Ahoy there mateys! I wish I could do this book justice but I cannot.  I read it much earlier this year, have been thinking about it frequently, and have tried to write a good review for it multiple times.  I do not have good words.  The author uses Lipan Apache storytelling structure.  One of the main characters is Oli, a cottonmouth snake.  Another is Nina, a girl on Earth.  I preferred the spirit world to the Earth narrative but I do think the two intertwined together is what makes this so lovely.  I also ADORED the toad.  I will certainly have to read the other book by the author.  Arrrr!