How Nick Gautier Became the Malachai: The Chronicles of Nick Explained
The Chronicles of Nick: A Guide to the Bestselling Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon
If you are a fan of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, or young adult fiction, you have probably heard of The Chronicles of Nick, a bestselling series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. The series follows the adventures of Nick Gautier, a teenager who discovers that he has a destiny that could save or destroy the world. Along the way, he encounters vampires, werewolves, demons, gods, and other supernatural beings that are part of the Dark-Hunters universe created by Kenyon.
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In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to The Chronicles of Nick series, including its premise, plot, characters, themes, messages, books, future plans, and more. Whether you are new to the series or a longtime fan, you will find something interesting and informative in this article. So let's dive in!
The Premise and the Plot of The Chronicles of Nick
The Chronicles of Nick is a spin-off series from Kenyon's Dark-Hunters series, which is a popular adult urban fantasy/paranormal romance series that has over 30 books published since 2002. The Dark-Hunters series revolves around a group of immortal warriors who fight against evil forces such as daimons (soul-eating creatures), rogue gods, and ancient curses.
The Chronicles of Nick focuses on one of the most important characters in the Dark-Hunters series: Nick Gautier. Nick is introduced as a 14-year-old boy who lives in New Orleans with his single mother. He is smart, sarcastic, loyal, and brave, but he also has a troubled past and a rebellious streak. He hangs out with a gang of thugs who often get him into trouble.
One night, his life changes forever when he witnesses his friends being killed by zombies. He is saved by Kyrian Hunter, a mysterious man who turns out to be a Dark-Hunter. Kyrian offers Nick a job as his squire (assistant), which exposes him to a whole new world of supernatural beings and dangers.
Nick soon learns that he is not an ordinary human. He is actually the Malachai, a powerful being who is destined to either save or destroy the world. He is also the son of Adarian Malachai, an evil warlord who wants to use Nick's power for his own purposes. Nick has to deal with his heritage, his fate, and his choices, while also trying to survive high school, puberty, and romance.
The series follows Nick's journey from a naive and insecure boy to a confident and heroic young man. He faces many challenges, enemies, and allies along the way, as well as many secrets, revelations, and twists. He also learns more about the Dark-Hunters universe, its history, its rules, and its factions.
The Dark-Hunters Universe
One of the most appealing aspects of The Chronicles of Nick series is its rich and complex world-building. The series is set in the same universe as the Dark-Hunters series, which is based on various mythologies, legends, folklore, and history from different cultures and civilizations.
The Dark-Hunters universe consists of several realms, dimensions, planes, and worlds that coexist with the human world. Some of these include:
The Primordial Realm: The original realm where the first gods and goddesses were born.
The Atlantean Pantheon: The realm of the Atlantean gods and goddesses, who are the ancestors of the Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic, Egyptian, and other pantheons.
The Nether Realm: The realm of darkness, chaos, and evil, where the daimons, demons, hellhounds, and other dark creatures dwell.
The Dream-Hunter Realm: The realm of dreams, where the Dream-Hunters (beings who can enter and manipulate dreams) live.
The Were-Hunter Realm: The realm of the shapeshifters, who can transform into various animals such as wolves, bears, lions, tigers, dragons, etc.
The Dead Realm: The realm of the dead, where the souls of the deceased go after death.
There are also many other realms and worlds that are mentioned or explored in the series, such as Avalon (the realm of King Arthur and his knights), Katoteros (the realm of the primal gods), Azmodea (the realm of Azura, the goddess of death), Olympus (the realm of the Greek gods), Asgard (the realm of the Norse gods), etc.
The Dark-Hunters universe also has its own rules and laws that govern the interactions between different beings. Some of these include:
The Code: The set of rules that the Dark-Hunters must follow to maintain their immortality and their loyalty to their leader, Acheron Parthenopaeus (the first and most powerful Dark-Hunter).
The Covenant: The agreement between the Greek gods and the Atlantean gods that prevents them from interfering with each other's affairs or domains.
The Compact: The treaty between the Were-Hunters and the humans that allows them to coexist peacefully without revealing their true nature.
The Sanctuary: The neutral ground where all supernatural beings can gather without fear of attack or betrayal.
The Main Themes and Messages of The Chronicles of Nick
Besides being an entertaining and thrilling series, The Chronicles of Nick also has some deeper themes and messages that resonate with readers. Some of these include:
Free will vs destiny: Nick struggles with his fate as the Malachai and his ability to choose his own path. He questions whether he can change his future or whether he is doomed to follow his father's footsteps. He also learns that his actions have consequences that affect not only himself but also others around him.
Good vs evil: Nick faces many moral dilemmas and ethical challenges throughout the series. He encounters many shades of gray in the supernatural world, where not everything is black or white. He realizes that good and evil are not always clear-cut or easy to define. He also discovers that there is good and evil in everyone, including himself.
Identity and belonging: Nick deals with his identity crisis as a human, a Malachai, a Dark-Hunter squire, a son, a friend, a lover, etc. He tries to find his place in the world and his sense of self. He also learns to accept his heritage and his power without losing his humanity or his values.
Friendship and loyalty: Nick forms strong bonds with many characters in the series, such as Kyrian Hunter (his mentor), Bubba Burdette (his best friend), Caleb Malphas (his guardian), Nekoda Kennedy (his love interest), Acheron Parthenopaeus (his ally), etc. He learns to trust them and rely on them for support and guidance. He also proves his loyalty and courage by protecting them from harm.
a complicated relationship with his family, especially his mother Cherise Gautier (who loves him unconditionally but also worries about him constantly) and his father Adarian Malachai (who hates him and wants to kill him). He also develops romantic feelings for Nekoda Kennedy, a mysterious girl who has a connection to his destiny. He learns to appreciate his family and love them for who they are, not for what they expect him to be.
The Books in The Chronicles of Nick Series
The Chronicles of Nick series consists of eight books that were published between 2010 and 2017. Each book covers a different stage in Nick's life and a different aspect of his destiny. Here is a brief overview of each book in chronological order:
Infinity (2010)
This is the first book in the series, where we meet Nick Gautier as a 14-year-old boy who lives in New Orleans with his mother. He gets involved in a zombie attack that leads him to Kyrian Hunter, a Dark-Hunter who offers him a job as his squire. He also meets Caleb Malphas, a demon who claims to be his protector, and Nekoda Kennedy, a girl who seems to know more about him than he does. He learns that he is the Malachai, a being who can end or save the world.
The book received positive reviews from critics and readers, who praised its humor, action, characters, and plot. It also introduced many elements and concepts that would be explored further in the subsequent books.
Some of the highlights of the book include:
Nick's witty and sarcastic narration.
Nick's friendship with Bubba Burdette, a computer geek who owns a gun shop.
Nick's encounter with Menyara, a voodoo priestess who gives him advice and warnings.
Nick's fight with the zombies and the daimons.
Nick's discovery of his Malachai powers.
Invincible (2011)
This is the second book in the series, where Nick Gautier faces new challenges and enemies as he tries to balance his normal life and his supernatural life. He enrolls in a new school, where he meets new friends and foes. He also deals with new threats, such as Grim Reapers, rogue Dark-Hunters, and ancient prophecies. He learns more about his heritage, his fate, and his choices.
The book received mixed reviews from critics and readers, who had different opinions on its pace, tone, style, and content. Some praised its humor, action, characters, and plot twists, while others criticized its inconsistency, confusion, repetition, and lack of focus.
Some of the highlights of the book include:
Nick's interaction with Acheron Parthenopaeus, the leader of the Dark-Hunters and a key figure in Nick's destiny.
Nick's introduction to the Were-Hunters, shapeshifters who can transform into various animals.
Nick's encounter with Ambrose Malachai, an older version of himself from an alternate timeline.
Nick's fight with Noir and Azura, the primal gods of darkness and death.
Nick's decision to change his future by saving his friends from dying.
Infamous (2012)
This is the third book in the series, where Nick Gautier faces new challenges and enemies as he tries to cope with the consequences of his actions. He becomes a target of a cyberbully who exposes his secrets online. He also faces new dangers from various factions that want to use him or kill him. He learns more about his allies, his enemies, and his potential.
who praised its humor, action, characters, and plot development. It also revealed some important information and secrets that would affect the rest of the series.
Some of the highlights of the book include:
Nick's relationship with Nekoda Kennedy, who becomes his girlfriend and his soulmate.
Nick's interaction with Zavid Zevran, a Dark-Hunter who becomes his mentor and friend.
Nick's encounter with Jaden, a mysterious and powerful being who has a deal with Nick's father.
Nick's fight with the Gallu demons, who are led by Sraosha, an ancient enemy of the Malachai.
Nick's discovery of his true name and his true nature.
Inferno (2013)
This is the fourth book in the series, where Nick Gautier faces new challenges and enemies as he tries to control his power and his temper. He becomes a suspect in a series of murders that are committed by his doppelgangers. He also faces new threats from various beings that want to manipulate him or destroy him. He learns more about his past, his future, and his destiny.
The book received mixed reviews from critics and readers, who had different opinions on its pace, tone, style, and content. Some praised its humor, action, characters, and plot twists, while others criticized its complexity, confusion, inconsistency, and lack of focus.
Some of the highlights of the book include:
Nick's interaction with Kody Morte, a girl who claims to be his guardian angel.
Nick's introduction to the Sephiroth, the angelic beings who guard the Tree of Life.
Nick's encounter with Thorn, a mysterious and powerful being who has a connection to Nick's destiny.
Nick's fight with Xevikan Malachai, a clone of Nick created by his father.
Nick's decision to embrace his Malachai side and to defy his father.
Illusion (2014)
This is the fifth book in the series, where Nick Gautier faces new challenges and enemies as he tries to escape from a trap set by his father. He wakes up in an alternate reality where everything is different. He has to deal with new friends and foes who have different personalities and roles. He also has to face new dangers from various forces that want to keep him or kill him. He learns more about his possibilities, his limitations, and his choices.
who praised its humor, action, characters, and plot development. It also explored some interesting scenarios and outcomes that would affect the rest of the series.
Some of the highlights of the book include:
Nick's relationship with Kody Morte, who reveals her true identity and her true mission.
Nick's interaction with Caleb Malphas, who becomes his enemy and his rival.
Nick's encounter with Savitar, a mysterious and powerful being who has a connection to Nick's destiny.
Nick's fight with Adarian Malachai, his father who wants to kill him and take his power.
Nick's decision to sacrifice himself and to save his friends from dying.
Instinct (2015)
This is the sixth book in the series, where Nick Gautier faces new challenges and enemies as he tries to survive in a hostile environment. He wakes up in a prehistoric world where he is hunted by dinosaurs and other creatures. He has to rely on his instincts and his skills to stay alive. He also has to deal with new allies and enemies who have different agendas and motives. He learns more about his origins, his purpose, and his legacy.
The book received mixed reviews from critics and readers, who had different opinions on its pace, tone, style, and content. Some praised its humor, action, characters, and plot twists, while others criticized its simplicity, repetition, inconsistency, and lack of focus.
Some of the highlights of the book include:
Nick's relationship with Kody Morte, who becomes his wife and his partner.
Nick's interaction with Acheron Parthenopaeus, who becomes his friend and his teacher.
Nick's encounter with Styxx Anaxkolasi, Acheron's twin brother who has a connection to Nick's destiny.
Nick's fight with the League of Solinari, a group of ancient warriors who want to kill Nick and take his power.
Nick's discovery of his true role and his true mission.
Invision (2016)
This is the seventh book in the series, where Nick Gautier faces new challenges and enemies as he tries to stop a war that could end the world. He returns to the present day where he is confronted by various factions that want to use him or kill him. He also faces new threats from various beings that want to unleash chaos or destruction. He learns more about his friends, his foes, and his potential.
who praised its humor, action, characters, and plot development. It also revealed some important information and secrets that would affect the rest of the series.
Some of the highlights of the book include:
Nick's relationship with Kody Morte, who becomes pregnant with his child.
Nick's interaction with Simi Parthenopaeus, Acheron's adopted daughter who becomes Nick's friend and ally.
Nick's encounter with Jared, a mysterious and powerful being who has a connection to Nick's destiny.
Nick's fight with Apollo, the Greek god of the sun who wants to kill Nick and take his power.
Nick's decision to trust his friends and to fight for his future.
Intensity (2017)
This is the eighth and final book in the series, where Nick Gautier faces his ultimate challenge and enemy as he tries to save the world from his father. He travels to the Nether Realm where he confronts Adarian Malachai and his army of dark forces. He also faces his own dark side and his own doubts. He learns more about his family, his love, and his destiny.
The book received mixed reviews from critics and readers, who had different opinions on its pace, tone, style, and content. Some praised its humor, action, characters, and plot resolution, while others criticized its complexity, confusion, inconsistency, and lack of focus.
Some of the highlights of the book include:
Nick's relationship with Kody Morte, who gives birth to his son.
Nick's interaction with Cherise Gautier, his mother who sacrifices herself to save him.
Nick's encounter with Jaden, who reveals his true identity and his true mission.
Nick's fight with Adarian Malachai, who reveals his true plan and his true motive.
Nick's decision to embrace his Malachai side and to defeat his father.
The Future of The Chronicles of Nick Series
The Chronicles of Nick series may have ended in 2017, but that does not mean that Nick Gautier's story is over. Sherrilyn Kenyon has announced that she plans to continue Nick's journey in a new spin-off series called Shadows of Fire, which will follow Nick as an adult Dark-Hunter. The first book in the new series is expected to be released in 2022.
Kenyon has also revealed that she is working on a movie adaptation of The Chronicles of Nick series, which will be produced by Amber Entertainment. The movie will be based on the first book in the series, Infinity. The cast and crew have not been announced yet, but Kenyon has expressed her excitement and enthusiasm for the project.
Conclusion
, identity and belonging, friendship and loyalty, family and love. The series also has humor, action, characters, and plot twists that keep readers entertained and engaged. The series may have ended in 2017, but Nick Gautier's story will continue in a new spin-off series called Shadows of Fire, which will follow Nick as an adult Dark-Hunter. The series will also be adapted into a movie based on the first book, Infinity.
If you are looking for a fun and thrilling series that combines urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and young adult fiction, you should check out The Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon. You will not regret it!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about The Chronicles of Nick series:
Q: Do I need to read the Dark-Hunters series before reading The Chronicles of Nick series?
A: No, you do not need to read the Dark-Hunters series before reading The Chronicles of Nick series. The Chronicles of Nick series is a spin-off series that can be read as a standalone series. However, reading the Dark-Hunters series can enhance your understanding and enjoyment of The Chronicles of Nick series, as they share the same universe and some of the same characters.
Q: How many books are there in The Chronicles of Nick series?
A: There are eight books in The Chronicles of Nick series. They are: Infinity (2010), Invincible (2011), Infamous (2012), Inferno (2013), Illusion (2014), Instinct (2015), Invision (2016), and Intensity (2017).
Q: What is the reading order of The Chronicles of Nick series?
A: The reading order of The Chronicles of Nick series is the same as the publication order. You should read the books in this order: Infinity, Invincible, Infamous, Inferno, Illusion, Instinct, Invision, and Intensity.
Q: Who is the author of The Chronicles of Nick series?
A: The author of The Chronicles of Nick series is Sherrilyn Kenyon. She is a bestselling author who has written over 80 books in various genres, such as urban fantasy, paranormal romance, historical romance, science fiction, horror, and young adult fiction. She is best known for her Dark-Hunters series and its spin-offs