Ashes and Obsessions

Julius Allcott, haunted by the loss of his wife and daughter, sifts through their ashes, desperate for a way to bring them back. His obsession with resurrection and control over life and death drives him to ever darker deeds, fueling the creation of the Syndicate and its monstrous plans. The world's sins, he believes, must be cleansed, and only his vision—no matter the cost—can achieve it. His bitterness festers, blaming the Sisterhood and the Deadly Seven for every failure. The past is never far from his mind, and his pride is both his anchor and his undoing.

Broken Pride, Broken Arm

Parker Lazarus, the eldest of the Deadly Seven, is a man of intellect and animalistic power, but now he's broken—his arm lost, his AI destroyed, and his family fractured. He obsesses over repairing AIMI, their digital backbone, and over his own regeneration, refusing help. His pride isolates him, even from his siblings. The loss of his arm is more than physical; it's a wound to his identity. Yet, beneath the surface, a deeper ache throbs: the loss of his mate, the one woman who could balance his sin and save his soul.

The Assistant's Secret

Alice Montgomery, Parker's unassuming assistant, is more than she appears. Beneath her nerdy exterior lies a Sinner—an assassin for the Hildegard Sisterhood, sent to spy on the Lazarus family. Her mission: determine if the Deadly Seven are a threat or an ally. But as she cleans Parker's office and hums a song from her tragic childhood, her feelings for him deepen. She's torn between duty and desire, haunted by guilt and longing for a place to belong.

Unmasking and Unraveling

When Parker returns to the office, he confronts Alice, recognizing her as the Sinner who cost him his arm. Their confrontation is electric—literally and figuratively—as Parker's pheromones trigger an uncontrollable attraction. Boundaries blur, secrets spill, and both are forced to confront the truth: they are mates, destined to balance each other's darkness. But trust is fragile, and the past is a prison neither can escape alone.

Chains and Choices

Parker, desperate for answers, binds Alice in his penthouse, demanding the truth about her mission. Their power struggle is intimate and raw, each testing the other's limits. Alice's lack of pride both infuriates and fascinates Parker. As they spar—physically and verbally—they begin to see each other's wounds. The lines between captor and captive, enemy and lover, blur, setting the stage for a partnership forged in fire.

Family Ties, Family Lies

The Lazarus family is a web of loyalty and rivalry. Parker's siblings push him to accept help, to use Syndicate tech to regain his strength, but his pride resists. Meanwhile, Alice's ties to the Sisterhood are tested as she seeks counsel from her fellow Sinners. Both families are fractured by secrets and haunted by the past. The question of trust—who deserves it, who can give it—becomes central as alliances shift and old wounds reopen.

Sinners and Sisters

Alice returns to the Sinners, her chosen family, seeking solace and advice. The Sisterhood is both sanctuary and shackle, a place of fierce loyalty and harsh penance. The Sinners debate the meaning of the mating bond, the possibility of escape, and the cost of love. Alice's struggle is every Sinner's struggle: can they ever be more than the sum of their sins? The Reverend Mother's orders are clear—destroy the Syndicate, save their own, and never forget the price of failure.

The Syndicate's Shadow

Julius Allcott's plans grow ever more twisted. He tortures Daisy, Parker's lost sister, using her as both weapon and warning. The Syndicate's reach is global, its methods monstrous—replicates, serums, and mindless Faithful. Julius's pride blinds him to reason, and his obsession with resurrection becomes a death spiral. The Deadly Seven and the Sinners are pawns in his game, but even he cannot control the darkness he has unleashed.

Replicates and Revelations

The Syndicate's replicates—cloned, powered, and unstable—are both weapon and warning. As the Deadly Seven and the Sinners investigate, they discover the replicates are drawn south, seeking a place of concentrated sin. The Sisterhood's research suggests a terrifying possibility: a Hell-mouth, a portal to another dimension. Science and superstition collide, and the true stakes of the battle become clear—not just the fate of the city, but the fate of the world.

Alliance and Attraction

Parker and Alice, forced to work together, forge an uneasy alliance. Their attraction is undeniable, but trust is hard-won. As they share secrets and scars, they begin to heal each other. The family, too, must accept help—from Sinners, from Syndicate tech, from each other. The lines between hero and villain, sinner and saint, blur. Love becomes both weapon and shield.

Dinner, Danger, and Desire

Parker and Alice's dinner is a battlefield of words and longing. They spar over philosophy, sin, and the meaning of Hell. Their attraction simmers, but so do their doubts. When danger erupts, they fight side by side, proving that together they are stronger—and more vulnerable—than apart. The night ends in passion and pain, each forced to confront what they truly want, and what they fear to lose.

Confessions and Consequences

The aftermath of desire is confession. Alice reveals her scars—physical and emotional—the price of her penance. Parker admits his own shame, his fear of imperfection, his desperate need for control. Both are haunted by the past, but together they glimpse the possibility of redemption. The family, too, must face the consequences of pride and secrecy. The cost of love is vulnerability, and the price of pride is pain.

Trust and Tension

As the Lazarus family and the Sinners prepare for war, trust is tested at every turn. Parker's plan to take down the Syndicate is bold, but risky. Alice's loyalty is torn between her new family and her old. The lines between ally and enemy blur, and every choice carries weight. The family's unity is both their greatest strength and their greatest vulnerability.

The Heart's Weakness

Parker's mother, Mary, confronts him with the truth: the heart is not a weakness, but the source of all strength. The family's history is a tapestry of sacrifice and survival, love and loss. Parker must learn to accept help, to trust in others, and to believe in his own worth. Alice, too, must choose between the safety of solitude and the risk of love. Together, they discover that true strength lies in vulnerability.

The Longing and the Loss

Alice and Parker, separated by pride and circumstance, long for each other. Their daily routines become rituals of hope and regret. The family, too, mourns the loss of Daisy, the threat to their legacy, and the uncertainty of the future. Yet, in the midst of longing, there is growth. Gifts are given, wounds begin to heal, and the possibility of happiness glimmers on the horizon.

Rebuilding and Reconnecting

Parker rebuilds—his arm, his AI, his relationships. Alice, too, begins to accept the gifts and care offered to her. The family comes together, each member contributing their strength and wisdom. The Sinners and the Deadly Seven form a true alliance, united by purpose and by love. The past cannot be changed, but the future can be shaped—together.

Gifts and Guilt

Parker showers Alice with gifts, trying to show his love and worth. Alice, unused to kindness, struggles to accept. Both are haunted by guilt—over past actions, over what they cannot give. Yet, through small acts of care, they begin to trust. The family, too, must learn to forgive—each other and themselves.

The Attack on Lazarus Tech

The Syndicate strikes, sending Faithful to attack Lazarus Tech. Alice fights for her life, Parker races to her rescue, and the family is thrown into chaos. In the aftermath, Parker's identity is exposed, and the stakes are raised. The cost of pride is clear: no one is safe, and the enemy is closer than ever.

Rescue and Ruin

Parker and Alice escape the attack, but not without cost. Parker's identity is compromised, the company is at risk, and the family's future is uncertain. Yet, in the midst of ruin, there is hope. Alice's loyalty is proven, and the family rallies around her. Together, they begin to plan their final assault on the Syndicate.

Escape and Exposure

With the authorities closing in, Parker and Alice must hide in plain sight. Their love is both shield and target, their partnership tested by danger and doubt. The family, too, must adapt—using every resource, every ally, to survive. The lines between right and wrong blur, and the only certainty is each other.

Home and Healing

In the aftermath of violence, Parker and Alice find solace in each other. Their home becomes a sanctuary, a place to heal and to hope. The family gathers, sharing food, stories, and strength. The scars of the past remain, but together they begin to heal. Love, once a risk, becomes a refuge.

Rope and Redemption

Parker and Alice explore the art of Shibari, using rope as both metaphor and medicine. Through vulnerability and surrender, they find redemption. The act of tying and being tied becomes a dance of trust, a way to rewrite the stories written on their bodies. In each other's arms, they find the freedom to be whole.

The Family Table

The family comes together around the table, sharing food and hope. Missing members are mourned, new bonds are celebrated. Daisy is rescued, but the cost of victory is high. The family's strength is tested, but their love endures. Together, they face the future—uncertain, but united.

The Final Hunt

The Syndicate's endgame is unleashed—replicates, Faithful, and the threat of a Hell-mouth. The family and the Sinners join forces for one final assault. Sacrifices are made, secrets revealed, and the true meaning of pride and redemption is discovered. In the end, it is love—messy, imperfect, and fierce—that saves them all.

The Endgame Unleashed

Julius's final plan is revealed: destroy the city, open the gates to another dimension, and reunite with his lost family. The Deadly Seven and the Sinners must risk everything to stop him. In the crucible of battle, old wounds are healed, new bonds are forged, and the world is changed forever. The story ends not with victory or defeat, but with the promise of hope—a future built on love, forgiveness, and the courage to begin again.

Characters

Parker Lazarus

Parker is the eldest of the Deadly Seven, a man forged from intellect, animal power, and relentless pride. His journey is one of brokenness and healing—physically, after losing his arm, and emotionally, as he learns to accept help and love. His relationship with Alice is both salvation and struggle, forcing him to confront his deepest fears of imperfection and vulnerability. As a leader, he is both admired and resented, his pride both a shield and a prison. Through loss, love, and the acceptance of his own darkness, Parker evolves from isolated king to a man capable of true connection.

Alice Montgomery

Alice is a master of disguise—outwardly a bumbling assistant, inwardly a deadly Sinner. Her life is a tapestry of loss, guilt, and longing for family. Sent to spy on the Lazarus family, she finds herself falling for Parker, torn between duty and desire. Her journey is one of self-acceptance, learning to trust and be trusted, to give and receive love. Her scars—physical and emotional—are both her burden and her badge. Through her relationship with Parker and her sisters, she discovers that redemption is possible, and that she is worthy of happiness.

Julius Allcott

Julius is the architect of the Syndicate, driven by grief and pride to the brink of madness. His obsession with resurrecting his lost family blinds him to the suffering he causes. He is both brilliant and broken, a man who cannot let go of the past. His plans are monstrous, his methods ruthless, but at his core is a desperate longing for love and control. In the end, his pride is his undoing, and his tragedy is that he cannot see the hope that remains.

Daisy (Despair)

Daisy is the missing piece of the Lazarus family, tortured and used by Julius as both tool and warning. Her journey is one of survival and sacrifice, enduring unimaginable pain for the hope of reunion. She is both victim and hero, her strength hidden beneath layers of despair. Her rescue is a turning point for the family, a reminder that even in the darkest places, hope can survive.

Mary Lazarus

Mary is the heart of the Lazarus family, a woman who has survived betrayal, loss, and the burden of leadership. Her past as a Sinner haunts her, but she uses her experience to guide her children. She is both fierce and compassionate, unafraid to confront hard truths. Her relationship with Parker is complex—a mix of pride, disappointment, and deep love. She teaches that the heart is not a weakness, but the source of all strength.

Flint Lazarus

Flint is the steady hand behind the family, a man marked by guilt and a longing to make amends. His connection to Alice's past adds layers of complexity to his role. He is a builder, a fixer, and a source of quiet wisdom. His love for Mary and the children is unwavering, and his willingness to accept and forgive is a model for the family.

Liza Lazarus

Liza is the family's enforcer, unafraid to speak hard truths or take action. Her loyalty is fierce, her sense of justice unyielding. She is both Parker's challenger and his defender, pushing him to be better even as she covers his back. Her journey is one of learning to trust, to accept help, and to believe in the possibility of happiness.

Sloan Lazarus

Sloan is the family's emotional barometer, able to sense and influence feelings. Her gift is both blessing and burden, making her both peacemaker and provocateur. She is the glue that holds the family together, her humor and insight a balm in times of crisis. Her relationship with Max is a model of partnership and mutual respect.

The Sinners (Mercy, Raven, Tawny, Leila, Thea, Prudence)

The Sinners are Alice's chosen family, each marked by trauma and resilience. Mercy is the heart, Raven the seer, Tawny the innocent, Leila the warrior, Thea the intellect, Prudence the martyr. Together, they embody the struggle for redemption, the power of sisterhood, and the hope that even the most broken can be made whole.

Axel Alvares

Axel is a man caught between worlds—recruited by the Syndicate out of desperation, he becomes an unlikely ally to the Lazarus family. His motivations are complex, driven by love for his sister and a desire to make amends. His connection to Daisy is both redemptive and tragic, a reminder that even those on the wrong side can choose to do right.

Plot Devices

Sin and Virtue as Power

The central device of the novel is the embodiment of deadly sins and their opposing virtues within the Lazarus siblings. Each character's power is triggered and balanced by their mate, whose virtue counters their sin. This dynamic is both literal—affecting their abilities—and metaphorical, shaping their emotional arcs. The balance of sin and virtue is tracked by bio-indicator tattoos, and the consequences of imbalance are dire. This device explores the nature of good and evil, the possibility of redemption, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.

Duality and Masks

Nearly every character wears a mask—literal or figurative. Alice is both assistant and assassin; Parker is both leader and beast. The tension between public persona and private truth is a constant source of conflict and growth. The unmasking of secrets is both dangerous and liberating, forcing characters to confront who they are and who they want to be.

Family as Both Strength and Weakness

The Lazarus family and the Sinners are both defined and constrained by their loyalty to each other. Family is a source of strength, but also of vulnerability—every loss is felt deeply, every betrayal cuts twice. The story explores the ways in which family can both save and destroy, and the necessity of forgiveness and acceptance.

Foreshadowing and Prophecy

The presence of psychics and visions—especially through Raven and Evan—creates a sense of destiny and inevitability. Prophecies and dreams foreshadow key events, but their meaning is often ambiguous, allowing for both hope and dread. This device heightens tension and underscores the theme that the future is shaped by choices, not fate alone.

Science and Superstition Collide

The Syndicate's use of genetic engineering, AI, and replicates is contrasted with the Sisterhood's belief in Hell-mouths and demonic possession. The collision of science and superstition raises questions about the nature of evil, the limits of knowledge, and the possibility of miracles. The blending of genres—science fiction, fantasy, and romance—creates a rich, unpredictable narrative landscape.

Narrative Structure: Dual POV and Interwoven Timelines

The story is told through alternating points of view—primarily Parker and Alice—allowing readers to experience both sides of the central romance and conflict. Interwoven timelines and flashbacks reveal the characters' histories, traumas, and motivations, building empathy and suspense. The structure mirrors the theme of duality, reinforcing the idea that every story has more than one side.

Analysis

Pride by Lana Pecherczyk is a genre-bending urban fantasy that uses the language of superhero fiction, romance, and myth to explore the cost of pride, the possibility of redemption, and the transformative power of love. At its heart, the novel is about broken people—genetically engineered heroes, assassin nuns, and grieving villains—struggling to find meaning, connection, and forgiveness in a world shaped by trauma and sin. The story interrogates the dangers of unchecked pride and the necessity of vulnerability, showing that true strength lies not in perfection, but in the willingness to accept help, to trust, and to love. The interplay between science and superstition, family and found family, sin and virtue, creates a rich tapestry of conflict and hope. Ultimately, Pride argues that redemption is possible for even the most damaged souls, and that the courage to face one's own darkness is the first step toward healing. The novel's lessons—about the dangers of isolation, the necessity of forgiveness, and the power of chosen family—resonate far beyond its fantastical setting, offering readers both escapism and insight into the human condition.

Last updated: November 14, 2025