Activity

I’m going to use An Enchantment of Ravens again, even though I’ve read a bunch of books since, because it’s easier to analyze than either of the Wrath and Dawn books (even though the Wrath and Dawn books are AMAZING). So, ways the conflict is set up:

• The danger and allure of Fey enchantments is shown early on. We see how Isabelle carefully chooses the enchantment she receives as payment for her work, and we also see her client question her choice of that particular enchantment instead of a flashier (and more dangerous) one. Later (but still in the first few chapters), we see and hear about people who didn’t choose their enchantments so wisely and suffered as a consequence. We also meet a young man who, despite all the danger, is eager to work for the Fey and gain their patronage. This both shows us how most people view the Fey and hints that there’s something dark lurking beneath the beauty.
• The Green Well. The Green Well is mentioned in passing as the ultimate reward for those whose skills the Fey prize. People speculate that the main character will go drink from the Green Well soon, and we see her opposition to the very idea of doing that. Again, we’re given the impression that there’s something about the Fey to be wary of, and not just the fact that a lot of them are manipulative and tricky enough to put Loki to shame.
• The Autumn Prince. We learn that he’s been gone from Whimsy for a long time— why has he been gone? We also learn that he left suddenly the last time he was seen— again, why? And we hear whispers of the Wild Hunt and see Isabelle get attacked by part of that Hunt, which gives us a hint as to maybe why he’s gone and shows us another danger brought by the Fey that the main characters will have to face again later.