The Things We Water Summary, Characters and Themes
The Things We Water by Mariana Zapata is a fantasy novel that intertwines themes of magic, identity, and the complexities of relationships. The story follows Nina, a young woman raising Duncan, an extraordinary pup with a magical tail that ignites with fire under certain emotional triggers.
As Duncan’s powers unfold, Nina’s life is turned upside down, thrusting her into a world of mythical creatures, dangerous secrets, and mysterious forces. Alongside her best friends, Matti and Sienna, Nina embarks on a journey filled with both wonder and danger, trying to protect Duncan while uncovering the truths about herself and her magical heritage.
Summary
Nina’s life changes dramatically when she discovers that her puppy, Duncan, is no ordinary dog. His tail, which flares up in flames whenever he feels fear or anger, reveals that he is a magical being, unlike anything Nina had ever imagined.
Initially, she hopes Duncan might be a werewolf hybrid, but this possibility is quickly ruled out when his powers become even more unusual. As Nina watches him grow rapidly and develop other strange abilities, she realizes that she can no longer keep Duncan’s true nature a secret.
The need to protect him from the growing number of people who seek to capture him leads Nina to turn to her best friends, Matti and Sienna, for help.
The trio soon uncovers a hidden world of magic, filled with creatures such as shapeshifters, werewolves, and Sasquatches. In search of a safe place for Duncan to grow, Matti guides them to a magical ranch owned by her cousin, Henri.
Upon their arrival, Nina is greeted by Henri, a towering werewolf, who is both protective and curious about her. Despite the tension in the air, Duncan’s loyalty shines through when he unexpectedly defends Nina from Henri, marking a shift in their relationship.
This incident pushes Nina to accept that she is not just dealing with a magical dog but with a powerful force that could change everything.
The ranch, however, is not a simple refuge. Nina soon learns that the community of magical beings there has its own set of rules.
In exchange for sanctuary, Nina and Duncan must undergo a trial period, and one of the conditions is that Nina must agree to marry within a year to officially be accepted into their society. Henri, although initially uncertain of Nina’s intentions, becomes a constant figure in her life.
His commanding presence both reassures and unsettles Nina as they navigate their new circumstances. Henri’s role within the community is crucial, and Nina can’t help but notice the protective nature he has toward her and Duncan.
As the story progresses, Nina reveals more about her mysterious magical abilities, which include a strange influence on fertility, causing unexpected pregnancies in people close to her. This unnerves the elders of the community, but they agree to let Nina and Duncan stay for a trial period, as long as they adhere to the rules.
Nina remains uncertain of her place within this new world, where her magic is both feared and revered. Her bond with Duncan deepens, and she resolves to protect him at all costs, even if it means challenging the powerful beings who inhabit this magical realm.
Nina’s relationship with Henri becomes increasingly complex. They share a deep emotional connection, but Nina struggles to understand where their relationship stands.
Henri is protective of Nina, offering comfort and reassurance during moments of doubt. However, Nina is haunted by dreams of a mysterious voice calling her name, suggesting a connection to her biological family, which she knows little about.
The gnomes in the community hint that the voice may belong to an “old one,” someone from her family trying to make contact with her. This revelation causes Nina to question everything she thought she knew about herself and her origins.
Meanwhile, the tension between Nina and Henri grows as their relationship evolves. Henri’s feelings for Nina become clear, but the weight of their magical world and the expectations placed upon them make it difficult for Nina to accept their connection.
As the trial period continues, Nina struggles with the limitations placed on her, especially the pressure to find a mate in order to solidify her place in the community. Henri, however, remains a constant source of support, even as Nina tries to push away her growing feelings for him.
The mystery of Nina’s past deepens when her biological father, a death god, unexpectedly arrives at the ranch. His presence shakes Nina, who has always felt abandoned by her parents.
Henri, ever protective, steps in to confront Nina’s father and ensure that Duncan remains safe. As the threat from Nina’s father looms, the stakes become even higher, and Nina must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to protect Duncan and her new life.
The arrival of the Alaskan visitors only adds to the tension, as the true nature of Nina’s magical lineage begins to unfold.
As Nina and Henri’s bond deepens, they make the decision to mate under the full moon, a sacred tradition in Henri’s werewolf culture. The mating ceremony marks a turning point in their relationship, and despite the pressures surrounding them, Nina finds peace in her connection with Henri and Duncan.
The ceremony signifies a new chapter in Nina’s life, one where she embraces her magical heritage and the complexities of her relationships.
In the epilogue, Nina’s life years later is painted as one of contentment and stability. Surrounded by her family—Henri, their children, and their extended community—Nina reflects on the challenges she has faced and the love that has carried her through.
The magical beings who once seemed strange and threatening have become a part of her life, and Nina realizes that the family she has created, both by blood and by choice, is the home she has always longed for.
Despite the uncertainties of the future, Nina understands that the love she shares with Henri and Duncan has given her the strength to face whatever comes next. The journey that began with a magical puppy and a world filled with danger has transformed into one of love, self-discovery, and belonging.
Nina, once an outsider, has found her place in a world she never thought she could be a part of, and in doing so, has created a future full of hope and possibility.
Characters
Nina
Nina is a young woman thrust into a world of magic and mystery, largely revolving around her bond with Duncan, a magical pup with extraordinary abilities. Initially unaware of Duncan’s true nature, Nina’s life changes drastically when she realizes he is not just an ordinary dog but a mystical being with a fiery tail.
As the story progresses, Nina must grapple with the growing dangers surrounding Duncan, his evolving powers, and the secrecy that comes with them. Her relationship with Duncan is at the heart of the narrative, with Nina dedicating herself to protecting him at all costs.
Nina’s character is driven by her loyalty, a strong sense of responsibility, and a deep emotional connection with Duncan, who is not just a pet but a family. As she navigates the complexities of her magical world, she also struggles with her identity and her place in a society filled with supernatural beings.
Her journey is one of self-discovery, facing her fears, and learning to trust in herself and the new family she forms along the way.
Duncan
Duncan begins his life as an ordinary puppy but quickly evolves into a creature unlike any other, with a tail that ignites in flames when he’s afraid or angry. His rapid transformation marks him as something beyond a simple pet, and his growing abilities serve as the catalyst for Nina’s journey into a magical world she never knew existed.
Duncan is fiercely loyal to Nina, displaying extraordinary courage, especially when he protects her from danger. As he matures, Duncan reveals more of his magical traits, ultimately proving to be far more than Nina ever anticipated.
Despite his fearsome powers, he remains childlike in his attachment to Nina, forming a deep bond that drives the narrative. Duncan’s development from a frightened pup to a powerful magical being symbolizes the themes of growth, loyalty, and the connection between an individual and their true nature.
As Nina struggles to keep him safe from the forces that seek to control him, Duncan proves to be both a source of strength and vulnerability, deeply influencing the course of Nina’s life.
Henri
Henri is a massive, protective werewolf who plays a central role in Nina’s journey. At first, Henri’s relationship with Nina is marked by tension, largely due to her unexpected arrival and the mysteries surrounding her magical abilities.
Despite this, Henri’s character gradually unfolds as someone deeply protective, not just of Nina but also of Duncan, whom he sees as integral to Nina’s life. Henri’s protective instincts and strength serve as a reassuring presence for Nina, who is often overwhelmed by the dangers surrounding her.
He becomes an anchor for her, offering emotional and physical support as she navigates the unfamiliar world of magic. Henri’s past, especially his connection to the land and the powerful magic that runs through it, is shrouded in mystery, but it is clear that he holds deep respect for Nina and the challenges she faces.
As Nina’s relationship with Henri deepens, so does her internal struggle, as she begins to recognize her growing feelings for him. Henri’s love for Nina is quiet but strong, and he ultimately becomes not just a protector but a partner in Nina’s quest for safety and belonging.
Matti
Matti is one of Nina’s closest friends, who becomes a key ally as Nina delves deeper into the magical world. From the moment Nina realizes Duncan’s true nature, Matti is brought into the fold, helping Nina navigate the complex web of magical beings and threats.
Matti is a character who represents loyalty and understanding, always standing by Nina even when she is uncertain about what is happening around her. As Nina’s confidante, Matti offers emotional support and guidance, helping Nina make sense of her evolving situation.
Though Matti’s role in the larger magical conflict is more passive compared to characters like Henri, her presence is invaluable as a source of stability and friendship. Matti’s relationship with Nina is grounded in a deep sense of trust, and she proves to be an essential part of Nina’s journey, offering the wisdom and reassurance Nina needs in times of doubt.
Sienna
Sienna is another of Nina’s best friends, who, along with Matti, is swept into Nina’s journey as Duncan’s magical abilities unfold. Though her role is somewhat secondary, Sienna plays an important part in supporting Nina during the most challenging moments.
She is often the voice of reason, offering practical advice and perspective when Nina is overwhelmed. Sienna’s relationship with Nina is built on years of friendship, and she stands by Nina as she faces the unknown dangers surrounding Duncan and their place in the magical world.
While Sienna may not be as deeply involved in the mystical aspects of the story as Nina or Henri, her loyalty and support are crucial in providing Nina with a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Sienna represents the grounding force that Nina needs, reminding her of the importance of the people who love and care for her, even as she grapples with the weight of her new life.
Themes
Magic and Identity
In The Things We Water, Nina’s journey is one of self-discovery that is deeply intertwined with the mysterious magic that defines both her and the world she inhabits. Her relationship with Duncan, a magical puppy who transforms into a hellhound, becomes a reflection of her own identity.
As Duncan grows and his powers develop, Nina is forced to confront the truth about her own magical abilities and her origins. The flame on Duncan’s tail symbolizes not just his power but also Nina’s evolving understanding of her place in this world of magical beings.
The revelation that she is connected to ancient and powerful magical forces shakes her sense of self and complicates her perception of family and belonging. Magic, in this sense, is not just an external force that Nina grapples with but also an internal journey of understanding and acceptance.
As she delves deeper into the magical world, she finds herself constantly confronting her fears and embracing her identity, however uncertain it may be. The theme of magic, therefore, is not just about supernatural powers but also about the internal transformation Nina undergoes as she learns to accept and wield her abilities, shaping her identity in the process.
Family and Belonging
Family plays a central role in The Things We Water, particularly in how Nina navigates the challenges of forming her own definition of family in a world full of magical beings. Initially, Nina is estranged from her biological parents, who are revealed to have powerful magical legacies, including her father’s identity as a death god.
This absence of a traditional family structure leaves Nina feeling disconnected and isolated, despite her deep connection to Duncan, whom she raises as her own. As she moves into a community filled with werewolves, gnomes, and other magical creatures, Nina is presented with the opportunity to form a new family, one rooted not in blood relations but in love, trust, and shared experiences.
The evolving relationship between Nina and Henri, the werewolf, is an integral part of this theme. While Nina initially struggles with her feelings for him, their bond deepens, and they begin to build a family together.
The birth of this new family is also symbolized through Nina’s eventual acceptance of Duncan’s unique nature and the responsibilities that come with it. The story suggests that family is not just a biological connection but a complex web of emotional and physical support, forged through shared hardships and loyalty.
This theme resonates throughout the book as Nina learns that belonging comes not from one’s heritage, but from the love and acceptance one finds in chosen relationships.
Protection and Loyalty
The bond between Nina and Duncan is one of profound loyalty and protection, a theme that is explored throughout The Things We Water. As Duncan transforms into a hellhound, his powers become a source of danger, both to himself and to those around him.
Nina, in turn, becomes fiercely protective of him, vowing to safeguard him at all costs. This sense of protection extends beyond Duncan, as Nina also seeks protection in a world filled with unknown threats.
Henri, who initially appears as a mysterious and somewhat intimidating figure, gradually becomes Nina’s protector, offering both emotional and physical safety. His presence gives her a sense of security, especially when they face external threats, such as Nina’s estranged father and the complex politics of the magical community.
However, Nina’s own role as protector is just as significant. She is not only the guardian of Duncan but also becomes a protector of her own future and her place in the magical world.
The theme of protection and loyalty highlights the reciprocal nature of relationships—while Nina seeks protection, she also learns to be a protector, ensuring that those she loves are safe from harm. Ultimately, it is this deep loyalty and mutual care that form the emotional backbone of the story, guiding Nina through the most challenging moments and providing her with the strength to confront her fears.
Love and Sacrifice
Love, in its many forms, is another crucial theme in The Things We Water, particularly as Nina navigates her relationships with Duncan, Henri, and her magical world. Her connection with Duncan transcends that of a typical pet-owner relationship; Duncan is her family, her companion, and a creature she must protect at all costs.
This unconditional love for Duncan motivates Nina to make difficult decisions, from seeking sanctuary for him in a hidden magical ranch to confronting her estranged father. Her emotional journey is marked by her growing love for Henri, a bond that becomes more complicated as the pressures of their magical world mount.
Henri’s protective and nurturing nature toward Nina allows their relationship to flourish, but it also requires sacrifices. Nina must come to terms with her feelings, not just for Henri but also for the choices she must make about her place in the magical world.
The theme of sacrifice is intertwined with love as Nina faces the reality that the world she now inhabits demands more from her than she ever imagined. The love between Nina and Henri culminates in their mating under the full moon, symbolizing their commitment to each other and to the family they are creating.
This sacrificial love extends to their shared experiences and the sacrifices they must make to protect Duncan and secure their future together. The story ultimately illustrates that love, though powerful, often requires the willingness to give up something precious for the sake of those you care about most.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Nina’s journey of self-discovery is perhaps the most personal theme in The Things We Water, as she is forced to reckon with who she is and what she has become in the face of the magical world around her. When Nina first discovers Duncan’s magical nature, she is confronted with her own hidden abilities and the truth about her origins.
Throughout the story, Nina grapples with her past, including the mystery surrounding her biological family and her unknown magical legacy. As she becomes more entrenched in the magical community, Nina must reconcile her humanity with the supernatural elements that shape her identity.
The internal conflict between the woman she has been and the magical being she is becoming is central to her character’s development. Her relationship with Duncan becomes a mirror of this conflict—he represents both the innocent life she once had and the powerful, magical future she is being thrust into.
As Nina confronts the expectations of the magical world and the dangers it presents, she is forced to redefine who she is, both as a protector and as an individual. By the end of the story, Nina has not only come to terms with her magical identity but has also accepted the responsibilities that come with it.
Her journey of self-discovery is a testament to the power of understanding oneself and embracing change, even when it is terrifying.