novelabook 's review for:

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

4.0

slow-paced

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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I enjoyed this book even though I am not a big fan of YA. I prefer my main characters to be grown. I picked it up specifically because I liked the cover, title, and finding novels written by Native authors. 

Likes:
The premise was so unique and inspired by Lipan Apache storytelling. 

The shapeshifting, spirit world and animal beings is part of many indigenous stories that I couldn't help but be drawn in. 

It is told through dual perspectives from characters Nina and Oli. I enjoyed Oli`s chapters more. 

The way they worlds connected

The nod to  language revitalization and the mysteries elders keep

Dislikes:
The social media presence in the story. I am not a fan of social media plot points which is common in YA and also some contemporary romance. So that's really on me. 

The ending was not as strong as I would have liked

This actually feels a little younger than YA, maybe middle years but the YA category is a bit of a mess so that not a reflection of the novel. 

There were some nods to various things that didn't get fleshed out. 

The pace was a little slow and then rushed towards the end.

Overall:

It was good and pushed me to consider reading other YA books.