Reviews

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

Only show reviews with written explanations

kathym_robinson's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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? No

4.75

dreamreader's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Like Darcie Little Badger's other book, Elatsoe, I found this to be a fun and quick read. Unlike Elatsoe, the pacing in this one was a little off for me. The first 60% was almost entirely establishing the two POV characters. I would say the plot didn't even start until the 65% mark, and then even as late as 75%, plot elements were being newly introduced. This structure didn't really work for me, and combined with a strange lack of emotional depth in the characters, this book felt like it was built more on interesting concepts than actual substance. Sometimes several years passed between chapters, yet the characters didn't ever change. They were totally static, both the animal people and the human people. Without emotionally nuanced character work, I have a hard time connecting to the story. However, don't let this review stop you from checking out the book, because I think it's worth reading! And there is something so charming about Darcie Little Badger's writing. I will happily read anything else she publishes, though I do hope to see more emotional complexity in her writing as she improves.

bettylooksatbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

sky130's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous inspiring relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.75

first 2/3 were lovely and very unique, but it went downhill in terms of narrative cohesion towards the end. Handful of places where some more diligent editing would have been helpful, too.

stephfauatea's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful 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? No

4.25

babsxi's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I loved this book so much. I can’t wait to read it again.

An excellent modern folk tale with real world ramifications and real world problems like climate change and outsiders hunting and forcibly removing Lipan Apache spirits. Blending the two worlds and two story lines together was done so masterfully, I never even thought to myself they were different until I started reading other reviews after I was finished. I wouldn’t change a thing about this book.

The writing in this novel may seem a little more juvenile than Elotsoe, but give it a chance. It has great characters, great themes, and a great ending. Read this book!