A review by dreamreader
A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Like Darcie Little Badger's other book, Elatsoe, I found this to be a fun and quick read. Unlike Elatsoe, the pacing in this one was a little off for me. The first 60% was almost entirely establishing the two POV characters. I would say the plot didn't even start until the 65% mark, and then even as late as 75%, plot elements were being newly introduced. This structure didn't really work for me, and combined with a strange lack of emotional depth in the characters, this book felt like it was built more on interesting concepts than actual substance. Sometimes several years passed between chapters, yet the characters didn't ever change. They were totally static, both the animal people and the human people. Without emotionally nuanced character work, I have a hard time connecting to the story. However, don't let this review stop you from checking out the book, because I think it's worth reading! And there is something so charming about Darcie Little Badger's writing. I will happily read anything else she publishes, though I do hope to see more emotional complexity in her writing as she improves.