gossamer_lens's Reviews (1.48k)

I've been trying to decide how to review this. Idk. 

I loved the characters, the storyline was intriguing and got me more into playing detective then ever before, and I really loved the magic system and world building. There was just something missing for me in the themes and how they were addressed and tied up at the end. Overall a very solid 4.5 star book and I couldn't wait to pick it up everyday to keep reading. 

Would recommend to anyone who wants a developed good standalone fantasy book with great characters and a very unique magic system.

I am marking this book as read so I can move it to the DNF bookshelf. I have made my way 40% in and I am just not finding the plot engaging and I find some of the writing choices to feel too Juvineal for me. As a person who reads and loves YA still, I feel this book just particularly doesn't trust its readers. I think there is an inherent importance in an indigenous woman writing and sharing a story that so clearly leans in and appreciates indigenous practices, beliefs, and stories. So I'm giving this a 3-star while I decide to tap out. 

*semi spoilers coming, if you haven't read the book's description* 

I feel this book does a great job of showing the reader some beautiful things, and for a younger reader could make a great introduction to indigenous culture(s). As an adult person, I appreciate the explanations given regarding indigenous culture. This said I think Boulley leans really heavily into explaining, so much so that things become overexplained. I can use explanations regarding the protagonist's faith, herbs, and rituals. don't need multiple sentences (sometimes paragraphs) to explain pop-culture references, trust funds, that undercover cops exist, how guns are for shooting not hitting... and many other things. I think this book best serves a more middle-grade to a very young adult audience as it doesn't trust its reader to have any real context clues about a lot of things.