I found the setting really interesting for Empire of Wild. The rural setting among an indigenous community is one I hope to see more of in contemporary fiction. I also was very interested in Joan's family, although I often felt like I did not really know the characters very deeply through the book's portrayal. The central concept of Joan's husband's disappearance was interesting but did not move quickly enough to hold my interest.

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2021 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2021/02/2021-reading-list-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for a copy of this book. 

This was a case of "just not my thing". The blurb sounded promising, and the cover is great, but *sigh* , was not to be. 
 I could not get into this book. The subject was off-putting and boring. I didn't care about any of the characters. The writing style was going for edgy, but just fell flat. I was pretty much bored throughout this entire book, and am surprised I didn't DNF.

Loved this book!  Truly a Wild ride.  Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited to review this book since so many people really sang its praises, but while there were many good things about this one, it didn't completely work for me. Joan's husband Victor disappeared a year ago after an argument over the fate of her father's land, until Joan one day spots him at a tent revival outside of town. The only issue is that her husband doesn't seem to recognize Joan or even remember that he is married. Inspired by the Metis tale of the Rogarou, Joan sets off on a journey to find out what happened to her husband and how to bring him home. 

I really enjoyed Dimaline's commentary on Native land rights in conflict with oil and natural gas industry interests, and the scenes toward the end where we learn about Victor's connection to the Rogarou were vivid and well-written. However, I soon grew disheartened with the constant attacks on Dimaline's main character Joan; Joan was gaslighted almost every step of the way in this novel, by everyone from her own family members to the men trying to stand in the way of Victor, to the point where it became redundant and exhausting. As with the gaslighting, Joan's drinking issues were mentioned with such frequency, and without much consequence, that it also became exhausting. It's as if the intended effect of the gaslighting and the drinking was diluted just by the number of times it shows up in the story without any effect on the plot. 

That is all to say, the majority of people I know enjoyed this novel a lot, so take my comments with a grain of salt. It certainly was at least interesting enough to find out what happens in the end. (Also, the Rogarou is really scary.)

We need more indigenous style books especially own voices. I really enjoyed this book and it was different than most things I've read. Its dark and a little creepy, but I was super intrigued nevertheless. I highly recommend this to readers looking for a thriller with some spook.

I feel like there is more I need to learn to fully enjoy this book. I liked the writing, but the execution of the story didn't work for me.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Cherie Dimaline is a true storyteller.  This well-crafted piece of folklore will ensnare your senses and leave you entangled in its words until the end.

It took me a few pages to get into the writing style, but once I did, I sped through the book, It involves magic and folklore, and indigenous peoples/First Nations. There are multiple crimes, various mysteries, and a bit of potential romance.

I found the indigenous folklore aspect intriguing. It’s not something I’ve been exposed to before. The characters were believable, and the setting familiar, at least in some aspects. I especially thought that the author was creative and original in her use of analogies.

I felt that my time was well spent reading this book as I learned some new things that I intend to investigate further.. I believe it’s the first book in a series. I look forward to reading the next when it’s published.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

"I am going to wear you," the thing said. "The tearing will be a horror but the fit will be couture."

EMPIRE OF WILD by Cherie Dimaline follows Joan 11 months after her husband goes missing. Equal parts traditional story and horror, I had a hard time putting this one down. This was a fantastic read about the Canadian Metis Legend of Rogarou- and an awesome commentary on how the church and religion has been weaponized against Indigenous people.

This is an inventive, interesting take on werewolves and the Little Red Riding Hood fairytale. Joan has been searching for her missing husband for quite a long time. Does it have something to do with werewolves? The author seamlessly interrelated themes of religion, culture and colonialism to bring us this grown up fairytale.

Excellent premise, great book cover, an in between read with unbelievable villains and an unsatisfying conclusion.

This book was reviewed by me for American Library Association's Booklist. As a result, my review for Booklist is linked below.

Empire of Wild is the story of   Joan, a Metis woman, whose husband Victor has been missing over a year. He left after a heated argument and never returned. She thinks she sees him in a tent in a parking lot preaching the gospel.  

I very much enjoyed this novel. It is a mystery and a thriller and I dare to say paranormal/supernatural. Essentially this is a story of love and how far one would go to save a family.

A compelling mix of Indigenous culture, legend and their beliefs. Joan's husband disappears after an argument. When she finally finds him, he is in a Revival tent preaching. He is not himself and he doesn't recognize Joan at all. Serious creep factor with the supernatural elements. I really liked this. I liked it was American Indians. There aren't many stories like this. A compelling read.

Dawnny Ruby 
Novels N Latte 
Hudson Valley NY

This book was ok.  I liked the setting in Arcand, Ontario, within the Métis indigenous culture Joan had one fight with her husband, Victor. He left the house and then disappeared, she keeps looking for him. She finds him in a revival tent, he is the reverend and appears to have no memory of her. The book blends modern life with cultural beliefs that have been handed down over the years. I didn't care for the ending at all.

3.5 Stars
Joan has been searching for her husband for nearly a year when she stumbles upon him in a revival tent in a Walmart parking lot. As a preacher. She may be hungover but she knows her husband...even if he doesn't remember her. Joan is determined to bring him home but there are sinister forces working against her. Namely, a werewolf-like creature known as a Rogarou.

Empire of Wild kept me on the edge of my seat. The book is deeply rooted in tradition and I enjoyed learning about the Rogarou and the Metis stories, beliefs and traditions. Not only is this full of rich, descriptive writing but it is an entertaining mix of horror, thriller and important social commentary. I enjoyed the multiple POV's (with the exception of Cecile).

I both loved and hated the ending. The final showdown was a bit too neat for my tastes and by the time I was finished I was left wanting more. I wouldn't mind a second book...or even a novella. I'm not picky!

I enjoyed this mystery book.  It is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it.  This is an engaging story that kept me turning pages.  It brought everything that I want in a mystery story.  This is a well written story that is engaging and easy to read.  I had no issues connecting with the characters as they brought the story to life for me.  Joan made a great character.  I felt bad for her in parts but she is a strong character that made the story to me.  Will she find the truth before it is too late?  I highly recommend this book.  It is a great afternoon read when you are looking for a mystery.

Joan and Victor had only one fight in their marriage: almost a year ago when Victor suggested she sell the tribal land she inherited from her father. Rather than exhibit anger, Victor left the house, but he never came back. Since then, Joan has fruitlessly searched for him until a chance encounter at a revival tent in a Wal-Mart parking lot. After the service, she sees Victor…his appearance, his voice—but not his clothes or his words. Thomas Heiser, a businessman accompanying the traveling church, assures Joan the man wasn’t her husband, and the man himself says he is Revered Eugene Wolff. 

Nevertheless, Joan believes that the man is Victor and decides to track the church to rescue him. Ajean, an irreverent Métis elder who instructs Joan in the old ways. Zeus, Joan’s twelve-year-old cousin, viewed by his mother as the reason his father left, joins Joan on her quest.

Uncovering Wolff’s identity isn’t the easy seduction Joan imagines. Powerful forces work against her who need Wolff for their own purposes, purposes that affect all the indigenous people in the area. Joan may only care about getting Victor back—if the Reverend is Victor, but if she doesn’t succeed, the future of the entire community is in jeopardy. 

On the surface, Empire of Wild is an entertaining story with a touch of horror. More than that, it’s a terrifying tale of encroachment of external forces on indigenous land. While Joan, a powerful and independent female protagonist, centers the novel, she is less of a developed character to me than are Ajean and Zeus, both of whom are quirky and hilarious without being unrealistic. Besides a strong sexual connection, Joan and Victor’s relationship wasn’t much elaborated on, and I wanted a stronger sense the reason behind Joan’s motivation. 

Now, I am completely scared of rogarous and have been mulling the ending for days. 

Empire of Wild will appeal to those who like light horror or those looking to add more Own Voices books to their reading lists.

Growing up near the Red River Valley in North Dakota, and living 17 miles from the Canadian border, the Métis are a group I learned about in school and I consider part of our local heritage. I really enjoyed this and the folklore that made up a main theme of the book. I have heard of the rogarou before, but I have to say that the way you weaved the legend in the storyline was well done.  I thought for the most part, the book was well written.