I too just finished Last of the First, and loved it as well. But I wanted to mention something I noticed here that I haven’t seen anyone else comment on, and that’s how, when Alyiakal sits down with his boss, the boss makes him wait, and afterwards, the boss doesn’t ask how he’s doing or feeling or anything. In other words, even though he’s the protagonist and viewpoint character, his superiors don’t make him the center of attention – even if we readers do! Thanks for that little touch of reality. Definitely adds something.

I was in Alyiakal’s situation many times when I was younger. It goes with the territory, and, for better or worse, I write from what I know. And I very much appreciate your noticing and commenting on it.