This month, we’ve been diving into Hollow, book two of The Last Ringmaster, where the magic gets darker, the stakes get higher, and one seemingly sweet artifact starts acting way too clingy. Meet the Tender Doll—a spell-laced heirloom originally crafted to comfort families during their final goodbyes. A touching gesture, if you ignore the fact that it freezes time, manipulates memory, and might be doing a little more than just “soothing.” What started as healing magic has twisted into something… heavier.
The doll in question doesn’t just sit quietly on a shelf. It observes. It influences. And it carries the kind of energy that makes even seasoned magic-wielders take a step back and ask, “Wait, who thought this was a good idea?” The line between protection and control blurs fast, especially when grief is involved—and the ripple effects are nothing short of chilling.
It falls to Harley to figure out what, exactly, this doll is doing—and to whom. As she pulls at the threads of its history, she begins to see the bigger picture: good intentions make for powerful spells, but they also leave room for obsession, denial, and a whole lot of collateral damage. And sometimes, the kindest act isn’t holding on… it’s knowing when to let go.
This July, raise your lemonade (or something stronger like a Ghost Martini—no judgment) to loving fiercely and freeing kindly. Because the most dangerous magic isn’t cast by wands—it’s cast by good intentions hog-tying the ones we love.
See you under the big top,
Lynda
