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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
A pitch-black social thriller that succeeds in its premise, but struggles in presentation. Medina’s stomach-turning mystery is tense, but an ill-conceived non-linear narrative crosses the line from slow-burn to boring.
This was very enjoyable, even if the very ending felt a little on the fantastic side. On the other hand, I don't think I can blame the author for that choice either.
I had such high hopes for this book and it was a literal fail. What a boring, nonsensical book. Nick Medina took such an interesting and important subject and turned it into a damn snooze fest.
Every single character in this book was insufferable. I didn't like Anna, I especially didn't like Grace, and don't even get me started on Fox and her family. You couldn't root for a single person because Medina made them all unlikeable. There's creating tension, and then there's this. The first half of the book was so boring and the last half was not satisfying in the least bit. All that build up for nothing. I wasn't entertained and this book put me in the worst reading slump. I couldn't have been happier to finish this garbage.
Every single character in this book was insufferable. I didn't like Anna, I especially didn't like Grace, and don't even get me started on Fox and her family. You couldn't root for a single person because Medina made them all unlikeable. There's creating tension, and then there's this. The first half of the book was so boring and the last half was not satisfying in the least bit. All that build up for nothing. I wasn't entertained and this book put me in the worst reading slump. I couldn't have been happier to finish this garbage.
Eh. The dialog wasn't great. There were so many issues brought up in this book, that it was hard to know what was important to focus on. Some of the 'horror' imagery ended up being funny instead of scary. I just didn't like it.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
i was expecting to like this, just not this much! the two spirit representation was such a heartwarming surprise, and handled beautifully. also loved the focus on traditional stories as little pockets of wisdom to guide you. overall, an engaging story with powerful characters and a very important message behind. 🤎
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Drug use, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Blood, Murder
emotional
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
A tense page-turner inspired by the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous girls and women, this novel blends Indigenous folklore with a relentless plot. Told through alternating timelines, this is a timely commentary on the treatment and perceptions of Indigenous girls and women.
While a newly-built casino and hotel on the fictional Takoda reserve brought monetary gain to some, it also created rifts in the community and opened the door to further exploitation of their most vulnerable. While the wealthy and entitled come to play, Anna Horn and her younger sister, Grace, work as housekeepers, cleaning up after them, literally at their beck and call.
A social pariah in her high school, Anna is implied to be Two-Spirit, "seeing through all eyes and living not as one or the other but as both". Growing up, Anna has always been haunted by the gruesome story about the disappearance of Miss Shelby, their community's knowledge keeper. While the sisters have always been close, Grace is desperate to fit in and starts to push Anna away. When Grace becomes the latest in a string of young women to disappear from the hotel, Anna will stop at nothing to seek answers.
The cruelty of high school is juxtaposed against the harshness of the adult world, predatory boys who grow into predatory men. Anna and Grace are, in their own ways, subjected to unchecked misogyny, bullying, and victim blaming. We also see the trauma and grief that families who have lost daughters, sisters, granddaughters, go through as they try to seek answers. Overall, a compelling read and an impressive debut.
While a newly-built casino and hotel on the fictional Takoda reserve brought monetary gain to some, it also created rifts in the community and opened the door to further exploitation of their most vulnerable. While the wealthy and entitled come to play, Anna Horn and her younger sister, Grace, work as housekeepers, cleaning up after them, literally at their beck and call.
A social pariah in her high school, Anna is implied to be Two-Spirit, "seeing through all eyes and living not as one or the other but as both". Growing up, Anna has always been haunted by the gruesome story about the disappearance of Miss Shelby, their community's knowledge keeper. While the sisters have always been close, Grace is desperate to fit in and starts to push Anna away. When Grace becomes the latest in a string of young women to disappear from the hotel, Anna will stop at nothing to seek answers.
The cruelty of high school is juxtaposed against the harshness of the adult world, predatory boys who grow into predatory men. Anna and Grace are, in their own ways, subjected to unchecked misogyny, bullying, and victim blaming. We also see the trauma and grief that families who have lost daughters, sisters, granddaughters, go through as they try to seek answers. Overall, a compelling read and an impressive debut.
I know it’s a little controversial but I enjoyed it and finished it faster than any other book.