Emergency Call Sparks Investigation

In the dead of night, a frantic call from Dana MacArthur, a teenage girl, sets off alarms at the Cortez Cabal's emergency services. The call is traced to a park in Atlanta, where Dana is found barely alive, strangled and left for dead. Dennis Malone, the Cabal's head of security, is tasked with investigating the attack, which mirrors another recent incident involving a Cabal employee's child. Benicio Cortez, the Cabal's CEO, is determined to uncover the truth, fearing a pattern of attacks on Cabal children.

A Witch's Proposal Rejected

Paige Winterbourne, a young witch, struggles to establish a new Coven after being exiled from the original one. Her attempts to recruit other witches are met with skepticism and rejection, largely due to her association with Lucas Cortez, a sorcerer and the estranged son of the Cortez Cabal's CEO. Despite her efforts to present a modern vision for the Coven, the witches are wary of her ties to the Cabal world, leaving Paige frustrated and isolated.

A Dangerous Encounter in Miami

Lucas and Paige travel to Miami to investigate the attacks on Cabal children. Joined by Troy, a half-demon bodyguard, they search for clues. Their investigation takes a dark turn when another Cabal child, Jacob Sorenson, is found murdered. The pressure mounts as the Cabals fear a serial killer targeting their children. Lucas and Paige are determined to find the killer, but their efforts are complicated by the Cabals' internal politics and distrust.

A Haunting and a Revelation

Paige and Lucas enlist Jaime Vegas, a celebrity necromancer, to contact Dana MacArthur, who remains in a coma. Jaime's channeling reveals that Dana's attacker spoke of a ritual sacrifice, hinting at a deeper, more sinister motive. Meanwhile, Jaime is haunted by a spirit trying to communicate with her, adding another layer of mystery to the case. As they piece together the clues, it becomes clear that the attacks are part of a larger, more dangerous plot.

A Trial and a Betrayal

The Cabals capture Everett Weber, a druid suspected of orchestrating the attacks. Despite Lucas and Paige's doubts about his guilt, Weber is swiftly tried and executed, leaving them with more questions than answers. The trial reveals the Cabals' willingness to act decisively, but also exposes the fractures within their ranks. Lucas feels betrayed by his father, Benicio, who prioritized the Cabal's reputation over justice, straining their already tenuous relationship.

A New Lead Emerges

As Lucas and Paige continue their investigation, they discover that the killer may be motivated by a personal vendetta against the Cabals. A series of phone records and a mysterious list of Cabal children lead them to suspect that the killer is targeting the Cabals' most vulnerable members. With the help of Jaime and other supernatural contacts, they begin to unravel the killer's identity, but time is running out as the Cabals' internal tensions threaten to derail their efforts.

A Vampire's Unwanted Visit

Paige is startled by the sudden appearance of Cassandra, a vampire, in her hotel room. Despite the tension, Cassandra insists on staying, claiming she has a connection to the ongoing investigation into the murders of Cabal children. Paige, along with Lucas, is wary of Cassandra's intentions but recognizes the potential value of her insights into the vampire world. As they navigate the complexities of their supernatural community, the trio must work together to uncover the truth behind the attacks.

A Dangerous Game of Deception

As the investigation deepens, Lucas and Paige discover that the Cabals are embroiled in a web of deceit and power struggles. Lucas's father, Benicio, is determined to protect his family's interests, even if it means sacrificing justice. The couple learns that the attacks on Cabal children are part of a larger vendetta against the Cabals, orchestrated by a vampire seeking revenge. With time running out, Lucas and Paige must navigate the treacherous politics of the Cabals to prevent further bloodshed.

A Haunting Revelation

Paige and Lucas seek Jaime's help to communicate with the spirit of a victim. During a séance, Jaime is attacked by a malevolent spirit, revealing that the ghost is not just a victim but a key player in the unfolding mystery. The spirit's message hints at a ritual sacrifice and a deeper conspiracy involving the Cabals. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, Paige and Lucas realize that the stakes are higher than they ever imagined.

A Desperate Race Against Time

With the clock ticking, Paige and Lucas race to uncover the identity of the killer before more lives are lost. Their investigation leads them to a vampire couple, Edward and Natasha, rumored to be involved in dark rituals. As they delve deeper into the vampire underworld, they uncover a plot to open a portal to the afterlife, requiring a human sacrifice. With the help of their allies, including Cassandra and Jaime, they must stop the ritual before it's too late.

A Deadly Confrontation

The investigation culminates in a tense confrontation with Edward, the vampire responsible for the attacks. In a desperate bid to save his family, Lucas confronts Edward, risking his own life in the process. With the help of their supernatural allies, Paige and Lucas manage to thwart Edward's plans, but not without a cost. The battle leaves them questioning the true nature of justice and the lengths they are willing to go to protect their loved ones.

A Final Farewell

In the aftermath of the confrontation, Paige and Lucas reflect on the events that have transpired. They attend a memorial for the victims, including Dana MacArthur, whose spirit played a crucial role in solving the case. As they say their final goodbyes, they are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of their mission to protect the supernatural community. With renewed determination, they look to the future, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Characters

Paige Winterbourne

Paige is a young witch struggling to find her place after being exiled from the Coven. Her relationship with Lucas Cortez complicates her efforts to establish a new Coven, as other witches are wary of her ties to the Cabal world. Despite the challenges, Paige is determined to protect the supernatural community and uncover the truth behind the attacks on Cabal children.

Lucas Cortez

Lucas is the youngest son of Benicio Cortez, the CEO of the Cortez Cabal. He has distanced himself from his family's business, choosing instead to fight against the Cabals' corruption. His relationship with Paige is a source of tension, as it brings him into conflict with his family's expectations. Lucas is committed to finding the truth behind the attacks, even if it means confronting his own family.

Benicio Cortez

Benicio is the head of the Cortez Cabal, a powerful and influential organization. He is determined to protect his family and the Cabal's interests, even if it means making difficult decisions. His relationship with Lucas is strained, as he struggles to balance his duties as a father with his responsibilities as a CEO. Benicio's actions during the investigation reveal his willingness to prioritize the Cabal's reputation over justice.

Jaime Vegas

Jaime is a well-known necromancer who uses her abilities to communicate with the dead. Despite her public persona, she is haunted by a spirit trying to communicate with her, adding another layer of mystery to the case. Jaime's involvement in the investigation provides valuable insights, but also reveals the challenges she faces as a necromancer in the supernatural world.

Dana MacArthur

Dana is a teenage girl who becomes the target of a ritualistic attack. Her connection to the Cabal world makes her a vulnerable target, and her attack sets off a chain of events that reveal a larger, more dangerous plot. Despite her comatose state, Dana's spirit provides crucial information that helps Paige and Lucas piece together the mystery.

Everett Weber

Everett is a druid who becomes the prime suspect in the attacks on Cabal children. Despite his execution, Lucas and Paige have doubts about his guilt, suspecting that he may have been manipulated by the real killer. Everett's involvement in the case highlights the complexities of the supernatural world and the dangers of crossing the Cabals.

Cassandra DuCharme

Cassandra is a vampire who unexpectedly arrives to assist Paige and Lucas in their investigation. Her presence is both a blessing and a curse, as her knowledge of the vampire world is invaluable, but her true intentions remain unclear. Throughout the story, Cassandra's complex relationship with the other characters adds tension and intrigue, as she navigates the fine line between ally and adversary.

Edward

Edward is a vampire seeking revenge against the Cabals for the death of his partner, Natasha. His quest for vengeance drives him to orchestrate a series of attacks on Cabal children, as part of a larger plot to open a portal to the afterlife. Edward's actions reveal the depths of his hatred and the lengths he is willing to go to achieve his goals.

Plot Devices

Emergency Call

The emergency call from Dana MacArthur sets off a chain of events that drive the narrative forward. It serves as the catalyst for the investigation, bringing Paige and Lucas into the heart of the Cabal world. The call's urgency and the mystery surrounding it create a sense of tension and urgency that propels the story.

Ritual Sacrifice

The mention of a ritual sacrifice during Dana's attack hints at a deeper, more sinister motive behind the attacks. This plot device adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, as Paige and Lucas must uncover the true purpose behind the killings. The ritualistic element suggests a connection to ancient supernatural practices, raising the stakes for the characters.

Haunting Spirit

Jaime's haunting by a spirit adds an element of supernatural mystery to the story. The spirit's attempts to communicate with Jaime suggest a connection to the case, providing clues that help Paige and Lucas piece together the killer's identity. This plot device highlights the challenges faced by necromancers and the complexities of the supernatural world.

Cabal Politics

The internal politics of the Cabals play a significant role in the story, influencing the investigation and the characters' actions. The power struggles and distrust among the Cabals create obstacles for Paige and Lucas, as they must navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries to uncover the truth. This plot device adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the challenges of seeking justice in a world ruled by powerful organizations.

Vampire Ritual

The vampire ritual is a key plot device that drives the narrative forward. It involves a series of attacks on Cabal children, as part of a larger plan to open a portal to the afterlife. This plot device adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, as Paige and Lucas must uncover the true purpose behind the killings and stop the ritual before it's too late.

Analysis

"Industrial Magic" by Kelley Armstrong delves into the complexities of power, justice, and the supernatural world. Through the lens of Paige and Lucas's investigation, the novel explores the moral ambiguities and ethical dilemmas faced by those in positions of power. The story highlights the challenges of seeking justice in a world where powerful organizations prioritize their interests over the truth. The characters' struggles with personal and professional conflicts underscore the importance of integrity and determination in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the novel serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance in protecting the vulnerable, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with modern readers.

Last updated: March 3, 2025