Half Bad

Labels of one kind or another are constantly being foisted on Nathan. They symbolize attempts to define him and relate to the theme of Identity and Identification. The first example occurs shortly after Nathan’s birth when the Council issues an order to designate the witch status of various members of each magical household in the realm. Nathan’s status is quantified. He is called a Half Code because half of his genetic makeup is Fairborn, and the other half is Blood Witch. Thus, he is labeled B 0.5.

This label is constantly being evaluated as Nathan appears annually before the Council to answer questions. They wish to determine his status as a Fairborn but never succeed in doing so. Nathan is also labeled because he is the son of Marcus. According to Jessica, Marcus is evil incarnate, so his son must be just as bad. There is no basis for reaching this conclusion other than Jessica’s prejudice, but the label sticks until Nathan is old enough to judge for himself.

A more infamous labeling incident occurs when the O’Brien brothers carve two letters into Nathan’s back with a hunting knife. His right side bears the letter F, while the left displays B. In some sense, this attempt to mark him physically is also an attempt to prevent him from aligning with either faction. He will always be half.

The most elaborate example of labeling is Wallend’s application of tattoos. The lettering once again corresponds to the B 0.5 designation, but the tattoos themselves are intended as a means of controlling Nathan’s actions. Factional identification is supposed to become his future identity, but he manages to escape that fate in time. 

Nature frequently appears in the novel. It symbolizes the elemental qualities still retained by the Blood Witches and speaks to the theme of Wild Versus Tame. As previously mentioned, Nathan feels more at home when outside in nature. He often travels to Wales and always needs to sleep outdoors when the moon is full.

For the most part, Fairborn Witches are depicted as urban creatures. Their Council headquarters is located in London. They prefer the conveniences of modern living and have grown dependent on cell phones, automobiles, and guns. Even their Gifts tend to be products of civilization. Gran makes potions, as do many other Fairborn Witches. Nathan’s mother had a Gift for healing, as does Arran. In contrast, the Blood Witch gifts seem more connected to nature.

Marcus’s original Gift was his ability to change into animal form. Since he prefers to assume the shape of big cats, this allows him to act as a predator when he eats the hearts of those enemies whose Gifts he wants to acquire. Other Blood Witches can shoot fire from their hands. A Blood Witch by affinity, Rose can transform herself into a mist. Mercury can control the weather and create storms at will. Gabriel is a shapeshifter but gets stuck when he assumes a fain form, which indicates that mimicking humans is a trait that Blood Witches can’t manage easily, nor do they want to do so. They prefer to remain isolated in the countryside, where Blood Witches can remain wild at heart.