A review by rorikae
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice

tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

'Moon of the Crusted Snow' by Waubgeshig Rice is a slowly creeping horror novel about an Anishinaabe community working to survive the winter after power and communications go out. As the power outage persists, a mysterious man arrives at the community, seeking shelter. But his arrival creates change within the community as division begins to grow between the community members. 
Rice does an exceptional job of creating slowly lingering dread that continues to grow throughout the story. He creates the perfect atmosphere in an isolated community, dealing with the perils of winter while trying to save their stores. A lot is shown through small moments in the community that continue to build and build. There is a slight fantastical element but this story relies on the natural horrors of a community seeking survival and how one person can create division through small, deliberate actions. 
I will definitely be reading more of Rice's work in the future as it's clear that he has a talent for slowly creeping horror and creating atmosphere. 
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