Pretty good read. A bit hard to get into because there's just so much jargon and local dialect, but once you've finally started to get into the flow (it took me a few chapters), the rhythm of the story does take hold and it's enjoyable.

This is less a plot or character driven story so much as a worldbuilding driven one. The desert and its people are the star of the show here, more than the travellers Lupen and Eka. That's not a bad thing, but you should be prepared for that if you plan to read the book.

In terms of theme, it's pretty easy to pick out. The traditional, less automated, more humane and more connected to the land ways are best, and even well intentioned progress can become toxic if it's allowed to. Craftspeople over industry, and over runaway dogma. The story wears these themes on its sleeve, but not in an overbearing way, so it's not like you're being hit over the head with any of it.

Altogether I'd recommend it, despite the potentially difficult terminology on most pages.