Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Mate by Ali Hazelwood explores themes of survival and resilience through the eyes of a young girl in a terrifying situation. The story begins with a home invasion, where the girl must navigate her fear and the chaos around her. As she hides in a closet, she encounters a mysterious figure who embodies death, challenging her understanding of life and loss. This gripping narrative is perfect for fans of dark fantasy and emotional storytelling, capturing the struggle between fear and hope. Readers will find themselves immersed in a world where every decision can mean the difference between life and death.

Key Points

  • Follows a young girl during a home invasion, highlighting her struggle for survival.
  • Explores the themes of fear, resilience, and the concept of death personified.
  • Features a mysterious character who represents death and challenges the protagonist's perceptions.
  • Engages readers with a dark fantasy narrative filled with emotional depth and tension.
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PROLOGUE
HE CHILD HAD BEEN TRAINED WELL— NOT BY HER FAMILY, BUT by life.
When the door broke down and she ran for her mother, it wasn’t to
seek comfort, but to provide it. Come with me, she wanted to beg, but
since the words wouldn’t come out, she tugged at her sleeve. Come with me.
It’s better this way.
But the mother freed herself and didn’t spare a single glance for the girl,
who had no choice but to retreat upstairs, alone. There was a man sleeping
in the bedroom, a cruel, nasty Were who scared her nearly as much as the
people breaking in. Still, she shook him awake to warn him.
“I’m tryin’ to get some fucking rest for once,” he roared, pushing her
away. The girl ducked down before he could hit her. “If you can’t keep
quiet— ” He stopped, realizing that something was amiss. She glanced
around for a hiding spot and slipped inside the closet.
For a while, that was it. She hugged her knees and breathed through the
musty scent of old clothes. When the screams started, she began counting.
The people in the house always called her stupid, but she could go up to a
thousand, and the numbers in her head, stacked one after the other after the
other, covered the wails of pain, the snarled insults, the sounds of snapping
bones. She kept silent, even as the noises grew closer and louder.
Two hundred and five. Two hundred and six. Two hundred and—
A pool of viscous blood seeped in from under the door, and the child
could no longer control herself. Her gasp ricocheted off the walls of the
overstuffed closet before she could cover her mouth. She knew then that she
was as good as dead.
No. No, no, no.
Trembling, she bit her lip and prayed to her mother’s old god. In the
darkness, she could not make out the color of the blood. Stay calm, she told
herself, shrinking into a pile of ancient blankets. The pleas had stopped a
whole minute earlier, but there was still movement all over the house.
Maybe it was her mother. Maybe she was coming upstairs to look for her—
The closet door opened abruptly. A dark figure stared down at the girl,
its tall silhouette framed by a glowing halo from the ceiling light.
He was Death. Who Death would be if it were a person.
Seized by terror, the girl opened her mouth and filled her lungs with air,
ready to scream. But the man lifted his finger to his lips, and the simple
command froze her.
“Not a huge fan of shrieks,” he explained, coming closer. Behind him
was the corpse of the Were she’d tried to warn, forest-green liquid oozing
from the gash in his neck.
And she was going to be next.
“Don’t beat yourself up. It’s not because you made noise.” Death’s
voice was a low rumble cutting through the silence. He seemed distracted,
glancing around the room, as if looking for something he may have
misplaced. “I could smell you the second I walked inside.” He crouched
down to her height, carelessly stepping in blood.
The child’s teeth chattered with pure fear. Beg, a voice ordered. Beg
him. But her mouth wouldn’t open.
“You up there?” someone yelled from the first floor, and the girl jerked.
She tried to be brave, but tears began streaming down her face. The man
noticed, and his expression became displeased, just like Mother’s had when
the girl used to complain about their new life.
Weak. Crybaby. Selfish.
He reached for her with a sigh, and she screwed her eyes shut. In the riot
of her heartbeat, she wished only for the end to be quick. Let it be quick. It
can be painful as long as it’s quick.
But then a thumb gently wiped tears from her face, and her eyes sprang
open.
“Hey!” Another voice traveled up the stairs, closer this time. “Anything
you need?”
The man’s dark eyes held hers. He sighed again. “Call the social
worker.”
“Shit. How many this time?”
“One.” The man’s jaw ticced as his finger did one last pass.
“Don’t cry. Or do, if you like. But it’s better this way. I sincerely hope
that this will be the worst day of your life.” His lips curved in a small smile.
“When’s the last time you ate?”
She blinked, taken aback by the change of topic. Truth was, she couldn’t
remember. Yesterday? Two days ago?
“C’mon. Let’s get you something warm.” He held out his arms, and
since the child couldn’t avoid the sticky green puddle on her own, she let
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FAQs of Mate by Ali Hazelwood

What are the main themes in Mate by Ali Hazelwood?
Mate delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the confrontation with death. The protagonist, a young girl, faces a life-threatening situation that forces her to confront her fears and the harsh realities of her environment. The story examines how trauma shapes individuals and their responses to danger, making it a poignant exploration of human emotions in extreme circumstances.
Who is the protagonist in Mate and what challenges does she face?
The protagonist is a young girl who finds herself in a terrifying home invasion scenario. As she hides from intruders, she must navigate her fear and the chaos surrounding her. Her challenges include not only the immediate threat to her life but also her emotional struggle as she grapples with feelings of abandonment and the instinct to survive.
How does the character representing death influence the story?
The character representing death serves as a pivotal figure in the narrative, embodying the fear and inevitability of mortality. This character interacts with the protagonist, offering a chilling perspective on life and death. Their presence challenges the girl to confront her own fears and ultimately shapes her understanding of survival and the choices she must make.
What is the setting of Mate and how does it contribute to the story?
The setting of Mate is primarily within a home during a violent invasion, creating an atmosphere of tension and fear. This confined space amplifies the protagonist's sense of isolation and vulnerability. The stark contrast between the familiar domestic environment and the chaos of the invasion heightens the emotional stakes, making the reader acutely aware of the dangers lurking within what should be a safe space.
What emotional journey does the protagonist undergo in Mate?
Throughout Mate, the protagonist embarks on a profound emotional journey marked by fear, desperation, and ultimately a quest for understanding. As she faces the threat of death, she grapples with feelings of helplessness and the instinct to protect herself. This journey not only highlights her resilience but also explores the complexities of human emotion in the face of trauma.

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