Chapter 24: Colin — Summary, Themes, and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

The chapter opens with Colin taking in the transformed ballroom, now dressed for Halloween with elegant orange paper lanterns, teardrop lights, shimmering tablecloths, and intricately carved jack-o'-lanterns. Glass figurines of magical creatures—kelpies, black dogs, merrows, selkies, and even a Jabberwocky—are scattered among the tables and lights. Colin's favorite detail is Max, who sits perfectly still until someone comments on how lifelike he looks, then lunges to startle them.

That morning, the group had reviewed their plan for dealing with Fin. Kara and Rose would scan the crowd for dead spots—areas where Fin's presence might be hidden. Anna would then approach and touch each person nearby, hoping to locate Fin through her abilities. If she found him, she would signal Gran or Nora, who would be watching her, and then get to safety. Meanwhile, Roy, Elaine, and Colin would patrol the crowd, watching for wraiths and ready to intervene if anyone seemed in danger. Dilara had provided rowanberry bracelets from the Wicked Orchid, and almost every guest wore one. She also set up bundles of berries around the house to weaken spirits, while Alice maintained a protection spell on the ballroom to prevent magical attacks. If all went according to plan, Colin would confront Fin once found, and the others would evacuate the ballroom.

At the party, Max spooks an older couple, and Colin laughs with him. Anna and the twins arrive, looking fantastic. The twins joke about their appearance and then drift off to join Dilara, who waves at them from the crowd. Anna and Colin exchange lighthearted banter—Anna teases him about blood on his shoulder, which turns out to be a joke. Colin is wearing an old suit of Roy's, fitted by Roy's husband Jamie. Anna takes Colin's arm, and Max leaps onto his shoulders. Anna jokes about stopping an ancient Irish god from destroying the universe, but Colin feels the tension in her arm. He squeezes it reassuringly and says, “No big deal.”

They walk through the house, weaving between costumed guests and tables of snacks, grabbing chocolate pumpkins and spiced cookies. Irish music fills the room, and the tables have been moved aside to create a dance floor. Anna holds tighter to Colin's arm, and their eyes meet, conveying reassurance without words. Elaine finds them, dressed in a superhero-like black leather costume with a wooden staff. She reports that Gran says they'll know when Fin arrives—the whole party will sense it, even if they don't understand what they're feeling. Anna suggests they enjoy the party while they can, and she pulls Colin into the crowd.

Anna navigates the throng with surprising skill, winding through people until they reach the porch. The back of the house is decorated with more lights and lanterns, and bonfires burn in several pits. Anna leads Colin to a table with scraps of paper and pens near the largest fire. They fill plates with food and sit down, sliding their masks off to eat. Anna explains the tradition: you write something you want to be rid of on the paper, like an old habit, and then drop it in the fire, where it disappears in the flames. Colin jokes about writing down “bad jokes,” and Anna laughs. After a moment, Colin decides what to write: he scribbles “Loneliness” on the paper and folds it in half. They toss the pieces into the fire together, watching as the flames grab hold and turn the notes to ash.

Key Events

The group finalizes their plan to find and confront Fin at the Halloween ball. - Colin and Anna share a lighthearted moment before the tension of the evening sets in. - Elaine updates them on Gran's warning that Fin's arrival will be felt by everyone. - Anna and Colin retreat to the porch bonfires, where they participate in a ritual of writing down something to let go of and burning it. - Colin writes “Loneliness” and burns it, symbolically releasing that feeling.

Character Development

Colin shows a more vulnerable side in this chapter. He jokes with Anna and Max, but his internal tension is clear. His decision to write “Loneliness” reveals a deep personal struggle that he hasn't voiced aloud. The act of burning the paper suggests a willingness to confront and release that part of himself, even as he faces a larger external threat.
Anna demonstrates her ability to balance humor with seriousness. She teases Colin but also offers silent reassurance through her touch and gaze. Her skill in navigating the crowd and her knowledge of the bonfire tradition show her comfort within the magical world of Ravenfall.
Max provides comic relief, but his presence also reinforces the theme of found family and the importance of levity in dark times.
Elaine is focused and practical, embodying the role of a protector. Her costume and staff reflect her readiness for battle.
The twins (Kara and Rose) are confident and playful, but their role in the plan highlights their trust in Anna and Colin.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Letting Go: The bonfire ritual is a direct symbol of release. Colin's choice to write “Loneliness” ties his personal arc to the larger theme of confronting inner demons. The fire consumes the paper, suggesting transformation and the possibility of change.
Anticipation and Tension: The chapter is steeped in the calm before the storm. The elegant decorations and festive atmosphere contrast with the group's underlying anxiety. The repeated reminders of the plan and Gran's warning heighten the sense of impending danger.
Teamwork and Trust: The plan relies on each character's unique abilities and their willingness to trust one another. Anna's signal to Gran, the twins' scanning, and Colin's confrontation role all depend on coordination and mutual reliance.
Irish Mythology and Supernatural Threats: The mention of Fin as an ancient Irish god, along with the magical creatures represented in the glass figurines, grounds the story in Celtic folklore. The rowanberry bracelets and protection spells are practical applications of that mythology.
Found Family: The interactions between Colin, Anna, Max, and the others show a group that has become a family, supporting each other through humor and shared rituals.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter serves as a crucial turning point in the narrative. It establishes the full scope of the plan to confront Fin and sets the stage for the climactic confrontation. More importantly, it deepens Colin's character by revealing his personal struggle with loneliness, which has been a subtle thread throughout the story. The bonfire scene provides a moment of quiet introspection before the chaos, allowing readers to connect with Colin on an emotional level. The chapter also reinforces the themes of teamwork and trust, showing how the group's bonds will be tested in the coming conflict. By ending with the burning of the paper, the chapter leaves readers with a sense of hope and readiness, even as the threat looms.

Study Questions and Answers

1. What is the group's plan for finding Fin, and what roles do each character play?

The plan involves Kara and Rose scanning the crowd for dead spots, Anna touching people to locate Fin and signaling Gran or Nora, and Roy, Elaine, and Colin patrolling for wraiths. Dilara provides rowanberry bracelets and berry bundles to weaken spirits, and Alice maintains a protection spell. Colin is designated to confront Fin once found.

2. How does the bonfire ritual reflect Colin's internal state, and what does his choice to write “Loneliness” reveal about him?

The ritual is a symbolic act of letting go. Colin's choice to write “Loneliness” reveals that he has been carrying a deep sense of isolation, likely stemming from his past and his role as an outsider. By burning the paper, he expresses a desire to release that loneliness and embrace the connections he has formed with Anna and the others.

3. What role does anticipation play in this chapter, and how does the author build tension?

Anticipation is built through the detailed description of the plan, Gran's warning that Fin's arrival will be felt by everyone, and the contrast between the festive decorations and the characters' underlying anxiety. The chapter's pacing slows during the bonfire scene, creating a moment of calm that makes the impending confrontation feel even more imminent.