Genre
Fantasy
Setting and Context
The novel is set in Night Court, especially the city of Velaris, and the Spring Court.
Narrator and Point of View
The novel is told from the first-person perspective of narrator Feyre Archeron.
Tone and Mood
The tone is dark, intense, and emotional. The mood is romantic and redemptive.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Feyre Archeron is the novel's protagonist; The King of Hybern is its antagonist.
Major Conflict
There are two major conflicts in the novel: Feyre's internal struggle to deal with her PTSD from her experiences Under the Mountain and her struggle against the monstrous King of Hybern, who threatens her safety and the safety of those around her.
Climax
When Feyre and her allies confront the King of Hybern and his forces in battle.
Foreshadowing
Feyre ultimately falling for Rhysand is foreshadowed by her oftentimes cold interactions with Tamlin, who was supposed to be her boyfriend, at the start of the novel.
Understatement
Early in the novel, Feyre downplays the severity of her trauma and PTSD from the events Under the Mountain in the previous novel in the series.
Allusions
There are allusions to Beauty and the Beast and Hades and Persephone, as well as other fairy tales, works of fantasy, and other literature.
Imagery
To paint a vivid picture of the culture in Velaris, Maas uses rich imagery to describe the ceremonies inhabitants engaged in to celebrate their lives and religion.
Paradox
Through her suffering and pain, Feyre paradoxically becomes stronger and more confident.
Parallelism
Not applicable.
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Not applicable.
Personification
The Cauldron is often described as having human-like intentions.
