Half-Blood

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and violence.

The Covenant series, consisting of five novels and two novellas, begins with the prequel novella Daimon (2011) and Half-Blood (2011), establishing the mechanics of its mythological universe. Though Daimon was initially published separately, later editions of Half-Blood include it as a prequel, highlighting its importance in setting up the series’ core conflicts. Half-Blood is followed by four full-length novels: Pure (2012), Deity (2012)—which includes the novella Elixir (2012)—Apollyon (2013), and Sentinel (2013).

The series draws upon Greek mythology, portraying a world where the gods once mingled with mortals, leading to the birth of legendary demigods like Hercules and Perseus. The descendants of these demigods, known as the Hematoi, form the ruling class of the series’ society. Among them, pure-bloods—or “pures”—possess superhuman strength, speed, and the ability to control the elements (fire, air, earth, and water), though most can only wield one. However, their relationships with mortals created half-bloods, a second-class population subject to rigid social structures.

At age seven, half-bloods undergo evaluation by the Hematoi Council to determine their fate. Those with exceptional abilities or influential backgrounds train at the Covenant to become Sentinels, elite warriors who hunt daimons, or Guards, who protect pures and their communities. The rest are condemned to servitude, stripped of their autonomy through a daily elixir that suppresses free will. The Breed Order, an unyielding law established by the gods, prohibits romantic relationships between pures and half-bloods. Female half-bloods are forcibly given birth control, reinforcing their subjugation. The systemic oppression of half-bloods is a critical theme throughout the series, driving much of Alex’s rebellion against the established order.

Alex’s identity as the Apollyon is equally central to the series. In every generation, one half-blood emerges with the ability to wield all four elements, along with a rare and powerful fifth element, akasha. A legend warns of the time in the past when two Apollyons existed simultaneously. When the younger Apollyon awakened, she transferred her power to the elder, transforming him into a “God Killer” whose strength rivaled the deities themselves. In response, the gods annihilated both Apollyons. This legend foreshadows the tension between Alex and Seth, as they anticipate the moment when Alex turns 18 and her full powers awaken. The looming question of whether history will repeat itself becomes a central conflict in later books.

Lucian’s observation that the gods have been silent for an extended period is another crucial narrative thread. While the Council enforces the Breed Order under the gods’ authority, their prolonged absence creates a power vacuum, opening the possibility for societal upheaval. Despite this perceived silence, the gods’ influence lingers, as evidenced by the oracle’s continued visions. The ambiguity surrounding the gods’ involvement—and whether they will intervene—adds an element of unpredictability to the series, shaping the political and supernatural struggles that define Alex’s journey throughout the series.