I read the first book in this series, The Firekeeper's Daughter, a few years ago. And it made my favorite's list that year (2022). But I was also really happy with how it wrapped and wasn't sure I wanted a sequel, so I didn't pick this up right away. Which is on me, for not actually reading much about this one, because apparently the author felt the same way. This sequel is within the same world, but later in time, focusing not on a continuation of Daunis' story (though she is present as a side character...and it's nice to see her), but instead on her niece, Perry. 

Watching Perry as she comes of age both in a general "adolescence" sense, and within the context of her cultural heritage, is a beautiful and emotional journey. As with Boulley's first novel, the framework of the story is a low key thriller, with a solid - though never overwhelming - sense of tension as the plot builds and develops, and a culminating "big drama" that delivers what anyone looking for classic aspects of a thriller finale might want. But within that framework, the novel delivers so much more. Boulley's sharing of Anishinaabe language, traditions, and culture is done with honor and care, as with the first. And here it's delivered with a feeling of it being a sort of ode to a cultural history, the community of shared language and tradition, and an acknowledgement of the fight to hold on to those memories and traditions. The overarching message of how many ways and over how many years the indigenous body has been (and continues to be) devalued and disregarded and destroyed, through myriad examples, is deeply affecting. The direct lines drawn from stolen ancestral remains to MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women), is difficult and necessary and handled with real in this YA/“new to this topic” readers...though still without pulling any punches (Perry would be proud). Throughout, the gravity of MMIW, as well as repatriation of artifacts/bones (and the many political/social/financial/bureaucratic instances of red tape that prevent something that should be so obvious), is fully and deeply addressed, with appropriate anger and honor. 

I appreciated what felt like a very genuine adolescent narration, one with a believable mix of maturity, unsurity, annoyance, and impulsiveness. There were also some sweet - realistic while not taking over the plot - romantic elements that I enjoyed.The writing may have been a bit less tight than in The Firekeeper's Daughter, it was still a well-paced and clean plot, with lots of "action" and full character development. As I said earlier, I love this as a sequel: getting to revisit our previous MC as a side character, and already being comfortable with the setting and "world," while meeting a whole new coming of age cast with original stories all their own. 

“Committing atrocities and calling it the will of a supreme entity wasn't just an American thing. Holy wars were fought for control over sacred sites. Every war, holy or not, is a battle for control over land and other resources. The winners were due the spoils of war, including gold and silver, people enslaved and trafficked, and the cultural and religious relics of those considered less than human.”

“If you state your terms as a conclusion, the other party focuses on the acceptance and not the terms. Especially if you end on a positive note.”

“We protect and provide for our community. You notice things that others don't. You fight for people who can't fight for themselves. If you need to be fierce, you can get there in a heartbeat. But at heart, you are a gentle soul who wants tranquility. It's why we make the best protectors. It's not about showing force. It's about strategizing, negotiating, and making difficult decisions quickly. It's recognizing that knowing when not to fight is more important than knowing you are capable of fighting.”

“…the means justify the end. Doing the right thing for the right reason, with a good heart and clear intentions, matters.”