FAQ

Synopsis & Basic Details

What is The Invocations about?

• A dark magic thriller : The Invocations follows three young women, Emer, Jude, and Zara, each grappling with the consequences of magic and loss. They become entangled in a web of murder and dark forces as they seek to understand and control the powers that have shaped their lives.
• Intertwined destinies : The story explores how their paths converge as they confront a killer who steals magical power from his victims, forcing them to confront their own demons and make difficult choices.
• A fight for survival : The narrative is a blend of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements, as the women must learn to trust each other and their own abilities to survive the dangers that surround them.

Why should I read The Invocations?

• Unique magical system : The book offers a fresh take on magic, with a focus on invocations, demons, and the consequences of wielding power, creating a dark and compelling world.
• Complex female characters : The story features three distinct and well-developed female protagonists, each with their own motivations, flaws, and strengths, making for a compelling and emotionally resonant read.
• Intriguing mystery : The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping readers guessing as the characters uncover the truth behind the murders and the killer's identity, making for a page-turning experience.

What is the background of The Invocations?

• Urban fantasy setting : The story is set in a contemporary London, blending the mundane with the supernatural, creating a sense of unease and danger lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.
• Historical and mythological influences : The book draws on elements of historical witch hunts, ancient languages, and demonology, adding depth and complexity to the magical system and the characters' motivations.
• Exploration of power dynamics : The narrative explores themes of power, control, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, reflecting real-world issues of oppression and the struggle for agency.

What are the most memorable quotes in The Invocations?

• "Men cannot use magic." : This recurring statement, challenged by the events of the story, highlights the book's subversion of traditional power dynamics and the limitations placed on women.
• "I did not come this far to only come this far." : This mantra, repeated by Zara, encapsulates her determination and resilience in the face of loss and the impossible odds she faces.
• "You think because you sold a piece of your soul for some meager magic that you are invincible. You are not." : Emer's words to Jude reveal the harsh realities of magic and the vulnerability of those who seek power, highlighting the book's themes of sacrifice and consequence.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Krystal Sutherland use?

• Multiple perspectives : The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Emer, Jude, and Zara, allowing readers to experience the events from different angles and gain a deeper understanding of each character's motivations and struggles.
• Vivid imagery and sensory details : Sutherland uses rich descriptions and sensory language to create a dark and atmospheric world, immersing readers in the story's magical and dangerous setting.
• Foreshadowing and suspense : The narrative is full of subtle hints and clues, building suspense and keeping readers guessing as the characters uncover the truth behind the murders and the killer's identity.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

• The recurring mention of Double Decker bars : Jude's fondness for this specific candy, initially a joke with her brother, becomes a symbol of their shared history and a reminder of the life she has lost, adding emotional depth to her character.
• The descriptions of the weather : The changing weather patterns, from the chilling Halloween night to the fog-laden streets of London, mirror the characters' emotional states and foreshadow the dark events to come.
• The specific details of the stolen items : The descriptions of the stolen items, such as the Oxford-branded hoodie and the student ID cards, highlight Emer's resourcefulness and her ability to blend into the world she is trying to navigate.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

• The mention of Sylvia Plath : Zara's admiration for Sylvia Plath, a poet known for her dark themes, foreshadows Zara's own descent into the occult and her willingness to confront death and the supernatural.
• The recurring image of the snake : The snake, which appears in Elijah's childhood story and in the description of the river, foreshadows his betrayal and the venomous nature of his actions.
• The description of the house in Hoxton : The decaying state of Jude's house, with its leaks and broken furniture, mirrors the decay of her soul and the corrosive nature of the curse she carries.

What are some unexpected character connections?

• The shared history of the Wolf family and the Byrne family : The revelation that the Wolf family has a history of witch hunting and that they were responsible for the massacre of Emer's family adds a layer of complexity to the story and highlights the cyclical nature of violence and oppression.
• The connection between Savannah and the occult : The discovery that Savannah was also involved in the occult and had sought power through a demon reveals a hidden side to her character and adds a layer of tragedy to her death.
• The parallel between Jude and Emer: Despite their different backgrounds, Jude and Emer share a similar experience of being betrayed by those closest to them, creating a bond of understanding and empathy between them.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

• Reese Chopra : The detective who is initially skeptical of the supernatural, but becomes a reluctant ally to Jude, providing her with access to crime scenes and information, highlighting the importance of questioning authority and seeking the truth.
• Bael : The demon who has been with Emer since childhood, acting as both a protector and a source of power, representing the complex relationship between witches and the supernatural forces they wield.
• Nessa : Emer's cousin, who took her in after the massacre of her family, represents the struggle between the desire for a normal life and the pull of magic, highlighting the difficult choices that women must make in a world that seeks to control them.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

• Emer's desire for revenge: While she presents herself as a protector of women, Emer's actions are also driven by a deep-seated desire for revenge against those who killed her family, highlighting the complexities of her character.
• Jude's longing for acceptance: Despite her wealth and privilege, Jude is driven by a deep-seated need for acceptance from her family, particularly her father, which makes her vulnerable to manipulation and self-destructive behavior.
• Zara's need for control: Zara's obsession with necromancy stems from a need to control the uncontrollable, to undo the loss of her sister and regain a sense of agency in a world that has taken so much from her.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

• Emer's internal conflict: Emer struggles with the burden of her power and the responsibility she feels for the women she helps, highlighting the psychological toll of being a witch in a world that fears and persecutes them.
• Jude's self-destructive tendencies: Jude's reckless behavior and her willingness to put herself in danger stem from a deep-seated self-loathing and a desire to punish herself for her past mistakes, highlighting the psychological impact of trauma and guilt.
• Zara's obsessive grief: Zara's grief over her sister's death manifests as an all-consuming obsession with necromancy, highlighting the psychological complexities of loss and the lengths people will go to in order to cope with it.

What are the major emotional turning points?

• Emer's decision to use her most powerful spell: Emer's decision to use the spell she has been saving for her family's killers highlights her willingness to sacrifice herself for the greater good and her deep-seated desire for justice.
• Jude's confrontation with Elijah: Jude's realization that her own brother is the killer is a devastating emotional blow, forcing her to confront the darkness within her own family and the betrayal of someone she loved.
• Zara's acceptance of Savannah's death: Zara's decision to let go of her sister's corpse and focus on stopping the killer marks a turning point in her emotional journey, as she begins to accept the reality of her loss and find a new purpose in life.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

• The bond between Emer, Jude, and Zara: The initial alliance between the three women evolves into a deep and meaningful friendship, as they learn to trust and rely on each other in the face of danger and loss.
• The complex relationship between Jude and Elijah: The relationship between Jude and Elijah, initially one of love and support, is shattered by his betrayal, highlighting the destructive power of ambition and the fragility of family bonds.
• The shifting power dynamics between Emer and Bael: The relationship between Emer and Bael evolves from one of necessity to one of mutual respect and understanding, as they learn to work together to achieve their goals.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

• The true nature of demons: The book leaves the true nature of demons ambiguous, raising questions about their origins, motivations, and the extent of their power, leaving room for interpretation and debate.
• The long-term consequences of magic : The book does not fully explore the long-term consequences of wielding magic, leaving readers to wonder about the lasting impact of the characters' choices and the future of the magical world.
• The possibility of redemption : The book leaves open the question of whether the characters can truly find redemption for their past actions, highlighting the complexities of morality and the enduring power of choice.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in The Invocations?

• The graphic descriptions of violence : The book contains graphic descriptions of violence, particularly the murders of the witches, which may be disturbing to some readers and raise questions about the author's intent and the purpose of such depictions.
• The portrayal of the Wolf family : The portrayal of the Wolf family as wealthy and powerful, yet deeply flawed and corrupt, may be seen as a critique of privilege and the abuse of power, but also as a potentially problematic representation of wealth and status.
• The use of blood magic : The book's exploration of blood magic and its connection to power may be seen as controversial, raising questions about the ethics of using such a practice and the potential for its abuse.

The Invocations Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

• The destruction of the Wolf family : The ending sees the destruction of the Wolf family, with Elijah's death and the exposure of their dark secrets, highlighting the consequences of unchecked power and the cyclical nature of violence.
• The formation of a new coven : The formation of a new coven at Lough Leane, led by Emer, represents a new beginning for the witches, a chance to rebuild and reclaim their power, highlighting the themes of resilience and hope.
• The ambiguous future of the characters : The ending leaves the future of the characters open-ended, with Emer choosing to stay at Lough Leane, while Jude and Zara return to their lives, leaving readers to wonder about the long-term impact of their experiences and the choices they will make.

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