海と炎の娘

McKillip's portrayal of magic feels so poetic and layered—I'm curious whether it was inspired by myth, folklore, or her own imagination.

The vivid descriptions and intricate setting made me wonder how much of it was planned out versus developed as the story unfolded.

The characters seem caught between fate and choice, which added a lot of depth. Did this resonate differently for others based on their own experiences?