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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Very different than the typical fantasy novel, which was nice to read. Little Badger does a good job of keeping with the magical realism. At times, it seems like the book would've benefited from a little editing as some parts didn't seem too cohesive and backstories needed to be fleshed out.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
So good! I am a new reader in the paranormal, thriller genres and this is my first in YA and it is so fantastic. I loved the language and imagery conjured up alongside a fantastic mystery and depth of knowing one's self. All around a winner in my book.
I will say I am not a huge animal fan and animals and the love of them play a huge role in this book. That did not deter me and even if you're not a huge animal fan I bet you will enjoy this book too.
I will say I am not a huge animal fan and animals and the love of them play a huge role in this book. That did not deter me and even if you're not a huge animal fan I bet you will enjoy this book too.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
informative
mysterious
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
This was excellent. A compelling story, well told and full of heart: believable teen protagonists, supportive family, Lipa Apache traditions, and satisfyingly evil villains.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Racism, Grief, Murder
I enjoyed this book. I think this was a great debut novel and the concepts were cool. I already read Darcie Little Badger’s A Snake Falls To Earth, so I was excited to read more Lipan Apache storytelling.
PROS:
I enjoyed the concepts and how Little Badger connected Ellie’s present to her Six-Great Grandmother. I think that detail as super neat as it shows how interconnected the past and present can be. I also love the way Ellie can connect with ghosts, especially her dog, Kirby. I think that aspect showed how important animals are in the Lipan Apache culture. In addition, the fantasy elements were wild. A North America with magic. People with powers beyond reality. A doctor that can move injuries from body to body. There’s so much potential for a long book series.
CONS:
I do think that sometimes the dialogue felt weird. I also remember that Ellie being asexual never added any value to the story, but Little Badger could possibly expand in the next book. Also, Ellie and Jay were already going to Allerton’s mansion, so the Al side story felt too much. I think some concepts like the vampire curse could have been explained better or explained in greater detail. I think there’s a lot I still need to know in terms of the magic and the powers.
After rearing some reviews, I can agree on something: The book has more of a middle grade feel, but I guess the publisher made Elatsoe YA for the content/teen characters.
CONCLUSION:
I think that this book had so many great details. I love when I can learn about a culture through literature. Little Badger honored her Lipan Apache heritage by bringing cultural elements to a fantasy novel. The magical concepts were gorgeous and mind blowing.
I do think some things were unnecessary or needed more details. I still think this book could be improved on.
PROS:
I enjoyed the concepts and how Little Badger connected Ellie’s present to her Six-Great Grandmother. I think that detail as super neat as it shows how interconnected the past and present can be. I also love the way Ellie can connect with ghosts, especially her dog, Kirby. I think that aspect showed how important animals are in the Lipan Apache culture. In addition, the fantasy elements were wild. A North America with magic. People with powers beyond reality. A doctor that can move injuries from body to body. There’s so much potential for a long book series.
CONS:
I do think that sometimes the dialogue felt weird. I also remember that Ellie being asexual never added any value to the story, but Little Badger could possibly expand in the next book. Also, Ellie and Jay were already going to Allerton’s mansion, so the Al side story felt too much. I think some concepts like the vampire curse could have been explained better or explained in greater detail. I think there’s a lot I still need to know in terms of the magic and the powers.
After rearing some reviews, I can agree on something: The book has more of a middle grade feel, but I guess the publisher made Elatsoe YA for the content/teen characters.
CONCLUSION:
I think that this book had so many great details. I love when I can learn about a culture through literature. Little Badger honored her Lipan Apache heritage by bringing cultural elements to a fantasy novel. The magical concepts were gorgeous and mind blowing.
I do think some things were unnecessary or needed more details. I still think this book could be improved on.
I had a fantastic time reading this! I thought the characters were fun and well developed, and I thought it dealt with difficult or complex conversations very well. I appreciated that the relationships in this book were all healthy, and it was refreshing to not hate any one character (besides the villain, he sucked).