Point of View

The novel is presented in omniscient perspective but focuses entirely on the actions of Valerian and Laureline. The omniscient perspective is vital in this novel because the two agents are not together throughout the novel. The reader follows Valerian's actions, and later picks up on Laureline's actions. That allows the reader to know what is happening to each character, though they are not together. The perspective merges again when the two reunite during the battle between the people of Valsennar and the people of Malka.

One example of the omniscient perspective is seen when Valerian urges Laureline to leave Ukbar IV with him. She does not respond aloud, but has a thought that is conveyed through a thought bubble. The artist graphically makes it clear that she only thinks the words by putting the words inside a thought bubble instead of a speech bubble.

The...