In Robert R. McCammon's novel "Swan Song," the atmosphere is depicted as dark and foreboding. The imagery evokes a sense of danger, suggesting that what appears enticing and sweet, like brightly colored toadstools, can actually be deceptive and harmful. This chill symbolizes the hidden threats lurking beneath the surface in what seems inviting or innocent.

The quote highlights the tension between attraction and peril, as it refers to tempting sights that can lead to dire consequences. The reference to a child entices us to consider the vulnerability of innocence in the face of malevolent forces, illustrating how easily one can be lured into danger by something that appears appealing.