One of the strongest and best parts of this story is the motif of music. It’s constant and immersive in the text even though we can’t physically hear it.

The other great part is Mateo’s narrative voice. It was excellent (with some corny dialogue here and there), and he has a clear character arc. He’s insecure and the equivalent of a nomad since he’s moved around his whole life. He knows of his culture but never had a chance to really experience the more tangible parts or set roots anywhere. 

I liked the idea of Chela. She was ruthless but not heartless. More combative and confident than Mateo; his foil. But she felt a little flat. Definitely not a manic pixie girl but just shallow. Ending spoiler:

maybe it's the quick attraction they had to each other that felt instalovey. everyone just assumed mateo had a crush on her, and he eventually did. but i don't know why chela took a liking to him. but it makes sense in the grand scheme of it since they're reincarnated lovers.

Tams was forgettable. Sorry not sorry.

The world-building is unique and plays off of Latino, Jewish, and pirate influences. But there’s a lot going on. Sometimes, it feels like too much. Too many characters. Too many alliances. Too much lore. Thankfully, it’s not a bunch of exposition dumps and is introduced gradually. But it’s noticeable if you take a break from reading because it takes time to get back up to speed. 

This is both well-paced and terribly long-winded, but I think the ending wrapped up nicely. I also wish so much that books would advertise in the beginning pages that there's a glossary.