Reviews

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

chelseatm's review against another edition

2.0

I think when it comes to this book, I liked the idea a lot more than I liked the execution. I think the author had a really great idea for a dystopian/not-so-dystopian plot but the character development was lacking. Ironically, the character I was most interested in was not the protagonist, it was Miig.

I felt there wasn't a clear end goal for the characters which is necessary, in my opinion, to help drive the story. I felt it was a bit aimless without a defined objective. By the end, with all this talk of a key, it felt like it was attempting to set up a series but at the same time, it felt like it didn't set up enough to carry on.

Overall, great idea but I wouldn't say it's worth the read.

thelifeeofjazz's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

forevereading's review against another edition

Read for class

alicebme's review against another edition

4.0

Read while camping in the Redwoods. This is my second experience reading post-apocalyptic fiction from the POV of Canadian Indigenous People. Characters are fighting for family, a connection to their history, and survival in the face of yet another attempt to enslave and murder their people.

meaghanjohns's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 stars for this dystopian Ontario read, with a side of hearts warmed and tears shed.

sheilareads_'s review against another edition

3.0

 Last year, I took a YA lit class, providing the perfect opportunity to explore a genre I don't typically engage with. I discovered many wonderful YA books during that time. My goal in 2024 is to read more from the genre. The Marrow Thieves is rich in Indigenous history, making it an excellent source for discussions in classrooms. The book has all the elements of a dystopian YA novel, both positive and negative. Although left with numerous questions, I hope to find answers in the next book. 

purplepickle's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism, Child death, Drug use, Genocide, Death of parent, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Death, and Grief

Minor: Sexual assault, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts

chelledude's review against another edition

4.0

Yes, the world could be built a little more clearly, maybe the characters could be more developed, but I almost feel like that was intentional. The author clearly understands how to create rich stories in these characters voices and its the stories they tell that serve as the focal point, and less the plot.

This book really just felt like it was a vessel for presenting some beautiful parts of indigenous people's culture and a reflection of some of the most terrible parts in Indigenous people's history.

Also yay for established LGBT relationships. A breath of fresh air.

jaykee0ut's review against another edition

emotional

3.5

caraventures's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25