Hi Jen! I've gotten around to reviewing your novel so thank you for being patient with me! You are very sweet. I hope you will subscribe to my novel and enjoy it!
Chapter 1: I can tell by the first sentence that you have the same problem as I do. I often find myself writing in passive writing rather than active. There isn't necessarily anything wrong with with this (in fact it's honestly just a matter of writing style), but active writing tends to be more impactful and less confusing. For example you've written "was kneeling in the dirt carelessly" but since this is something that is taking place in the present it should be "is kneeling I the dirt carelessly". Another example of this could be when you talk about the woman smiling at him, it should be "when she smiles at him." this is totally a problem that I have myself, so honestly don't worry about it too much. Just keep an eye out for that sort of thing!
Chapter 2: Throughout the entirety of the chapters that I have read, it's very clear that your strong suit in writing is in descriptions of surroundings. I think that amazing because often times writing lacks the explanation of environment. You are able to do this really well and I can feel where the character is, like I am right beside them.
Chapter 3: Faine has an interesting dynamic because he feels guilty for killing something, but has to do it anyway for the sake of survival. I hope that this is something that you will mirror in the future, like if he has to ever kill a person/ thing for his or someone else's survival.
Btw I hope your wrist is better. 