Exile and Nightmares

Rowan, once a mortal student, now a hidden demon, is exiled from the City of Thorns by Orion, the new demon king. She is plagued by nightmares of Orion's vengeance and the looming threat of war between demons and mortals. Isolated in New England, Rowan's sense of safety is fragile, and her identity as a Lightbringer—a rare, powerful demon—remains a secret. The trauma of her mother's death and the burden of her hidden powers weigh heavily on her. As she prepares for the coming trials, Rowan's longing for belonging and her fear of Orion's wrath intertwine, setting the stage for a battle not just for the throne, but for her own sense of self.

The Gauntlet's Return

Rowan's friend Shai brings her the legendary iron gauntlet, a symbol of challenge for the demon throne. With the help of new allies—Kas and Legion—Rowan learns the city is abuzz with rumors of her return. The gauntlet's magic reignites Rowan's hope, and she resolves to challenge Orion during the Moonlight Festival. The tension between her and Orion is palpable, complicated by their shared Lilu heritage and the seductive, dangerous magic that binds them. Rowan steels herself for the trial, determined to win not just for herself, but to prevent Orion's revenge-driven bloodshed.

Moonlit Challenge

Rowan infiltrates the City of Thorns during the festival, her powers restored by the city's magic. She publicly throws down the gauntlet, invoking ancient rights to challenge Orion. The city's demons gather, eager for spectacle. Orion, enigmatic and charming, accepts. Their fight is fierce and intimate, blending violence with the charged history between them. Rowan's training and cunning give her the edge; she surprises Orion, defeating him and claiming the title of shadow scion. The crowd is stunned, and Rowan's victory marks her as a true contender for the throne.

Dance of Rivals

The aftermath of the trial blurs the line between rivalry and desire. Rowan and Orion's battle is as much emotional as physical, their connection deepened by shared trauma and mutual attraction. Orion's incubus magic tempts Rowan, but she resists, wary of manipulation. Their exchanges are laced with regret, apology, and unresolved feelings. Rowan's victory is bittersweet—she senses Orion's pain and the darkness that still haunts him. The city watches, uncertain whether to fear or revere their new shadow scion.

Shadow Scion Ascends

As shadow scion, Rowan is celebrated but also targeted. She navigates the city's politics, forming alliances with Kas, Legion, and Shai. The threat of assassination looms, and Orion's possessiveness complicates her relationships. Rowan's struggle to trust—both others and herself—intensifies. She learns that the next trial will test not just strength, but magical skill and leadership. The city's wounds from past massacres linger, and Rowan feels the weight of history pressing on her every move.

Seduction and Schemes

Living under Orion's watchful eye, Rowan is caught between attraction and suspicion. Orion's gestures—gifts, protection, confessions—blur the boundaries between enemy and lover. Yet, assassination attempts and mind games keep Rowan on edge. She questions Orion's motives, unsure if his care is genuine or another ploy. Their connection deepens, but so does Rowan's resolve to win the trials on her own terms, refusing to be swayed by lust or sentiment.

Lessons in Magic

Rowan's friends help her prepare for the next trial: a magical contest involving necromancy. She struggles to control her Lightbringer power, which is both a gift and a curse—too much, and she risks chaos and madness. Practice sessions reveal the importance of emotional balance, and Rowan's psychological insight becomes her greatest asset. The group's camaraderie is tested by secrets and the ever-present threat of betrayal. Rowan's growth is marked by hard-won confidence and a deeper understanding of her own nature.

Memorial of the Lilu

Orion leads a memorial for the slaughtered Lilu, inviting Rowan to honor their dead. The ceremony is somber, filled with ritual and song, and Rowan is moved by the depth of Orion's grief. They share vulnerable moments, confessing fears and regrets. The city's collective mourning becomes a turning point, binding Rowan and Orion in shared purpose. Yet, the specter of vengeance still hangs over Orion, and Rowan fears what he might do if left unchecked.

The Twin Lightbringers

Rowan and Orion discover that the prophecy of the Lightbringer refers to both of them. Their powers are intertwined, their fates inextricably linked. As they train together, they learn to balance light and darkness, passion and restraint. Their relationship becomes a crucible for healing old wounds, but also a battleground for control. The city's future depends on whether they can unite or if their rivalry will tear everything apart.

Trials of Necromancy

The next trial requires Rowan and Orion to summon a legendary witch and steal his magical crown. Rowan's mastery of necromancy is hard-won, and the contest is fraught with danger. Both face physical and psychological threats—serpents, betrayal, and the ever-present risk of losing control. The trial exposes the city's deepest fears and the lengths to which its leaders will go to secure power. Rowan's victory is costly, and the boundaries between friend and foe blur further.

The Witch's Crown

Rowan's triumph in the necromantic trial is marred by a venomous attack and a near-fatal betrayal. She and Orion are forced to rely on each other, their trust tested to the breaking point. The city's politics grow more treacherous, and the true cost of power becomes clear. Rowan's compassion and determination shine, but she is haunted by the knowledge that every victory brings new dangers—and that love may be the greatest risk of all.

Venom and Betrayal

Rowan and Orion are poisoned during the grimoire heist, betrayed by someone close. Their escape is harrowing, marked by sacrifice and confession. Orion's darkest secret—his role in his mother's death—comes to light, and Rowan's forgiveness becomes a lifeline. The city teeters on the brink of chaos as illusions, mind control, and old grudges threaten to destroy everything they've built. Rowan's resolve is tested as she must choose between vengeance and mercy.

The Dungeon's Secrets

Rowan explores the dungeons where Orion was imprisoned, uncovering the carvings and memories that shaped him. The trauma of his childhood, the loss of his family, and the psychological scars of captivity are laid bare. Rowan's empathy deepens, and she vows to protect Orion from both his enemies and his own self-loathing. The city's history is a tapestry of pain and resilience, and Rowan realizes that true leadership requires understanding the wounds of the past.

The Grimoire Heist

The final trial is a heist for the Grimorium Verum, the book that binds the city's magic. Rowan and Orion must infiltrate the demon hunters' stronghold, facing mortal danger and betrayal from within their own ranks. The heist is a test of cunning, courage, and trust. Rowan's victory is bittersweet—she wins the crown, but at the cost of innocence and the certainty of who to trust. The city's fate hangs in the balance, and the true enemy remains hidden in the shadows.

Poisoned Escape

Rowan risks everything to save Orion from torture and death, confronting the demon hunters and her own capacity for violence. Their bond is forged in fire and blood, and Orion's confession of guilt becomes a moment of catharsis. Together, they defeat their enemies, but the cost is high. The city is safe—for now—but the threat of internal betrayal and the lure of vengeance remain ever-present.

Sacrifice and Confession

Rowan and Orion, now king and queen, unite the city and the Lilu, forging a new era of hope. Their love is tested by the scars of the past, but they find healing in each other. The city celebrates, but the specter of betrayal lingers. Rowan's compassion and Orion's strength become the pillars of a fragile peace. Together, they vow to protect their people and to break the cycle of violence that has haunted the city for centuries.

The Illusionist's Coup

Kas, revealed as the true traitor, uses powerful illusions to seize control, framing Orion and nearly destroying Rowan. The final confrontation is a battle of magic, will, and identity. Rowan and Orion, united as Lightbringers, unleash their combined power to defeat Kas and reclaim the city. The cost is great, but the victory is transformative. The city is reborn, and Rowan and Orion's love becomes a beacon of hope in the darkness.

Light Against Shadows

Years later, Rowan and Orion rule together, their love enduring and their city thriving. They raise a family, haunted by old nightmares but strengthened by new hope. The lessons of the past guide them as they navigate the challenges of leadership, parenthood, and the ever-present threat of chaos. The City of Thorns stands as a testament to resilience, forgiveness, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

Characters

Rowan Morgenstern

Rowan is the heart of the story—a mortal-turned-demon, marked by trauma, resilience, and a fierce sense of justice. Her journey from exile to queen is shaped by loss, betrayal, and the struggle to master her Lightbringer power. Rowan's psychological depth is her greatest strength; she is introspective, compassionate, and determined to break the cycle of violence that has defined her world. Her relationship with Orion is both a source of strength and vulnerability, forcing her to confront her own fears and desires. Rowan's growth is marked by her ability to forgive, to trust, and to lead with empathy, even when surrounded by darkness.

Orion (Ashur)

Orion, born Ashur, is a study in contrasts—powerful yet wounded, seductive yet haunted by guilt. His centuries of imprisonment and the loss of his family have left him scarred, driven by a blood oath of vengeance. As an incubus and Lightbringer, his magic is both a weapon and a curse. Orion's relationship with Rowan is transformative, challenging his belief in his own monstrosity and offering a path to redemption. His struggle to balance love and revenge, strength and vulnerability, defines his arc. Ultimately, Orion's willingness to confess his darkest secrets and accept forgiveness is what allows him to heal and to rule wisely.

Shai

Shai is Rowan's steadfast ally, providing emotional support, magical training, and a grounding presence. Her own journey from mortal student to powerful witch mirrors Rowan's transformation, and her loyalty is unwavering. Shai's relationship with Legion adds depth to her character, revealing her capacity for love and trust even in a world rife with betrayal. Her resilience and humor provide much-needed levity, and her willingness to risk everything for Rowan cements her as an indispensable part of the found family.

Kas (Kasyade)

Kas is the story's most complex antagonist—a charismatic, talented demon whose envy and ambition drive him to betray his friends. His mastery of illusion magic allows him to manipulate reality and nearly seize the throne. Kas's motivations are rooted in resentment and a belief that skill, not birthright, should determine leadership. His betrayal is both personal and political, forcing Rowan and Orion to confront the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of trust. Kas's downfall is a cautionary tale about the corrosive power of ego and the necessity of humility.

Legion

Legion is a steady, reliable presence—a demon of few words but deep loyalty. His friendship with Kas is tested by betrayal, and his budding romance with Shai reveals a softer side. Legion's magical expertise and strategic mind make him an invaluable ally in the trials. He embodies the tension between tradition and change, caution and courage. Legion's willingness to choose love and loyalty over old alliances marks his growth and solidifies his place in Rowan's inner circle.

Sabazios (Mr. Esposito)

Sabazios, Rowan's cousin and secret Lilu, is a quiet force for good. Disguised as an elderly family friend, he provides guidance, resources, and emotional support. His survival and eventual return to power symbolize the resilience of the Lilu and the importance of family. Sabazios's wisdom and understated heroism offer a counterpoint to the more dramatic characters, reminding Rowan of her roots and the value of quiet strength.

Amon

Amon, Orion's loyal cook and confidant, represents the enduring bonds of family and memory. Scarred by the Lilu massacre, he returns to serve Orion, offering counsel and comfort. Amon's presence grounds Orion, reminding him of his humanity and the importance of connection. His role as a caretaker extends to Rowan and the new generation, embodying the hope that even the most broken families can heal.

Alaric

Alaric, the legendary Visigoth king, is summoned as part of the necromancy trial. His power and cunning test Rowan's magical skill and resolve. Alaric's presence evokes the weight of history and the dangers of meddling with the past. His defeat is a testament to Rowan's growth and the necessity of confronting old ghosts to build a better future.

Lydia

Lydia, Duchess of the Luciferian Ward, is both adversary and ally. Her initial hostility gives way to pragmatic cooperation, reflecting the shifting alliances of demon politics. Lydia's cunning and ambition are tempered by her understanding of power's limits. Her role in the later years, helping Rowan and Orion as parents, highlights the possibility of reconciliation and the importance of community.

Nicodemus (Nico)

Nico, Rowan and Orion's son, embodies the story's hope and vulnerability. His magical gifts and childlike innocence are a reminder of what is at stake. Nico's presence forces Rowan and Orion to confront their own fears and to build a world where the next generation can thrive. His adventures and mischief add warmth and humor, balancing the story's darker themes.

Plot Devices

Trials as Transformation

The Demon Queen Trials structure the narrative, each trial serving as a crucible for transformation. Physical combat, magical contests, and heists test not only strength and skill but also character, leadership, and the capacity for mercy. The trials force Rowan and Orion to confront their deepest fears, to trust and betray, to love and forgive. The escalating challenges mirror their internal journeys, culminating in a final confrontation that redefines what it means to rule.

Duality and Twinning

The motif of twins—Rowan and Orion as Lightbringers, the duality of order and chaos—pervades the story. Their relationship is a dance of opposites, each drawing strength from the other. The narrative structure echoes this duality, alternating perspectives and blurring the line between enemy and lover. The theme of twinning extends to the city itself, torn between past and future, vengeance and forgiveness.

Illusion and Deception

Illusion magic is both a literal and metaphorical device, enabling betrayal, mistaken identity, and the manipulation of reality. Kas's mastery of illusion allows him to nearly seize power, while Rowan and Orion's struggles with trust and perception drive the emotional stakes. The story repeatedly asks: What is real? Who can be trusted? The answer is always provisional, forcing characters to rely on instinct and faith.

Trauma and Healing

The legacy of violence—massacres, imprisonment, betrayal—haunts every character. The dungeons, the gallows, and the scars on Orion's body are physical manifestations of psychological wounds. Healing comes through confession, forgiveness, and the willingness to risk love. The narrative structure allows for deep dives into memory and trauma, using flashbacks, visions, and confessions to reveal the hidden wounds that drive action.

Found Family and Loyalty

Rowan's journey is marked by the formation of a found family—Shai, Legion, Sabazios, and eventually Orion. Loyalty is tested and sometimes broken, but the willingness to forgive and to fight for each other becomes the foundation of the new order. The story contrasts the destructiveness of isolation and vengeance with the redemptive power of connection.

Prophecy and Destiny

The prophecy of the Lightbringer(s) shapes expectations and fears, but the story ultimately subverts the idea of destiny as fixed. Rowan and Orion's choices—especially their willingness to forgive and to rule together—reshape the future. The narrative uses foreshadowing and symbolic marks to build tension, but resolution comes from agency, not fate.

Analysis

Garden of Serpents is a dark, romantic fantasy that interrogates the nature of power, trauma, and redemption. At its core, the novel is about the struggle to break cycles of violence—personal, political, and generational. Through the lens of demon society, C.N. Crawford explores how wounds of the past shape the present, and how healing requires both courage and vulnerability. The trials are not just contests for the throne, but crucibles for transformation, forcing Rowan and Orion to confront their own darkness and to choose love over vengeance. The story's use of duality—light and dark, order and chaos, enemy and lover—reflects the complexity of human (and demon) nature. The ultimate message is one of hope: that even the most broken can be healed, that forgiveness is possible, and that the future is shaped not by destiny, but by the choices we make. In a world where trust is dangerous and illusions abound, Garden of Serpents argues for the power of empathy, the necessity of found family, and the enduring strength of love.

Last updated: December 11, 2025