A review by seshat59
Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina

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

3.75

Sisters of a Lost Nation was a slow, difficult but ultimately rewarding read. Unlike in Medina’s follow up novel, I think he stuck the landing — with both the storytelling and the included themes. 

This novel was actually the predecessor, and Indian Burial Ground is seconds book, exploring further issues plaguing the same, fictitious Native American tribe and focusing on characters who make a brief appearance in the initial novel. (I’d thought Lula and Noemi were making a cameo. Oops.) 

This novel focuses on Anna, whose sister, Grace, disappears off the reservation. Alternating between the month long span of events leading up to the disappearance as well as the search thereafter, we see the red flags that teenage Anna can’t ignore but isn’t yet equipped to address. On top of being a fusion of genres (specifically horror meets thriller), this is also a coming-of-age story for Anna. As a senior in high school, Anna faces some extreme and horrific bullying. She is struggling with her gender identity and doesn’t fully know it yet (though it’s pretty obvious to the reader). This is on top of family problems as her parents fight with increasing frequency and as Grace continues pulling away, sneaking off at night and returning in the wee hours of the morning. 

I loved the fusion of Native American culture as Anna tries, in her way, to hold onto the stories of her people’s past and the way Medina incorporates two spirit individuals. I found the rolling skull aspect a little hard to wrap my head around, and it initially pulled me out of the story. But ultimately, with its tie in to traditional Takoda stories, I thought Medina pulled it together nicely. 

This was a 3.5 star read, rounded up because of how Medina ultimately, skillfully wove everything together. 
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