Paton Walsh draws on many images and allusions in Torch, a complex novel, to help the young reader. The use of Cal as narrator manages to remove the torch and Dio's obsession with it from the limelight in order for the reader to gain distance and an objective view of both Dio and the torch.

As always, Paton Walsh's writing is clear, yet demanding as she draws heavily on her knowledge of Greek history and mythology in this futuristic novel. The three muses of truth, goodness, and beauty are represented by Dio, Cassie, and Philip. The children's names all represent Greek names, from thousand of years before the Ago, that characterize them accurately. "[Peri] Pericles; he was a great leader in Athens, time before time, before time.

[Niko] Nike for victory. [Cassie] Cassandra, in the old books, could see the future. She told it truly, but...