Member Reviews
Did not realize that this was only part of the book, but will definitely be finishing it later! Although a bit predictable for general fiction, I thought that this was a very solid YA fiction with grounded historic background and setting.
Such a good read. Love the diversity of this book and it was a lovely thrilling read. Can’t wait to get the physical copy
Captivating and insightful, it's easy to see why this book is one of the most anticipated reads of the year. The mystery is compelling and I just couldn't put it down. I can't wait to get the full version!
This is a solid YA mystery. I loved the main character and connected with her immediately. I knew this would start with a murder but the circumstances really shocked me! The writing style and format was easy to read and follow and I loved how the author interweaved the main characters personal struggles with the overarching mystery. I cannot wait to see this as a show!!
I am writing this review after reading a digital excerpt I received from Netgalley.
This book is off to an interesting start as the main character, Daunis, navigates her white and Ojibwe heritage and complex family background as well as hockey culture, grief, and substance abuse issues. This book is off to a very interesting start and all of the characters of different backgrounds are set up well. I think this book will be worth the read. My only criticism is that some of the Native American words are not always explained so it can be confusing at times.
I read both the sampler chapters and the full book and I can honestly say this is such a powerhouse of a novel. Highly recommend!
This was an excerpt of Firekeeper's Daughter, but it made me so excited to get my hands on the finished copy! So far I'd rate FKD 4 stars, so I can't wait to see if the story changes my rating later!
I only had a sample but I bought the book and it was incredible. Perfect for grade 12. Taught so much without feeling didactic.
I like the pacing of the story and the way characters are introduced, but for some reason, it felt a bit confusing, which could possibly be better if the entire book is read, instead of only a sneak peek.
Wow. What an amazing read and exquisite debut. This book is powerful. I loved the characters, they were extremely well written and the plot is something else. I'm at a loss for words but I highly recommend it.
THIS BOOK WAS BEYOND AMAZING
I reeeeeally liked this one! It is definitely one of my favorites of 2021 so far! The author is magical with her way of words and I adored the story. Could not recommend this book more.
4.5 stars.
This book was truly a masterpiece.
My first thoughts while reading this book was that I love how the author was able to seamlessly weave in information about Ojibwe culture. I felt that I learned so much about this specific Indigenous culture in under 500 pages. Not only did a learn a lot, but the author made a point to shed light to some of the disturbing and disheartening challenges that Indigenous peoples endured in the past and still endure to this day. She did this in a way that made me feel for the characters in the book and want to somehow help them find justice.
I am pleased to see the author include instances that represent harsh realities of the violence against Indigenous women. It is a topic that needs to be talked about more, which is why I applaud Boulley for integrating this topic in a real way that’s shows the audience the realities of many Indigenous women.
The main character, Daunis, is mixed race as well, so there is a lot of discussion about identity and the feeling of being pulled in two different directions. Family was also a major theme in this book and how even the people closest to you can keep massive secrets or even betray you.
Another major theme in this story is love. The complexity of Daunis and Jamie’s relationship is at the forefront of this book as well. Daunis gets pulled into an FBI investigation as a confidential informant and fake dates Jamie since he is undercover. They are both trying to balance their feelings for each other and at the job at hand, trying not to get too mixed up in what is real and what is fake.
I loved how accessible this book was as well. It is YA, so hopefully it will get into the hands of many young people. This book talks about so many important topics, and I appreciate Boulley’s writing that is so raw and real. I hope to continue to read works by Indigenous peoples and amplify Indigenous voices.
The only reason I am choosing to give this book 4.5 stars instead of 5 is that I felt that the book was a tad too long for my personal taste. However, I don’t want to say the book was slow or boring or any of that. It’s just based on my own personal preference!
Another reason for knocking off half a star is that I wish there were trigger warnings for rape, sexual assault, murder/death. Some of these scenes took me by surprise and I wish the beginning of the book had the trigger warning.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book and I loved it so much that I went out and bought myself a copy for my personal library!
I cannot remember the last time I DEVOURED a book like I did Firekeeper's Daughter. I was hooked by the Netgalley sample and immediately ran out to buy the full book, which I finished in just a few hours. Boulley has done an incredible job of creating a fully dimensional, richly complex protagonist in Daunis. Perhaps my favorite part of this book was how seamlessly and authentically Boulley wove Ojibwe traditions into the story. I loved getting a glimpse into this culture in a way that felt natural and real, rather than being watered down or simplified for a non-Native audience.
This short preview has definitely intrigued me and encouraged me to order the book. I look forward to seeing where the story progresses in the remainder of the book. I feel, from the short amount I’ve read here that there is going to be a lot to unpack in this one.
I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
First off, I’d like to start by saying that there is A LOT to unpack here. I was super stoked for this book because not only is it somehow the first Native American story I read, but I knew it’d be full of sorely needed representation and a community and culture I could learn so much about.
This book was so intense and powerful and vital. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite thus important, but it truly is. There is a lot of possible triggers in this nook due to the amount of trauma that is dealt with. But it’s also just so indicative to so many people’s everyday lives and experiences, especially indigenous peoples. There is also its mystery element, which makes the book all that much more intriguing. It could get dark, but it was also still so hopeful.
There’s so much more part of me wants to share, but it feels like this is one of those books where it’s better to go in blind with no expectations. It’s definitely worth it.
A debut novel and i must admit being drawn to the book by the beautiful cover. Unfortunately I didn’t like the writing style or the use of language which i felt took away any flow to the story. Also i found the story slow, at times repetitive, which again effected the pace of the novel. I did enjoy learning more about the indigenous people and the area around Sault Ste. Marie.
This is an own voices YA mystery/thriller, set in the Upper Michigan Peninsula. The story centers around Daunis, an 18-year old biracial woman who is an un-enrolled member of the local tribe and revels in the traditions of her native culture. She is also French-Canadian and “light skinned” so she has privileges that many of her Anishinaabe family and friends doesn’t have.
Daunis should be leaving Sault Ste Marie for college but she changes plans and enrolls at the local college to provide support to her mom who is going through a difficult time. She witnesses a murder and finds herself in the middle of a federal drug investigation. She has to decide if she should help the FBI with their investigation which could potentially put the lives of her family and friends at risk.
Through Daunis’s eyes, we lear about the history and culture within the Ojibwe community and the beauty and strength of female friendships and familial bonds. The writer also highlights issues of racism, violence against women and general neglect of the indigenous community. The way the story pulls you into the Ojibwe way of life is truly remarkable. Think of this book as a cross between There There and With the Fire of High with a murder mystery thrown in……what a ride! While it’s not an easy read, I think the insight into issues the community if facing is well worth it.
Many thanks to Henry, Holt & Co. and Netgalley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this sample. The story is possibly more romance than I typically look for, but the writing is good and I want to know more. The cover is gorgeous, definitely something that would make me want to pick it up. Looking forward to reading the rest of the book soon!
I struggled with this sample. Here’s what I got from the book so far: It’s engaging but very slow going and I feel like even after six or seven chapters I still wasn’t hooked.
I was confused at first because I was expecting a fantasy novel but instead it turns out that this is a contemporary novel with lots of alcohol and teen drama.
Another thing I found hard to follow was the untranslated native language as well as the text conversations which were super abbreviated.
Not sure if I want to pick up the full book which is disappointing because I’ve been looking forward to this book for awhile now but I hope others found this book more enjoyable than I did!
Happy Reading Everyone :)
Ugh! I didn't realize I only requested the "Sneak Peak" and burned though it so quick only to find out the book comes out in a few days and is no longer available to request! Looking forward to supporting this author and what feels like a viral book for 2021!!