In the realm of dark contemporary romance, few authors dare to tread the delicate line between sacred and sinful with the masterful precision of Emily McIntire. The latest offering in the Never After series by Emily McIntire, Crossed, weaves a haunting reimagining of The Hunchback of Notre Dame that challenges our perceptions of good and evil, redemption and damnation.
The Never After Series: A Journey Through Fractured Fairy Tales
McIntire has established herself as a virtuoso in the art of fairy tale retellings through her Never After series. Beginning with Hooked (a dark Peter Pan reimagining), followed by Scarred (Hamlet), Wretched (Wizard of Oz), and Twisted (Aladdin), each installment has pushed boundaries and redefined villains as complex, multifaceted characters. Crossed stands as the fifth book in this series, with Hexed anticipated as the final chapter.
Plot Overview: Faith, Obsession, and Redemption
Set in the fictional town of Festivalé, Vermont, Crossed by Emily McIntire follows Father Cade Frédéric, a priest harboring a darkness that compels him to “cleanse” sinners from the world. When he encounters Amaya Paquette, an exotic dancer caring for her autistic brother, his carefully constructed world of faith and control begins to crumble. Their forbidden attraction spirals into an intricate dance of obsession, protection, and ultimately, love.
Character Analysis: Complex Souls in a Grey World
Father Cade Frédéric
A masterfully crafted anti-hero whose internal struggle between faith and darkness drives the narrative
Childhood trauma shapes his present actions
Complex relationship with religion serves both as armor and prison
Amaya Paquette
Strong, resilient protagonist who challenges traditional victim narratives
Multifaceted character balancing survival, family responsibility, and personal desires
Growth from survival mode to embracing her own power
Strengths: Where the Novel Shines
Atmospheric Writing
Rich, immersive descriptions of Festivalé
Gothic undertones that enhance the narrative’s darkness
Seamless blend of contemporary and historical elements
Character Development
Nuanced exploration of trauma and healing
Authentic portrayal of neurodivergent character (Quinten)
Complex supporting characters that enhance the main storyline
Thematic Depth
Thoughtful examination of faith versus desire
Exploration of moral ambiguity
Strong commentary on power dynamics and control
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The novel occasionally struggles with pacing, particularly in the middle sections where the tension between Cade and Amaya threatens to become repetitive.
Plot Convenience
Some plot resolutions, particularly regarding the legal aspects of Parker’s empire, feel overly convenient and could benefit from more detailed development.
Secondary Character Development
While Dalia’s character serves the plot well, her potential feels somewhat underutilized before her tragic end.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
McIntire’s prose is darkly poetic, with an emphasis on sensory details that immerse readers in the world of Festivalé. The alternating perspectives between Cade and Amaya provide intimate access to both characters’ internal struggles while maintaining tension throughout the narrative.
Thematic Analysis: Beyond the Fairy Tale
Religious Symbolism
McIntire skillfully incorporates religious imagery and themes without becoming heavy-handed or disrespectful. The exploration of faith as both sanctuary and prison adds depth to the narrative.
Power and Control
The novel examines various forms of power – institutional, personal, and supernatural – while questioning who truly holds control in any given situation.
Redemption and Acceptance
The story challenges traditional notions of redemption, suggesting that acceptance of one’s true nature may be more valuable than conventional salvation.
Impact and Reader Experience
Crossed by Emily McIntire delivers an emotionally intense reading experience that will resonate with fans of dark romance while offering enough psychological depth to satisfy readers seeking more substantial themes. The book successfully balances its darker elements with moments of tenderness and growth.
Comparison to Genre Contemporaries
While Crossed shares DNA with other dark romance novels, its unique blend of religious themes and psychological complexity sets it apart. The book most closely aligns with works by authors like Sierra Simone and Katee Robert, while maintaining its own distinct voice.
Final Verdict
Crossed stands as a compelling addition to the Never After series by Emily McIntire, successfully blending darkness and light, sin and salvation. While not without its flaws, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, delivering a memorable reading experience that will satisfy both series fans and newcomers alike.
Recommendations
This book is recommended for:
Fans of dark romance with psychological depth
Readers who enjoy complex character studies
Those interested in unique fairy tale retellings
Audiences comfortable with darker themes and moral ambiguity
Conclusion: A Darkly Beautiful Tale
Crossed represents another strong entry in Emily McIntire’s Never After series, proving her ability to craft compelling, morally complex narratives that challenge readers’ expectations. While the novel may not be perfect, its ambitious themes and dark beauty make it a worthwhile addition to any dark romance reader’s library.