Meriamon is the point-of-view character for most of the book, although the focus diverges occasionally to show an event going on in Alexander's or Nicolaos' purview. Some of the battle scenes are told almost as they would be in a history book. There are some stunning descriptions of desert travel and of the variegated, sometimes stark landscape of the ancient Near East. In general Tarr is more interested in the historical events and in character interaction than in exploring cultures.

The book's structure is worth noting.

It opens with Nectanebo's spell, then shifts to Meriamon's adventures with the army many years later. At the very end, the journey through the desert, the sandstorm, and the miraculous rain lead to Alexander's transfiguring visit to the oracle. The focus thus goes full circle, from magic to clamorous, mundane events, and then back to magic and mystery at the end.