Magic
Throughout the novel, vivid, intense, and oftentimes personifying imagery is used to describe the magical elements of the world of Empire of Storms, like black magic, flames, light, and darkness. This imagery transports readers into the novel's world and underscores the sheer threat that Aelin and her group face from Queen Maeve.
Royalty
Maas uses opulent imagery to describe royal settings in the novel. She also uses that imagery as a contrasting device to the settings that commoners are forced to live in. While royalty lives in extravagance, commoners live hand-to-mouth and struggle to make ends meet. This helps Aelin garner support as she works to gather a coalition to defeat Queen Maeve and dethrone her.
Weather
The changing weather throughout the novel is often described with evocative, life-like imagery, reflecting the tumultuous events of the story and the development of each of the characters.
"Rattle the stars.”
The quote, “Aelin Galathynius had raised an army not just to challenge Morath, but to rattle the stars," is an example of strong, evocative imagery. It underscores the strength of the army that Aelin raised, implying that their victory in battle will be assured.
