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marla_a's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Death, Blood, Grief, Car accident, and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Sexual harassment
booksbutmakeitgay's review
3.75
Moderate: Death, Hate crime, Racism, Violence, Medical trauma, and Car accident
olivialandryxo's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Little Badger’s take on paranormal creatures in the modern world was interesting and unique. I would’ve liked a bit more focus on that, but regardless, the blend of urban fantasy and mystery is something I think she handled well. Ghosts and vampires and fairy transport rings certainly spice up this whodunnit, as does the fact that the victim is able to tell Ellie who murdered him. Thus, this is a story of proving one man guilty rather than determining who is guilty. I was frequently surprised by the secrets Ellie and Jay unveiled.
Lastly, I liked that Ellie was queer. She’s definitely asexual and possibly aromantic as well, which means there’s no romance in this book, only jokes about how she’s totally not interested. It was nice to see her and Jay working together as friends and nothing more, with no unrequited crushes or hormones bogging down their relationship or kissing at inappropriate times. This is also, if I remember correctly, the first book I’ve read with an asexual protagonist that wasn’t strictly contemporary.
There are only two reasons I didn’t rate this five stars. One, like I said a bit earlier, I would’ve liked to see a bit more world-building, as it felt at times like Little Badger had a brilliant idea that was only partially explained on page and we were supposed to understand the rest. I did not. Two, while the intrigue was undoubtedly present and the mystery excellent, I thought the final scene with Allerton was anticlimactic, and I’m still not entirely sure what happened.
Despite that, Elatsoe is a great book, one of the most unique mysteries I’ve read, and a very impressive debut. I recommend it, and will definitely pick up more from this author in the future.
Representation
- Lipan Apache asexual protagonist
- Lipan Apache side characters
- side characters of color
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Car accident, and Murder
Moderate: Genocide, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Confinement, Gun violence, and Kidnapping
kukushka's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Animal death, Death, Genocide, Pedophilia, Medical trauma, and Murder
willohreadz's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Genocide, Gore, Racism, Terminal illness, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Car accident, and Murder
massivepizzacrust's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Moderate: Death, Racism, Violence, and Car accident
Minor: Genocide, Medical trauma, and Murder
The tone is more spooky than graphic, I think this would be appropriate for a middle school reader that likes scary stories.liketrees's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Racism, Medical trauma, and Murder
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
Re. medical trauma--part of the solution to the mystery istachyondecay's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Originally posted at Kara.Reviews.
Graphic: Death, Torture, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, and Confinement
Minor: Addiction and Blood
rorikae's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There are so many wonderful things about this book. Darcie Little Badger creates a fascinating and yet completely believable take on reality populated by vampires, the descendants of Oberon, and ghosts. One of the things about the world that I think makes it so believable is that Darcie Little Badger injects just enough rules and regulations that make the world feel lived in while still exploring the more fantastical elements. In addition, her characters feel true to life and I found myself instantly caring for them even when they had just been introduced on the page. Kirby is also one of my new favorite fictional canine companions. Accompanied by Rovina Cai's beautiful illustrations at the start of each chapter, this book both took me along for an adventure and left me feeling like I had just received a big hug. It's truly spectacular and I cannot wait to read what Darcie Little Badger publishes next.
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Medical trauma