Fire from the Sky (Himlabrand) by Moa Backe Åstat is a beautiful coming-of-age story.

I enjoyed reading the slow paced flashes from a daily lives of teenagers. I really love the mentality of the Nordic ya books. The usual teenage angst is there, but it's much more subtle and without any extra or over the top drama that you so often find in some other cultures.

For those unfamiliar with Sámi people and their culture in Sweden and in the nordic countries, the book has a fair amount of information within the story from raindeer hearding to the racial biology happening in the 1920's. I urge everyone to search more, for the discrimination is still going unfortunately and shamefully strong.

The only thing I regret was that I didn't read this in Swedish. The story would have probably been even more beautiful in its original language.

This book was beautiful. Ànte is a Sámi boy whose family has a long history of being reindeer herders. In his culture, everyone is expected to live the same life: work to help your family, get married to someone of the opposite gender, have kids and continue your family’s work. But Ánte feels different. He is falling for his best friend Erik, and is trying to find his place as a gay Sámi boy who wants to continue the work of his family.

This book has a lot of similar themes to a lot of the YA books about gay boys, but this one just hits really hard. Holding on to your family and your tradition while still holding true to who you are is such a hard balance, especially when that culture is under threat. through the book, you also learn about Sámi history and all the ways their culture was almost lost. Ánte feels this so poignantly and wants to surround himself with the culture and people that are his. But he is also trying to find his own place within that culture, when there is homophobia (especially in the older generation).

Are there issues in this book? Absolutely, there are some things that happen that don’t make sense. However, this book is so well written and the story is so well told that they didn’t really come across as an issue.

This book was beautiful and gave me too many feelings. I loved it so much and will probably read it multiple times

Short novels don't get enough credit, and this one deserves so much praise. It was one of those stories that is utterly breathtaking and keeps you enraptured from the first chapter. You can feel Ante's hopefulness, struggle, and exploration of self. coming off the pages. Fire From the Sky was a beautiful coming of age story.

I would absolutely recommend it if you love quick reads that get you in your feels. We watch
Ánte process his emotions for Erik and what that might mean for him. The story beautifully weaves acceptance and hopefulness while also showcasing Ánte's processing and fears about how others will respond. I think the novel illustrates the struggle of coming out to a family where you don't know how they will react.

If you love coming of age stories with some solid character exploration and LGBTQIA+ reads this book if definitely one I would recommend you pick up. It left me feeling hopeful for the future. Thank you to Levine Querido for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I always say that a book that has been translated will be good, it has to be for the trouble of translating it, and Fire From the Sky is no exception. The story follows a young gay Sámi boy, Ánte, and it tells the tale of his first-love.

This was a pleasure to read, I sat down to start it and before I even knew I had finished. Overall, the book is well written and charming. The relationship between Ánte and Erik is incredibly raw and realistic, with moments of both unfiltered delight and overbearing depression, perfectly capturing the mind of a teenage boy. It balances a complicated love story with the difficulties of coming out as gay in a seemingly conservative enviornment.

While Fire From the Sky is evidently a queer romance novel, it does not end there. It is a book about family, tradition, Sámi culture and much more, all within 216 pages. The relationships between Ánte and his mother, father and his Áhkko were just as impactful as the relationship between Ánte and Erik. As a reader, I empathised with his family, who did not understand what was happening with him, why he was suddenly acting so strange. Åstot did an excellent job in crafting these delicate and authentic relationships.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, however my only qualm was the length, I simply wished it was longer. I have read many books that have streched on and on into what seems forever, but Fire From the Sky felt like the opposite. The main plot was fleshed out quite well, but it would have been nice to see the story between Hanna and Ánte broadened slightly. Same applies to the interesting dynamic between Ánte and his two other guy friends.

Nonetheless, this was a brilliant read, when the only complaint is that you wished there was even more, you know the author is very talented.

First, I would like to say thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book!

Fire from the Sky follows Ánte, the only son of a reindeer herding family in Sweden. The novel begins with him hunting for the answer to the question: Are there gay reindeer herders? The progression of the book follows along as Ánte struggles with figuring out who he is and how to balance that with the traditions of the Sámi culture.

I really enjoyed this story. I thought that the author did an exceptional job of weaving the inner struggles that a young queer person has with discovering who they are along with how that fits into a culture that otherwise wouldn’t approve. I thoroughly enjoyed the inclusion of Sámi culture within the text, as well as taking the time outside of reading to learn more. I think that representation is amazing, especially in a YA novel.

Ánte goes on a journey of self-discovery, balancing his own feelings towards his friend, Erik, and what that means for his future. In a culture where reindeer herding means so much, and a life outside of that seems impossible, I loved watching Ánte struggle with questions that I myself had as a young queer man. Does our sexuality define us? I think it was amplified in Ánte's journey because of his Sámi traditions.

I did feel like the end was rushed, and there were times when I wasn’t certain about the pacing and sequencing of the chapters. That didn’t take away, though, from the overall message and enjoyment of the story.

The publication date is on September 26, so be sure to check it out!

I really liked this short book, the atmosphere is great and you can feel with the struggles Ánte faces (figuring out how to handle being gay and still wanting to honour the traditions of his people). He doesn't always act great towards his friends, but his behaviour is very understandable, being afraid of homophobia and losing the connections to his roots, and he apologizes and tries to be a better friend.
This is the first book I've read by a Sámi author about Sámi characters, and it was really interesting to learn a bit about their culture. Overall the way it is written it feels very authentic to show a teenagers thoughts and struggles. The only think I found a bit lacking was the language, almost all sentences were very short and sometimes it felt a bit not as smooth as it could have been. This might be because it is a translation, I'll definitely reread the book also in the original language.
Apart from that I loved the story, and definitely recommend to read it if you like YA books.

Fire From the Sky is a quiet yet powerful debut from a young Sami author translates to English. A short, character driven novel, it follows Ante, a teenage Sami reindeer herder in Sweden, coming to terms with his identity and his feelings for his best friend Erik. I found the setting and inclusion of Sami culture very interesting as I hadn’t read it before, but I wished there had been a translation of some Sami words and phrases.
Written in a slice-of-life style that follows Ante’s coming to terms with being gay, Fire From the Sky manages to capture the excitement and angst of first love, as well as the messiness of being a teenager. There isn’t much in terms of the main plot beyond the in-love-with-his-best-friend arc, but there is also a subplot about Ante learning about the turn-of-the-century biological “experiments” on the Sami by “race scientists” and how they impacted his family and his cultural identity. I liked his relationship with his grandmother and the conflict of tradition versus following his heart.
At times the writing seemed a bit clunky but this could possibly be a result of the novel’s translation to English. The ending was hopeful and satisfying and the last short chapter nearly brought a tear to my eye. Overall it was a good debut and I read the whole thing in just two sittings.

"Fire From the Sky" by Moa Backe Åstot sounds like a beautifully poignant and culturally rich coming-of-age novel that explores themes of heritage, family, and self-discovery. The story, set in the Sámi tradition, introduces readers to Ánte, an only child with deep ties to his cultural heritage and a profound connection to reindeer herding.

One of the central elements of the narrative is Ánte's emotional journey as he grapples with his changing feelings for his best friend, Erik. The description hints at a delicate exploration of young love and the complexities of coming to terms with one's identity and desires, all set against the backdrop of a traditional Sámi lifestyle.

Moa Backe Åstot, a Sámi debut novelist, brings authenticity and depth to the story, promising readers an intimate glimpse into the cultural richness of the Sámi community. The novel appears to blend themes of tradition and modernity, as Ánte confronts not only his feelings but also societal expectations.

"Fire From the Sky" seems to be a heartfelt and beautifully rendered tale that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of self-discovery, love, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It's an invitation to experience Ánte's transformative journey as he navigates the complexities of both his cultural roots and his own heart, making it an engaging and promising read for those interested in diverse and emotionally resonant literature.

Honestly, the first third of this book, i couldn't get into it. The pacing seemed off, the intensity didn't quite track for me. I had a hard time figuring out why, but it just didn't click. And then, suddenly, it did. Once i connected with this book, i wanted to keep reading it and couldn't stop thinking about it. I don't exactly know how to describe the book--there's something there about longing, about identity, about understanding how many contexts you are in all the time--but i am really glad i stuck with it. This would be great in a high school library (there's masturbation content but not much else to be concerned about, parent feedback wise) or even on an optional reading list, because Sami culture is expressed so thoroughly that it's really valuable in a social studies or ELA context.

NetGalley ARC.

This book is a short display of what it means to be queer. it discusses the hardships Ante is going through with his family and his sexuality (the linger touches from Erik). He is suppose to follow in his father's footsteps... but he is unsure if its possible. While reading it took me back to the first time I read Ari and Dante discover the Secrets of the Universe. I felt all those emotions again as an adult. this time and I was not expecting that!

This is a re-read for me after I read the book in its original Swedish when it was released. I rarely re-read but I'm overjoyed to see another Sámi author in translation.

This is a YA that follows Ánte, a son to a reindeer herder in Sápmi preparing to one day step into his father’s shoes. But Ánte has a secret, he is having feelings for his friend Erik.

I feel very much the same about the book as I did when I read it in Swedish, so the English translation does a good job. Ánte's feeling are bubbly and filled with anxiety, the way it is when you try to become yourself. Ánte knows and understands his feelings, the question is if he should act on them and what he might be giving up to live life as himself. The conflict between queerness and living life as a reindeer herder which I have read in other books is highlighted. It is a light touch but there are characters that relate to their life as Sámi in different ways. The pages are sprinkled with Sámi language words and sentences, a pride and joy that is palpable. I think the book celebrates that people are themselves and the right choice looks different for everyone.

There are a couple of scenes of painful homophobia from loved ones. This isn't the main point of the story though and is mostly processed off page. The book touches on many heavy topics such as the many violations and oppression at the hands of Swedish society and Christianity. The author keeps a light hand though, so it will definitely point readers in a direction to find out more, but the heart of the book is Ánte and his thoughts as he finds ways to be both gay and Sámi.

Thankyou for allowing me to read this book! I loved the characters within this book, each character was entirely different and I could really see the story develop from these characters. I loved the lgbtq relevance, and the book accurately portrayed emotions and thoughts of those struggling to come out to family and others

“How amazing that you’re mine,” he whispered, his words thin and fragile. "But when I’m with you, I can’t be myself."

I spent ages just staring at this beautiful cover!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc.
Throughout the story you can feel the love Ánte has for his culture and how important it is for him to be Sámi. Ánte knows his peoples way of life is wrapped into the fabric of who he is, but he worries that will be in direct conflict with his sexuality. It was really easy to connect with Ánte's struggle, I spent a good chunk of the story feeling anxious for him and how things would turn out. It's a heavy burden for a 16 year old to process, and I felt that was done really well.

This book was quick and satisfying read. The cover is beautiful and would love to see it in a physical version.

Fire from the sky is a sweet book that makes you feel many emotions at once. The way that it is written allows it’s audience to feel all of Antes emotions and relate to him as he figures himself out.

I do wish it had been a little longer so I could’ve gotten a bit more of the story as I absolutely loved it and was wanting more by the end but I truly believe this an amazing worthwhile read and it was definitely done Justice with the English translation.

In northern Sweden, Ánte is sure of a few things: he loves the traditions of his Sámi upbringing. He loves his village and can't imagine a future somewhere else. He loves his best friend, Erik—and he also can't see a life in which he can be both a reindeer herder and gay, something all but unheard of in his village.

I read this largely because I have read precious few books that take place among reindeer-herding communities (maybe 2) and even fewer by writers who are themselves Sámi (0). I love that this presents a modern take: Ánte is a reindeer herder, yes, but he's also a teenage boy who wants to hang out with his friends, play video games, and go to parties. Reindeer herding is in his blood, in his past and present and future, but it's largely in the background of the book. That feels very realistic for this day and age, and I'm here for that.

There's also a fascinating side plot about a book Ánte ends up with, one that is in part based on Herman Bernhard Lundborg (d. 1943) and his work. The short version: racism is everywhere, and the Sámi, like other minorities, were subject to scientists hell-bent on their eugenics-heavy theories. It's a piece of history I wasn't aware of (I'm only loosely familiar present-day struggles for Sámi rights—basically, the few things that make it into the mainstream news—and not at all with historical struggles), and it's one of the things that troubles Ánte throughout the book.

The book is translated from Swedish, and I'm not sure if it's the original writing or the translation but the phrasing does get quite awkward in places. This is perhaps exacerbated by Ánte's situation—he is an angsty teenager trying to figure out how he can reconcile two parts of his identity—but it sometimes took me clear out of the story. (That said: the copy I read had yet to be proofread, so the final English version may feel smoother.)

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Ánte's family are reindeer herders in a Sámi village in the north of Sweden. Ánte is struggling to connect with his Sámi heritage, and new feelings for his best friend. He is unsure how his close-knit community would react to finding out his feelings for another boy, and trying to figure out if his friend might feel the same way.

I thought the translation may have been a bit clunky at the start, but I grew to really like the writing. I enjoyed learning more about Sámi history and culture. It was really powerful to see the book that Ánte finds by a "racial biologist" and how that affects him. The supporting characters were great as well, especially Ida and Hanna. The tension between Ánte and Erik was fraught and well written. Ánte's journey of self-discovery and connecting to his roots was poignant and touching, and I recommend this book for people looking for a young adult LGBTQ+ love story from an indigenous author.

2,5 stars (rounded up)
This is a beautiful book that touches on important topics, yet I feel like I just couldn't get into it.

Fire From the Sky is about Ánte. He's Sámi and his family has reindeer. He's also in love with one of his friends, Erik. This book is about learning how to be okay with yourself when everyone around you expects you to be something else.

First: let's get into the good things about this book. I loved the cultural aspects of it. I had never heard about the Sámi until I started this book. Sámi is a minority group and the book focuses heavily on being gay in a culture where that isn't accepted. I loved that the writer sometimes kept in Sámi terms and sentences. This made me feel much more connected to the culture. This is probably the book I existed when I was younger and struggling to be okay with my sexuality. For this reason, I would recommend it to any young adult in the same boat as Ánte. I'm so glad a book like this exists.

I did give this 2,5 stars, so this book wasn't everything I hoped it would be. I felt some scenes were irrelevant and had no point to the story, although some things were revealed later in the book. I also had a hard time getting into it. The book is slow paced and there wasn't a lot of romance in there. It mostly focuses on Ánte's thoughts and his struggles. Sometimes I just wish there was more to this book than only scenes between him and Erik. The ending of the book felt unfinished. There's no real coming out, no closure on the relationship with Erik. Although, I feel like that might not be the point of this book. In the end, Ánte was okay with himself.

The book did get better and better the further I got into it. I also feel like while this book might've not been for me, it could mean a lot to other queer people. That's why I rounded it up.

Ánte is Sámi, and has lived his whole life in northern Sweden herding the reindeer, just like his ancestors before him. He knows that this is his place. But he fears that being gay will mean he cannot stay, that who he is conflicts with the traditional life he loves.

A bundle of awkward teen love and small village coming out, mixed with embracing your identity and a love for the land and the reindeer. (And a cozy grandma's house <3) The emotions are raw, Ánte's feelings come as physical sensations rather than anything he really understands. And Erik is frustratingly elusive with what he wants. There is occasional homophobia, but despite that this was a comforting teen story with a happy ending.

I loved that this is a translated work. The fact that it was such a short story yet so impactful. I enjoyed every moment of this book.

On one level, Fire from the Sky is a straightforward, familiar YA story: gay teen falls for friend, struggles with queerness and community homophobia, comes out, enters relationship with friend. But the setting gives it depth: the protagonist, Ánte, is a member of the Sámi people in Sweden. Wikipedia tells me that nowadays only about 10 percent of the Sámi are engaged in reindeer herding, so Ánte and his family, who do keep reindeer, are a minority among a minority.

At Ánte’s age (sixteen) all I wanted was to run screaming from tradition, but Ánte is deeply attached to his community and his reindeer, and for much of the book he’s half resigned to giving up his queerness if living as a gay man would mean giving up his home. The homophobia of Ánte’s home village is (I learn through further googling) typical of Sámi culture in general, though of course queer activism exists among the Sámi as elsewhere.* As Ánte thankfully discovers, he has friends who don’t share their elders’ anti-queer views.

Ánte’s wrestling with what it means to be a queer Sámi is intertwined with his reading of an old book called Racial Types in North Bothnia, by a “racial biologist” named Harald Lundgren. Ánte and his friend Ida search the book’s photos for anything recognizable as their landscape and anyone recognizable as a member of their own people — as Ánte sees, the photos are framed so as to make everyone in them look alike, instances of a “racial” type rather than individual people. Over time he sees past the framing to discover his own family and, in a way, himself, among the photos, and so reclaims both them and his own place among them.

In describing this theme I may be making the book sound more polished than it is. The translation is awkward at times. The author is young, and it shows. There’s a certain amount of clumsy exposition and a certain amount of obviousness. (For instance, at one point Ánte’s parents turn on the TV and his father, repelled by a scene of two men kissing, switches to a more acceptable violent action movie.) On the level of characterization, too, I think the narrative falters. Erik, the friend Ánte’s in love with, never emerges as a three-dimensional character. I could feel Ánte’s desire for him, but I’m not sure I quite understood why Ánte liked him. Also, one minute Ánte’s parents have twigged that he’s queer and are making themselves unpleasant about it, then the next time we see his mother they’ve have “talked” and now all they want is for him to be happy. What precipitated this change of heart? It happens off page, and we don’t know Ánte’s parents well enough to guess.

But there are always books that work in spite of any and all flaws and for my money this is one of them. Ánte carries the book — he has a fundamental integrity so that even when he screws up, which he does badly and hurtfully, he takes responsibility for the harm he’s inflicted and he does what he can to repair it. Plus there’s the reindeer herding. Moa Backe Åstot does a wonderful job of conveying the care and work, and (at least for an urban resident of the US) the intersections of the “modern” and the traditional. Really, did I not expect that teenagers in Sweden wouldn’t have Snapchat just because they also spent part of their time gathering lichen to feed their herds in the winter?
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*Apparently, there’s some dispute over whether or to what extent homophobia is a cultural import that traveled with colonialism and forced Christianization. This may sound familiar from the importation of fundamentalist Christian homophobia into Africa.