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nelemon's review against another edition
5.0
This was so good! I had the author on my radar ever since I read his story in the collection Never Whistle at Night, and this full length novel by him was definitely a hit for me.
As a crime novel and thriller, this really worked for me. The main character VIrgil hat quite a lot going on and the different plot strings were set up and tied together well. It made the story feel fast paced and kept me turning page after page. I wouldn’t call it action-packed, but the violence that does happen in this book was quite brutal.
The characters are described and developed really well too. I was on board with Virgil from the first or second chapter, and I cared for him and the people close to him so much - when someone got into danger I was so nervous I couldn’t stop reading, I had to know if they were going to be alright.
I haven’t read a lot of crime novels by Native American authors (probably because there aren’t that many), so the perspective and setting of the novel felt unique and different from other thrillers, which I enjoyed. I thought the themes and issues of life on the reservation, the problems with the “justice” system, harsh realities of trauma and racism as well as friendship, community, humor, ceremony, healing and identity were part of the story in a way that felt natural and organic.
Plus, the audiobook was great!
I loved reading this book and I can’t wait for the author’s next one. Hope Virgil kicks some ass in that one too!
wdberens's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
przela71's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't exactly say why, but I couldn't put it down. The characters were well written, the story was good and I liked the layers of Lakota culture throughout.
lesker78's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
peachybear's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book! I’ve been having better luck finding thrillers/crime books that don’t have cheesy twists like a McFadden book. There was lots of Native humor and covered some big topics. I’ve read a story from this author in Never Whistle at Night. This book was left open for more in a series so I hope there will be more!
catherine_hopper's review
3.0
I enjoyed the writing and the story a lot, but I would have preferred less language and graphic descriptions of violence.
youngthespian42's review
3.0
Fun crime thriller that brings you into the world of the Lakota people. The crime thriller itself is pretty basic with a few fun twists towards the end. The characters are rich and learning about life on the rez are the reason to read this book. Excited to check out future books by Mr. Weiden.
kekemaq's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kyra_c_c's review
5.0
Fantastic, fast paced thriller with real heart. I enjoyed learning more about the Rosebud Reservation and the Lakota people. This would make an amazing movie! I hope there is a sequel.