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A review by chemistreadingonthejob
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Heart wrenching, culturally significant, and full of depth
Firekeeper's Daughter is a beautiful piece of YA indigenous fiction by Angeline Boulley. Tragedy has followed Daunis Fountaine as long as she can remember. Being biracial and an unofficial tribal member, she never felt like she fit in. She found escape in hockey until she didn't even have that anymore. Unfortunately, Daunis is forced to put her dreams on hold and stay close to home after another tragic loss. Daunis forms a bond with Jamie, the handsome new player on her brother's hockey team. After witnessing a shocking murder, she learns Jamie isn't who he seems. Daunis becomes entwined in the investigation utilizing her Ojibwe botanical knowledge, undercover skills, and a bit of drug chemistry. When her two worlds collide Daunis must decide how far she will go to protect her community.
"Some boats are made for the river and some for the ocean. And there are some who can go anywhere because they always know the way home."
Firekeeper's Daughter is beautifully written. The modern take on indigenous culture was compelling. It has a slow start, but after Ch 14 it is unputdownable. Daunis's personality is charming. She is incredibly brave, smart, witty, spiritual, and would do anything for those she loves. It's impossible not to root for her. The plot is unique and well designed. I wouldn't call this a thriller but the mystery is enticing. This book has it all, an original idea, diverse and likable characters, a touch of romance, a riveting story, and a betrayal you'll never see coming. I wanted so much more after it was over. There's many topics to delve into. I'm interested in the concept of blanket parties. TW: SA... When a tribe member is assaulted, the women get toegther, wrap the perpetrator in a blanket, and beat them. The inside look into the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) was also eye opening. Reading this made me ashamed that I don't know more about indigenous history.
This was such a great choice for Native American Heritage Month.
Firekeeper's Daughter is a beautiful piece of YA indigenous fiction by Angeline Boulley. Tragedy has followed Daunis Fountaine as long as she can remember. Being biracial and an unofficial tribal member, she never felt like she fit in. She found escape in hockey until she didn't even have that anymore. Unfortunately, Daunis is forced to put her dreams on hold and stay close to home after another tragic loss. Daunis forms a bond with Jamie, the handsome new player on her brother's hockey team. After witnessing a shocking murder, she learns Jamie isn't who he seems. Daunis becomes entwined in the investigation utilizing her Ojibwe botanical knowledge, undercover skills, and a bit of drug chemistry. When her two worlds collide Daunis must decide how far she will go to protect her community.
"Some boats are made for the river and some for the ocean. And there are some who can go anywhere because they always know the way home."
Firekeeper's Daughter is beautifully written. The modern take on indigenous culture was compelling. It has a slow start, but after Ch 14 it is unputdownable. Daunis's personality is charming. She is incredibly brave, smart, witty, spiritual, and would do anything for those she loves. It's impossible not to root for her. The plot is unique and well designed. I wouldn't call this a thriller but the mystery is enticing. This book has it all, an original idea, diverse and likable characters, a touch of romance, a riveting story, and a betrayal you'll never see coming. I wanted so much more after it was over. There's many topics to delve into. I'm interested in the concept of blanket parties. TW: SA... When a tribe member is assaulted, the women get toegther, wrap the perpetrator in a blanket, and beat them. The inside look into the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) was also eye opening. Reading this made me ashamed that I don't know more about indigenous history.
This was such a great choice for Native American Heritage Month.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Suicide, Sexual assault, Addiction, Drug abuse, Murder, and Racism