Hobgoblin Troubles and Legacies

Al MacBharrais, a sigil agent in Glasgow, struggles with his mischievous hobgoblin servant, Buck Foi, whose legendary pranks and growing addiction to drink and capsaicin mask deeper anxieties about legacy and belonging. Their relationship is a blend of exasperation and genuine care, as Al tries to guide Buck toward self-awareness and healing. Meanwhile, Al's own life is complicated by the twin curses that isolate him from loved ones and threaten his apprentices. The chapter sets the tone of magical Glasgow, where the mundane and supernatural collide, and introduces the emotional stakes: the pain of estrangement, the search for meaning, and the hope for redemption, all laced with humor and the unpredictable chaos of hobgoblin companionship.

Heists, Alibis, and Divine Schemes

Al's team, including the demigoddess Nadia and the newly mortal goddess Roxanne, orchestrate a daring heist to fund Roxanne's new life, while Al meticulously crafts his alibi. The interplay of faith and power emerges as Nadia and Buck toy with the idea of manifesting a new god, Lhurnog, through ritual and belief, raising the stakes for everyone. The chapter explores the dangers of unchecked faith, the allure of godhood, and the tension between destiny and free will. Al's anxiety grows as he juggles the logistics of crime, the politics of gods, and the fragile bonds of his found family, all while the threat of exposure and the consequences of their actions loom ever larger.

Receptionist Gone, God Arrives

The expected order of Al's printshop is upended when Gladys Who Has Seen Some Shite, his enigmatic receptionist, vanishes, leaving Al and Nadia to face the arrival of Ogma, a god seeking judgment. The mundane is invaded by the divine as Al navigates police investigations, relying on carefully constructed alibis and the loyalty of his team. The chapter highlights the precarious balance between the supernatural and the everyday, the importance of trust, and the ever-present threat of discovery. Al's vulnerability is palpable as he faces both mortal and immortal scrutiny, underscoring the cost of living between worlds.

Druidic Judgments and Revelations

Gladys returns, accompanied by Granuaile, a powerful Druid, and her wolfhound, Orlaith. Together, they mete out justice to Ogma, revealing Gladys's true authority and hinting at her deeper purpose. Granuaile recounts a recent adventure involving the rescue of a forgotten dragon goddess, Thalia, and the shutdown of a destructive mine, weaving together themes of environmentalism, lost faith, and the power of compassion. The chapter deepens the mythic tapestry, showing how ancient beings adapt—or fail to adapt—to the modern world, and how acts of kindness and creativity can reshape destinies, both mortal and divine.

Bureaucrats, Treaties, and Sunk Yachts

Al is summoned to London by the pompous Percy Tempest Vane to answer for the sinking of a yacht by the Blue Men of the Minch, supernatural beings bound by an outdated treaty. The bureaucratic absurdity of human attempts to control the supernatural is laid bare, as Al navigates the letter and spirit of ancient agreements, the limits of mortal authority, and the dangers of hubris. The chapter satirizes institutional power, highlights the fragility of peace, and sets the stage for a new bargain with the Blue Men, whose sense of justice is both alien and unyielding.

Blue Men's Bargain

Al meets the Blue Men in their hidden underwater enclave, sharing whisky and hard truths. They reveal their vigilante campaign against yachts involved in human trafficking, demanding that humans clean up their own corruption before any treaty can be revised. The encounter is a study in cross-cultural diplomacy, the ethics of vigilantism, and the challenge of building trust across worlds. Al's role as mediator is tested, as he must balance the demands of supernatural justice with the realities of human law, all while seeking clues to his own curse from the enigmatic Nancy.

Seeking Nancy, Goddess Incognito

Al's search for the mysterious seer Nancy leads him through magical and mundane channels, culminating in a ritual journey through New York's subway system. Nancy, revealed as the ancient goddess Nanshe, can answer any question but is bound by her own rules. Al's encounter with her is both mystical and deeply human, as he learns the true source of his curses and receives a magical candle to compel truth. The chapter explores the transformative power of belief, the reinvention of divinity, and the cost of seeking forbidden knowledge.

Hobgoblin Paragons and Family Pain

Buck's quest for information embroils him in the dangerous politics of hobgoblin clans, forcing him to confront his own family's legacy and the pain of rejection. The paragon artifacts—symbols of clan honor—become metaphors for the burdens of heritage and the longing for acceptance. Buck's confession of loneliness and his struggle with addiction are raw and poignant, revealing the deep wounds beneath his bravado. Al's empathy and tough love offer a path toward healing, but the specter of family trauma lingers, complicating their mission and their friendship.

Nine Ways to Truth

Al undertakes the arduous ritual to find Nancy, taking nine subway lines to reach her. The encounter is a test of patience, faith, and humility, as Nancy's powers are both vast and circumscribed. She cannot break the curse directly but offers a tool and a path forward, while also confirming the true nature of Gladys as Gaia's avatar. The chapter is a meditation on the boundaries of power, the necessity of risk, and the bittersweet nature of partial answers. Al's journey is both physical and existential, marking a turning point in his quest for freedom.

Sausages, Iron Druid, and Sirens

Al visits the Iron Druid, Connor, in Tasmania, bringing gifts and seeking protection against the sirens. The camaraderie of old friends, the sharing of food, and the exchange of magical knowledge provide moments of warmth and levity. Yet the looming threat of the sirens—ancient beings whose song compels death—underscores the ever-present danger of Al's world. The chapter balances humor and horror, friendship and fear, as Al prepares for a confrontation that will test his wits, his courage, and the limits of his magical arsenal.

Siren's Song, Godly Curses

The battle with the sirens is brutal and costly, as Al and his companions face the lethal power of their song and the physical fury of their attack. The magical candle compels the sirens to reveal the truth: Al's curses were laid by Phobos and Deimos at Ares's command, in retaliation for Al's interference in mortal wars. The revelation is both a relief and a new burden, as Al is gravely wounded and forced to confront the capricious cruelty of gods. The chapter is a crucible of pain, sacrifice, and hard-won knowledge, setting the stage for a final reckoning.

Cults, Cheese, and Manifestation

Nadia and Buck formalize the Church of Lhurnog's Table, blending humor, hospitality, and a dangerous theology. The rituals of whisky and cheese, the crafting of holy writ, and the rapid growth of the congregation illustrate the seductive power of community and the risks of playing with faith. Lhurnog's potential for both peace and destruction becomes clear, as the line between metaphor and reality blurs. The chapter is a satirical yet sincere exploration of religion, belonging, and the unpredictable results of collective belief.

Red Roxanne's Mortal Struggles

Roxanne's attempts to live as a mortal are fraught with awkwardness, danger, and the resurgence of old habits. A disastrous double date ends in violence, forcing Roxanne to confront the limits of her transformation and the persistence of her divine nature. The chapter is a study in the difficulty of change, the persistence of trauma, and the hope for redemption. Roxanne's journey mirrors Al's own struggles, as both seek to reconcile their pasts with their desires for a different future.

Double Dates and Dead Ends

The fallout from Roxanne's failed date spirals into a police investigation, forcing Al and Nadia to deploy all their cunning to avoid exposure. The tension between the supernatural and the mundane reaches a peak, as the consequences of violence threaten to unravel their carefully constructed lives. The chapter is a darkly comic meditation on the perils of intimacy, the cost of secrecy, and the resilience required to survive in a world where every misstep can be fatal.

Football, Violence, and Consequences

A football match becomes the backdrop for another eruption of violence, as Roxanne's attempt at normalcy ends in bloodshed. The group's efforts to cover their tracks are increasingly desperate, highlighting the fragility of their safety and the ever-present threat of discovery. The chapter interrogates the nature of justice, the inevitability of violence, and the difficulty of escaping one's past. The bonds of friendship are tested, and the need for new strategies becomes urgent.

Warlock Unmasked, Djinn Unbottled

Al and a team of hobgoblins infiltrate the lair of Chase Digges, a warlock whose power is rooted in the enslavement of a djinn and the exploitation of the vulnerable. The mission is both a triumph and a tragedy, as they gather evidence to dismantle his empire but lose one of their own to a deadly curse. The chapter is a reckoning with the costs of heroism, the necessity of sacrifice, and the enduring hope for justice. The unbottling of the djinn is both a literal and symbolic act of liberation.

Olympus Reckoning, Curses Lifted

Al confronts the Olympian gods, presenting irrefutable evidence of Ares's crime and demanding justice. The manifestation of Lhurnog, who devours Ares and his kin, is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, a testament to the unpredictable power of belief. The curses are lifted, Gladys departs, and Al is finally free to reclaim his voice and his life. The chapter is a cathartic culmination of years of suffering, a celebration of resilience, and a warning about the dangers of unchecked power—divine or mortal.

Apprentice Found, Peace Restored

With his curses gone, Al finds a worthy apprentice in Duncan, ensuring the continuity of his work and the protection of the world. Reconciled with his estranged son, Al experiences the healing power of forgiveness and the promise of a future filled with love, books, and good dogs. The chapter is a gentle denouement, affirming the value of connection, the possibility of change, and the enduring magic of ordinary life. The story closes with the hope that even in a world of gods and monsters, peace and happiness are within reach.

Characters

Al MacBharrais

Al is a sigil agent tasked with maintaining the fragile balance between the supernatural and the mundane. His life is defined by loss: the death of his wife, estrangement from his son, and the twin curses that isolate him from those he loves. Despite his pain, Al is compassionate, witty, and fiercely protective of his found family. His journey is one of endurance and hope, as he navigates bureaucracy, divine politics, and personal demons. Al's growth is marked by his willingness to confront his own flaws, seek help, and ultimately embrace the possibility of healing and connection.

Buck Foi

Buck is Al's hobgoblin servant, contractually bound but emotionally adrift. His legendary pranks mask deep wounds: family rejection, addiction, and a desperate need for legacy. Buck's arc is one of vulnerability and transformation, as he confronts his pain, seeks sobriety, and ultimately forges a new clan and identity. His relationship with Al is both combative and loving, a testament to the power of chosen family. Buck's journey is a meditation on the cost of estrangement and the hope for redemption.

Nadia Padmanabhan

Nadia is Al's trusted ally, a battle seer and demigoddess who resists the pull of destiny. Her sharp wit and practical skills ground the group, while her experiments with faith and ritual give birth to Lhurnog, a new god. Nadia's struggle is with power: the fear of becoming what she despises, the temptation of godhood, and the responsibility of leadership. Her friendship with Al is a source of strength and humor, and her journey is one of self-discovery, agency, and the creation of new possibilities.

Roxanne (The Morrigan)

Roxanne, formerly the Morrigan, chooses mortality in search of love, meaning, and escape from the burdens of divinity. Her attempts at normalcy are fraught with violence and longing, as old habits and new desires collide. Roxanne's transformation into Red Roxanne, a vigilante goddess, is both a reclamation of power and a risk of repeating old patterns. Her arc is a poignant exploration of change, forgiveness, and the hope for a different kind of immortality—one rooted in love and justice rather than fear.

Gladys Who Has Seen Some Shite

Gladys is Al's receptionist and secret powerhouse, capable of judging gods and meting out punishments. Her presence commands respect from all beings, mortal and divine. Gladys's role is that of observer and catalyst, nudging events toward their necessary conclusions. Her departure marks a turning point, as Al and his team must step into their own power. Gladys embodies the wisdom of experience, the necessity of boundaries, and the joy of witnessing the extraordinary.

Norman Pøøts (Saxon Codpiece)

Norman is Al's go-to for digital subterfuge, money laundering, and information gathering. His irreverent humor and ever-changing identity mask a deep loyalty to Al and the cause. Norman's expertise is crucial in dismantling criminal networks and exposing corruption. His presence adds levity and resourcefulness, and his evolving business model reflects the adaptability required to survive in a world of shifting alliances and dangers.

Chase Digges

Digges is the shadowy antagonist whose wealth, magical prowess, and criminal empire threaten both the supernatural and mortal worlds. His enslavement of a djinn and manipulation of political systems make him a formidable foe. Digges embodies the dangers of unchecked ambition, the corruption of power, and the insidious nature of evil that hides behind respectability. His downfall is a victory for justice, but not without cost.

Nancy (Nanshe)

Nancy, once the Sumerian goddess Nanshe, survives by transforming into a modern oracle, accessible only through ritual and faith. Her wisdom is vast but bounded by her own rules, and her willingness to help Al is both a gift and a challenge. Nancy's existence is a meditation on the evolution of belief, the power of reinvention, and the limits of even the greatest knowledge.

Percy Tempest Vane

Percy is the embodiment of governmental incompetence and arrogance, more concerned with appearances than justice. His interactions with Al are a satirical commentary on the absurdities of power, the dangers of ignorance, and the necessity of cunning in navigating systems designed to resist change. Percy's eventual cooperation is hard-won and incomplete, a reminder that true progress requires more than compliance.

Duncan Ettrick

Duncan is Al's chosen successor, a law student with a passion for justice and a talent for magical inks. His recruitment marks the beginning of a new era, as Al prepares to retire and pass on his knowledge. Duncan's openness, curiosity, and integrity offer hope that the work of balancing worlds will continue, grounded in compassion and courage.

Plot Devices

Curses and Contracts

The twin curses on Al—one that estranges him from loved ones, another that kills his apprentices—are central engines of the plot, driving his quest for answers and resolution. The ancient contracts and treaties that govern supernatural behavior provide both obstacles and solutions, forcing Al to navigate legalistic and magical frameworks. These devices explore themes of accountability, the limits of power, and the possibility of redemption through negotiation and truth.

Ritual, Faith, and Manifestation

The creation of Lhurnog through ritual and collective belief is a central motif, illustrating the power and peril of faith. The rituals that summon Nancy, the prayers that manifest Lhurnog, and the cult that grows around cheese and whisky all interrogate the nature of divinity, the responsibilities of leadership, and the unpredictable consequences of collective action.

Magical Realism and Satire

The narrative structure weaves together the everyday (printshops, bureaucracy, football matches) with the extraordinary (gods, curses, magical creatures), using humor and satire to expose the absurdities of both worlds. The juxtaposition of magical and mundane highlights the fragility of order, the necessity of adaptability, and the enduring human need for connection and meaning.

Found Family and Redemption

The emotional core of the story is the formation and maintenance of a found family—Al, Buck, Nadia, Roxanne, and others—each seeking belonging and redemption. The plot is propelled by their struggles with addiction, trauma, and the longing for acceptance. The possibility of reconciliation, both with blood family and chosen kin, is a recurring motif, culminating in moments of forgiveness and hope.

Investigation and Revelation

Al's journey is structured as a series of investigations—into his own curses, the crimes of Digges, the secrets of gods and monsters. The use of magical tools (sigils, monocles, enchanted artifacts) and the necessity of ritual and cunning drive the plot forward. Each revelation comes at a cost, whether in pain, loss, or the burden of responsibility, underscoring the theme that knowledge is both a gift and a curse.

Analysis

Candle & Crow is a witty, heartfelt, and deeply layered exploration of the intersection between the mundane and the magical, the personal and the cosmic. At its core, the novel is about the cost of power—divine, magical, or bureaucratic—and the necessity of accountability, compassion, and community. Through Al's journey, Kevin Hearne interrogates the nature of justice, the dangers of unchecked faith, and the enduring human need for connection and meaning. The story's humor and satire serve not only to entertain but to critique the absurdities of both supernatural and mortal systems, highlighting the fragility of order and the resilience required to maintain it. The creation of Lhurnog, the reinvention of gods, and the formation of new families all speak to the possibility of change, even for the oldest and most wounded among us. Ultimately, Candle & Crow is a celebration of hope, forgiveness, and the quiet magic of ordinary life—a reminder that, even in a world of gods and monsters, peace and happiness are within reach for those willing to seek them.

Last updated: November 17, 2025