Book: “Fire Keeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley
Genre: YA Suspense
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Format: Audiobook
Blogger’s Note: Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Admittedly, I read this novel a while back and I got super backed up on reviews! With that being said, this one was easy to review because it really has stuck with me over the past few months since I first read it.
The story follows a young Ojibwe woman on the cusp of adulthood on her journey to self discovery and what it means to truly belong. The main character is looped into an FBI investigation after she loses a friend to a drug related operation. A young FBI agent who is working the case enlists Daunis’ help and gets her to agree to become a confidential informant gathering information for the case by getting close to the suspects and other key players in the drug ring. Daunis is a strong, tough and smart young woman, but when she starts to develop feelings for the FBI investigator… the situation starts to become confusing and soon lines could be crossed.
Author Angeline Boulley has hit it out of the park with her debut YA novel! Although written for teens, the novel covers some heavy themes of identity, loss, drug abuse and the need to belong. The language in this book was simple to understand and clear, but the concepts were intricate and beautifully written. I was thrilled to see so much culture infused into this novel. It left me with a meaningful appreciation both of the characters and the cultural background from which they were created. It showed me how little I really understand about the Ojibwe culture and it left me wanting to learn more about this amazing group of people.
Overall, this book was entertaining while displaying a depth that most Young Adult novels lack. I was thrilled to have read it and will pick up anything that this author writes in the future!
Blogger’s Note: The narration on this audiobook was absolutely wonderful. The narrator was clear and easy to understand but spoke with an accent that made it feel authentic. I wonder who narrated this and if that person truly represents this background. I’d be interested in learning that… so it looks like I’m going to have to do some research!
Happy Reading! (Or Listening!)
Literature & Lattes 