This chapter is refreshingly well-written. It gripped me from beginning to end with its simple, yet effective storytelling. It's descriptive enough to be understandable, but restrained enough to avoid being overbearing in its technical descriptions, or excessively poetic with its fanciful language.

I love the way Violet stumbles over her solutions, as any kid might. It feels more genuine than for her to know how to approach every situation. It makes her feel more human, and as a bonus, gives several opportunities for dramatic irony.

On the other hand, Violet, while she may act like a kid, sometimes talks like an adult. For example, it's hard to imagine a kid saying "You are not going to die on me, you hear?". Even a couple of moments like that can disturb the immersion.

Similarly, it shouldn't be understated how difficult it is to hear anything in the rain. If the storm is strong enough to limit sight, it's certainly strong enough to limit sound as well, as each of those drops of rain have to land, and on an island, often make a splashing noise. Even standing in a passing shower by the water can necessitate shouting. Subtle hints of this change in a character's volume could help improve this.

Altogether though, this is a wonderful beginning chapter. The only thing it really needs is a good story to follow.