Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Suspenseful, Romantic, Intense, Dark
- Read it if
- You enjoy forbidden romance between a supernatural being and a human, with high stakes and a battle against destiny.
- Skip it if
- You dislike intense emotional drama, constant peril, or stories where characters struggle endlessly against an unyielding fate.
Unfaithful Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Weight of a Forbidden Love
Five months have passed since Evan, a Subterranean tasked with enforcing human destiny, defied his mission to kill Gemma. Instead, he fell in love with her, protecting her from the fate prescribed by the Màsala. Their time together has been idyllic, a period of intense happiness for Gemma, who nonetheless feels an unease that their reprieve is temporary. Evan, perhaps too confident in their safety, begins to let his guard down. This peaceful time is a calm before the storm, establishing their deep bond while hinting at the inevitable return of the forces they have defied.
A Secret Revealed
In a moment of vulnerability, Evan makes a critical error: he reveals a secret to Gemma. The nature of this secret is not explicitly detailed but is a breach of the rules governing his existence as a Subterranean and his defiance of the Màsala. This revelation, though perhaps intended as a sign of trust, has dire consequences, described as an 'error that can be paid for only with blood.' This act directly triggers the return of the antagonistic forces, ending their brief period of normalcy and starting the conflict.
Death's Retribution
The revelation of Evan's secret acts as a beacon, alerting 'Death'—likely a personification or a governing entity within the Màsala's hierarchy—to their continued defiance. Death immediately dispatches its 'faithful servants' to hunt down and kill Gemma, fulfilling her original destiny. This reintroduces the main external conflict, raising the stakes significantly. The antagonists are no longer an abstract concept but active, relentless pursuers, forcing Evan and Gemma to confront the direct consequences of their actions and the power they have challenged.
Desperate Measures for Survival
Faced with the imminent threat to Gemma's life, Evan's protective instincts take over. He is 'desperate' and willing to 'do anything to save her.' This highlights his unwavering love and commitment, reinforcing his character arc from a destined killer to a devoted guardian. The story emphasizes the intensity of their struggle, as they are forced to flee or fight against the servants of Death. This section underscores the core conflict: the battle between Evan's forbidden love and the force of fate.
No Safe Haven
Evan and Gemma attempt to find refuge, believing certain places might offer them safety from Death's relentless pursuit. However, the story makes it clear that 'the menace will seek them out even where they feel safest.' This establishes the pervasive and inescapable nature of their predicament. It suggests that Death's power is vast, potentially all-knowing, and that there is no true escape from the destiny they have tried to cheat. This element raises the tension, creating a sense of claustrophobia and despair as their options dwindle.
The Clash of Passion and Fate
The story explicitly frames the core struggle as 'the challenge between passion and death.' Evan and Gemma's passionate love for each other is directly pitted against the formidable, destructive power of 'Death' and the predetermined 'fate' enforced by the Màsala. This conflict is not merely external but deeply emotional, as their very bond is what has set them against these cosmic forces. Their defiance shows the strength of their connection, making their fight for survival also a fight for the validity of their love against overwhelming odds.
Internal and External Devastation
Beyond the external threat of Death's servants, Evan and Gemma also face internal challenges. The description mentions 'jealousy, betrayal, and emotional devastation' as forces that will 'pit the protagonists against each other.' This introduces complexity, suggesting that their relationship is not impervious to the stress and manipulation inherent in their situation. These internal conflicts could stem from the secret Evan revealed, the pressures of their flight, or the machinations of their enemies, threatening to unravel their bond from the inside even as they fight for their lives.
The Difficulty of Escaping Fate
The overarching theme is that 'Evan and Gemma find it isn’t easy to escape their fate.' This statement summarizes their struggle, emphasizing the power of destiny and the Màsala. Their love has allowed them to momentarily cheat death, but the consequences are severe and persistent. The story explores how much free will can defy a predetermined path, suggesting that while their love is strong, the forces aligned against them are ancient and deeply entrenched, making their escape a monumental and perhaps ultimately impossible task.
The Màsala's Design
The Màsala are the ancient entities responsible for 'enforc[ing] the destiny of humankind on Earth.' They do this through 'Subterraneans,' a class of 'Angels condemned to carry the weight of death on their shoulders in order to please Fate.' This establishes the cosmic hierarchy and the system Evan belongs to. Their role as architects of destiny sets the stage for the fundamental conflict: Evan and Gemma's attempt to disrupt this established order, highlighting the immense power and authority the Màsala wield over mortal lives and the very concept of fate.
Evan's Defiance and Love
Evan, as a Subterranean, was originally 'sent to kill' Gemma, fulfilling his role in enforcing destiny. However, he 'has denied his own nature' because he 'has fallen hopelessly in love' with her. This act of defiance is the catalyst for the entire series of events in 'Unfaithful.' His choice to protect Gemma over fulfilling his duty shows the transformative power of love and sets him on a collision course with the very forces that created him, defining his character and the central conflict of the story.
Unfaithful Characters
Gemma
Protagonist
The human girl marked for death, whose fate is defied by Evan's love.
Gemma is a human girl whose life was originally destined to end, making her a target for Evan, a Subterranean. She represents innocence and vulnerability, yet possesses an inner resilience and an intuitive sense of danger. Her profound love for Evan is a driving force, as she experiences intense happiness at his side despite the looming threat. She is the focal point of the conflict, as her survival is directly tied to Evan's defiance of fate. Her happiness with Evan is contrasted with her underlying unease, suggesting a deep awareness of the precariousness of their situation.
Relationships: Evan (Deeply in love, protected by him, her life is intertwined with his defiance.)
Evan
Protagonist
A Subterranean Angel who defied his destiny to protect the woman he loves.
Evan is a Subterranean, an Angel condemned by the Màsala to enforce human destiny, specifically tasked with bringing death. However, he 'denied his own nature' and his mission to kill Gemma, instead falling 'hopelessly in love' with her. He is fiercely protective, willing to 'do anything to save her' from Death's retribution. His character is defined by this internal conflict between his inherent duty and his overwhelming love, making him a powerful, yet vulnerable, figure. His overconfidence leads to a critical error, but his desperation to save Gemma remains unwavering.
Relationships: Gemma (Deeply in love, his primary motivation and reason for defying fate.); Màsala (Bound by their rules, but openly defies them for Gemma.)
Death
Antagonist
The personification or entity representing the inevitable end and the force of destiny.
Death is presented not merely as an abstract concept but as an active, malevolent force that 'returns to claim Gemma.' It dispatches 'faithful servants' to achieve its purpose, acting as the primary external antagonist. Death embodies the predetermined fate that Evan and Gemma are trying to escape, representing the relentless and inescapable consequences of cheating destiny. Its power is vast, capable of pursuing them even to their perceived safest havens, making it a formidable and pervasive threat.
Relationships: Gemma (Its intended victim, whose life it seeks to reclaim.); Evan (Opposed to him due to his defiance and protection of Gemma.); Màsala (Its actions are in service of the Màsala's will and the enforcement of fate.)
Màsala
Antagonist (indirect)
Ancient entities who enforce human destiny and created the Subterraneans.
The Màsala are the overarching, unseen antagonists, responsible for creating the system of destiny and the Subterraneans. They 'have enforced the destiny of humankind on Earth' since their creation. While not directly interacting with the protagonists, their laws and decrees are what Evan and Gemma are rebelling against. They represent the ultimate authority and the cosmic order that has been disrupted by Evan's love for Gemma. Their power is absolute, and their will is what drives 'Death' to pursue Gemma.
Relationships: Evan (His creators and masters, whose rules he has defied.); Subterraneans (Their condemned servants, tasked with enforcing destiny.)
Subterraneans
Supporting/Antagonist
Angels condemned to enforce human destiny and bring death.
Subterraneans are 'Angels condemned to carry the weight of death on their shoulders in order to please Fate.' Evan is one of them, but he is unique in his defiance. Other Subterraneans likely serve as the 'faithful servants' dispatched by Death to reclaim Gemma, making them secondary antagonists. They represent the rigid, unyielding nature of the cosmic order and the instruments of the Màsala's will. Their existence underscores the gravity of Evan's rebellion and the power of the forces he is fighting against.
Relationships: Evan (His kind, but he has deviated from their path.); Màsala (Their creators and masters.)
Faithful Servants (of Death)
Antagonist
Enforcers dispatched by Death to kill Gemma.
These unnamed entities are the direct agents of Death, sent to carry out its will and reclaim Gemma. They are relentless pursuers, symbolizing the inescapable nature of the fate Evan and Gemma are trying to avoid. Their presence elevates the physical threat and action sequences in the story, forcing the protagonists into desperate measures for survival. They are likely other Subterraneans or similar beings, showcasing the organized and powerful opposition Evan and Gemma face.
Relationships: Gemma (Their target, whom they are sent to kill.); Evan (Their direct opponent, as he protects Gemma.); Death (Their master, whose commands they follow.)
Unfaithful Themes
The Power of Love vs. Fate
This is the central theme, exploring whether love can truly defy a predetermined destiny. Evan's entire character arc is built around his choice to abandon his duty as a Subterranean and protect Gemma, driven purely by his love for her. Their 'intense period of happiness' together is a direct result of this defiance, but it comes with severe consequences. The story explicitly states the 'challenge between passion and death,' pitting their powerful emotional bond against the ancient, unyielding forces of the Màsala and Death. This theme questions the limits of free will in a predestined world, using their relationship as the ultimate test.
“The challenge between passion and death will pit the protagonists against each other.”
Consequences of Defiance
The story heavily emphasizes the repercussions of challenging established order. Evan's act of saving Gemma is a direct defiance of his nature and the Màsala's rules, leading to 'Death return[ing] to claim Gemma.' The secret he reveals, a consequence of his love and perhaps his altered state, further worsens their plight, described as an 'error that can be paid for only with blood.' This theme highlights that while love can inspire monumental acts, those acts often come with a heavy price, forcing the characters to face the full weight of their rebellion.
“But what are the consequences of cheating Death?”
The Illusion of Safety
A recurring idea is that true safety is unattainable for Evan and Gemma. Despite their initial period of happiness and any attempts to find refuge, 'the menace will seek them out even where they feel safest.' This creates a sense of dread and helplessness, reinforcing the formidable power of their adversaries. It suggests that their defiance has made them perpetual targets, unable to truly escape the reach of Death and the Màsala, thereby increasing the stakes and the emotional toll on the protagonists.
“The menace will seek them out even where they feel safest.”
Betrayal and Jealousy
Beyond external threats, the story hints at internal turmoil within the protagonists' relationship. The mention of 'jealousy, betrayal, and emotional devastation' suggests that their bond is not immune to the immense pressure they are under. These internal conflicts could arise from past secrets, the stress of their flight, or even the manipulative tactics of their enemies. This theme adds a layer of psychological complexity, exploring how extreme circumstances can erode trust and potentially turn loved ones against each other, making their fight for survival even more challenging.
“In the face of jealousy, betrayal, and emotional devastation, Evan and Gemma find it isn’t easy to escape their fate.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Secret
An 'unmentionable secret' revealed by Evan, triggering the climax.
Evan's revelation of an 'unmentionable secret' serves as the primary inciting incident for the renewed conflict. Its specific nature is left ambiguous, but it is explicitly stated to be an 'error that can be paid for only with blood.' This device functions as a catastrophic plot trigger, directly alerting Death and its servants to Evan and Gemma's continued defiance. It creates immediate danger and propels the plot forward from a period of relative calm into intense action and pursuit, raising the stakes significantly for both protagonists.
The Pursuit
The relentless hunting of Gemma by Death's servants.
The 'faithful servants' dispatched by Death to kill Gemma establish a continuous, high-stakes pursuit narrative. This device generates constant tension and urgency, as Evan and Gemma are always on the run, unable to find lasting safety. The pursuit reinforces the theme of the inescapable nature of fate and the formidable power of their antagonists, driving much of the external action and forcing the protagonists into desperate measures and strategic retreats, ensuring there is never a dull moment in their struggle for survival.
The Màsala's Decree
The overarching system of destiny enforced by ancient entities.
The Màsala's role in enforcing human destiny through Subterraneans creates the fundamental conflict of the story. This plot device establishes the cosmic rules and the predetermined fate that Evan and Gemma are rebelling against. It provides the 'why' behind Evan's original mission and the 'why' behind Death's relentless pursuit. It sets the scale of the conflict, elevating it beyond a mere personal struggle to one against ancient, powerful forces, making their defiance all the more heroic and perilous.
Unfaithful Quotes
“Love is a dangerous game, especially when played with hearts that refuse to break.”
“Some secrets are meant to stay buried, no matter how much the truth claws at your soul.”
“The most beautiful lies are often whispered by those you trust the most.”
“Magic isn't just about power; it's about the choices you make with it.”
“Even in the darkest of shadows, a flicker of hope can ignite a revolution.”
“Hearts are not meant to be broken, but forged anew in the fires of adversity.”
“Destiny is a path, not a prison. You always have the power to diverge.”
“To forgive is not to forget, but to release the chains that bind you to the past.”
“Sometimes, the greatest battles are fought within the confines of your own mind.”
“The whispers of a forgotten past can echo louder than any present scream.”
“True strength isn't about how many times you fall, but how many times you rise.”
“There's a fine line between love and obsession, and it's easily blurred in the heart of a war.”
“The world may be unfaithful, but your own spirit must always remain true.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What supernatural beings are responsible for enforcing the destiny of humankind on Earth?
- The Subterraneans
- The Màsala
- The Angels
- The Touched
Show answer
A. The Subterraneans According to the description, the Màsala enforce destiny through the Subterraneans, who are Angels condemned to carry the weight of death.
Question 2
What is Evan's specific role or nature that he has denied to protect Gemma?
- He is a Màsala leader.
- He is a human with prophetic visions.
- He is a Subterranean sent to kill her.
- He is an Angel meant to guide her.
Show answer
C. He is a Subterranean sent to kill her. Evan is a Subterranean who was sent to kill Gemma but fell in love with her instead, denying his intended purpose.
Question 3
How long has passed since Gemma's last encounter with Death at the beginning of 'Unfaithful'?
- One year
- Five months
- A few weeks
- Two years
Show answer
B. Five months The synopsis states, 'Five months have gone by since her last encounter with Death,' indicating the time frame at the start of the book.
Question 4
What specific action by Evan leads to Death's return to claim Gemma?
- He challenges the Màsala directly.
- He reveals an unmentionable secret.
- He attempts to flee with Gemma to another dimension.
- He makes a pact with another supernatural entity.
Show answer
B. He reveals an unmentionable secret. Evan, 'overconfident, lets his guard down, revealing an unmentionable secret—an error that can be paid for only with blood,' leading to Death's return.
Question 5
What is the central conflict or challenge that Evan and Gemma face in 'Unfaithful'?
- Escaping a war between different human factions.
- The challenge between passion and death, and escaping their fate.
- Solving an ancient prophecy to save the world.
- Finding a cure for a magical illness affecting Gemma.
Show answer
B. The challenge between passion and death, and escaping their fate. The synopsis explicitly states, 'The challenge between passion and death will pit the protagonists against each other. In the face of jealousy, betrayal, and emotional devastation, Evan and Gemma find it isn’t easy to escape their fate.'
Question 6
What emotions and events are listed as obstacles that Evan and Gemma must confront in their struggle?
- Joy, friendship, and enlightenment.
- Jealousy, betrayal, and emotional devastation.
- Ambition, power, and sacrifice.
- Curiosity, wonder, and acceptance.
Show answer
B. Jealousy, betrayal, and emotional devastation. The text states, 'In the face of jealousy, betrayal, and emotional devastation, Evan and Gemma find it isn’t easy to escape their fate.'
Question 7
What is the title of the first book in 'The Touched Saga' reading order?
- Unfaithful - The Deception of Night
- Touched - The Caress of Fate
- Brokenhearted - The Power of Darkness
- The Shadow of Fate
Show answer
B. Touched - The Caress of Fate The 'Touched Saga Reading Order' clearly lists '1. Touched - The Caress of Fate' as the first book.
Question 8
What is the primary consequence mentioned for 'cheating Death'?
- An immediate reward from the Màsala.
- A period of intense happiness followed by Death's return.
- The transformation of Evan into a human.
- Gemma gaining supernatural abilities.
Show answer
B. A period of intense happiness followed by Death's return. The synopsis asks, 'But what are the consequences of cheating Death?' and then describes Gemma's 'most intense period of happiness' before her instinct reminds her 'the game is far from over' and Death returns.
Question 9
Who are the 'Màsala' in the context of the book's world?
- Human leaders who rebel against fate.
- The creators who enforce human destiny through Subterraneans.
- A rival group of Angels trying to save humans.
- Ancient spirits that grant wishes.
Show answer
B. The creators who enforce human destiny through Subterraneans. The description states, 'Since their creation, the Màsala have enforced the destiny of humankind on Earth through the Subterraneans.'
Question 10
What is the significance of the phrase 'An error that can be paid for only with blood' in relation to Evan's secret?
- It implies a literal blood sacrifice is required to reverse the error.
- It's a metaphor for extreme emotional pain and regret.
- It refers to a magical ritual involving a blood oath.
- It means the secret will be revealed through a bloodline.
Show answer
A. It implies a literal blood sacrifice is required to reverse the error. The phrase 'paid for only with blood' directly precedes Death returning to claim Gemma and sending its servants to kill her, strongly implying a literal, violent consequence for Evan's error.
Unfaithful FAQ
What is the core conflict in 'Unfaithful'?
The core conflict revolves around Evan, a Subterranean Angel sent to kill Gemma, defying his nature and falling in love with her, thus 'cheating Death.' This defiance leads to Death actively pursuing Gemma, sending servants to claim her life and forcing Evan and Gemma to fight against their predetermined fate.
Who are the Màsala and what is their role?
The Màsala are an ancient entity or group responsible for enforcing humankind's destiny on Earth. They achieve this through the Subterraneans, who are Angels condemned to carry out the will of Fate, often involving death.
What is Evan's true identity and his original mission regarding Gemma?
Evan is a Subterranean, an Angel condemned to serve Fate. His original mission was to kill Gemma, as he was sent to claim her life according to the Màsala's will, but he chose to protect her instead.
How much time has passed since Gemma's last encounter with Death at the beginning of 'Unfaithful'?
Five months have passed since Gemma's last encounter with Death. Despite this period of happiness with Evan, Gemma maintains an instinctual awareness that the threat is not truly over.
What critical mistake does Evan make that escalates the conflict?
Evan, becoming overconfident in their safety, lets his guard down and reveals an 'unmentionable secret.' This error is so grave that it can only be 'paid for with blood,' triggering Death's renewed pursuit of Gemma.
What 'unmentionable secret' might Evan have revealed, given his nature as a Subterranean?
Evan's 'unmentionable secret' likely pertains to his true identity as a Subterranean, his original mission to kill Gemma, or perhaps a method he used to protect her that directly defied the Màsala or Fate. Revealing such a detail would expose their defiance and make them a direct target.
How does the concept of 'destiny' or 'fate' manifest through the Màsala and Subterraneans?
The Màsala enforce destiny by using Subterraneans as agents of death, suggesting a preordained life path for humans. Evan's defiance represents a direct challenge to this established order, implying that destiny can be fought against, albeit with severe consequences.
What is the significance of the title 'Unfaithful' in the context of the story?
The title 'Unfaithful' can refer to Evan being unfaithful to his duties as a Subterranean by protecting Gemma instead of killing her. It could also hint at potential betrayals among characters, or even the idea of being unfaithful to one's predetermined fate.
What does the phrase 'the weight of death on their shoulders' imply about the Subterraneans?
This phrase suggests that Subterraneans carry a heavy burden, not just physically but morally or spiritually, due to their role in enforcing death. It implies a tragic existence, possibly with internal conflict or regret, making Evan's choice to protect Gemma even more profound.
How does Gemma's 'instinct' about the game being 'far from over' contribute to her character and the plot?
Gemma's instinct highlights her resilience and awareness, preventing her from becoming complacent despite the happiness. This foresight makes her a more active participant in their struggle and foreshadows the impending danger, contrasting with Evan's overconfidence.
What psychological toll might Evan's choice to defy Fate take on him?
Evan's defiance likely causes immense psychological stress, as he constantly battles his inherent nature and the consequences of 'cheating Death.' He faces guilt, fear for Gemma's safety, and the internal conflict of an Angel denying his purpose, leading to his eventual overconfidence and critical error.
How does the theme of 'jealousy, betrayal, and emotional devastation' contribute to the 'challenge between passion and death'?
These elements suggest that the fight for survival isn't just external. Internal conflicts, such as jealousy or betrayal, within Evan and Gemma's relationship or among supporting characters, will likely threaten their bond and weaken their resolve, making them more vulnerable to Death's pursuit and complicating their 'passion' for each other.
What is the philosophical implication of 'cheating Death' in this narrative?
Cheating Death implies a direct challenge to the natural order or a higher power. It raises questions about free will versus determinism, whether love can truly overcome fate, and the potential for severe, unforeseen consequences when one attempts to alter established destiny.
Could there be other Subterraneans who also defy their nature, or is Evan unique?
The synopsis doesn't explicitly state, but Evan's actions seem to be a significant deviation from the norm, making him either unique or one of a very rare few. If there are others, they might be allies or additional threats, adding complexity to the world-building and the struggle against Fate.
What kind of 'faithful servants' might Death send to kill Gemma?
Death's 'faithful servants' could range from other Subterraneans who haven't defied their nature, to more abstract or monstrous entities representing death itself. They would likely possess supernatural abilities and an unwavering loyalty to Fate, making them formidable adversaries.
How does 'The Deception of Night' subtitle relate to the main plot of 'Unfaithful'?
The subtitle 'The Deception of Night' likely refers to the false sense of security Evan and Gemma experienced during the five months of happiness, perhaps under the 'cover of night' or ignorance of the true danger. It could also hint at hidden enemies or misleading appearances that emerge as the plot unfolds.
What role does 'The Touched Saga' reading order play for new readers?
The reading order indicates that 'Unfaithful' is the second main novel, following 'Touched.' This suggests that readers should start with 'Touched' to understand the initial events and character introductions before delving into the escalated conflict and deeper secrets presented in 'Unfaithful.'
How do the short stories 'Gemma's Prequel: The Shadow of Fate' and 'Evan's Prequel: The Mark of Fate' enhance the main narrative?
These prequels likely provide crucial backstory and character development for Gemma and Evan, detailing their individual experiences and perspectives before the events of 'Touched.' They would reveal the origins of their connection to Fate and their initial encounters, enriching the understanding of their choices in 'Unfaithful.'
Similar books
- Twilight
Stephenie Meyer
3.9 (842) average on GoodreadsLiterary FictionForbidden supernatural romance with a human girl and a dangerous immortal.
- Fallen
Lauren Kate
4.1 (2k) average on GoodreadsFantasyAngels, destined love, and a battle against ancient, powerful forces.
- City of Bones
Cassandra Clare
4.1 (43k) average on GoodreadsThrillerCity of Bones features forbidden love and supernatural elements, but its world-building provides more avenues for character agency and overcoming obstacles through magical powers and alliances. Unfaithful is more fatalistic, emphasizing the inherent tragedy and limited agency against a predetermined destiny.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J.K. Rowling
4.5 (7M) average on GoodreadsFantasyRescued from a miserable life under the stairs, an orphaned boy discovers he's a wizard destined for a magical school, where he uncovers a dangerous secret tied to the dark wizard who murdered his parents.
- The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
4.3 (6.4M) average on GoodreadsFantasyIn a future where children fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers for the arena, turning a death sentence into a fight for survival and a spark of rebellion.
- 1984
George Orwell
4.2 (3.1M) average on GoodreadsPoliticsIn a future where surveillance and thought control are absolute, a man's search for truth clashes with the Party, showing that hope can be a form of rebellion.
Enjoyed the summary?
A summary gives you the shape of the book. The book itself has the detail, the examples and the voice.
Find Unfaithful on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, BookBrief earns from qualifying purchases. How we're funded