One of the best YA novels I have read in years!
Daunis' life hasn't exactly been easy, she has lost so many people she loves already, but when her community is faced with a meth epidemic, Daunis is given an opportunity to find out how the meth is getting into her community.
I have been reading YA for a really long time and often my issue with YA is the lack of depth in female characters in particular. There are so many YA books where I have loved male characters, but the female characters often leave something to be desired. I was so happy that this was not the case for Firekeeper's Daughter. Daunis is a complex character trying to find her identity and uphold her father's idigenous roots. The wrestling of this really fleshed out her characters, but along with depth, Bouley gave her female lead humor and drive and the opportunity to be a hero in her own right and I loved that about this book.
From the first chapter to the very end, I was totally sucked into this story. The writing was beautiful and more than once I found myself pausing to re-read sentences. This year I have intentionally sought out works by indigenous authors and I have loved learning about the way the honor the earth and uphold each other within their community. I left this book with a greater understanding and sense of awe for indigenous communities. This is a must read for anyone craving more depth from the YA genre!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
Content warning: gun violence, death, drug use, rape, sexual assault, violence
Thank you to Henry Holt Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I have been reading YA for a really long time and often my issue with YA is the lack of depth in female characters in particular. There are so many YA books where I have loved male characters, but the female characters often leave something to be desired. I was so happy that this was not the case for Firekeeper's Daughter. Daunis is a complex character trying to find her identity and uphold her father's idigenous roots. The wrestling of this really fleshed out her characters, but along with depth, Bouley gave her female lead humor and drive and the opportunity to be a hero in her own right and I loved that about this book.
From the first chapter to the very end, I was totally sucked into this story. The writing was beautiful and more than once I found myself pausing to re-read sentences. This year I have intentionally sought out works by indigenous authors and I have loved learning about the way the honor the earth and uphold each other within their community. I left this book with a greater understanding and sense of awe for indigenous communities. This is a must read for anyone craving more depth from the YA genre!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
Content warning: gun violence, death, drug use, rape, sexual assault, violence
Thank you to Henry Holt Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!