Genre
Fantasy and adventure.
Setting and Context
Much of this novel is set underground.
Narrator and Point of View
Alina, the protagonist of the novel, is also the narrator.
Tone and Mood
The novel is fast-paced and exciting.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Alina is the protagonist, and The Darkling is the antagonist.
Major Conflict
The major conflict of the novel is finding The Firebird and defeating The Darkling.
Climax
One climax in the novel is when Alina discovers that The Firebird isn't the amplifier.
Foreshadowing
Mal's support of Alina throughout the series foreshadows the fact that he will be what is needed to strengthen her powers.
Understatement
The Apparat understates Alina's desire to help her people.
Allusions
Alina alludes to the idea of being a "Saint" and the expectations this carries.
Imagery
Imagery is used to describe Alina's weakness after the battle, for example he frailness is emphasized.
Paradox
The Darkling claims to love Alina, but paradoxically causes her a great deal of harm.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
N/A
Personification
Alina's cheekbones are described as cutting "the hollows of my face like angry exclamations."
