What is the main setting in the novel, A Torch Against the Night?

The entire book is set in The Martial Empire, also called simply The Empire. Throughout A Torch Against the Night, the protagonists traverse across Empire territory, with detours into the Tribal Desert and the Waiting Place, to ultimately arrive at Kauf Prison. The Empire is geographically varied, containing both mountains, deserts, forests, and cities. It borders the territory of Marin and is cabined by the Duskan Sea. A map of the Empire is included in the beginning of the book.

The Empire is not only a physical place but a political entity that seeks to expand its power over other peoples. It is controlled and closely monitored by Empire soldiers, predominantly the vicious and carefully-trained Masks. For example, when Marcus publicly executes Helene’s family, he does so to send a signal to families throughout the Empire: “Men and women of the Empire,” he says before killing Helene’s mother, “Observe what happens when you fail your Emperor” (420). The Empire’s system of totalitarian control culminates in the genocide of the Scholars and skirmishes with Tribal people.