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A review by plumpaperbacks
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I’ll be honest: the first half of this book wasn’t my cup of tea, and I wasn’t sure I’d like the rest, but stuck with it out of sheer curiosity. But I ended up liking it a lot more when the two protagonists’ stories finally intertwined, allowing them to meet and fun shenanigans to ensue. Both Nina and Ollie were fine on their own, don’t get me wrong, but the story as a whole was more juvenile and lighthearted than I’m used to, with a tendency to meander. And again, don’t get me wrong—there’s nothing wrong with younger protagonists/protagonists with younger voices in YA—this would be a great book for any pre-teen or reader new to YA. It’s just not usually *my* preference.
Despite my uncertainty about the first half, the second half made the whole experience worth my while. Little Badger fit so many important themes into this book—family both biological and found, animal extinction, natural disasters and their affect on a community—into the story, without ever bogging it down. Props to her for that, and for making family and friends the focal point; Nina is ace, Ollie’s not interested in relationships, and the friendships are sublime.
I ended up really enjoying this book, possibly more than her first, Elatsoe. The audiobook narrators were great, and despite the somewhat heavy topics, the second half of the story ended up being quite fun. It was a nice, refreshing break from the heart-wrenching, soul-crushing books I usually read. Also, this group—Nina, Ollie, Risk, Rain and Brightest—must be protected at all costs. My favorite parts were the four animal-people being on Earth for the first time and being captivated or confused by the details we take for granted: doorknobs, soda, public transportation, cat beds. I repeat, they must be protected at all costs. (I’ll still probably be terrified of any snakes I see IRL. Sorry Ollie.)
If I was to say one other thing, it would be that I didn’t really understand the subplot with the mockingbird. It seemed a bit pointless. But whatever. I had a fun time with this, so it’s fine. ;)
Whether it’s your usual kind of book or not, I definitely recommend you read this. It’s sweet and important and a good change of pace. I’m curious to see what Little Badger will do next.
Representation
Despite my uncertainty about the first half, the second half made the whole experience worth my while. Little Badger fit so many important themes into this book—family both biological and found, animal extinction, natural disasters and their affect on a community—into the story, without ever bogging it down. Props to her for that, and for making family and friends the focal point; Nina is ace, Ollie’s not interested in relationships, and the friendships are sublime.
I ended up really enjoying this book, possibly more than her first, Elatsoe. The audiobook narrators were great, and despite the somewhat heavy topics, the second half of the story ended up being quite fun. It was a nice, refreshing break from the heart-wrenching, soul-crushing books I usually read. Also, this group—Nina, Ollie, Risk, Rain and Brightest—must be protected at all costs. My favorite parts were the four animal-people being on Earth for the first time and being captivated or confused by the details we take for granted: doorknobs, soda, public transportation, cat beds. I repeat, they must be protected at all costs. (I’ll still probably be terrified of any snakes I see IRL. Sorry Ollie.)
If I was to say one other thing, it would be that I didn’t really understand the subplot with the mockingbird. It seemed a bit pointless. But whatever. I had a fun time with this, so it’s fine. ;)
Whether it’s your usual kind of book or not, I definitely recommend you read this. It’s sweet and important and a good change of pace. I’m curious to see what Little Badger will do next.
Representation
- Lipan Apache asexual protagonist
- Lipan Apache side characters
- nonbinary side character (they/them)
Content Warnings
One of Nina’s family members dies in the beginning of the book. It’s not graphic, but it is mentioned. Early scenes include Nina by said family member’s hospital bed. The last third of the book also includes discussions and on-page experience of a hurricane and a tornado.