Yadriel’d once asked his mom why they didn’t just take all of someone’s pain when they were sad. She had explained it was important to let people feel grief and mourn the loss of a loved one.”
-- Yadriel (chapter 2)

Importance: This quote represents foreshadowing of the emotional journey Yadriel embarks on throughout the novel. As the novel progresses, he is mourning the loss of himself and his full acceptance of his life as a boy. He lets go of the hate and shame associated with his deadname in order to fully embrace being a brujo and growing closer to his family.

Three beats passed before Julian’s eyes suddenly went wide. “I died, didn’t I?” The fierceness was gone, leaving his voice small and weak. “Am I dead?”
-- Julian (chapter 3)

Importance: Julian's reputation as a bad boy diminishes the sympathy he receives once he dies. The other kids in school, unknowingly in...