1. Blood and Shadows

The story opens with Summer, a fae girl, stumbling upon a gruesome murder at Avalon University. The victim is pinned to a desk, her body mutilated, and her eyes and ears removed. The horror is visceral, and Summer is paralyzed by the sight, unable to look away until someone else's scream breaks her trance. This moment sets the tone for the novel: a world where violence and darkness lurk beneath the surface of magical academia, and where Summer's own history of fear, fire, and fury is about to be tested.

2. Arrival at Avalon

Two months earlier, Summer arrives at Avalon University, feeling out of place among the magical elite. She's a fae with icy blue eyes—an anomaly among her kind—and carries the scars of a traumatic, loveless upbringing. The campus is vibrant, but Summer is haunted by her difference and the need to hide her true self. She meets her vampire roommate, Alice, and an unlikely, immediate bond forms between two outcasts. Summer's internal monologue reveals her deep-seated fear of connection and her desperate hunger for knowledge and belonging.

3. Unwelcome Power

During orientation, Summer's suppressed fae power threatens to break free in the presence of other fae. She struggles to contain it, revealing her lifelong battle to hide her abilities. The pressure of Avalon's magical environment and the presence of powerful beings—especially the enigmatic headmaster—force Summer to confront the parts of herself she's tried to bury. Her difference is both a shield and a curse, and she quickly learns that Avalon is not the safe haven she hoped for.

4. Library Intrusions

Summer and Alice sneak into the library's restricted section, drawn by the promise of forbidden knowledge. They are caught by the headmaster, whose power and presence are overwhelming. This encounter cements the headmaster as a figure of both fear and fascination for Summer. The library becomes a recurring symbol of both temptation and danger, and Summer's hunger for knowledge is matched only by her need to stay hidden.

5. Unlikely Friendships

Summer and Alice's friendship deepens as they navigate the social minefield of Avalon. They bond over their shared outsider status and mutual distrust of their own kind. Summer also meets Connor, a charming angel and the university's golden boy, whose interest in her is immediate and intense. Their flirtation is electric, but Summer's fear of intimacy and her self-imposed rules keep her at arm's length. The seeds of a complicated love triangle are sown.

6. The Angel's Game

Connor's relentless pursuit of Summer is both thrilling and terrifying for her. He is persistent, kind, and patient, but Summer's trauma and fear of abandonment make her wary. Their dynamic is a dance of push and pull, with Summer's desire for connection warring with her instinct to run. Meanwhile, Alice's own struggles with her vampiric heritage and family expectations mirror Summer's, and the two support each other through the challenges of their first year.

7. Fae and Fangs

Summer's difference draws the attention of the Fair Folk Club, a group of fae students who see her as both a curiosity and a threat. Their attempts to recruit her are aggressive, and Summer's power reacts violently to their presence. The tension between fae and vampire, and between Summer and her own kind, escalates. The campus is a powder keg of old rivalries and new dangers, and Summer is caught in the middle.

8. Night of Revelations

At a wild campus party, Summer and Connor's chemistry ignites, leading to a passionate encounter. But the night is also marked by violence and jealousy, as old grudges flare and Summer is forced to defend herself and Alice. The party becomes a crucible for Summer's conflicting desires: the need for control, the thrill of danger, and the longing for love. The night ends with Summer questioning her rules and the possibility of letting someone in.

9. Masks and Motives

As the semester progresses, Summer's relationships grow more complicated. She and Connor grow closer, but her fear of vulnerability leads to misunderstandings and hurt. Alice's own secrets come to light, and the two friends must navigate the challenges of trust and betrayal. Meanwhile, a mysterious stranger begins to watch Summer, sending her cryptic messages and warnings. The sense of being hunted intensifies, and Summer's paranoia grows.

10. The Stalker's Gaze

The campus is rocked by a series of murders, each more brutal than the last. The victims are fae girls who resemble Summer, and the killer leaves taunting messages that suggest a personal vendetta. Summer becomes convinced she is the true target, but her attempts to warn others are met with disbelief and suspicion. The authorities, including the headmaster, are unable to protect her, and Summer is forced to rely on her own instincts and the help of her friends.

11. Runes and Rivalries

Summer's studies in runes and combat intensify as the danger grows. She trains with Max, a gruff berserker, and learns to harness her power in new ways. The headmaster's interest in her deepens, and he entrusts her with a powerful grimoire. Summer's hunger for knowledge becomes a weapon, but it also draws her deeper into the killer's game. The line between hunter and hunted blurs, and Summer must confront the darkness within herself.

12. The First Murder

The first murder shatters the illusion of safety at Avalon. The victim is a fae girl who looks eerily like Summer, and the brutality of the crime sends shockwaves through the campus. Summer is wracked with guilt and fear, convinced that her presence has brought death to Avalon. The killer's messages grow more personal, and Summer's sense of isolation deepens. The headmaster's attempts to protect her are inadequate, and Summer realizes she must take matters into her own hands.

13. Grief and Guilt

Summer is consumed by grief and guilt over the murders. She withdraws from her friends and lover, convinced that she is cursed and that everyone she loves is in danger. Alice and Connor struggle to reach her, but Summer's walls are higher than ever. The killer's taunts become more direct, and Summer's paranoia threatens to destroy her. The darkness within her grows, and she begins to question her own sanity.

14. The Killer's Message

The killer leaves increasingly complex messages, using runes, ancient languages, and social media to taunt Summer and the authorities. Summer, Alice, and the headmaster work together to decode the clues, but the killer always seems one step ahead. The sense of being watched intensifies, and Summer's nightmares bleed into reality. The killer's obsession with Summer becomes clear, and the stakes are raised as those closest to her are targeted.

15. Under Suspicion

As the investigation intensifies, suspicion falls on Summer herself. Her difference, her power, and her history make her an easy target for blame. Friends and allies are questioned, and trust is eroded. The authorities are more interested in closing the case than finding the truth, and Summer is forced to navigate a web of lies and half-truths. The killer's game becomes more dangerous, and Summer realizes that no one is safe.

16. The Stranger's Warnings

The mysterious stranger who has been watching Summer steps out of the shadows, offering cryptic warnings and protection. Their relationship is fraught with tension, attraction, and danger. The stranger's true motives are unclear, and Summer is torn between trusting him and fearing him. As the killer closes in, the stranger's power and knowledge become invaluable, but the cost of his help may be higher than Summer can pay.

17. Training and Temptations

Summer's training with Max and her deepening relationship with the stranger force her to confront her own desires and darkness. She learns to wield her power with confidence, but the line between control and chaos is thin. Her relationship with Connor is tested by jealousy, secrets, and the ever-present threat of death. Summer is forced to choose between safety and passion, between light and shadow.

18. The Fae King's Visit

The arrival of the fae king at Avalon brings new dangers and revelations. He is interested in Summer for reasons she cannot fathom, and his presence stirs up old rivalries and new fears. The king's connection to the murders is unclear, but his power is undeniable. Summer's heritage and the true nature of her power are called into question, and she must decide where her loyalties lie.

19. The False Resolution

The authorities announce that the killer has been caught, and the campus breathes a sigh of relief. But Summer and the headmaster are unconvinced. The evidence is too neat, the resolution too convenient. Summer's instincts tell her the real danger is still out there, and the killer's game is far from over. The sense of being hunted returns, and Summer prepares for the final confrontation.

20. The Final Lesson

The killer strikes again, targeting those closest to Summer. Alice is murdered—or so it seems—and Summer is pushed to the brink of despair. The headmaster and Summer stage a desperate plan to draw out the killer, but the cost is high. The true identity of the killer is revealed: Aqua, a dark fae consumed by jealousy and madness. The final confrontation is brutal and bloody, and Summer is forced to fight for her life and the lives of those she loves.

21. Love and Loss

In the climactic battle, Connor is mortally wounded while trying to save Summer. Summer's grief is overwhelming, and she is left shattered by the loss of her lover and the trauma of the violence she has endured. The headmaster's power is not enough to save Connor, and Summer is forced to say goodbye. The cost of survival is steep, and Summer is left to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and her broken world.

22. The End of Innocence

The novel ends with Summer changed forever. She has lost her innocence, her sense of safety, and the love of her life. But she has also found strength, resilience, and a new understanding of herself. The darkness within her is no longer something to be feared, but something to be harnessed. Summer is a survivor, and though her world has been reduced to ash, she is determined to rise again. The story closes on a note of bittersweet hope, as Summer prepares to face whatever comes next.

Characters

Summer Tuatha De Daanan

Summer is the protagonist, a fae girl with icy blue eyes and a traumatic past. Raised in the mortal realm by a cold, abusive foster parent, she learned to hide her power and her true self. Summer is fiercely intelligent, hungry for knowledge, and deeply afraid of intimacy and vulnerability. Her difference makes her a target for both fascination and violence at Avalon. Throughout the novel, Summer struggles with self-loathing, guilt, and the fear that she is cursed. Her relationships—with Alice, Connor, and the stranger—force her to confront her darkness and her capacity for love. By the end, Summer is transformed by grief and loss, but also by the discovery of her own strength.

Connor Morningstar

Connor is an angel, the university's golden boy, and Summer's persistent suitor. He is charming, kind, and endlessly patient, determined to break through Summer's walls. Connor's love is transformative for Summer, offering her a glimpse of the peace and belonging she craves. But his own burdens—family expectations, the pressure to be perfect, and the dangers of loving someone marked for death—take their toll. Connor's willingness to sacrifice for Summer is both his greatest strength and his undoing. His death in the final confrontation is a devastating loss, but his love leaves an indelible mark on Summer's soul.

Alice Legosi

Alice is Summer's vampire roommate and her first true friend. She is brash, unfiltered, and fiercely protective of Summer. Alice's own history of abuse and rejection mirrors Summer's, and their friendship is a lifeline for both. Alice's humor and chaos provide relief from the darkness, but she is also a survivor of trauma and violence. Her apparent death is a turning point in the novel, forcing Summer to confront the reality of loss and the limits of her own power. Alice's resurrection is a rare moment of hope in a world marked by grief.

The Headmaster (James Emrys)

The headmaster of Avalon University is a figure of immense power and mystery. He is the son of Merlin, a master of runes, and a survivor of countless battles. His presence is both terrifying and magnetic, and his interest in Summer is both protective and pragmatic. The headmaster's own trauma and loneliness mirror Summer's, and their relationship is marked by mutual respect, frustration, and unspoken understanding. He is willing to bend the rules and risk his own safety to protect his students, but his methods are often cold and ruthless.

Max Romulus

Max is a berserker and Summer's combat trainer. He is abrasive, blunt, and seemingly indifferent, but beneath his rough exterior is a deep well of pain and self-loathing. Max challenges Summer to embrace her power and her darkness, and their friendship is built on mutual respect and the ability to be honest about their flaws. Max's own struggles with control and violence mirror Summer's, and their dynamic is a source of both comfort and conflict.

The Stranger

The stranger is a mysterious, powerful being who watches over Summer, offering cryptic warnings and protection. Their relationship is fraught with tension, attraction, and danger. The stranger understands Summer's darkness in a way no one else does, and their connection is both a source of comfort and a threat to her relationship with Connor. The stranger's true motives and identity remain unclear, but his obsession with Summer is undeniable. He represents the seductive pull of the abyss and the possibility of embracing one's true nature.

Aqua Tuatha De Daanan

Aqua is a fae student at Avalon who is revealed to be the true killer. Consumed by jealousy and a sense of inferiority, she targets Summer and those close to her, leaving a trail of brutal murders. Aqua's madness is both personal and symbolic, representing the destructive power of envy and the dangers of unchecked darkness. Her final confrontation with Summer is a test of will, power, and survival.

Rafe Morningstar

Rafe is Connor's brother, a fighter with a dark past and a complicated relationship with his family. He is both protector and outsider, struggling with his own demons and the expectations placed on him. Rafe's bond with Summer is one of mutual understanding and shared pain. He is a reminder that even the strongest can be broken, and that healing is a long and difficult journey.

Luke Morningstar

Luke is the youngest Morningstar, a healer with a kind heart and a secret life. He runs the EverydayEmrys page, a stalker account dedicated to the headmaster, and his own struggles with identity and acceptance mirror Summer's. Luke's innocence and vulnerability are both a source of strength and a liability in a world marked by violence and suspicion.

Brett

Brett is a shifter who befriends Summer and Alice, but his true loyalties and intentions are ambiguous. He is a reminder that not everyone is what they seem, and that trust is a dangerous commodity at Avalon.

Plot Devices

The Unreliable Sanctuary of Avalon

Avalon University is presented as a place of safety, learning, and community, but it quickly becomes a site of violence, suspicion, and betrayal. The campus is both a character and a crucible, forcing Summer and her friends to confront their fears, desires, and traumas. The illusion of safety is repeatedly shattered by murder, manipulation, and the failure of authority figures to protect the vulnerable. The setting amplifies the novel's themes of belonging, difference, and the dangers of complacency.

The Stalker's Game

The central plot device is the killer's game: a series of murders, each accompanied by cryptic messages, runes, and clues. The killer's obsession with Summer drives the narrative, forcing her to become both detective and prey. The use of social media, ancient languages, and magical codes as means of communication and manipulation adds layers of complexity and paranoia. The killer's ability to stay one step ahead creates a sense of inevitability and doom.

The Power of Secrets and Lies

The novel is structured around secrets: Summer's hidden past, the stranger's true identity, the killer's motives, and the lies we tell ourselves to survive. The tension between truth and deception is mirrored in the relationships between characters, especially Summer and Connor. The cost of keeping secrets is high, leading to betrayal, heartbreak, and loss. The eventual revelation of the truth is both cathartic and devastating.

The Duality of Light and Darkness

Summer's journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace both her light and her darkness. The stranger represents the seductive pull of the abyss, while Connor embodies the promise of peace and belonging. The novel uses magical power, runes, and combat as metaphors for the struggle between control and chaos, safety and danger, love and destruction. The final confrontation with the killer is as much an internal battle as an external one.

The Found Family

Despite the violence and trauma, the novel is ultimately about the power of found family. Summer's relationships with Alice, Connor, and even Max are sources of strength and hope. The bonds of friendship and love are tested by betrayal and loss, but they also offer the possibility of healing and redemption. The novel suggests that survival is not just about power, but about connection.

Analysis

Blood & Betrayals is a raw, emotionally charged exploration of what it means to be different, to be hunted, and to long for belonging in a world that is both magical and merciless. Jeanette Rose uses the setting of Avalon University to interrogate the illusion of safety and the reality of violence, especially for those who are marked as "other." The novel's central mystery—the identity and motives of the killer—serves as a metaphor for the internal battles faced by survivors of trauma: the fear that one is cursed, the guilt of survival, and the struggle to trust and be loved. Summer's journey is one of painful self-discovery, as she learns to embrace both her power and her vulnerability, her darkness and her capacity for love. The relationships—with Alice, Connor, Max, and the stranger—are complex, messy, and deeply human, reflecting the novel's refusal to offer easy answers or happy endings. The final loss of Connor is a devastating blow, but it is also a moment of transformation for Summer, who emerges from the ashes of her old life with a new understanding of herself and her place in the world. The novel's message is clear: survival is not about erasing the past or denying the darkness, but about finding the strength to live—and love—despite it.

Last updated: August 25, 2025