42 pages • 1-hour read
Waverider
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Symbols & Motifs
Amulet
Emily’s amulet is a consistent symbol of The Struggle Between Darkness and Light, embodying both the immense power she wields and the ever-present danger of losing herself to it. The spiral pattern on the amulet mirrors the spiral depicted on IKOL’s face, visually reinforcing the thematic connection between them. Just as IKOL is a reflection and amplification of Emily’s own emotions—her anger, guilt, and fear—the amulet is both a source of strength and a potential conduit for corruption. The spiral shape itself suggests a continuous cycle, reflecting how the battle between darkness and light is not a simple dichotomy but an ongoing internal and external struggle. The amulet also holds the potential for transformation; when Emily gains self-awareness, recognizing that her strength comes not from force but from understanding, she is able to wield the power of the stone without fear of losing herself.
The symbol of the amulet also carries broader relevance in Alledia’s society. The amulets represent the immense power of the stonekeepers and their ability to induce fear in citizens, who have sometimes suffered when stonekeepers lose control. The amulets connect the stonekeepers to each other as a political entity that has to navigate its position and approach to leadership, rebuilding trust with the population that fears its power.
Golden Beetle
The golden beetle that Emily follows to find her family serves as a beacon of hope and light, guiding her through uncertainty and symbolizing her unwavering connection to those she loves. As a message from her future self, the beetle externalizes her inner resolve, turning her belief in her family into something tangible and luminous. In the midst of the overwhelming responsibilities and power struggles on Alledia, Emily’s pursuit of the beetle represents her refusal to be consumed by her role as a stonekeeper. Unlike characters who become ensnared by the allure of power, Emily remains grounded thanks to her love for her family, using it as a compass that directs her choices. The beetle’s golden glow directly contrasts with the dark forces of the amulet and IKOL, reinforcing the idea that true strength comes not from domination but from connection and emotional clarity.
The beetle also foreshadows Emily’s ultimate decision to reject leadership in Alledia, emphasizing that her true place is with her family on Earth. The beetle’s guidance reflects the cyclical nature of Emily’s journey—her older self, who has already made peace with her choices, is ensuring that she stays on the path toward a future where she prioritizes love and human connection over unchecked power. Ultimately, the golden beetle symbolizes the light of self-awareness and belonging, reminding Emily that her strength is not defined by the amulet but by the relationships that give her purpose.
The Book of Light
Vigo Light’s The Book of Light serves as both a literal and symbolic guide for Emily, reinforcing the novel’s theme that knowledge is a form of light that illuminates the path forward in the struggle between darkness and light. By leaving behind this book after traveling into the past, Vigo ensures that Emily has access to the wisdom he has accumulated, passing it down as a beacon to guide her through her own struggles. His sacrifice—offering himself to IKOL in place of the other stonekeepers—demonstrates his belief that true leadership and power come not from force but from understanding. The book he leaves behind is an extension of this philosophy, representing the idea that knowledge, reflection, and self-awareness are the tools that can break the cycle of darkness.
The Book of Light also highlights the cyclical nature of the struggle between darkness and light, mirroring the way Alledia’s conflicts repeat across generations of stonekeepers. Vigo, who has lived through his own battles with the stone, recognizes that brute strength alone cannot break this cycle—only comprehension, wisdom, and a willingness to see beyond immediate power can. The book externalizes this truth, offering Emily the opportunity to engage with the past and use it to illuminate the future. Just as light cuts through shadow, knowledge dispels ignorance, allowing Emily to step beyond the mistakes of those who came before her. The Book of Light is not just a record of history but a declaration that true power comes from the ability to learn, change, and move forward with understanding.
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