Plot Summary
Tensions and Ties Unravel
Lexie's life is a delicate balance of romance and supernatural threats. Her relationships with her boyfriends—Isaac, Miles, Zeke, Ethan, and Asher—are passionate but complicated, each connection tested by jealousy, secrets, and the ever-present threat of Jadis, a powerful witch. The group's unity is their strength, but also a source of tension as they navigate the rules of their polyamorous relationship. Meanwhile, the supernatural world is on edge: the Templars have their own plans, and the fragile peace between witches, shifters, and other magical beings is threatened by old grudges and new alliances. Lexie's longing for normalcy is constantly interrupted by the demands of her necromancer powers and the looming war, setting the stage for a story where love and loyalty are as vital as magic and might.
Shadows of the Past
The group's stability is shaken by the reappearance of past abusers and unresolved pain. Lexie's familiar, Hades, kills Ordin, a dangerous figure from her past, sparking a moral crisis about justice and mercy. Jessica, Asher's sister, faces her abusive ex, reclaiming her agency but exposing the group to new dangers. The characters' histories bleed into the present, influencing their choices and relationships. Lexie's struggle to forgive Hades for his lethal protection, and her confrontation with her estranged mother, force her to confront the wounds that shaped her. These personal battles mirror the larger supernatural conflict, as the past refuses to stay buried and every character must decide what they're willing to forgive—and what they must fight to overcome.
Anchors and Aftershocks
The disappearance and death of friends and loved ones send shockwaves through the group. Riley's transformation into a vampire and the abduction of others by Jadis' forces highlight the vulnerability of even the strongest bonds. The group's attempts to protect each other are complicated by guilt and the knowledge that their enemies are always watching. Lexie's necromancer training intensifies, revealing the addictive rush of raising the dead and the dangers of losing control. The emotional aftershocks of trauma—nightmares, anxiety, and the fear of losing more loved ones—threaten to unravel the group's unity. Yet, these challenges also forge deeper connections, as the characters learn to lean on each other and accept help, even when it's hard.
Family, Found and Fractured
As the threat from Jadis escalates, Lexie and her friends make the painful decision to send their non-combatant loved ones away for their safety. The departure of Rory, Maria, Tara, Jessica, and Lucy is bittersweet, underscoring the cost of war and the strength of found family. Lexie's confrontation with her mother brings closure and a sense of self-worth, as she chooses the family she's built over the one she was born into. The group's bonds are tested but ultimately strengthened by these separations, as they reaffirm their commitment to each other and the fight ahead. The theme of family—by blood and by choice—runs deep, shaping every sacrifice and every act of love.
The Weight of Protection
Hades' role as Lexie's familiar is both a blessing and a burden. His willingness to kill for her safety forces Lexie to grapple with the morality of violence and the meaning of true protection. The group debates the ethics of preemptive action versus restraint, especially as Miles uses his father's criminal contacts to try to keep everyone safe. The lines between protector and aggressor blur, and the cost of safety becomes increasingly high. Lexie's struggle to set boundaries with Hades, and the group's intervention with Miles, highlight the difficulty of balancing love, loyalty, and the need to do what's right—even when it hurts.
Secrets, Sacrifice, and Survival
Secrets—about powers, past actions, and personal struggles—threaten to tear the group apart. Miles' use of his father's mob connections, the true nature of Ethan's transformation, and the hidden dangers of Lexie's growing powers all come to light, forcing difficult conversations and painful reckonings. Sacrifices are made, both big and small, as the group prepares for the coming battle. The theme of survival is ever-present, not just in the physical sense but emotionally and morally. Each character must decide what they're willing to give up—and what they refuse to lose—in order to protect the people they love and the world they're fighting for.
The Circle of Trust
The revelation of Lexie's polyamorous relationship to outsiders, especially Jessica, brings judgment and misunderstanding, but also opportunities for honesty and growth. The group's commitment to transparency and mutual respect is put to the test as they navigate jealousy, fear, and the need for open communication. Trust is also tested by external threats, as attacks on the group and their families force them to rely on each other more than ever. Through it all, the circle of trust—both literal and metaphorical—remains the foundation of their strength, allowing them to face the unknown together.
Power Unleashed, Control Lost
Lexie's training as a necromancer reaches a critical point as she learns to channel immense power, but struggles with control. The addictive rush of raising the dead, the risk of losing herself in the process, and the revelation that she can draw energy from the air like a ghost all point to a power that is both a gift and a curse. The arrival of Jade, a dragon, and the discovery of Ethan's phoenix nature add new layers to the group's understanding of magic and immortality. The boundaries between life and death, control and chaos, are blurred, and the consequences of unchecked power become all too clear.
The Cost of War
The battle with Jadis' forces is brutal and costly. Friends are injured, lives are lost, and the group is pushed to their limits. The med ward becomes a place of both hope and heartbreak, as Lexie and her friends fight to save as many as they can. The reality of war—its randomness, its cruelty, its demand for sacrifice—hits home, forcing the characters to confront their own mortality and the possibility of losing everything. Yet, even in the darkest moments, acts of courage and love shine through, reminding them of what they're fighting for.
The Dragon's Arrival
Jade's dramatic entrance as a dragon and her alliance with the group shift the balance of power. Her knowledge of Ethan's true nature as a phoenix, and her willingness to fight alongside them, offer hope in the face of overwhelming odds. The rescue of Quinn, a child with explosive magical potential, underscores the stakes of the conflict and the need for compassion and careful handling of power. Jade's presence is both a boon and a challenge, as the group must adapt to new dynamics and new possibilities in their fight against Jadis.
The Breaking Point
As Jadis' possessed witches close in, the group is forced into a last stand. Trapped and outnumbered, Lexie faces the ultimate test of her power and her will. The decision to use her stone to destroy both themselves and their enemies is a moment of heartbreaking sacrifice, made bearable only by the unity and love of the group. The breaking point is both literal and emotional, as the boundaries between life and death, hope and despair, are shattered. The cost of victory is almost too high to bear.
Choices at the Edge
In the aftermath of the explosion, Lexie finds herself alone among the bodies of her loved ones. The appearance of Mila, her Reaper grandmother, and Death himself offers a chance at a bargain: Lexie can have her friends back if she agrees to become a Reaper when she dies. The choice is agonizing, but Lexie's love for her found family outweighs her own desires. The deal is struck, and her friends are restored to life, but not without scars—physical, emotional, and spiritual. The price of love is steep, but Lexie pays it willingly, choosing hope over despair.
The Last Stand
With the immediate threat of Jadis gone, Lexie must still face the consequences of the past. The truth about who closed the Veil is revealed in a tense confrontation with Eric and Jake, leading to violence, betrayal, and the final closure of old wounds. Lexie's willingness to do what is necessary, even when it means blood on her hands, marks her growth from a girl haunted by the past to a woman who shapes her own destiny. The last stand is not just against external enemies, but against the darkness within herself and those she once called friends.
Death's Bargain
The aftermath of war is a time of healing and reckoning. Lexie and her friends recover from their injuries, mourn their losses, and begin to rebuild their lives. The investigation into the explosion, the fate of Hades, and the sentencing of Jake all serve as reminders that actions have consequences, and that justice is often imperfect. Lexie's bargain with Death hangs over her, a reminder that every victory comes with a price. Yet, the promise of a future—of art school, of love, of family—remains, tempered by the knowledge of what was lost and what was gained.
Healing, Hope, and Home
In the end, Lexie and her found family emerge from the crucible of war changed but unbroken. They return to their homes, their routines, and their dreams, carrying the scars of battle but also the strength of survival. The group's commitment to each other is reaffirmed in small, everyday acts of love and support. The story closes with a sense of hope and possibility, as Lexie looks to the future—not as a victim of fate, but as the author of her own story. The journey that began in fear and uncertainty ends in healing, hope, and the enduring power of chosen family.
Characters
Lexie Delaney
Lexie is the emotional and magical center of the story, a young necromancer whose powers are both a gift and a curse. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to balance the demands of her abilities with her deep need for love, belonging, and normalcy. Lexie's relationships with her five boyfriends are complex, marked by passion, jealousy, and fierce loyalty. She is haunted by past trauma—abuse, abandonment, and the burden of responsibility—but refuses to let it define her. Lexie's greatest strength is her compassion, which drives her to protect others even at great personal cost. Her willingness to make impossible choices, including bargaining with Death itself, marks her as a true hero, shaped by pain but defined by love.
Isaac
Isaac is Lexie's steadying force, the one who keeps the group's emotional currents in balance. His ability to read auras and emotions makes him uniquely sensitive to the needs and struggles of those around him. Isaac is playful and affectionate, often using humor and physical touch to soothe tensions. He is fiercely loyal, willing to fight for his loved ones but also quick to forgive and mediate conflicts. Isaac's journey is one of self-acceptance, as he learns to trust his instincts and embrace his role as the group's emotional anchor. His relationship with Lexie is marked by deep trust and mutual support, providing a safe haven in the storm of their lives.
Miles Huntington
Miles is the group's intellectual powerhouse, a genius with a troubled past and a complicated relationship with power. The death of his abusive father and the reappearance of his mother force Miles to confront the shadows of his upbringing. His use of his father's criminal contacts to protect the group is both a strength and a source of conflict, as he struggles to balance pragmatism with morality. Miles' love for Lexie is deep but sometimes overshadowed by his need for control and his fear of loss. His journey is one of learning to trust others, let go of the past, and accept that true strength lies in vulnerability and connection.
Zeke
Zeke is the group's physical and emotional guardian, a man shaped by trauma but determined to protect those he loves. His gruff exterior hides a tender heart, and his struggles with intimacy and touch are a testament to his resilience and courage. Zeke's relationship with Lexie is marked by patience, understanding, and a willingness to face his own demons for her sake. He is the group's rock, willing to make sacrifices and take risks to keep everyone safe. Zeke's journey is one of healing, as he learns to accept love, trust others, and believe in his own worth.
Ethan
Ethan is the group's artist and romantic, a man whose transformation into a phoenix mirrors his journey of self-discovery and renewal. His immortality is both a blessing and a curse, forcing him to confront the prospect of outliving those he loves. Ethan's relationship with Lexie is passionate and deeply emotional, marked by a shared love of art and a mutual understanding of pain. His willingness to step aside for others, and his acceptance of his new identity, reflect his growth from insecurity to self-assurance. Ethan's journey is one of embracing change, finding meaning in loss, and choosing hope over despair.
Asher
Asher is Lexie's childhood friend turned lover, a werewolf grappling with the loss of his old life and the demands of his new one. His loyalty to his sister Jessica and his friends is unwavering, but he struggles with the expectations of pack life and the fear of losing himself. Asher's relationship with Lexie is grounded in shared history and deep affection, providing a sense of stability amid chaos. His journey is one of adaptation, as he learns to balance his human and wolf natures, accept help, and trust in the strength of his chosen family.
Hades
Hades is Lexie's magical familiar, a being whose devotion to her safety is both a comfort and a source of conflict. His willingness to kill for Lexie's protection forces her to confront the morality of violence and the meaning of true loyalty. Hades' struggle to understand human emotions and boundaries adds complexity to his role, as he learns to respect Lexie's autonomy and privacy. His journey is one of growth, as he moves from instinct-driven protector to a more nuanced understanding of love, sacrifice, and the limits of power.
Uma
Uma is the head of the local witches and Lexie's primary teacher, guiding her through the dangers and responsibilities of necromancy. Her own grief over the loss of loved ones informs her approach to magic and leadership, making her both compassionate and pragmatic. Uma's relationship with Lexie is maternal, marked by tough love and high expectations. She is a stabilizing force in the group, providing wisdom, strategy, and a sense of perspective. Uma's journey is one of resilience, as she balances the needs of her community with her own pain and hopes for the future.
Jade
Jade's arrival as a dragon shifts the balance of power in the group's favor. Her knowledge of ancient magic, her connection to Ethan's phoenix nature, and her willingness to fight for the group make her an invaluable ally. Jade is both fierce and pragmatic, unafraid to do what needs to be done but also capable of compassion and humor. Her presence challenges the group to expand their understanding of magic, immortality, and the nature of true strength. Jade's journey is one of adaptation, as she learns to trust and fight alongside her new companions.
Quinn
Quinn is a young girl rescued from Jadis' experiments, her mind shattered and her powers dangerously unstable. She represents both the cost of war and the hope for healing, as the group struggles to help her recover and find safety. Quinn's presence forces the characters to confront the consequences of unchecked power and the importance of compassion, even in the face of fear. Her journey is one of survival, as she moves from victim to survivor, and her fate is a reminder of the stakes of the conflict and the need for mercy.
Plot Devices
Polyamory and Chosen Family
The story's central device is the polyamorous relationship between Lexie and her five boyfriends, which serves as both a source of strength and a crucible for conflict. The group's commitment to honesty, communication, and mutual support is tested by jealousy, fear, and external judgment. The theme of chosen family—friends who become more than blood—runs throughout, shaping every sacrifice and every act of love. This device allows for deep exploration of trust, loyalty, and the ways in which love can both heal and complicate.
Magic as Metaphor
Magic in the story is both literal and symbolic, representing the dangers of unchecked power, the allure of escape, and the struggle for self-mastery. Lexie's necromancy is addictive, offering a rush that threatens to consume her. The use of magic as a weapon, a shield, and a tool for healing mirrors the characters' emotional journeys, as they learn to balance strength with restraint, and passion with responsibility. The narrative structure uses magic to explore themes of trauma, recovery, and the cost of survival.
Foreshadowing and Parallelism
The story is rich in foreshadowing, with early events and decisions echoing later crises. The moral dilemmas faced by Lexie, Hades, and Miles are mirrored in the choices of Eric, Jake, and Jadis, highlighting the thin line between heroism and villainy. The use of dreams, visions, and astral projection creates a sense of inevitability, as characters are haunted by the past and driven toward a future they can only partially control. The parallel journeys of healing and sacrifice reinforce the story's central themes.
Bargains with Death
The climax of the story hinges on Lexie's bargain with Death, a literal deal that restores her loved ones to life at the cost of her own afterlife. This device crystallizes the story's exploration of sacrifice, the limits of power, and the meaning of true love. The narrative structure uses this moment to bring together all the story's threads—family, magic, trauma, and hope—into a single, transformative choice.
Analysis
When The Grave Calls is a powerful meditation on trauma, healing, and the redemptive power of chosen family. Through the lens of urban fantasy, B.L. Brunnemer explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of survival in a world where magic is both a blessing and a curse. The story's polyamorous structure challenges traditional notions of romance, offering a nuanced portrayal of trust, communication, and the ways in which love can be both a source of strength and vulnerability. The narrative's focus on the consequences of violence, the dangers of unchecked power, and the importance of compassion is deeply resonant in a modern context, where questions of justice, forgiveness, and the cost of safety are ever-present. Ultimately, the novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the necessity of facing one's fears, and the possibility of hope and healing even in the aftermath of unimaginable loss. The lesson is clear: true strength lies not in power or control, but in the willingness to love, to forgive, and to choose life—again and again, no matter the cost.
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