A review by alybwrites
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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
4.75
This book was absolutely gripping: it was “just one more chapter, and then I’ll go to bed.” I went to bed listening to it, woke up with half of it still to go, and lied to myself: “I’ll just listen to a chapter and then do other stuff.” I did not do other stuff. I listened to this book until it was done.
Much of the book is set within a Native community, but the unique experiences of what it means to be Native is portrayed through a wonderfully diverse cast of characters that each experience what that means in a different, but equally real and authentic way.
Fire Keeper’s Daughter masterfully navigates the struggles and tensions of wanting to honor heritage in a modern world that leaves little room for history or indigenous tradition. We see this immediately in our MC, who is constantly trying to balance facts, science and the scientific method that she has a deep seated passion for and the community and tradition that she loves and finds immeasurable comfort in. Figuring out how to make room for both, learning that they do not have to be in opposition, but learning not to let one blind her to the other is our character’s journey, beautifully executed.
Also had a lot of respect for the very real examination of how society at large consistently damages and hurts marginalized communities, even after making demands on members of those communities.
Definitely be aware of CWs: I would say this is a mature YA. (Additional props for showing respect, communication and consent as sexy, ongoing and working both ways.)
But if you want a book that is going to absolutely suck you in and give you a new perspective on everything, I cannot recommend this highly enough. I cannot wait for the author’s upcoming Warrior Girl Unearthed.
Much of the book is set within a Native community, but the unique experiences of what it means to be Native is portrayed through a wonderfully diverse cast of characters that each experience what that means in a different, but equally real and authentic way.
Fire Keeper’s Daughter masterfully navigates the struggles and tensions of wanting to honor heritage in a modern world that leaves little room for history or indigenous tradition. We see this immediately in our MC, who is constantly trying to balance facts, science and the scientific method that she has a deep seated passion for and the community and tradition that she loves and finds immeasurable comfort in. Figuring out how to make room for both, learning that they do not have to be in opposition, but learning not to let one blind her to the other is our character’s journey, beautifully executed.
Also had a lot of respect for the very real examination of how society at large consistently damages and hurts marginalized communities, even after making demands on members of those communities.
Definitely be aware of CWs: I would say this is a mature YA. (Additional props for showing respect, communication and consent as sexy, ongoing and working both ways.)
But if you want a book that is going to absolutely suck you in and give you a new perspective on everything, I cannot recommend this highly enough. I cannot wait for the author’s upcoming Warrior Girl Unearthed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Kidnapping, Racism, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, and Rape
Minor: Eating disorder, Classism, Medical trauma, Fatphobia, and Homophobia
Most of the content is handled well, addressed and explicitly processed in a healthy way. But still something to be aware of.