Half Bad is the first book in a trilogy of the same name. The initial volume has a smaller scope than subsequent installments because it represents Nathan’s evolution from a child to an adult witch. As might be expected, his understanding of himself expands over time, as does his knowledge of the Fairborn Council’s agenda. Nathan’s principal concern throughout the novel is finding someone to conduct his Giving Ceremony. This is a personal goal, and he gives little thought to anything beyond his immediate needs. Even after Marcus performs the ceremony, Nathan is only concerned with escaping the Fairborn Hunters and finding Gabriel.

Half Wild, the trilogy’s second volume, switches focus from Nathan’s problems as an individual to the larger issue of witches under the thumb of the authoritarian Council. As the novel begins, Nathan has received the Gift of transforming himself into animals but is plagued by worries over the fate of Annalise and the missing Gabriel. During this time, he finds a new ally in a powerful witch named Van. She agrees to return the missing Detheridge dagger and help retrieve Annalise if Nathan joins the Alliance of Free Witches, a group consisting of Fairborns and Blood Witches that seeks to overthrow the dictatorial Council.