Basic Details

What is Crossed about?

• Dark Romance Retelling: Crossed is a contemporary dark romance that reimagines elements of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. It centers on Cade, a man haunted by a dark past and sent to a seemingly sinful town, and Amaya, a young woman struggling to protect her brother in a hostile environment.
• Intertwined Destinies: The narrative follows Cade's internal battle between his religious duty and a growing, dangerous obsession with Amaya, whose own desperate circumstances lead her into a perilous alliance with the town's powerful and corrupt figure, Parker Errien.
• Themes of Sin and Salvation: Set against the backdrop of Festivalé, Vermont, a town steeped in a distorted version of French history and local superstition, the story explores themes of sin, control, trauma, and the search for salvation in unexpected places, culminating in a confrontation that reshapes the characters' lives.

Why should I read Crossed?

• Intense Psychological Depth: The novel offers a deep dive into the complex psychologies of its main characters, particularly Cade's internal conflict between his faith and his violent/sexual urges, and Amaya's resilience forged by trauma.
• Atmospheric and Thematic Richness: Emily McIntire creates a palpable atmosphere in Festivalé, using the setting and recurring motifs (like the Notre-Dame replica and the "witch" accusations) to enhance the exploration of control, judgment, and finding belonging outside societal norms.
• High-Stakes, Forbidden Desire: At its core, it's a story of a powerful, forbidden attraction between a priest and a woman entangled with a dangerous man, promising high emotional stakes and morally grey character dynamics that challenge conventional romance tropes.

What is the background of Crossed?

• Fractured Fairy Tale Setting: The story is set in Festivalé, Vermont, a town designed as a "caricature" or "farce" of French Colonial history, centered around a smaller replica of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This artificial, slightly decaying setting underscores the themes of superficiality and hidden darkness.
• Town Superstition and Scapegoating: Festivalé is portrayed as a town steeped in superstition, particularly the belief that Amaya and her mother brought misfortune ("cursed this town") after their arrival, highlighting themes of prejudice and the need for a scapegoat.
• Underlying Corruption: The town is dominated by Parker Errien, whose wealth and influence extend to local politics and even the church, revealing a layer of systemic corruption beneath the surface of the picturesque, yet "filthy," town.

What are the most memorable quotes in Crossed?

• "There's a monster in you, child. And God wants me to beat it out.": This chilling phrase, first attributed to Sister Agnes and later echoed by Cade, encapsulates the theme of inherent sin, the brutal methods of perceived "salvation," and the internal struggle against one's darker nature that defines Cade's character arc.
• "I pay off my mother's debts. And that makes me feel dirtier than any type of sex work ever could.": Spoken by Amaya during her confession, this line powerfully illustrates her deep-seated trauma and the profound sense of violation and loss of agency she feels from being forced to pay for her mother's past, contrasting it sharply with her chosen profession where she reclaims control.
• "You are the devil, and I want you out of my sight.": Cade's harsh words to Amaya after their first intimate encounter reveal his desperate attempt to push her away and reconcile his actions with his faith, highlighting the intense conflict she creates within him and his initial perception of her as a destructive force.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Emily McIntire use?

• Dual POV Narrative: The story alternates between Cade's and Amaya's first-person perspectives, offering intimate access to their thoughts, motivations, and internal conflicts, which is crucial for understanding their complex and often contradictory actions.
• Atmospheric and Sensory Language: McIntire employs vivid descriptions, particularly of the setting and characters' physical sensations (cold, pain, heat, touch), to create a strong atmosphere and immerse the reader in the emotional and psychological states of the characters.
• Symbolism and Motif: Recurring symbols like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, gargoyles, weather (cold, snow), and the motif of the "witch" or "demon" are used to deepen thematic resonance and provide layers of interpretation beyond the literal plot.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

• Quinten's Echolalia and Scripting: Quinten's specific communication style ("Echolalia and gestalt language processing") and his habit of repeating phrases or scripting from things he's heard (like "You got it, dude" or facts about gargoyles) are not just character quirks but subtly highlight his unique way of processing the world and storing information, which becomes significant when he witnesses events.
• The Broken Purple Cross: The flickering, shattered purple cross above the Chapel strip club symbolizes a distorted or broken faith, contrasting with the imposing Notre-Dame replica and hinting at the morally ambiguous space where sacred and profane intersect, mirroring the internal conflicts of both Cade and Amaya.
• Parker's Cuff Link: The gold cuff link with Parker's initials found near Dalia's body is a seemingly small detail that serves as crucial physical evidence, directly linking Parker to the murder and providing the necessary "proof" for the fabricated narrative that clears Amaya's name.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

• Cade's Early Violence: The prologue detailing Cade's first murder, described as freeing a "demon" from a "démone," foreshadows his later violent acts and establishes his twisted justification for killing, which he later applies to Andrew Gleeson for touching Amaya.
• Amaya's Mother's Accusation: Chantelle calling Amaya a "little witch" and saying she'll "curse this town" is initially presented as a mother's cruel outburst but echoes throughout the town's perception of Amaya and is even internalized by Cade, subtly foreshadowing the idea that Amaya possesses an unusual, almost supernatural, influence over those around her.
• The Monastery's Seclusion: The description of the Green Mountain Monastery as a "well-kept secret" and a place of "solitude" foreshadows its later role as a hidden sanctuary for Amaya and Quinten, a place where they can escape the chaos of Festivalé and Parker's reach.

What are some unexpected character connections?

• Florence Gammond's Affair with Parker: The revelation that Florence, the woman who publicly shamed Amaya's mother and later became Amaya's reluctant lawyer, had an affair with Parker adds a layer of personal vendetta to her animosity towards Amaya, stemming from jealousy and the town's gossip.
• Sister Genevieve's True Identity: The shocking reveal that Sister Genevieve, the seemingly kind nun who helps Cade, is actually Amaya's estranged mother, Chantelle, creates a profound and unexpected connection that links the monastery, Cade's confidante, and Amaya's traumatic past.
• Cade's Connection to Quinten's Bully: Cade's observation that Bradley Gammond, the boy bullying Quinten, reminds him of Parker Errien subtly links the systemic abuse of power (Parker) to the cruelty of children influenced by their environment (Bradley), highlighting how the town's darkness permeates all levels.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

• Dalia: Amaya's best friend and roommate, Dalia provides crucial emotional support and practical help (watching Quinten, lending her car). Her loyalty and willingness to "fight with everything" for Quinten underscore the theme of chosen family, and her tragic death serves as a major turning point and catalyst for Cade's final actions against Parker.
• Quinten: Amaya's younger brother, Quinten is the primary motivation for almost all of Amaya's major decisions, particularly her alliance with Parker. His vulnerability and unique perspective highlight the town's cruelty and serve as a symbol of the innocence Amaya is desperately trying to protect.
• Florence Gammond: Initially presented as a town figure and later Amaya's lawyer, Florence embodies the town's judgment and hypocrisy. Her personal history with Parker and her animosity towards Amaya make her a key antagonist, and her eventual implication in the fabricated murder narrative is pivotal to the plot's resolution.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

• Cade's Need for Control: Beyond religious duty or monstrous urges, Cade is deeply motivated by a need for control, stemming from his traumatic, powerless childhood. His attempts to control his "sickness," his environment (Festivalé), and eventually Amaya ("Eyes on me," "You are mine") are all manifestations of this core need.
• Amaya's Pursuit of Safety: While explicitly stated as protecting Quinten, Amaya's deeper unspoken motivation is a desperate search for safety and stability, something she never had growing up constantly moving with her mother. This drives her to make seemingly illogical choices, like aligning with Parker, in the hope of securing a permanent refuge.
• Parker's Desire for Ownership: Parker's fixation on Amaya isn't just attraction; it's a desire for ownership and dominance, a need to possess what he couldn't fully control in her mother. His actions are less about love and more about asserting his power and proving he can take what he wants.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

• Cade's Dissociation and Rationalization: Cade exhibits complex psychological defense mechanisms, including dissociation (referring to his dark side as "the monster") and rationalization (justifying murder as freeing demons or protecting Amaya) to cope with his violent impulses and reconcile them with his identity as a priest. His self-flagellation is a physical manifestation of his internal guilt and need for penance.
• Amaya's Trauma Response: Amaya displays classic trauma responses, including compartmentalization (separating "Amaya" from "Esmeralda"), difficulty with trust, and a complex relationship with her own sexuality (reclaiming agency through pole dancing after being assaulted). Her emotional walls are a defense mechanism against further pain.
• Parker's Narcissistic Tendencies: Parker exhibits traits of narcissism, including a grandiose sense of self-importance ("I command everything," "I am the god of this city"), a lack of empathy (dismissing Amaya's feelings, threatening Quinten), and a need for control and admiration, which fuels his abusive behavior.

What are the major emotional turning points?

• Amaya's Assault by Parker: This event is a major turning point for Amaya, solidifying her fear of Parker, stripping away her sense of agency, and deeply impacting her relationship with intimacy and trust, leading directly to her later decision to seek protection through marriage.
• Cade's First Intimate Encounter with Amaya: The moment Cade gives in to his desire and touches Amaya intimately marks a critical turning point in his internal conflict. It shatters his carefully maintained control, forces him to confront the depth of his obsession, and leads to intense guilt and self-punishment, but also a realization that his feelings for her are more powerful than his faith.
• Amaya Witnessing Quinten's Humiliation: Seeing Florence publicly mock Quinten at the Festival of Fools is the emotional trigger that pushes Amaya past her breaking point. Her fury overrides her fear and caution, leading to her violent attack on Florence and setting off the chain of events that forces her to fully rely on Cade.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

• Cade and Amaya: Predator to Protector: Their dynamic begins with Cade viewing Amaya through the lens of his "sickness" (a "demoné," a "temptress") and Amaya sensing his danger ("intimidating for a priest"). It evolves through shared vulnerability (Amaya's confession, Cade's self-harm revealed) and mutual obsession, shifting towards Cade becoming her fierce protector and Amaya finding a sense of safety and belonging with him, culminating in a partnership built on shared darkness and intense devotion.
• Amaya and Parker: Debt to Ownership: The relationship starts as Parker leveraging Amaya's mother's debt to control her financially. It escalates to physical and sexual coercion, culminating in a forced engagement and marriage where Parker views Amaya as property ("You're mine now," "my wife, you piece of shit"), highlighting a dynamic of abuse and powerlessness for Amaya.
• Amaya and Dalia: Friendship to Chosen Family: Their bond is initially based on shared experience at the Chapel and mutual support. It deepens into a chosen family dynamic when Dalia moves in to help with Quinten. Dalia's unwavering loyalty and willingness to protect Quinten underscore the strength of their connection, making Dalia's death a devastating loss that reinforces the theme of the dangers faced by those close to Amaya.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

• The Nature of Cade's "Sickness": While described as a "monster" or "demon," it's left open to interpretation whether Cade's violent urges and need for penance are a literal supernatural affliction, a manifestation of deep psychological trauma from his childhood abuse, or a combination of both.
• Amaya's "Witch" Influence: The town's belief that Amaya is a "witch" or "cursed" is presented as superstition, but her seemingly uncanny ability to influence Cade (making him weak, distracting him from God) and the intense, almost supernatural, nature of their connection leaves a subtle ambiguity about whether she possesses some form of unintentional power or influence.
• The Long-Term Morality of Their Actions: The ending sees Cade and Amaya finding peace and happiness together after committing multiple murders and fabricating a narrative. The story doesn't explicitly condemn them, leaving the reader to grapple with the morality of their actions and whether their love and protection of each other justify the violence and deception.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Crossed?

• Cade's Justification for Murder: Cade's internal reasoning for killing, particularly his belief that he is freeing people from their "demons" or acting as God's soldier, is highly debatable and presents a controversial perspective on faith, judgment, and violence.
• The Depiction of Cade and Amaya's Relationship: The central romance is built on a foundation of stalking, obsession, and non-consensual acts (Cade finger-fucking Amaya against the door, watching her through the window). This portrayal of a relationship developing from such dark origins is inherently controversial and challenges traditional romantic tropes.
• The Resolution of the Murders: The plot resolves with Cade and Amaya successfully framing Parker for the murders Cade committed, including Dalia's death which Parker did commit. This ending, where the protagonists escape consequences for their crimes and benefit from deception, is morally complex and likely to be controversial for readers expecting traditional justice.

Crossed Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

• Framing Parker Errien: Cade orchestrates a plan to frame Parker for the murders of Andrew Gleeson and Dalia, using Parker's cuff link found at Dalia's apartment and leveraging Florence Gammond's fear of exposure (due to her affair with Parker and the secret of her son's paternity) to coerce her into corroborating the fabricated story. Parker is declared the "Green Mountain Strangler" and becomes the subject of a national manhunt, though Cade has already killed and buried him.
• Finding Sanctuary and Chosen Family: With Parker presumed dead and Amaya cleared of suspicion, Cade resigns from the priesthood. He, Amaya, and Quinten relocate to a secluded cabin in the Auvergne Mountains in France. They build a new life together, forming a chosen family unit away from the judgment and trauma of Festivalé.
• Embracing Their True Selves: The ending signifies Cade and Amaya accepting their darker natures and finding peace and balance together. Cade finds his "sanctuary" and "religion" in Amaya, no longer needing self-punishment or the structure of the church. Amaya embraces her strength and capacity for violence when provoked, no longer seeking external validation or traditional safety. Their love is portrayed as intense, possessive, and built on a mutual understanding of their shared darkness, suggesting that for them, true salvation and belonging are found in each other, outside conventional morality.