Plot Summary
Blood and Borrowed Power
Riva and her five bonded men, the original "Firsts" of the shadowbloods, test their new power-sharing abilities under the watchful eye of Rollick, a powerful demon. They're fugitives, hybrids created to hunt monsters but now hunted themselves. Their bond allows them to swap supernatural talents, making them uniquely dangerous. The group is on edge, knowing Balthazar, their creator and tormentor, is making more shadowbloods—this time from criminals. The tension is palpable as they realize the world is changing, and their own kind may soon be their greatest threat. The emotional weight of their shared trauma and the uncertainty of their future binds them tightly, even as the world outside grows more perilous.
Toni's Confession
Toni, Balthazar's long-time assistant, confesses her complicated past to Riva and the others. She explains her initial loyalty to Balthazar stemmed from love for his wife, Willa, and a desire to protect the family. But after Willa's brutal death at the hands of shadowkind, and Balthazar's descent into obsession and cruelty, Toni's faith wavered. She admits to helping the group escape, motivated by the realization that Balthazar would even torture his own daughter, Riva. The group's response is wary but grateful, understanding that Toni's journey mirrors their own struggle to define right and wrong in a world of monsters—both human and otherwise.
Shadowkind Alliance
Rollick convenes a council of shadowkind and shadowbloods to discuss Balthazar's growing threat. The alliance is uneasy; many shadowkind distrust the hybrids, and the feeling is mutual. Toni reveals Balthazar's plan: he's creating new shadowbloods from criminals, controlling them with deadly bracelets, and plans to unleash them to incite global panic against all shadowkind. The group debates whether to rescue the younger, weaker shadowbloods Balthazar holds captive or focus on stopping him directly. Tensions flare, but a plan emerges: use Griffin's tracking power, borrowed by Riva, to locate Balthazar and his new army before they can strike.
Balthazar's Army Unleashed
The group races to London after Balthazar's new shadowbloods attack major cities worldwide, leaving destruction and messages of doom. Riva and her men help rescue survivors, but the world is now aware of "monsters." Balthazar's plan is working—governments begin to arm themselves with anti-shadowkind weapons. The group is horrified by the carnage and the manipulation, realizing that Balthazar's hybrids are not just tools but a new breed of enemy, driven by rage and loyalty to their creator. The emotional toll is heavy, as the Firsts see their own kind become the monsters they were made to fight.
Aftermath and Rescue
In the wake of the attacks, the group regroups at Rollick's estate, tracking the locations of the younger shadowbloods and Balthazar's movements. Riva struggles with guilt and responsibility, haunted by the knowledge that her own powers and choices have shaped the conflict. The group debates their next move, torn between saving the captive shadowbloods and stopping Balthazar. Personal relationships deepen as they seek comfort in each other, but the looming threat of more violence—and the possibility of having to fight their own—casts a shadow over every decision.
Planning the Counterattack
The group, joined by shadowkind and other hybrids, plans an assault on Balthazar's mountain fortress. They test their powers, pushing their limits in preparation for a battle against both Balthazar and his new shadowbloods. Riva and her men confront the reality that they may have to kill their own kind to save the world. The emotional stakes are high, as each member faces their fears and doubts. The night before the attack is filled with moments of vulnerability, love, and the desperate hope that they can end the cycle of violence without losing themselves.
Testing Limits
Riva, Dominic, and the others test the limits of their abilities, practicing on each other and their allies. Riva's banshee scream, Dominic's life-draining tentacles, and the others' unique talents are honed for the coming battle. The process is painful—physically and emotionally—as they confront the monstrous aspects of themselves. The group's bond is both a source of strength and a reminder of what they stand to lose. They vow to protect each other, even as they prepare to face the possibility of sacrificing their own for the greater good.
Night Before Battle
On the eve of the assault, the group seeks solace in each other. Riva and Zian share an intimate night, overcoming past trauma and deepening their connection. The others find comfort in shared memories and quiet moments, knowing that tomorrow may bring death or worse. The night is a fragile respite, filled with hope, fear, and the unspoken understanding that their love is both a weapon and a shield against the darkness to come.
Mountain Fortress Assault
The group infiltrates Balthazar's mountain base, using invisibility and teamwork to bypass security. They confront Balthazar, but he escapes using a sonic device that disrupts their powers. The younger shadowbloods, now enhanced and aggressive, block their path, forcing the Firsts to flee as the base floods. The failure is crushing—Balthazar escapes, the younger shadowbloods are lost to his influence, and the group is left to reckon with the cost of their choices. The emotional fallout is severe, as hope gives way to despair and the realization that the war is far from over.
Shadowbloods Turned Foes
Back at Rollick's estate, the group faces the grim reality that the younger shadowbloods are now their enemies, manipulated and empowered by Balthazar. The world's governments, armed with anti-shadowkind weapons, begin hunting all supernatural beings. The group debates whether to save or destroy the rogue shadowbloods, torn between compassion and necessity. The emotional strain fractures alliances, as trust is tested and the line between friend and foe blurs. The Firsts must decide what they are willing to sacrifice to stop the bloodshed.
The World Burns
The rogue shadowbloods, led by Balthazar's most loyal creations, launch a campaign of terror, slaughtering hunters and innocents alike. The Firsts and their allies attempt to intervene, but are outmatched by the rage and power of their former kin. The world descends into chaos, with shadowkind and mortals alike caught in the crossfire. The group's efforts to reason with the rogues fail, and the emotional toll mounts as they witness the destruction wrought by those they once called family.
Desperate Measures
Realizing that conventional tactics have failed, the group devises a desperate plan: lure the rogue shadowbloods into a trap using the abandoned guardians' facility, and use a sonic device to disable their powers. The plan is risky and morally fraught, as it means imprisoning their own kind and possibly killing those who cannot be saved. The group prepares for the final confrontation, each member grappling with guilt, fear, and the hope that they can end the cycle of violence without losing their humanity.
Guardianship Gambit
The group enlists the help of the Guardianship, manipulating their former captors into drawing Balthazar out. Using deception and seduction, they orchestrate a meeting that leads to Balthazar's death at Riva's hands. The victory is hollow, as the rogue shadowbloods turn on the Firsts, blaming them for Balthazar's demise. The group is forced to fight their own, and the emotional cost is devastating. The lines between hero and monster blur, as the Firsts confront the reality that saving the world may mean destroying their own blood.
A Night of Peace
In the aftermath of battle, the group finds a brief moment of peace. They celebrate their survival and the love that binds them, sharing a night of intimacy and connection. The respite is bittersweet, as they know the war is not yet over and the cost of victory has been high. The night is a reminder of what they are fighting for—a future where they can be free, loved, and whole.
Shadowkind Reckoning
The shadowkind, reeling from losses and betrayal, confront the Firsts about their loyalties and intentions. Through honesty and vulnerability, the group rebuilds trust with their allies, reaffirming their commitment to ending the threat of the rogue shadowbloods. Toni, now fully allied with the Firsts, uses her connections to manipulate the Guardianship, setting the stage for the final confrontation. The group prepares for one last battle, knowing that the fate of all supernatural beings hangs in the balance.
The Final Hunt
The group tracks the rogue shadowbloods across the country, using every resource and ally at their disposal. They confront the reality that some of their former kin cannot be saved, and make the painful decision to prioritize the greater good. The final battle is brutal and costly, with losses on both sides. Riva and her men are forced to kill those they once called family, but manage to save a handful of younger shadowbloods who can be rehabilitated. The emotional scars run deep, but the threat is finally ended.
The Last Stand
In the aftermath of the final battle, the group mourns their losses and grapples with the moral cost of their victory. Andreas uses his power to wipe the memories of the surviving rogue shadowbloods, giving them a chance at a new life free from Balthazar's influence. The group destroys all traces of the guardians' research, ensuring that no one can repeat the horrors of the past. The Firsts find solace in each other, their love and bond stronger for all they have endured.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
With the war over, the group helps the surviving shadowbloods adjust to their new lives, founding a school to teach both shadowbloods and shadowkind how to live peacefully among mortals. Riva and her men finally find the freedom and happiness they fought so hard for, building a life together in San Francisco and at the school. The scars of the past remain, but hope flourishes as they embrace the possibility of a better future—for themselves, their found family, and all those like them.
Characters
Riva
Riva is the heart and soul of the Firsts, the original shadowbloods. Created as a weapon, she is both powerful and deeply scarred by trauma. Her ability to borrow and share powers with her bonded men makes her uniquely dangerous, but also uniquely vulnerable. Riva's journey is one of self-acceptance—learning to wield her monstrous abilities without losing her humanity. Her relationships with her men are both romantic and healing, providing the love and support she was denied in her early life. Riva's greatest fear is becoming the monster she was made to fight, but her compassion and determination drive her to protect even those who might be lost.
Jacob
Jacob is Riva's most aggressive protector, quick to anger and slow to trust. His telekinetic powers and physical prowess make him a formidable fighter, but his greatest strength is his loyalty to his family. Jacob's relationship with his twin, Griffin, is complex—marked by guilt, rivalry, and deep love. He struggles with the violence inside him, fearing he will become the monster the guardians wanted. Through Riva and his brothers, Jacob learns to channel his rage into protection rather than destruction, finding peace in love and purpose.
Griffin
Griffin's power to sense and influence emotions makes him the group's emotional center. He is gentle, introspective, and often the first to seek reconciliation. Griffin's empathy is both a gift and a burden, as he absorbs the pain and trauma of those around him. His relationship with Riva is tender and healing, providing her with the calm she desperately needs. Griffin's journey is one of self-worth—learning that his power is not just to soothe others, but to shape the world for the better.
Zian
Zian's wolf-man abilities and immense strength contrast with his deep-seated fears and trauma from past abuse. He is slow to trust physical intimacy, but fiercely protective of his family. Zian's journey is one of healing—overcoming his past to embrace love and connection. His relationship with Riva is particularly poignant, as they help each other find safety and acceptance. Zian's growth is marked by his willingness to face his fears and fight for a future where he can be both strong and gentle.
Dominic
Dominic's tentacled form and life-draining powers make him the most visibly monstrous of the group. He is thoughtful, compassionate, and deeply conflicted about his abilities. Dominic's journey is about embracing his dual nature—using his powers to heal as well as to fight. His love for Riva and his brothers grounds him, giving him the strength to face the darkness within. Dominic's struggle is a metaphor for self-acceptance, learning that even the most monstrous parts of oneself can be a source of good.
Andreas
Andreas's power to read, erase, and project memories makes him both invaluable and isolated. He is the group's historian, carrying the weight of their collective trauma. Andreas is introspective, often lost in thought, but fiercely loyal. His journey is about finding his place—not just as a recorder of the past, but as an active participant in shaping the future. His relationship with Riva is marked by mutual understanding and the shared burden of memory.
Toni
Toni is Balthazar's former assistant, torn between loyalty and conscience. Her love for Willa, Balthazar's wife, and her horror at his descent into cruelty drive her to help the Firsts. Toni's journey is one of atonement—seeking to make amends for her complicity in Balthazar's crimes. She becomes a vital ally, using her knowledge and connections to aid the group. Toni's struggle reflects the broader theme of redemption and the possibility of change, even for those who have done harm.
Rollick
Rollick is a powerful shadowkind who becomes the group's unlikely protector and strategist. His motives are complex—part curiosity, part genuine care for the hybrids. Rollick's vast experience and resources make him an invaluable ally, but his true feelings are often hidden behind a mask of amusement. He challenges the group to grow, pushing them to test their limits and confront uncomfortable truths. Rollick embodies the ambiguity of the supernatural world—neither wholly good nor evil, but always compelling.
Sorsha
Sorsha is a rare hybrid with the powers of a phoenix, making her both a target and a symbol of hope. She is bold, compassionate, and unafraid to challenge authority. Sorsha's fire is both literal and metaphorical—she burns away lies and forges new paths. Her alliance with the Firsts is crucial in the final battles, and her presence offers a vision of what hybrids can become when they embrace their full selves.
Nadia
Nadia is one of the younger shadowbloods, once bright and hopeful, now twisted by Balthazar's manipulations. Her journey is a tragic mirror of Riva's—showing what happens when hope is lost and rage takes over. Nadia's fate is a constant reminder of the stakes, and her brief moments of clarity offer a glimmer of what might have been. Her story is a testament to the cost of violence and the importance of compassion, even for those who seem beyond saving.
Plot Devices
Power-Borrowing Bond
The unique bond among the Firsts allows them to swap supernatural powers, making them more versatile and unpredictable. This device not only raises the stakes in battle but also serves as a metaphor for intimacy, trust, and the dangers of losing oneself in others. The bond is both a strength and a vulnerability, forcing the group to confront the limits of their unity and the individuality of each member.
Moral Ambiguity and Redemption
The story is driven by the constant tension between compassion and necessity. The Firsts are forced to make impossible choices—save their own kind or the world, forgive or destroy, trust or betray. The plot uses these dilemmas to explore themes of redemption, self-acceptance, and the cost of survival. Foreshadowing is used to hint at the consequences of every choice, and the narrative structure alternates between action and introspection, mirroring the characters' internal struggles.
Found Family and Polyamory
The polyamorous bond among Riva and her men is central, providing both emotional depth and narrative momentum. Their love is a source of strength, a refuge from trauma, and a challenge to the isolation imposed by their creators. The story uses their relationship to explore themes of trust, vulnerability, and the power of chosen family to heal even the deepest wounds.
Memory Manipulation
Andreas's ability to erase and project memories becomes a key plot device, allowing the group to save some of the rogue shadowbloods by wiping their traumatic pasts. This device raises questions about identity, free will, and the ethics of rewriting history. It also serves as a metaphor for the struggle to move beyond trauma without forgetting what made survival necessary.
The Cycle of Violence
The narrative structure mirrors the cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth. The Firsts are both products and victims of violence, forced to confront the possibility that they may become what they were made to fight. The story uses foreshadowing and parallelism to highlight the dangers of unchecked power and the necessity of breaking the cycle through sacrifice and compassion.
Analysis
Fearsome Dream is a powerful meditation on trauma, redemption, and the struggle to define one's own humanity in a world that insists on seeing monsters. Eva Chase's narrative is both a thrilling urban fantasy and a deeply emotional exploration of found family, love, and the cost of survival. The story refuses easy answers, forcing its characters—and readers—to grapple with the moral ambiguity of violence, the possibility of forgiveness, and the limits of compassion. The polyamorous bond at the heart of the story is not just romantic but revolutionary, offering a vision of love as resistance to the forces that would divide and destroy. The use of power-borrowing, memory manipulation, and the cycle of violence as plot devices elevates the narrative, making it both a gripping adventure and a thoughtful commentary on the nature of identity and the possibility of change. In the end, Fearsome Dream is a story about choosing hope in the face of despair, and the belief that even the most broken can find healing—and a future worth fighting for.
Last updated:
