The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez is praised for its lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling. Readers appreciate its epic scope and depth of emotion. However, some find the narrative structure complex and challenging. The novel is celebrated for its originality and rich world-building, making it a rewarding yet demanding read.

A reader captivated by lyrical prose, epic fantasy, and intricate storytelling will relish The Spear Cuts Through Water. Fans of N. K. Jemisin's The Broken Earth series or Liu's The Grace of Kings will appreciate Jimenez's blend of myth, magic, and heartfelt narratives.

The Spear Cuts Through Water is a novel by Simon Jimenez that intertwines fantasy and folklore. It follows two warriors on a perilous journey to overthrow a tyrannical emperor. Their path is intertwined with the stories of various characters whose lives and choices are impacted by the conflict, creating a richly woven narrative.

Fantastical / Mysterious / Emotional / Adventurous / Romantic

**The Grandchild/“You”**  
A member of a merchant family, deeply affected by war, who grapples with a sense of cultural disconnection and familial neglect, seeking acceptance and meaning within their heritage.

**Lola**  
A tough, nostalgic grandmother who smokes heavily and shares stories of the family's past in the Old Country, playing a central role in the theme of storytelling.

**The Dancer/“This Moonlit Body”**  
An ethereal figure connected to the Moon and Water, responsible for managing the Inverted Theater and embodying the continuity of storytelling.

**Keema of the Daware Tribe**  
A skilled warrior and orphan with a fabricated heritage, driven by a desire for identity, connection, and purpose, while carrying a significant symbolic spear.

**Jun Ossa**  
A former child soldier seeking redemption from a violent past, burdened by guilt and guided by a vow to avoid killing, while developing a complex relationship with Keema.

**The First Terror, Saam Ossa**  
A powerful and ruthless son of the emperor, commanding the Red Peacock Brigade, who shows moments of humanity through his love for his sons, particularly Jun.

**The Second Terror, Luubu Ossa**  
A manipulative and sadistic character with the power to control others through speech, driven by a desire for power and a complex relationship with his family.

**The Third Terror**  
A triplet with shapeshifting abilities and an animalistic demeanor, whose journey from ally to antagonist is marked by a childlike loyalty and a desire for acceptance.

**The Empress/Moon Goddess**  
A powerful and calculating figure with a complex history, involved in the stories and lives of others while navigating her own quest for redemption and escape.

**Commander Uhi Araya**  
A capable and respected leader, known as the Drunk Maiden, on a mission of love and penance, driven by her connection to her past and her family.

**Shan Araya**  
A young warrior with a deep sense of honor, determined to fulfill her mission and family legacy, eventually taking on a leadership role.

**The Defect**  
A unique tortoise with disabilities and an imperfect connection to its kin, it plays a crucial role in aiding Jun and the Moon goddess while questioning authority.

Study Guide

Before You Read

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The Spear Cuts Through Water Summary and Study Guide

Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1: “Before”

Chapter 1 The Spear Cuts Through Water Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 2 The Spear Cuts Through Water Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 3: “The Second Day—In Which We Offer Our Finest Catch”

Chapter 3 The Spear Cuts Through Water Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 4 The Spear Cuts Through Water Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 5: “The Fourth Day—In Which We Offer Our Finest Weapon”

Chapter 5 The Spear Cuts Through Water Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 6: “The Fifth Day—In Which We Offer Our Finest Dance”

Chapter 6 The Spear Cuts Through Water Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 7 The Spear Cuts Through Water Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

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The Spear Cuts Through Water

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