What could give a story more tension than two necromancers battling to the death for control and power? Indeed, Douglas's desire to steal Sam's power and Sam's need to defeat him set up a classic protagonist antagonist relationship in Hold Me Closer, Necromancer.
More than this, though, Sam cultivating his skills as a necromancer and eventually having them spring into full-blown action is a key part of his journey in this book. To speak in Star Wars vernacular, Sam definitely learns to use the force, though we're not sure if necromancy's inherent darkness makes him Luke or Anakin Skywalker. Maybe that's something you can determine as we explore the evolution of Sam's power.
Questions About Strength and Skill
- How does Douglas underestimate Sam's powers?
- Does Nick and Tia's decision to bind Sam help or hurt him?
- How does discovering Sam's true power change Douglas's motivations?
- Which Star Wars character is Sam, anyway? Is he Luke? Is he Vader? Will he go to the Dark Side or is he there already? What are your thoughts on this?
Chew on This
Douglas's skill as a necromancer isn't what makes him evil—it's how he chooses to us this strength.
Seeing the full extent of his gift is what ultimately makes Sam accept who he really is.