In the shadowy realm where faith meets temptation, Emily McIntire’s Crossed emerges as a masterfully crafted exploration of redemption, obsession, and the thin line between salvation and damnation. As the fifth installment in the acclaimed Never After series, this contemporary reimagining of The Hunchback of Notre Dame pushes boundaries and challenges perceptions, delivering a story that is both haunting and profound.
The Never After Series: A Journey Through Darkness
McIntire has established herself as a formidable voice in dark romance through her Never After series, each book offering a unique twist on beloved fairy tales:
- Hooked: A dark Peter Pan retelling that introduced readers to McIntire’s signature style
- Scarred: A haunting reimagining of Hamlet
- Wretched: A twisted take on The Wizard of Oz
- Twisted: A dangerous exploration of Aladdin’s world
- Crossed: The latest addition that elevates the series to new heights
- Hexed: The anticipated conclusion (forthcoming)
Plot and Character Analysis
The Sacred and the Profane
The story centers around Father Cade Frédéric, a priest harboring dark impulses, and Amaya Paquette, a woman caring for her autistic brother while working as an exotic dancer. Their paths cross in the small town of Festivalé, Vermont, where the architecture mirrors French Gothic beauty but conceals rot beneath its surface.
McIntire expertly weaves themes of religious devotion, moral ambiguity, and forbidden desire. The author’s portrayal of Cade’s internal struggle between his faith and his growing obsession with Amaya is particularly compelling, though at times the resolution of his religious conflicts feels somewhat rushed.
Character Development
Strengths:
- The complexity of both protagonists
- Realistic portrayal of Amaya’s relationship with her brother Quinten
- Well-developed supporting characters, particularly Dalia
- Natural progression of the romantic relationship
Areas for Improvement:
- Some secondary character arcs could have been more fully explored
- Parker’s villainous nature occasionally verges on caricature
- The resolution of certain plot threads feels expedited
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
McIntire’s prose is atmospheric and immersive, perfectly capturing the Gothic undertones of the story. The alternating perspectives between Cade and Amaya provide intimate access to both characters’ internal struggles while maintaining narrative tension.
Notable Elements:
- Rich descriptive passages
- Effective use of French phrases
- Strong emotional resonance
- Skilled handling of difficult themes
Thematic Depth
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- Redemption and forgiveness
- The nature of faith versus obsession
- Family bonds and sacrifice
- The power of choice and agency
Critical Analysis
Strengths
The author’s greatest achievement lies in her ability to humanize characters who could easily have become stereotypes. Cade’s struggle with his “monster” and Amaya’s fierce protection of her brother create a layered narrative that transcends typical genre expectations.
The portrayal of neurodivergent characters, particularly Quinten, is handled with sensitivity and authenticity. McIntire avoids common pitfalls and creates a fully realized character whose autism is part of who he is without defining him entirely.
Areas for Improvement
While the pacing is generally well-managed, the final act feels somewhat rushed, with major plot points resolved in quick succession. The transformation of certain characters, particularly regarding their moral compasses, could have benefited from more gradual development.
World-Building and Setting
The author’s creation of Festivalé as a microcosm of corruption and redemption is masterful. The town becomes a character in itself, with its Gothic architecture and dark secrets serving as perfect backdrops for the unfolding drama.
Impact and Relevance
Crossed by Emily McIntire stands out in the dark romance genre for its willingness to tackle complex themes while maintaining emotional authenticity. The book’s exploration of faith, morality, and redemption resonates beyond its romantic elements, offering readers a thought-provoking experience.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other books in the Never After series by Emily McIntire, Crossed shows McIntire’s growth as an author. While Hooked established her ability to subvert fairy tales, and Scarred demonstrated her skill with complex characters, Crossed represents a more nuanced integration of these elements.
Final Verdict
The Good:
- Complex, well-developed characters
- Rich atmospheric writing
- Strong thematic depth
- Sensitive handling of neurodivergent representation
Not-So-Good:
- Some rushed plot resolutions
- Occasional heavy-handed antagonist portrayal
- Certain theological elements could be more nuanced
Recommendation
Crossed is recommended for readers who:
- Appreciate dark romance with depth
- Enjoy complex moral dilemmas
- Are interested in Gothic elements
- Like character-driven narratives
However, sensitive readers should note the author’s content warnings, as the book contains mature themes and situations.
Conclusion
Emily McIntire’s Crossed is a compelling addition to the Never After series, offering a dark and nuanced exploration of love, faith, and redemption. While not without its flaws, the novel succeeds in creating a memorable and affecting story that will resonate with readers long after the final page. It represents a significant evolution in McIntire’s storytelling abilities and sets high expectations for the series’ conclusion in Hexed.
Through masterful character development and atmospheric prose, McIntire has created a work that transcends the typical boundaries of dark romance, offering readers a thought-provoking journey through the shadows of human nature while maintaining hope for redemption and true love.
