The Deer and the Dragon

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, suicidal ideation, and substance use.

Marlow Thorson feels compelled to choose between the lesser of two evils, a disappointing human lover or the fantasy lover who exists in her imagination. She is 26 and on a date with a thoroughly mediocre man. Her mind wanders, and she calls for a ride at her earliest opportunity. Marlow texts her friends, Nia and Kirby, about the date as she rides back to her luxury apartment. When she enters, she knows she’s not alone. A disembodied male voice greets her, and her invisible lover begins to undress her. Marlow is very aroused but reminds him that she’s “trying to stop” (9), and he leaves.

Marlow is a successful novelist, though she’s currently behind on her deadline. She’s writing the Pantheon series, where each new installment focuses on the deities from a different religion. The first revolves around Norse gods, while the second combines Greek and Roman. The third, which she’s writing now, is set in Brazil. She craves a real relationship, but she also realizes that her heart isn’t open to love right now. She feels joy only when she escapes reality.