Reviews with content warning for Vomit - Bad Cree

This was simultaneously creepy and chilling... and beautiful and heartwarming. It's a story of a family of strong women getting together and overcoming a creature from indigenous folklore, called a wheetigo, haunting their grieving family. This is one of the first horror books I have read so far that have gripped me in fear enough to not make me want to listen to this at night before I fall asleep, and yet once I started reading, I had a hard time putting it down (I only did out of familial obligations since I read this during a visit to family). The heart of it, though, revolves around strong connection between sisters, aunts, and mothers, working through difficult family conflict and learning to deal with death together. Absolutely recommend.

(I may have knocked half a star because some of the body horror really did turn my stomach to a point where I had to pause so I didn't actually throw up myself. A little too much for me but that might be something another reader would love to pick up.)

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zombiezami's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

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beccaburchett's review against another edition

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adventurous dark 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? Yes

3.75

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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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tiannaprice's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-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

5.0

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essiie's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.0

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