth is shunned as the "lorn," a cursed child. Her life is a struggle against the stigma and the forest's dark reputation, which looms as a constant reminder of the unknown dangers within.

A Sinister Banishing Ceremony

The village gathers for a Banishing, a grim ceremony where sinners are cast into the forest. Maevyth witnesses the brutal branding of a man accused of heresy. His final words, "God is Death," echo in her mind, a chilling reminder of the forest's power. The ceremony starkly displays the village's fear and their lengths to maintain faith in the Red God, highlighting the oppressive atmosphere of their world.

Secrets of the Forest Revealed

Maevyth encounters the Crone Witch, a mysterious woman feared by the villagers. The witch reveals her own encounter with the forest's monster and the shimmering veil separating their world from another. She warns Maevyth of the forest's true nature, a gateway to a realm beyond imagination. This revelation challenges everything Maevyth has been taught, opening her eyes to the forest's secrets and the world beyond.

A Deadly Encounter in the Night

Zevander, now a powerful Letalisz, is sent to kill Maevyth, believing her blood holds the key to breaking his curse. However, he is inexplicably drawn to her and fails to complete his mission. This encounter leaves him questioning his purpose and the nature of his power. Maevyth, unaware of the danger she narrowly escaped, is left with a lingering sense of unease, as if the shadows themselves are watching her.

The Monster Within the Woods

As Maevyth and her sister Aleysia face banishment, they flee into the forest, pursued by villagers. Within the woods, they encounter the wrathavor, a monstrous being that devours flesh. Their desperate flight leads them to a shimmering archway, a portal to another world. The forest's true nature is revealed, a place of both terror and wonder, where the boundaries between life and death blur.

A Portal to Another World

Fleeing from their village, Maevyth and Aleysia stumble upon a mysterious archway in the forest. Driven by desperation, Maevyth steps through the portal, leaving Aleysia behind. On the other side, she finds herself in a world that mirrors her own but is filled with unknown dangers and magic. Her attempt to reunite with Aleysia is thwarted as the portal closes, leaving her trapped in this new realm.

Captured by the King's Guards

In this strange world, Maevyth is quickly captured by royal guards intrigued and threatened by her presence. They are puzzled by her ability to speak their language and her resistance to their magic. Led by a dark-haired man, the guards decide to take her to the king's dungeons, fearing the consequences of her existence in their world. Maevyth's fate hangs in the balance as she is thrust into a world of political intrigue and ancient magic.

A Mortal's Unlikely Allies

In the dungeons, Maevyth meets Dolion, a wise mage, and Allura, a bone scribe with a mysterious past. They recognize her as a descendant of the Corvikae, an ancient race. Together, they unravel the secrets of her bloodline and the powers she possesses. Maevyth learns that her presence in Aethyria could alter the balance of power and that she is being hunted by those who wish to exploit her abilities.

The Secrets of Aethyria

Delving deeper into Aethyria's history, Maevyth discovers the tragic fate of the Corvikae and their connection to the death goddess, Morsana. Through a magical puzzle book, she uncovers the story of Deimos and Morsana, and the ancient war that led to her people's downfall. This knowledge becomes crucial as she begins to understand the significance of her powers and the role she must play in the unfolding events.

A Dangerous Training Begins

Zevander, a Letalisz and skilled assassin, takes on the task of training Maevyth. Despite his initial reluctance, he recognizes her potential and the importance of her survival. Under his harsh guidance, Maevyth learns to harness her powers and defend herself. The training is grueling but essential for her survival in a world where she is both a target and a key to a greater mystery.

A Forbidden Connection Forms

As Maevyth and Zevander spend more time together, a complex and forbidden connection forms between them. Despite their differences and the danger surrounding them, they find solace in each other's presence. This growing bond complicates their mission and challenges their loyalties, as they must navigate the treacherous landscape of Aethyria and the secrets that bind them.

A Haunting Vision of Power

Zevander is trapped in a nightmarish vision where he confronts his deepest fears and desires. Manipulated by Cadavros, he is tempted with promises of power and freedom from his past traumas. Zevander struggles against the seductive pull of the vision, fearing he might lose himself to the darkness. Meanwhile, Maevyth, unaware of his internal battle, tries to reach him, her presence a beacon of hope pulling him back from madness.

A Desperate Plea for Help

As Zevander lies unconscious, Maevyth confronts her fears and their dire situation. Determined to save him, she taps into her own mysterious powers, which she barely understands. Through sheer will and a deep connection to Zevander, she breaks through the dark spell holding him captive. Her actions reveal a strength she didn't know she possessed, and a bond between them that is deeper than she realized.

A Shocking Discovery in the Dark

As Maevyth and Zevander prepare to leave the dangerous world behind, they make a shocking discovery. Hidden beneath the floorboards of a seemingly abandoned cottage, they find Maevyth's sister, Aleysia, alive but in a fragile state. The discovery brings a mix of relief and new challenges, as they must now protect Aleysia from the threats that surround them. This revelation adds a new layer to the story, as the characters must navigate the complexities of family, loyalty, and survival in a world filled with danger.

Characters

Maevyth

Maevyth is a resilient and courageous character, driven by her love for her sister and her growing bond with Zevander. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to harness her mysterious powers and confront the challenges that come her way. Her determination to save Zevander and find her sister highlights her strength and compassion. Maevyth's character development is marked by her growing confidence and understanding of her own abilities.

Zevander

Zevander is a complex character, haunted by his past and the dark powers that threaten to consume him. His internal struggle is a central theme, as he battles against the seductive pull of power and the fear of losing himself. His relationship with Maevyth becomes a source of strength and vulnerability, as he grapples with his feelings for her and the responsibilities that come with them. Zevander's journey is one of redemption, as he seeks to overcome his past and protect those he cares about.

Aleysia

Aleysia is a pivotal character, whose discovery adds a new layer of complexity to the story. Her presence serves as a catalyst for Maevyth's actions and decisions, as she becomes a symbol of hope and family. Aleysia's character development is intertwined with the themes of survival and loyalty, as she navigates the challenges of a world filled with danger and uncertainty.

Cadavros

Cadavros is a powerful and enigmatic antagonist, whose true motives are shrouded in mystery. He represents the seductive allure of power and the dangers of succumbing to one's darkest desires. His interactions with Zevander reveal his cunning and manipulative nature, as he seeks to exploit Zevander's vulnerabilities for his own gain. Cadavros's presence looms over the story, driving the conflict and challenging the characters' resolve.

Dolion

Dolion is an ancient mage who recognizes Maevyth's potential and the significance of her bloodline. He becomes her mentor and ally, guiding her through the mysteries of Aethyria. His vast knowledge of magic and history is crucial in unraveling the secrets of the Corvikae and the powers Maevyth possesses. Dolion's wisdom and experience are invaluable in the fight against those who seek to exploit Maevyth.

Allura

Allura is a bone scribe with the ability to read the history and power of bones. She becomes an ally to Maevyth, helping her understand her heritage and the significance of her powers. Allura's knowledge of the Corvikae and her connection to the ancient world are vital in uncovering the truth about Maevyth's bloodline. Her insights and abilities make her a key player in the unfolding events.

Elowen

Elowen is an enigmatic character, whose knowledge of the world and its secrets proves invaluable to Maevyth and Zevander. Her past is intertwined with the history of the Corvikae, and her actions reveal a deep understanding of the dangers they face. Elowen's character adds depth to the story, as she provides guidance and support to the protagonists, while also harboring her own secrets and motivations.

Branimir

Branimir is Zevander's brother, cursed by the same sablefyre that haunts Zevander. Unlike his brother, Branimir has succumbed to the curse, becoming a monstrous creature hidden away in the dungeons. Despite his terrifying appearance, he is a tragic figure, longing for redemption and peace. His connection to Maevyth offers a glimmer of hope and a chance for salvation.

Moros

Moros is a prominent figure in the village, known for his wealth and influence. Beneath his charming exterior lies a sinister nature, as he collects and experiments on creatures for his own twisted purposes. His interest in Maevyth is driven by more than just marriage, as he seeks to control her and the power she possesses.

The Crone Witch

The Crone Witch is a feared figure in the village, rumored to have dark powers. Her encounter with Maevyth reveals her knowledge of the forest's secrets and the world beyond. The witch's insights challenge the villagers' beliefs and offer Maevyth a glimpse into the true nature of the woods.

Plot Devices

The Eating Woods

The Eating Woods is a central plot device, a place where sinners are banished to die. Its dark reputation and the fear it instills in the villagers drive the narrative, as characters are forced to confront the unknown dangers within. The forest serves as a gateway to another world, a place where the boundaries between life and death blur.

Sablefyre

Sablefyre is a powerful and destructive flame that marks Zevander and Branimir. It grants immense power but also binds them to a dark fate. The curse of the sablefyre is a central plot device, driving the characters' actions and shaping their destinies. It symbolizes the destructive nature of power and the struggle for redemption.

Bloodstones

Bloodstones are central to Zevander's quest for freedom, as he seeks to collect them to break his curse. The stones represent the potential for redemption and the consequences of wielding forbidden magic. Their significance is tied to the characters' fates and the unfolding of the narrative.

The Archway

The archway is a mysterious structure within the forest, a gateway to a realm beyond imagination. It symbolizes the unknown and the potential for discovery, as characters are drawn to its secrets. The archway challenges the characters' beliefs and offers a path to a new understanding of their world.

The Vision

The vision serves as a powerful plot device, revealing Zevander's deepest fears and desires. It blurs the line between reality and illusion, challenging his perception of the world and his place in it. The vision is a catalyst for character development, as it forces Zevander to confront his past and make difficult choices about his future.

The Bargain

The bargain offered by Cadavros is a central plot device, representing the seductive allure of power and the dangers of succumbing to one's darkest desires. It challenges Zevander's loyalty and resolve, forcing him to make difficult choices about his future and the people he cares about. The bargain adds tension and conflict to the story, driving the characters' actions and decisions.

The Puzzle Book

The puzzle book is a magical artifact that reveals the history and secrets of the Corvikae. Through its pages, Maevyth uncovers the story of Deimos and Morsana, and the ancient war that shaped Aethyria. The book serves as a guide and a source of knowledge, helping Maevyth understand her powers and the role she must play in the unfolding events.

The Training

The training is a crucial plot device, as it forces Maevyth to confront her fears and harness her powers. Under Zevander's guidance, she learns to defend herself and navigate the complexities of Aethyria. The training serves as a metaphor for Maevyth's journey of self-discovery and growth, as she transforms from a vulnerable mortal into a formidable force.

The Ward

The ward is a crucial plot device, representing the thin line between safety and danger. It serves as a symbol of protection and the characters' struggle to survive in a world filled with threats. The ward adds tension and suspense to the story, as the characters must navigate the challenges of a world where safety is never guaranteed.

Analysis

"Anathema" by Keri Lake is a complex narrative that explores themes of power, redemption, and identity. Through the intertwined fates of Maevyth and Zevander, the story delves into the seductive allure of power and the dangers of succumbing to one's darkest desires. The characters' journeys are marked by self-discovery and growth, as they confront their fears and harness their abilities. The novel challenges readers to consider the consequences of wielding forbidden magic and the struggle for redemption in a world filled with danger and uncertainty. The intricate plot devices, such as the Eating Woods, sablefyre, and the archway, serve to deepen the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of mystery and intrigue. Ultimately, "Anathema" is a story about the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and loyalty in the face of overwhelming odds.

Last updated: March 22, 2025