Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - Firekeeper's Daughter

"Inaction is a powerful choice.”

“When someone dies, everything about them becomes past tense. Except for the grief. Grief stays in the present.

"'Please be careful. Not every Elder is a cultural teacher, and not all cultural teachers are Elders. It's okay to listen to what people say and only hold on to the parts that resonate with you. It's okay to leave the rest behind. Trust yourself to know the difference'.”

“Honor your spirit. Love yourself.”

“Love honors your spirit."

I can't say enough good things about this book. It is so incredible. I preordered it when it came out but am just now getting to it and what a great way to start November (Indigenous Heritage Month)! I didn't plan it that way but it worked out quite nicely, I think. When I first heard about this book, I was a little concerned that it might be super focused on suffering and trauma but was hopeful since it's an #ownvoices novel. When I kept hearing lots of hype, my expectations were definitely raised and it did not disappoint! I really loved how the author was able to discuss real issues facing tribes today while also balancing a genuine celebration and love around Ojibwe culture. I rooted for Daunis throughout the entire story and gasped more than once at the author's ability to end a chapter on a good cliff hanger. There were so many intense twists and turns. It will forever be one of those books that I wish I could completely forget and experience for the first time all over again.

Content Warnings

klitanightfuryreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I love love this book. Honestly I’m trying to put my thoughts together cause there is so much to unpack in this book.

As a non-native - in a way (I know it’s fiction) I learned a lot and feel like I was given some insight on their culture and some of the challenges they encounter.

There is so much to say but seriously just read it and check trigger warnings.

*********

PS: I only gave it 4.75 cause I did not enjoy the relationship between the main character and her mom.

Content Warnings

vonny3492's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Content Warnings

offbrandclubsoda's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I am of two minds about this book. On the one hand, I thought that the themes and messages were fantastic, but unfortunately, I thought the plot itself fell short.

In my opinion, the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and commentary was excellent. The author seamlessly incorporated Anishinaabemowin words, Ojibwe cultural teachings and traditions, and discussed historical and contemporary social political issues. The messaging about colonialism, systemic oppression, mixed-race identity, healthy relationships, etc. was great.

Sadly, I found the plot to be a bit hokey, in that it was very unbelievable yet simultaneously predictable.

The FBI sending an undercover agent into a HIGH SCHOOL and recruiting an 18-year-old as a CI? Come on… And a bunch of high school kids running a meth operation and trying to recruit a science nerd to cook the best meth?? Ok Walter White… I think it would have been significantly less cringey if the author had aged the characters up to be university students

I will say, the last third of the book did improve the plot, but ultimately, it was quite a bit more YA than I was expecting/hoping.

Overall, I would recommend the book, and encourage readers to push through the beginning.

Specific to the audiobook:
I would absolutely recommend listening to this as an audiobook. Isabella Star LaBlanc did a fantastic job narrating and it was great to hear the correct pronunciation of Anishinaabemowin words.

Content Warnings