dmwpg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
5.0
I love this book just as much every time I read it. It’s a wonderful YA mystery/adventure, infused with Cree culture
ljrinaldi's review against another edition
3.0
How many Canadian detectives are there? How many are First Nation? How many are teenagers? I somehow doubt there are a whole lot there.
David Robertson writes Cole as a typical teenage boy, except, as we go further in the novel, we discover he is not typical. That when he saved his friends from a burning school, by lifting a wall, it was not a one off. That there is more than we know about Cole.
And then there is Coyote, disguised sometimes as a man, and sometimes as a coyote, who is trying to prompt Cole into some sort of action. That is often the problem with young heroes. You have to push them to do what they are supposed to do.
The last quarter of the book pushes the story along, at a good pace, and if the whole book had been like that, it probably would have gotten four stars. The opening of the book is a bit on the slow side, but then, since this is looking like a trilagy, perhaps that is just to get to know the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
David Robertson writes Cole as a typical teenage boy, except, as we go further in the novel, we discover he is not typical. That when he saved his friends from a burning school, by lifting a wall, it was not a one off. That there is more than we know about Cole.
And then there is Coyote, disguised sometimes as a man, and sometimes as a coyote, who is trying to prompt Cole into some sort of action. That is often the problem with young heroes. You have to push them to do what they are supposed to do.
The last quarter of the book pushes the story along, at a good pace, and if the whole book had been like that, it probably would have gotten four stars. The opening of the book is a bit on the slow side, but then, since this is looking like a trilagy, perhaps that is just to get to know the characters.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
bookishchef's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I wanted to like this so bad, but unfortunately I kind of can't. The plot is based on the idea that a whole town hates a boy because he wasn't able to save more than 2 people from a fire when he was a 7 year old. I repeat: a 7 year old.
This 7 year old saved 2 other kids from a fire yet the town hates him because he didn't save more? I'm sorry but that's just way too unrealistic for me. It just wouldn't happen.
The story is also incredibly slow and very little happens throughout the book. There was so much potential there with the magical Coyote person and a mysterious disease, but nope. Nothing. It all went absolutely nowhere. Such a shame.
This 7 year old saved 2 other kids from a fire yet the town hates him because he didn't save more? I'm sorry but that's just way too unrealistic for me. It just wouldn't happen.
The story is also incredibly slow and very little happens throughout the book. There was so much potential there with the magical Coyote person and a mysterious disease, but nope. Nothing. It all went absolutely nowhere. Such a shame.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Panic attacks/disorders, Fire/Fire injury, and Child death
Moderate: Mental illness, Gun violence, Violence, Death, and Bullying
Minor: Death of parent
bigkels24's review against another edition
4.0
Riveting story that reminded me of Firekeeper's Daughter and The Rezervation Dogs (show on hulu). Looking forward to reading the next one.
mattgroot1980's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
spamel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
westonreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Blood and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol and Vomit
schaarzy's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
Wow this is easily the best book I've read in a long time! I love how the mystery unfolded, Choch was such a wonderful narrator and character. The dialogue was very well written and the pacing was phenomenal—I could not put it down. Hooked from page one!
Just like Cole felt weird about saying 'Indigenous superhero' I feel weird about labeling this as a great 'Indigenous story'. Because, while it is an Indigenous story, it was just a straight up well written book that I think everyone should read. Bonus points for the full cast of diverse characters and the representation of Cree culture!
Themes: Healing, loss, trauma, anxiety, connecting with our past
Just like Cole felt weird about saying 'Indigenous superhero' I feel weird about labeling this as a great 'Indigenous story'. Because, while it is an Indigenous story, it was just a straight up well written book that I think everyone should read. Bonus points for the full cast of diverse characters and the representation of Cree culture!
Themes: Healing, loss, trauma, anxiety, connecting with our past
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Murder, Mental illness, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Alcohol and Toxic relationship
elizabethlk's review against another edition
5.0
2019 review:
I honestly expected to like this. The premise is interesting and I have never not liked something from David Alexander Robertson (this is the tenth book of his I have read according to my GR records). I didn't expect to love this though, and I really did.
The story here was really gripping, and I constantly found myself dying to know how things would turn out. The characters were interesting and felt like they could be real people. Cole was incredibly easy to connect with, especially the intense anxiety he faces. The emotion and humour played out really well here. I'm really hooked on this one.
I can't wait to see where this story goes. I'm eager to continue reading the series, and I've already put the second book on hold at the library (although the library only has the copies on order, not in stock yet, which means I'll have to wait).
I honestly expected to like this. The premise is interesting and I have never not liked something from David Alexander Robertson (this is the tenth book of his I have read according to my GR records). I didn't expect to love this though, and I really did.
The story here was really gripping, and I constantly found myself dying to know how things would turn out. The characters were interesting and felt like they could be real people. Cole was incredibly easy to connect with, especially the intense anxiety he faces. The emotion and humour played out really well here. I'm really hooked on this one.
I can't wait to see where this story goes. I'm eager to continue reading the series, and I've already put the second book on hold at the library (although the library only has the copies on order, not in stock yet, which means I'll have to wait).
lisabeth's review
3.0
Loved the Trump jokes, the pop culture references and Cole's anxiety disorder! Very relatable. Also: big yay for diverse protagonists in YA!!!