Over the course of the novel, Nathan looks for a hero, and he eventually discovers that hero within himself. At first, Nathan’s confidence is low, and he tries to run away from his problems. For example, he decides to spend the summer with Nali instead of telling his father that he doesn’t want Leandra to come to Las Vegas with them. Bullied by his peers, he perceives himself as “short and chubby” and judges his self-worth by these physical traits instead of his inner qualities (14). As a result, he hero-worships Uncle Jet, a tall and muscular Marine veteran who seems to embody the traits Nathan aspires to.

Over time, the cracks in his hero’s armor become clear as Nathan sees Jet struggle with addiction and his mental health. In exchange for the Holy Beings’ help with Jet’s Enemy Way Ceremony, Nathan agrees to journey to the Third World. Although Nathan’s efforts to heal his uncle are valiant, he still looks outside of himself for a hero. This time, he turns to Devin. The thought of facing Mother Water Monster terrifies the boy, so he tries to convince himself—and the Holy Beings—that the medicine man’s wisdom and knowledge make him better suited for the quest.