jackie_beyondthebookends's review against another edition
5.0
I have not read many books where the central characters are American Indian. This book takes place on the Michigan side of Sault Ste. Marie ( pronounced Sue not salt)- There is a bigger tribe on the Canadian side of Lake Superior. Daunis is going to have a fresh start in college when she witnesses a murder. She suddenly finds herself working as a CI for the FBI as they investigate a lethal form of meth slowly killing her people. Her knowledge of science as well as the Ojibwe traditional medicines makes her the perfect person to help.
While this is characterized as YA thriller, it has the depth and soul to appeal to any audience. I can see why this book has already been optioned for a Netflix Series. I really did not know very much about the Ojibwe culture before reading this book and the little bits about traditions and spirituality were fascinating. Each tidbit added more depth to the story and I could not put it down. I will read anything that Ms Boulley writes!
Thank you Macmillan Audio for my ALC of this book. The narration was wonderful and added to the story. I’ve already ordered my Physical copy.
While this is characterized as YA thriller, it has the depth and soul to appeal to any audience. I can see why this book has already been optioned for a Netflix Series. I really did not know very much about the Ojibwe culture before reading this book and the little bits about traditions and spirituality were fascinating. Each tidbit added more depth to the story and I could not put it down. I will read anything that Ms Boulley writes!
Thank you Macmillan Audio for my ALC of this book. The narration was wonderful and added to the story. I’ve already ordered my Physical copy.
yeimyaileen's review against another edition
4.0
this book was really good. once you get past the introduction, the plot moves really fast. in terms of YA thrillers, i enjoyed the complexity of firekeepers daughter over a good girls guide to murder (not the best comparison but one i thought of multiple times in this book).
im surprised i was rooting for jaime at the end like it truly was a forbidden romance but also get away from her! you pig! dont use her for ur self actualization
the pansy gathering (which boulley said she created in this book to simulate an Anishnaabe ceremony) was super impactful. my heart is so heavy when I think about Lily’s death.
please check content warnings before reading
im surprised i was rooting for jaime at the end like it truly was a forbidden romance but also get away from her! you pig! dont use her for ur self actualization
the pansy gathering (which boulley said she created in this book to simulate an Anishnaabe ceremony) was super impactful. my heart is so heavy when I think about Lily’s death.
please check content warnings before reading
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Sexual assault, and Death
lullamys's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The book could have been 100-200 pages shorter and it would have helped. There are a lot of really slow parts which do not help the main plot progress, which is extremely predictable and not really engaging, with most characters who are barely fleshed out and a lot of suspension of disbelief.
I enjoyed the fact that the author talked with care and passion about her culture and the struggles of native americans.
I enjoyed the fact that the author talked with care and passion about her culture and the struggles of native americans.
savsilvas's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the viewpoints into Ojibwe culture, and the focus on the novel being the effects of drugs on a reservation as well as bringing to light the injustice Native American women face when dealing with SA. The modern perspective of these injustices was truly enlightening. My only complaints would lie with the fact it’s a YA novel, which isn’t my cup of tea.
elinidk's review against another edition
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
3.5
kayleigh_kbooks's review against another edition
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
shellysbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you Amazon Vine for my review copy.
First off this cover is EVERYTHING!! Soon as I saw the reveal and read the blurb, I knew I had to read this book. I really enjoyed this story and the twists and turns took me by surprise. I enjoyed learning about the Ojibwe community, the customs, the culture, the history and the struggles. I did listen to the audiobook as I read and it enhanced the reading experience.
Gentle reminder:
Also if you’re not the intended target for this book please be respectful in your reviews. Saying you don’t like reading books with “other languages” and “couldn’t relate” is offensive because this book was not WRITTEN for you!! These books are called own voices for a reason. *steps off soap box*
First off this cover is EVERYTHING!! Soon as I saw the reveal and read the blurb, I knew I had to read this book. I really enjoyed this story and the twists and turns took me by surprise. I enjoyed learning about the Ojibwe community, the customs, the culture, the history and the struggles. I did listen to the audiobook as I read and it enhanced the reading experience.
Gentle reminder:
Also if you’re not the intended target for this book please be respectful in your reviews. Saying you don’t like reading books with “other languages” and “couldn’t relate” is offensive because this book was not WRITTEN for you!! These books are called own voices for a reason. *steps off soap box*
circleofreadersdruid's review against another edition
5.0
Firekeeper’s Daughter surpassed my expectations.
Wing your way back to the year 2004 and meet Daunis, college freshman, hockey star, and science whiz. The author, Angeline Boulley, says she always wanted to write this story of an Indigenous Nancy Drew, and y’all, it’s so heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I ignored chores and glued myself to the couch to immerse myself in this YA thriller. It’s set on Ojibwe land in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where locals are battling the ravaging effects of the meth epidemic. The writing was exceptional: lyrical, thought-provoking, and compelling. I didn’t guess the whodunnits at all and the main character, Daunis, was incredible. Some people object to depictions of drugs, sex, and violence in a book aimed at teens, but Fireman’s Daughter’s heroine models how we should want our future leaders to behave. I admired her strong sense of self, her love for her family and community, and her willingness to learn and grow as a person. I found her maturity both refreshing and realistic. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book, Warrior Girl Unearthed, set 15 years later and told from the perspective of Daunis’s little cousin.
The cover art is gorgeous and features Moses Lunham and Rich Deas.
cartermon4's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Gun violence, Rape, and Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Colonisation, Addiction, and Car accident
Minor: Vomit
c3poth3dr0id's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
This is a page turner! An absolutely stunning story. I couldn’t put it down.