Darkness of Dragons is a fantasy novel, an example of speculative fiction that involves magical elements. Fantasy often features settings similar to earth but with a sense of otherness or defamiliarization. For example, the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia and Pantala are ruled by a monarchs with hereditary princesses and princes who live in palaces. At the same time, the story makes references to three moons, establishing key differences between Earth and the fantasy world.

A common trait of fantasy is the use of magic or other supernatural elements as a key plot element. In the Wings of Fire universe, magic is wielded by animus dragons, who have the power to enchant inanimate objects, plants, animals, and even other dragons with carefully worded spells. Qibli’s clever mastery of logic and language give him the ability to help his friends craft useful enchantments that might otherwise fail to achieve the needed results.