[3330] Deadskin - First person present tense fantasy

This is the first chapter of a novel I'm planning.

Deadskin

Please, be brutal. Don't hold back your criticism!

Critiques:
[1400] Prey

[3043] The Jar of Nephren-Ka, Chapter 2

[2276] My Teddy Hammer

[3047] Goblins Gift

Some specific questions:

• Would you continue reading? (If not, why?)
• Do you care about the main character? (If not, why?)
• Is my usage of first person present tense awkward? I'm not sure I've made it work in every scene.