Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.4 AVERAGE
4.4 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really loved the premise of the story and learning about this branch of indigenous culture. There was just something about the mystery and crime element of this story that just didn’t hit their mark with me. It felt like the mystery was just slapped on top of this story about Daunis instead of them being necessary being together.
There was also just a feeling that the author was putting high expectations on to her main character in the sense that Daunis shames herself often throughout the book for pondering if this or that member of her community could be involved. Like, she uses the info that’s at her disposal (at the time) to make a hypothesis about something and then immediately will be like “how could I think X could do this, how terrible of me to even think that” like when she was thinking back on her uncle as one example.
But there were also times when pacing and important character moments fell flat. There were times when character and relationship growth were starting to develop and were soon shut down like when Jamie opened up about his being adopted and wanting to find his tribe and community, something happens involving investigation talk, and then Daunis throwing back that he wouldn’t understand because he doesn’t have a tribe relationship. Then within the next couple pages they were all okay and kissing after a single “sorry” over text when that could have been a big moment for both of them to fully communicate and get on the same page thus making the mystery/crime storyline stronger. I realize that their relationship isn’t the point of the novel but having it there and not using that relationship to its full character developmental potential seems wrong.
I did enjoy this book but there were def moments that just made it impossible for me to give it more than 3 stars
There was also just a feeling that the author was putting high expectations on to her main character in the sense that Daunis shames herself often throughout the book for pondering if this or that member of her community could be involved. Like, she uses the info that’s at her disposal (at the time) to make a hypothesis about something and then immediately will be like “how could I think X could do this, how terrible of me to even think that” like when she was thinking back on her uncle as one example.
But there were also times when pacing and important character moments fell flat. There were times when character and relationship growth were starting to develop and were soon shut down like when Jamie opened up about his being adopted and wanting to find his tribe and community, something happens involving investigation talk, and then Daunis throwing back that he wouldn’t understand because he doesn’t have a tribe relationship. Then within the next couple pages they were all okay and kissing after a single “sorry” over text when that could have been a big moment for both of them to fully communicate and get on the same page thus making the mystery/crime storyline stronger. I realize that their relationship isn’t the point of the novel but having it there and not using that relationship to its full character developmental potential seems wrong.
I did enjoy this book but there were def moments that just made it impossible for me to give it more than 3 stars
emotional
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Although it's pretty heavy, this is still a lovely story. Very well written, engaging, and well balanced.
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Pros: incredibly vivid and beautiful representation of Native culture, beliefs, and heritage; slowburn mystery; fast-paced, action-packed last 25% of book; holistic view of Native life for a teenager/young adult.
Cons: underdeveloped/unnecessary romance arc; Mary Jane-voice protagonist; Not Like Other Girls; extremely mature scenes and situations without addressing the following trauma; super large cast of characters that can be difficult to keep with.
Despite it's shortcomings, I LOVED this book. I could have done with maybe 100 pages less with a couple subplots removed, but it captures so much and does so very well.
Cons: underdeveloped/unnecessary romance arc; Mary Jane-voice protagonist; Not Like Other Girls; extremely mature scenes and situations without addressing the following trauma; super large cast of characters that can be difficult to keep with.
Despite it's shortcomings, I LOVED this book. I could have done with maybe 100 pages less with a couple subplots removed, but it captures so much and does so very well.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated