Murphy employs a variety of literary techniques in this tale of adventure and fantasy. For example, figurative language is used throughout. Similes and metaphors are found on almost every page, and each chapter is filled with rich descriptions of characters and scenes. Murphy's artistic talent is evident as she paints with words a lavish tapestry of the forces of good and evil in her fantasy land of Ere, and readers can almost see the tiny winged horses that Murphy aptly describes.

Two other literary devices used by Murphy include flashbacks and diary form. She often goes back in time to give the reader a glimpse of the past, and when an explanation or more history is needed to weave a tighter plot, she uses Skeelie's diary. The diary adds to the story's plot and mystery.