Reviews with content warning for Rape - Firekeeper's Daughter

I was satisfied with the ending but I had a REALLY difficult time getting into this book. It dragged for me for quite a while. But, I had a feeling there was an important story to be told here and I was right.

This book has beautiful cultural elements, lessons, and stories.

Despite being a work of fiction, this book teaches about the very real traumas and injustices still impacting native communities. With a particular emphasis on the oppression indigenous women face. This is an important message that needs to be heard. It also teaches of the danger of providing young men with seemingly unchecked power and lack of responsibility. For that, I’m glad I read it.

At first, I didn’t understand why

the r*pe

was included. But after reading that

law enforcement would do nothing to help her

I understood why it was included. The impact of the message was amplified.

While I liked the messages of the story, the plot was not my favorite. I personally didn’t find the characters overwhelmingly likable.

I know this is fiction but I also had some logistical difficulties. I thought it was strange that the FBI agents seemed to do little to nothing and leave all the investigating up to a young CI. I also don’t find it believable that at 22, Jamie would be tapped to be an undercover FBI agent. My understanding is that takes years in the field and in the classroom.

Finally, I just couldn’t get behind Jamie and Daunis’ romantic relationship. As a 22 year old myself, I don’t feel anyone my age has any business having romantic feelings towards and 18 year old. But, this concern was partially satisfied because

they don’t end up together in the end, and instead allude to a relationship later down the line (which might occur at more appropriate ages)

Content Warnings

dweoport's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny 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? Yes

5.0

EVERYONE should be reading and talking about this book forever. Boulley's writing is so engaging, clear, and creative - I had been recommending this book to others within the first 50 pages or so. Unforgettable storyline that, while with predictable twists, leaves you on the complete edge of your seat, turning page after page just because you NEED to know what happens next. I love Daunis, I love her community, I love the history and relationships and the stories that she shared with us. Boulley's background in storytelling is evident throughout her writing, and she places so much care into making readers think beyond the black-and-white lens that is often inherent in stories about substance abuse and racism. The mystery/investigation felt so well-planned, and I was on the same train of thought as Daunis when she was uncovering more and more secrets, the surprise and shock was incredibly infuriating and so extremely satisfying (I knew it! I knew exactly what was going on and it made me so mad!). I cried, he crew, we both crode, especially during the scenes when Daunis was being supported by her Elders, and the ending was so succinct, beautiful, and thoughtful. I'm so glad I picked up this absolutely fantastic story.

Content Warnings