Reviews with content warning for Colonisation - Elatsoe

Wonderful. Spectacular. Moving. Elatsoe is a gorgeous story focusing on a Native American girl with the ability to summon ghosts. This blends indigenous legend and storytelling with the cultural stories of others and creates a thrilling, immersive world where anything is possible.

There is a strong statement in this story about the displacement of indigenous peoples in a colonized world, but never loses the fantastical magic of the story. The ghosts were surprisingly fresh, the representation was top-tier, and the resolution was so satisfying without dampening the stakes.

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cowardthedog18's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

5.0

There had to be more; And boy the drawing at the end of the book is the best part. The best parting gift knowing your grandparents will always watch over you. I’m reading A Snake Falls To Earth now. Hope it meets my expectations just as this one did.

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cj13's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

4.5

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pointeshoebookworm's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious sad medium-paced

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

3.5

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kaiyakaiyo's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

3.75 rounded up!

This was one of those books that felt like middle grade plot wise; everything was extremely easy and nearly conflictless

That being said, the world building was super cool, and I loved that Ellie’s parents protected and supported her, without being overbearing or overly nice. they made sure that she had room to do her thing, but we’re always there as safety and backup

Lol at the burly bridesmaids

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whimsykat's review against another edition

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adventurous informative lighthearted medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

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wends_nblw's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-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

3.0

I will say. I went into this blind, and was expecting something a lot more compelling.

This book is okay; it's fine. Nothing I would rave about, but something I would casually recommend.
I'm not sure if it's just me, but this felt like a middle school read rather than young adult? I don't know why, but I keep imagining the MC as like.. 12-14 years old. (Actually, I think this book could've been better if it had been a MG haha!)

I was a huge fan of the concept, but not the plot. I don't care about vampires or cults or anything else. I wanted so bad to read more about Elatsoe's gift and the Lipan Apaches. I found it so much more interesting than the murder mystery that was happening in the foreground.

However, I'm always rooting for representation as an asexual native myself LOL !
Would def recommend to a younger audience. Nice little murder mystery with fantasy elements.

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