Reviews with content warning for Death - Bad Cree

Jessica John'sis truly an amazing writer. The way she is able to build a scene and transport the reader is really cool. I could relate to closely to many of the scenes she described (like the aunties all playing cards) and I felt like I literally had to snap out of it when the book continued on because I was so deeply transported back in my memories by the writing.

The book takes a little while to pick up, but when it does you're really in it. I thought the ending was really touching. Definitely reccomend. This book is worth the hype.

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weepy_iskwew's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

4.75

I get this book. And this book gets me.

There is so much I loved about this book. I love the family dynamics and tension between being upset with each other and wanting to care for each other. I loved the use of Cree language and culture. I loved the primarily woman/femme cast. I was so moved by the way the author explored these complex relationships and the pain between them.

I understand what other reviewers say when they describe it as slow in the middle. It’s not a typical horror made up of consistent rising stakes, increasing danger and fear until the climax. I think the fact that a lot of the real creepiness happens in dreams, and that she can seek comfort from her family lessens the danger factor a lot. As someone who doesn’t regularly read horror, I didn’t mind this levity. But I can see how it might not fit the mould you’re expecting.

I think the only reason I haven’t given it a full five stars is just my personal preferences. I would find it hard to re-read this one because it was deep, dark and moving (I call myself Weepy Iskwew for a reason). Honestly, I might give it a full five stars after I take some time away from it. We will see

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nikkiferr's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

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hanloc's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense

3.5

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smalltowncreepy's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad slow-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? Yes

5.0

Bad Cree is one of the best examples of grief horror I’ve ever read. The slow hike down the trail of family, what it means to be a “bad,” guilt, and loneliness vs being a burden on your loved ones not only added to the character development and dire circumstances Mackenzie is in but also created a sense of realness I couldn’t shake even when I closed the book. The relationships, the descriptions of the people and places, the way Mackenzie described feeling as a member of her family all felt so real – like I was sitting in High Plaines with them, smelling the cooking and wrapping myself in the blanket of their relationships that was both comforting and uncomfortable depending on what was going on.

I loved how this book subverted the plot tool of isolations. If you know anything about writing or dissecting horror, you know that isolating the main character or characters from help or comfort is a huge plot device. It adds to tension, danger, and helps draw the main characters and the antagonist or monster together.
In Bad Cree, the isolation is played with not only physically but internally/emotionally and then done away with completely. Johns holds up isolation and tosses it in the corner showing that it is not only unnecessary for a scary, tension filled plot but the overcoming of isolation rather than succumbing to it can also be part of the horror itself.

I also loved the diversity in the book. Not only is the book filled with Indigenous characters by an Indigenous author but many of those characters are queer from Mackenzie’s best nonbinary friend Joli to her bisexual cousin Kassidy. The inclusion of the characters not just in the story but in the lives of the other characters without explanation, preamble, or mention of homophobia or transphobia was not only wonderful to read as a queer person but made it all the more real and comforting even during the difficult parts of the plot.

In all, this is a book the wormed into my heart and will be there a long time.
5 stars. Highly recommend.

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astridrv's review against another edition

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The horror/magical realism felt quite classic (but well executed), the narrative arc quite predictable (and at times frustrating) but I was taken by how much heart there is in the story, how many details about family, grief, solidarity. The characters were so loving and the book is clearly driven by hope and healing.

"What else have we got to do with all this time but get it right?"

Also loved learning some Cree words and the fact that the chapter numbers were written in Cree. I initially picked this book because it is set in Vancouver, but most of it was set in the Prairies. Fortunately the writing translated the setting really well and I was immersed throughout.

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