I feel like this one suffers a little from being between major parts of the story.

There were a lot more steam, so that takes up space as well that isn't spend in actual plot relevant stuff.

I really like the gourd demons stuff. Wasn't really into the whole "I need to tell him this very important thing, but I can't, but I will, but I won't, but...", as I just read another book with the same trope and I feel like it's weak storytelling.