Family Relationships

The connections forged between family members and friends drive the actions and reactions of many people. The characters of this novel are no exception. While it is not revealed until near the end of the novel, the relationship between the Wood-Queen and her sister, Linaya, is one of the most important to the storyline. It is only after Agnieszka is captured and entombed in a tree that this relationship is revealed.

Linaya shows Agnieszka the history behind the Wood-Queen's evil in a series of images. In the first, the Wood-Queen is being married and reassuring Linaya that she will remain nearby. Later, all the wood-people return to the Wood. Some are already injured. Linaya helps them become trees, citing this as the only option available for her people, who do not want to fight and cannot run away. The Wood-Queen is initially entombed with her...