This story has a strong beginning. A girl trapped on a debtorship, terrified of her captain. The opportunity for revenge the only thing keeping her going after she escapes. She has such a strong personality from the beginning, I’m not sure she ever goes through character development, however, watching her go through her plan and the danger it places her and the other Water Bugs into, is fascinating.

Cayo’s history comes in handy when his family finds themselves broke, but it could mean giving himself up to the very family that led to his undoing. Honestly, between the two main characters, Cayo is more interesting. However, I do find myself wishing I was a little more like Amaya. She’s so brave, she’s nearly fearless. Nearly, as her fear and grief are the faults that leave her struggling throughout the story.

One thing I enjoy about this story is the presence of the LGBTQ+ community in such a way that it doesn’t draw too much attention to it. It isn’t like “Hey look! Here’s a bi guy! Look here’s a pan girl! Here’s a non-binary individual!” It plays it as if it’s a social norm, which, in the story, it likely is. I like that there are markers so that people know what they prefer so they aren’t referenced in the wrong gender. Something that would be interesting in our society, but the implementation of which would probably cause the wrong reaction. It would be another label, or marker, that someone is different. So maybe I take it back but moving on.

Honestly, I feel like this story needs a map. I need a clear representation of this world. Especially as the story continues because they’re traveling to a different land.

I enjoy the lore, the religion, and the excerpts from documentation and stories that exist in the world of the story. It gives it a level of reality that some stories lack.

I like the discussion of addiction in the sense of not only alcohol, but also gambling and the difficulty that comes with quitting. I think it was interesting when Cayo found himself under that influence again and the fact that there are repercussions of his actions.

I look forward to the continuation of the story and I’m excited to see where the author takes it.