This is an interesting side-novel in Neumeier’s Tuyo series, about Tano, a young Ugaro man who appeared in Tarashana.

Tano and three other young men (read: teenagers) head out on what is ostensibly a hunting trip, but with the private goal of passing along a message to members of Tano and Vayu’s former tribe.

The plot is action and adventure, but the narration is very introspective. And, except for one occasion when I thought it caused the story to drag, it was interesting -- and clearly important! -- to see Tano’s thought processes. He spends a lot of time considering what is the right thing to do, because he wants to ensure that he and friends survive this (mis)adventure and because he is determined to act honourably. And he’s still figuring out what that requires in different situations -- he was brought up by an abusive father who modelled a twisted version of Ugaro culture, and learnt to be deceptive out of self-preservation.

I liked seeing how Tano is adapting to life amongst the inGara, and how he’s learning to trust that he’s now with people who will treat him fairly and who want him to do well. I particularly liked the way Tano, Vayu, Arayo, and Raga support each other.

After one chooses a plan, when it is too late to change that plan, it always seems stupid and reckless. That does not mean the choice was wrong. It only means that waiting is hard.

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I’ve been dipping into the Tuyo series intermittently and was pleased to come across this one about a character who was rescued/adopted in a previous book. Given the “comforting” feel of the series in general, it was satisfying to follow Tano as he learns about trust, kindness and honour.

The story is told in first person by Tano himself. He’s obviously anxious, still suffering from prior abuse and terrified he’ll put a foot wrong and be rejected. Although we get to see his concerns first-hand as he thinks through what he ought to do now vs his ingrained inclinations for lying and avoidance, his ruminations don’t bog down the pace.

We get to meet various other characters who’ve grown familiar, but the story is definitely Tano’s. I haven’t read the other books recently, and sometimes it took me a while to put faces and roles to names, so to say. This was especially the case as there wasn’t much description of the people: I guess we should be able to remember them from before.

Overall, highly satisfying to see how the MC blossoms when given the opportunity.