One of Bradshaw's most effective literary techniques is the thematic interweaving of recurring motifs. One example is her artful use of a quotation from the Aenead of Virgil. When Gwalchmai and his foster brother Medraut are studying the poem in Latin, they translate the line warning them that while the descent to Avernus is easy, the climb up from the underworld into the light is very difficult.

This line recurs in several situations, always involving the easy descent of an individual into evil behavior.

Another technique is the use of fantasy. Gwalchmai spends time in the Blessed Isles, an enchanted place, where he meets the god Lugh and where he finds the magical sword Caledvwich that burns with power to fight the Dark. Later when he returns to the real world he is joined by the otherworldly horse, Ceingalad, whom none but he is able to manage.

Perhaps...