Her Soul for Revenge

The novel doesn’t frame violence (insofar as it’s defined as perpetuating physical harm against another person) as inherently evil, instead framing the question of whether physical violence is permissible or malevolent as an issue of consent. This question of consent is expansive in the novel, encompassing issues of sex, combative physical violence, magical connection, and interpersonal connection. The text frames those who encourage consensual power dynamics positively but portrays those who seek exploitative dynamics as antagonists.

The novel’s emphasis on consent in sexual relationships is central in the “consenting non-consent” scenes and the coercive deal that leads to Zane and Juniper’s sexual relationship feeling taboo and alluring without crossing into violation. They engage in sex that includes physical violence that would kill a human (such as when Juniper stabs Zane in the side), but they emphasize that these encounters are consensual via their mutual enjoyment of these acts and their use of a safe word that can end any interaction immediately. Even when striking the initial bargain, Zane insists on Juniper’s clear-headedness when she makes her final decision; though she hopes to brave her way through the choice by drinking, he forces her to be sober when she chooses. The consistent reminders of Juniper’s clearheaded consent receive far more emphasis than any pressure that might push her in one direction, suggesting a reason to trust in Zane and his dealings with Juniper.

Kent’s belief that all demons should be enslaved to human “masters” starkly opposes Zane’s emphasis on engaging only in consensual forms of physical violence. Though this is a secondary plot point (one that the first novel in the trilogy explores more fully), Kent spends much of his time in this novel enslaving Leon and forcing him to commit violence against others (and then viciously torturing Leon if he refuses). Kent’s violation of the rule of consent isn’t singular. Instead, he shows a consistent ideology that not only encourages him to exploit others but also makes him feel that he has a right to exploit anyone he chooses. He argues that this exploitation isn’t just justified but righteous, given that he does so in the name of his god, the Deep One, and argues that Juniper’s suffering wasn’t only warranted but “beautiful” because of this religious affectation. His insistence exacerbates Juniper’s emotional pain, indicating that the novel defines malevolent violence not as causing another person physical pain but as violating that person’s right to decide what pain they do or don’t wish to suffer.