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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
This was an okay book. It ramped up in the last 25% and ended with some resolution and left some things open for a sequel?
Read harder 2021: indigenous novel ✅
Read harder 2021: indigenous novel ✅
**I received a complimentary copy of this via NetGalley**
As someone who has lived in South Dakota their entire life, a lot of the background information provided in was very familiar to me. For those unfamiliar, I hope they learn from the author and continue reading more about this area when the book is done.
Now, on the the book itself. While this wasn’t a ‘page-turner’, it was very well written. Virgil’s pain felt very raw and real. I very much recommend this book and hope to read more novels by this author in the future.
As someone who has lived in South Dakota their entire life, a lot of the background information provided in was very familiar to me. For those unfamiliar, I hope they learn from the author and continue reading more about this area when the book is done.
Now, on the the book itself. While this wasn’t a ‘page-turner’, it was very well written. Virgil’s pain felt very raw and real. I very much recommend this book and hope to read more novels by this author in the future.
challenging
emotional
informative
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:
Yes
I had really high hopes for this one, especially since it was recommended several times. I enjoyed learning of the lives of indigenous people, some of their cultures, the reservations and the systemic oppression they dealt with both past and present.
The story at times I felt was pretty predictable. I guess I was looking for a bit more action from the "bad guy" but that's not the route it took. I enjoyed the story and was looking forward to the big reveal but it didn't come until almost the end of the novel and that's where I was disappointed. Also, I listen to this on audiobook which was okay except for the fact that every time a certain character was presented, his narration made him sound like Cheech Marin from Cheech and Chong lol. Not sure if that was his intent but that's how he sounded.
Overall 3 star read, good but not great.
The story at times I felt was pretty predictable. I guess I was looking for a bit more action from the "bad guy" but that's not the route it took. I enjoyed the story and was looking forward to the big reveal but it didn't come until almost the end of the novel and that's where I was disappointed. Also, I listen to this on audiobook which was okay except for the fact that every time a certain character was presented, his narration made him sound like Cheech Marin from Cheech and Chong lol. Not sure if that was his intent but that's how he sounded.
Overall 3 star read, good but not great.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Advertised as a true crime novel following a tribal vigilante, this novel is less about solving crimes and more about intergenerational trauma, finding Native identity in a modern world, and the struggles of the tribal community.
The end of the book contains an authors note from Wanbli Weiden that provides insight into his desire to portray Lakota spirituality without revealing too much, and that added a lot of value to the story knowing how intentional he had been.
The end of the book contains an authors note from Wanbli Weiden that provides insight into his desire to portray Lakota spirituality without revealing too much, and that added a lot of value to the story knowing how intentional he had been.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was disappointing :// pretty predictable storyline and one-dimensional protagonist. There were a few beautiful scenes but it mostly read like fan fiction. It was interesting to learn more about Lakota culture tho!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Violence, Grief, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, War
Minor: Addiction, Incest, Miscarriage
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No