jennms_qkw's review against another edition
5.0
Wow the writing. Wow the story. Wow the mythology. A little scary for me. Thank you Cherie Dimaline.
tayken's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
amelietajanturcotte's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
chromedove's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
shraddhatimalsina's review against another edition
4.0
This book was SO GOOD. The pace is a little slow but still amazing. I am in love with Cherie Dimaline's writings. Empire of Wild is similar to Marrow thieves in that it is a story that is not too far from reality; it touches on colonialism, environmentalism, pipelines and assimilation. It also has supernatural content which makes the plot super interesting.
oddly's review against another edition
4.0
Now available in paperback!
A book about tradition, family, loss, and the resonance of history all wrapped up in a werewolf mystery, this is one of my favorite books I've read this year.
There are so many elements in this 300-page book, but they all work and blend together so well. The heart of the story is that of the Métis Nation, their history of forced relocation and survival and how that shaped them as a people.
The story centers around Joan, whose husband went mysteriously missing. When she finds him preaching at a tent revival with no recollection of who she is, she doubles down on her relentless search to discover the truth. Her story is layered over by two imposing, interacting forces: religion and the exploitation of natural resources.
I think this was such a compelling book because it was doing more work than just the plot. It was like an experience within a story, offering a look at the intergenerational trauma of the Indigenous people of this area as well as how storytelling—the passing down of history and legend—also offers integral cultural resonance.
Dimaline offers a natural ease with her writing, and I was swept away by it. This is the werewolf book I didn't know I needed. And, I smell sequel potential with that heart-rending ending!
My thanks to the publisher for my review copy of this book.
A book about tradition, family, loss, and the resonance of history all wrapped up in a werewolf mystery, this is one of my favorite books I've read this year.
There are so many elements in this 300-page book, but they all work and blend together so well. The heart of the story is that of the Métis Nation, their history of forced relocation and survival and how that shaped them as a people.
The story centers around Joan, whose husband went mysteriously missing. When she finds him preaching at a tent revival with no recollection of who she is, she doubles down on her relentless search to discover the truth. Her story is layered over by two imposing, interacting forces: religion and the exploitation of natural resources.
I think this was such a compelling book because it was doing more work than just the plot. It was like an experience within a story, offering a look at the intergenerational trauma of the Indigenous people of this area as well as how storytelling—the passing down of history and legend—also offers integral cultural resonance.
Dimaline offers a natural ease with her writing, and I was swept away by it. This is the werewolf book I didn't know I needed. And, I smell sequel potential with that heart-rending ending!
My thanks to the publisher for my review copy of this book.
themaritimebookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Set in a small town in Ontario, a Métis community has been telling their children to watch out for the Rogaru, they all have one. Is it just a story elders tell the children or is there more to the story?
I don’t think Cherie can write something I won’t enjoy. The mixture of Indigenous lore and real life issues Indigenous and Métis face is real is this one.
I don’t think Cherie can write something I won’t enjoy. The mixture of Indigenous lore and real life issues Indigenous and Métis face is real is this one.
jolynne's review against another edition
5.0
The rogarou, a creature from traditional Métis culture is much more than wolf-like. He/it represents so much more in this story.
ktrain3900's review against another edition
3.0
A solid read. The story and writing had a real page-turner quality to it, and just enough interesting characters. The only thing that troubled me was that the ending seemed to come a bit out of nowhere. Maybe I missed some contextual clues, maybe they just weren't there, or maybe it was set up for a possible sequel (it did have that feeling to it).