Ratings130
Average rating3.8
This isn't necessarily the kind of book I'd typically read, but it is one I'm glad exists. It's poppy, fast-paced, often graphic, and action-packed. What sets it apart though is its setting (a Navajo reservation that is protected by a huge wall from the apocalypse outside) and its characters, particularly Maggie, an indigenous monsterslayer who really needs a lot of therapy. I saw Roanhorse at a local signing and she talks about the issues with indigenous representation in fantasy. Too often, it is reduced to a sidekick, usually a shapeshifter. “That's my culture,” she said, “Shapeshifters.” Roanhorse uses tons of mythological and human character to create a truly unique piece of fiction. It also does a really good job of representing trauma from a first person perspective. Again, the violence and downright abusive relationships in the story kept it from being my cuppa, and the ending felt a bit confusing and rushed (there is a sequel out now which hopefully clears some of that up), but it is a very noteworthy piece that I'm glad I stumbled across.