Colors and elements
The maji are divided into groups depending on the colors of their magic and elements that they control with it. Zélie is a Reaper, and she pulls powers from the spirit world. There are also those who pull magic from fire, earth or air, called Winder, Grounder, Burner. They are all separated into clans. This book in the series shows how the members of different clans are able to connect their powers to become stronger, something Zélie, Roën and several others do at the end to prepare for war for Orïsha.
Children of the gods
The novel shows how maji were unjustly hunted and killed by the monarchy, because of special gifts of magic they were born with. This sequel shows their battle against this, seeking vengeance while still keeping their virtues, hence the title. At the center of it is Zélie, who isn't always a perfect heroine-she admits to being afraid and has moments when she wants to run away from everything, but her virtue still makes her do the right thing for her people.
“We’re the children of the gods.” I lift my chin. “If someone’s running away, it’s not going to be us.”
The bronze coin
Inan is still holding onto the coin he was given to be Zélie, despite them standing on the opposite sides of the war. The coin symbolizes his connection and love to Zélie, as well as his desire for peace in Orïsha, despite circumstances pressuring him to do otherwise. It is a symbol of his conflict between the two, and symbolizes the direct opposite of his new role as a king.
Nehanda’s powers
Nehanda, Amari and Inan’s mother and ruthless queen, wields to the strongest titan power in Orïsha. She pulls her power from the life force of other titans. This is symbolic of her as a monarch who literally and metaphorically leeches off the lives of other people, of her readiness to sacrifice anything and anyone for her gain.
