Obsession and Oaths

Croygen, a centuries-old pirate, is driven by a desperate need to save Katrina Roth, the daughter of his former first mate whom he once killed. The world is fractured: humans and fae now share a merged Earth, and a powerful substance called nectar could tip the balance of power. Katrina, bound by a deadly oath to deliver the nectar to a ruthless fae lord, is missing—her life and the fate of Croygen's found family hang in the balance. Croygen's guilt and longing for Katrina are matched only by his determination to find her, even as his own past sins and the tangled web of fae politics threaten to destroy everything he loves.

Into the Dragon's Lair

Croygen, Annabeth, Cooper, and the irrepressible sprite-monkey Sprig journey into the legendary Tenglong Cave, rumored to house the nectar. The cave, once home to dragons, is now a battleground for treasure hunters, opportunists, and ancient magic. The group's bond is tested by the cave's dangers and their own secrets. Annabeth's illness grows worse, and the urgency to find the nectar intensifies. The cave's magic is a living warning, and the group's path is shadowed by the ghosts of the past and the threat of betrayal. The deeper they go, the more the lines between friend and foe blur, and the more Croygen feels Katrina's absence as a physical ache.

Nightmares and Nectar

As the group camps in the cave, Croygen is haunted by dreams of Katrina—dreams that feel too real to dismiss. He senses her pain and captivity, their connection deepening beyond logic. The group is attacked by rival treasure seekers, and Croygen's violent past resurfaces as he fights to protect his friends. The attack is a grim reminder that greed and desperation can turn anyone into a monster. Croygen's guilt over Annabeth's illness and Katrina's fate threatens to consume him, but the hope of finding the nectar—and saving those he loves—keeps him moving forward.

The Ghosts of Betrayal

Katrina, held captive by a mysterious woman from Croygen's past, fights to escape. Her captor is revealed as Amara, Croygen's former lover and a master manipulator. The encounter is charged with jealousy, pain, and unresolved history. Katrina's resourcefulness allows her to break free, but she is soon recaptured—this time with Croygen at her side. Their reunion is fraught with tension, desire, and the weight of old betrayals. Amara's presence forces both to confront the scars of their past and the dangerous pull they feel toward each other.

Amara's Web

Amara's machinations ensnare Croygen and Katrina, pitting them against each other and themselves. The group is reunited, but Amara's influence lingers, stoking old rivalries and new jealousies. The quest for the nectar becomes a race against time and treachery, as alliances shift and the true nature of loyalty is tested. Croygen and Katrina's connection deepens, blurring the line between love and obsession. The group's survival depends on their ability to trust each other, even as Amara's schemes threaten to tear them apart.

The Price of Loyalty

The journey through the caves becomes a crucible for the group's relationships. Annabeth's condition worsens, and the group is forced to confront the limits of their strength and the cost of their choices. Croygen's guilt over his past and his fear of losing those he loves drive him to the edge. Katrina's loyalty to her crew and her vow to Batara pull her in opposing directions. The group's only hope lies in a fragile alliance and the willingness to sacrifice for each other, even as the shadows of betrayal loom ever larger.

Monsters in the Dark

The group is betrayed by their guide, revealed as Dr. Novikov, a scientist obsessed with the nectar and the creation of fae-human hybrids. The caves are home to his monstrous experiments—creatures born of fae and human DNA, twisted by ambition and cruelty. The group is forced to confront the horrors of unchecked power and the legacy of past atrocities. The quest for the nectar becomes a fight for survival, as the group battles both monsters and the darkness within themselves.

The Scientist's Game

Dr. Novikov's true intentions are revealed: he seeks to use the nectar to transform humanity, regardless of the cost. Annabeth volunteers to be a test subject, risking her life for a chance at survival. The group is caught in a deadly crossfire as rival factions converge on the nectar. In the chaos, the nectar is lost, and the group is forced to flee, empty-handed and haunted by the knowledge that the power to change the world is now in the hands of their enemies.

The Cat and the Pirate

Croygen and Katrina's relationship reaches a breaking point as they confront their feelings for each other and the truth of their past. Their connection is undeniable, but the wounds of betrayal and loss threaten to tear them apart. In a moment of vulnerability, they give in to their desire, forging a bond that is both a blessing and a curse. The world around them is falling apart, but in each other, they find a reason to fight on.

The Fae Door Gamble

With the nectar lost to a rival faction, the group must pursue it across continents, using unstable fae doors to travel from China to Budapest. The journey is perilous, and the group is hunted at every turn. Annabeth's condition deteriorates, and the urgency to recover the nectar becomes desperate. The fae doors are unpredictable, and the group is forced to rely on the help of strangers and the strength of their bonds to survive.

Budapest's Shadow

In Budapest, the group navigates a city on the brink of collapse, ruled by a mysterious new fae lord. Old friends become new enemies, and the group is forced to confront the consequences of their actions. Croygen's past catches up with him, and Katrina is forced to choose between her loyalty to her crew and her love for Croygen. The search for the nectar becomes a battle for the soul of the city, as the group faces betrayal, heartbreak, and the ghosts of their past.

The Lord of the Hill

The new fae lord is revealed as Killian, Katrina's childhood friend and former first mate. His rise to power is built on pain, ambition, and a deep sense of betrayal. The reunion is fraught with unresolved feelings and old wounds. Killian's hatred for Croygen and his longing for Katrina threaten to destroy them all. The quest for the nectar becomes a personal vendetta, as love, loyalty, and revenge collide in a battle for the future.

Old Friends, New Enemies

The group attempts a daring heist to recover the nectar from Killian's fortress, navigating a labyrinth of tunnels, guards, and old alliances. Betrayal strikes from within, and the group is forced to confront the reality that not everyone can be saved. Katrina's crew, once her family, has turned against her, blaming her for their suffering. The pain of lost friendship and the burden of leadership weigh heavily on her, as she is forced to make impossible choices.

The Heist and the Heartbreak

The heist goes awry, and the group is captured. Old wounds are reopened, and the truth of past betrayals is laid bare. Katrina is forced to confront the reality of her father's actions and the consequences of her own choices. The group's only hope lies in their willingness to forgive and to fight for each other, even as the world around them crumbles. The cost of freedom is high, and not everyone will make it out alive.

The Necromancer's Claim

As the group escapes, they are confronted by necromancers—agents of death drawn by the power of the nectar. In a brutal battle, the nectar is lost, and Annabeth's life hangs by a thread. The group is forced to flee, wounded and broken, as the forces of death close in. The power of love and sacrifice is tested to its limits, as the group fights to hold on to hope in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Mutiny and Memory

Katrina's return to her ship is met with mutiny—her former crew, broken by torture and loss, has turned against her. The pain of betrayal is matched only by the guilt she feels for the choices that led them here. Croygen's support is unwavering, but the wounds of the past threaten to tear them apart. The struggle for redemption becomes a battle for survival, as the group fights to reclaim their home and their future.

The Ship on Fire

A final confrontation on the ship leads to chaos and destruction. The ship is set ablaze, and Katrina is forced to flee, leaving behind the last remnants of her old life. The pain of loss is overwhelming, but the promise of a new beginning offers a glimmer of hope. The group escapes into the city, pursued by enemies and haunted by the ghosts of their past.

Safehouse and Sacrifice

In a hidden safehouse, Katrina and Croygen confront the reality of their situation. The pain of loss and betrayal is tempered by the strength of their bond and the support of their remaining allies. The group is forced to make difficult choices, sacrificing for each other and for the hope of a better future. The safehouse becomes a crucible, forging new alliances and testing the limits of love and loyalty.

The Final Escape

Batara's forces close in, and the group is forced to make a desperate escape. Sacrifices are made, and not everyone makes it out unscathed. The group's journey comes full circle as they are rescued by Croygen's old crew and set sail for freedom. The pain of loss is matched by the joy of reunion, and the promise of a new beginning beckons on the horizon.

Homecoming and Healing

The group returns to Seattle, reuniting with their found family and confronting the ghosts of their past. Annabeth is miraculously healed by a forgotten piece of nectar, and the wounds of old betrayals begin to heal. Croygen and Katrina's bond is stronger than ever, and the promise of a future together offers hope in a world still scarred by war and loss. The power of love, forgiveness, and chosen family is celebrated, as the group looks to the future with renewed strength.

Roots and Sails

Months later, Croygen and Katrina set sail together as co-captains, their ship bearing a new name and a new purpose. The pain of the past lingers, but the promise of adventure and the strength of their bond carry them forward. Surrounded by friends, family, and the ghosts of those they have lost, they embrace the pirate's life—fierce, free, and unbreakable. The world is still dangerous, but together, they are unstoppable. Their story is just beginning.

Characters

Croygen

Croygen is a centuries-old pirate whose life is defined by loss, guilt, and a relentless drive to protect those he loves. Once ruthless and self-serving, he is transformed by his connection to Katrina Roth, the daughter of his former first mate. Croygen's past is littered with betrayal—both suffered and inflicted—and his journey is one of painful self-discovery and redemption. His relationship with Katrina is both a source of strength and vulnerability, forcing him to confront his deepest fears and desires. As a leader, he is charismatic and cunning, but it is his capacity for love and sacrifice that ultimately defines him.

Katrina Roth

Katrina is a cat-shifter, pirate captain, and the daughter of Croygen's old friend and victim. Her life is shaped by hardship, betrayal, and the burden of impossible choices. Bound by a deadly oath to deliver the nectar, Katrina is driven by loyalty to her crew and a desperate need to atone for her past. Her relationship with Croygen is fraught with pain, passion, and the weight of history. Katrina's strength lies in her resilience and her refusal to give up, even when faced with overwhelming odds. Her journey is one of self-forgiveness, acceptance, and the discovery that love can be both a curse and a blessing.

Annabeth (AB)

Annabeth is the emotional center of the group, her kindness and resilience holding them together through the darkest times. Stricken with a terminal illness, her struggle for survival is a driving force in the quest for the nectar. Her relationship with Cooper is a testament to the power of love and sacrifice. Annabeth's transformation—both literal and metaphorical—serves as a symbol of hope and the possibility of healing, even in a broken world.

Cooper

Cooper is a Dark Dweller, a fae beast whose love for Annabeth is unwavering. His journey is one of devotion, rage, and the struggle to hold on to hope in the face of loss. Cooper's loyalty to his found family is absolute, and his willingness to sacrifice for those he loves is both his greatest strength and his deepest vulnerability. His relationship with Croygen is one of mutual respect, forged in battle and shared pain.

Sprig

Sprig is a sprite-monkey hybrid whose antics provide levity in the darkest moments. Beneath his humor and obsession with honey lies a deep loyalty to his friends, especially Annabeth and Croygen. Sprig's unique abilities and perspective often prove invaluable, and his presence is a reminder of the importance of joy and hope, even in a world filled with monsters.

Amara

Amara is Croygen's former lover and a constant source of chaos and temptation. Her motivations are driven by ambition, jealousy, and a need for control. Amara's presence forces Croygen and Katrina to confront their own insecurities and the dangers of unresolved history. She is both a mirror and a warning—a reminder of what can be lost when love turns to obsession.

Killian

Killian is Katrina's childhood friend and former first mate, whose rise to power is fueled by pain and a sense of abandonment. His love for Katrina and hatred for Croygen drive much of the conflict in Budapest. Killian's journey is a tragic one, as his longing for acceptance and revenge leads him down a path of darkness and isolation. His story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting pain define one's destiny.

Gage

Gage is Katrina's former right hand, whose loyalty is shattered by torture and loss. His transformation from trusted ally to bitter enemy is a reflection of the cost of leadership and the fragility of trust. Gage's actions force Katrina to confront the consequences of her choices and the reality that not everyone can be saved.

Zuri

Zuri, once Katrina's closest confidante, is broken by the horrors she endures. Her loyalty is twisted by grief and manipulation, turning her against Katrina. Zuri's journey is a testament to the enduring scars of trauma and the difficulty of forgiveness.

Dr. Novikov

Dr. Novikov is a human scientist obsessed with the power of the nectar and the creation of fae-human hybrids. His experiments are a chilling reminder of the dangers of playing god and the cost of sacrificing humanity for power. Novikov's actions set in motion much of the chaos and suffering that follows, making him a symbol of the world's brokenness.

Plot Devices

Dual Protagonists and Interwoven Narratives

The novel alternates between Croygen and Katrina's points of view, allowing readers to experience the story's emotional arc from both sides. This structure heightens tension, as each character's secrets, motivations, and vulnerabilities are gradually revealed. The interwoven narratives create a sense of inevitability, as the characters' fates are bound together by love, betrayal, and the consequences of their choices.

Magical Realism and Fae Worldbuilding

The merging of the human and fae worlds creates a rich backdrop for the story's exploration of power dynamics, prejudice, and the struggle for survival. Magic is both a source of wonder and a tool of oppression, shaping the characters' lives and the world they inhabit. The use of fae doors, ancient magic, and mythical creatures adds depth and complexity, while also serving as metaphors for the characters' internal journeys.

The Power of Oaths and Vows

Oaths and promises carry literal and figurative weight in the story, binding characters to impossible choices and shaping the course of their lives. The consequences of broken vows and the struggle to honor one's word are central to the narrative, reflecting the broader themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of power.

Betrayal and Redemption

Betrayal—both real and perceived—is a recurring motif, forcing characters to confront the limits of trust and the possibility of redemption. The story explores the ways in which pain and loss can twist love into hatred, and how forgiveness—of oneself and others—is essential for healing and growth.

Found Family and the Meaning of Home

The concept of found family is at the heart of the novel, offering a counterpoint to the pain of betrayal and loss. The characters' journey is one of learning to trust, to forgive, and to build a home not from blood, but from shared experience and love. The power of chosen bonds is celebrated as the ultimate source of strength and hope.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The novel employs foreshadowing through dreams, warnings, and recurring symbols—such as the dragon cave, the ship, and the dagger—to hint at future events and deeper emotional truths. These devices create a sense of inevitability and resonance, tying the characters' personal journeys to the larger fate of their world.

Analysis

Devil in Boots is a sweeping, emotionally charged fantasy that uses the trappings of pirate adventure and fae mythology to explore the deepest wounds of the human (and inhuman) heart. At its core, the novel is about the struggle to find hope and connection in a world defined by betrayal, loss, and the constant threat of violence. The alternating perspectives of Croygen and Katrina allow for a nuanced exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the redemptive power of love. The story does not shy away from the darkness—trauma, addiction, and the scars of abuse are ever-present—but it also insists on the possibility of healing and the importance of chosen family. The use of magical realism and rich worldbuilding elevates the narrative, making the characters' internal struggles feel epic and universal. Ultimately, Devil in Boots is a story about the courage to face one's past, the strength to forgive, and the belief that even in a broken world, love and loyalty can chart a course to redemption.

Last updated: September 24, 2025