The water knife
The water knife is a person secretly working to cut water supplies of the cities and destroy them. Angel is the water knife of the novel. The name is symbolic in its simplicity and implied cruelty.
Violence
The motif of violence is strongly present in the novel. Uncensored descriptions of cruelty and violence over people intensify the apocalyptic atmosphere of the novel. As the main characters are witnessing more violence, especially Maria, they become desensitized to it, and change their perspective of humanity, and make a line between hope and reality.
Superstitious beliefs
In accordance with the apocalyptic atmosphere of the novel, the behavior of humanity is explored. It is shown how a large portion of the humanity turns toward superstitious beliefs for guidance out of desperation. Mixed in with mentions of god, angels and devils, there are other figures, like the La Santa Muerte which guides the cruel figure of Vet.
Hyenas
The cruel leader of the coyote gang called Vet has a gruesome way of punishing those who cross him. He uses the desert animals, hyenas, to chase and kill his victims. Maria notices the similarity between his eyes and the eyes of the vicious animals, making him not much different from them. Hyenas are symbolic for their destructive hunger for blood, symbolizing the worst of humanity.
