Alien Imagery
This novel incorporates a fictional alien race called the Atlanteans, two of whom are responsible for continued human life on earth, as well as the current plague ravaging the global population. The effects of this alien intervention is present in every human mind, and two people (Kate and Dorian) are actually inhabited by these aliens. The prologue gives descriptions of these Atlanteans and their technology, and Ares himself appears to David and Dorian, making the alien imagery in this novel remarkable.
Plague Imagery
As the title implies, there is an alien plague plaguing the world, killing billions and leaving some alive and even stronger than before being affected by the disease. This disease has terrible side effects for most, though, and there are many descriptions of dead and dying people, with blood and other nasty bodily fluids and odors on full display. This portrayal of the deadly effects of disease is unpleasantly effective.
Unification Imagery
The people of the world attempt to unite to fight against both the plague and the evil Immari Corporation, which is taking over the devastated countries in the southern hemisphere and threatening world domination. The Orchid Alliance is a perfect example; their flag incorporates unification imagery, and their drug, Orchid, is the only thing that can stop the side effects of the disease.
Conflict Imagery
This tense, action-packed novel is full of conflict, both physical and ideological. The philosophies of Ares and Janus are at odds, and their disagreement plays out on a global level. On a more tangible side, however, there is much imagery of conflict taking the form of violence: guns and action scenes are everywhere, as are dead bodies resulting from such battles. There are many descriptions of deadly fights and weapons of various sorts, adding to this overall effect.
