Steelheart:The Reckoners Book One Literary Elements

science fiction

postapocalyptic Chicago-renamed Newcago

Narrator: David
Point of view: first person

Tone: impartial
Mood: nightmarish

Protagonist: David; Antagonist: Steelheart

The sudden appearance of Calamity, which is believed to be a star or a comet, made regular people gain superhuman powers. They go by the name of Epics and one thought to be among the strongest, called Steelheart, takes over the city of Chicago-renaming it Newcago. A boy whose father Steelheart killed, dedicates his entire life plotting revenge against him.

In a climactic battle on Soldier Field, Steelheart seems to have killed Prof, and turns to David to kill him as well using David's father's weapon. David made a trap on the gun to make it backfire, realizing that the only one who doesn't fear Steelheart, the only one who can kill him, is himself.

"He carried someone with him, a thin woman with her hair in a bun.
I would later learn she was an Epic named Faultline, who had the power to move earth.
Though she would one day challenge Steelheart, at that point she served him." p. 15

"“And highest prices,” Abraham said, turning to look at the wall of guns. “Death comes at such a premium these days.”" p. 94

“Nice work, lad. Y’all’ve got to keep a keen mind. Focused. Like Sir William himself. Soul of a warrior.” p. 80

Imagery of the city covered in steel: streets, objects looking like statues witnessing a different, better time.

"“I’m not French!” Abraham called back. “I’m Canadian, you slontze.”
“Same difference!” Cody said, then grinned and looked back at me." p. 82

"I've seen Steelheart bleed.
And I will see him bleed again." p. 16

N/A

"The rifle was a good friend. I’d had her for three years now, and I’d come to rely on her a lot.
She worked when I needed her. We had a great relationship—I cared for her, and she cared for me." p. 93