An absolutely excellent debut! 

These characters and this story are unique and vibrant and so loveable. I was INVESTED in Cal and Xiomara from the first page, and I felt like I was WITH THEM through this whole story. I loved loved loved the emphasis on indigenous histories and community, and the archaeology storyline had me rapt.

The conflict and resolution in this book were so well done and believable. I could see why both characters made the choices they did and the grovel was perfection. As was Xiomara’s refusal to simply let Cal back into her life.

The descriptions and sense of place in this book are absolutely incredible, as is Trujillo’s ability to build a whole community of characters who you are immersed in, as a reader.

There are a couple of VERY minor things I would have loved to have in this, mainly more explicit talk about STI and pregnancy prevention (even just one sentence) - because I was STRESSING about a surprise baby for the *entire book*. 

There were a couple of continuity jumps that would have been easily improved with an additional final edit, but those are pricey and I know this was a labor of love for the author so I’m not letting that count against the incredible story.