Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley is one of the most powerful and important books I’ve ever read. It made my heart feel so full and broken at the same time. As a Lingít reader, I appreciated how unapologetically Anishinaabe this novel was in it’s use of language, traditions, and culture that created such a rich world. The community was so real and visceral, I felt like I knew the characters, and I absolutely loved all of it. This book shines a valuable light on Anishinaabe people and issues, which many other Indigenous communities across Turtle Island will see themselves reflected in. Boulley has delivered a masterpiece of Indigenous literature. It’s one I’ll be revisiting many times, and pushing on everyone I know.

I would classify this as a young adult crime fiction, so I highly recommend going in as blind as you can. It added to my reading experience and had me gushing, screaming, and wishing I could talk to someone while I read it. And if you are usually turned off by a book being young adult, please don’t let that turn you away from this book. I highly recommend this to teen and adult readers.

CW: Meth addiction, murder, grief, mourning, kidnapping, mention of drug overdose

I genuinely and 100% believe that Angeline Boulley has written the most powerful and stunning book of the year; with unmatched wit interwoven with generational trauma and the pain of firsthand experiences, Firekeeper’s Daughter is the type of novel that will stay with you long after it’s returned to it’s place on the shelf.
This story focuses on the raw pain that Native communities face when it comes to drugs, addiction, and the corruption that allows these sicknesses to flourish on Reservations and poorly-funded Indigenous living spaces. It details the relationship between Federal Law Enforcement, Tribal Cops, and the citizens of this town. Daunis Fontaine is the type of Native lead that all Indigenous Girls need to read about. Strong and courageous, even when her fear is choking her with every second that passes; Daunis is a fighter and a woman that inspires me. With everything she faces, she never once backs down from her challenges. This novel had it’s hooks in me from the first line and kept me burning through the pages and to the twist I never even saw coming. If you get the chance to pick this book up when it debuts in early 2021, do not pass up your chance. You’ll regret it.

Wow! Just wow! I went into this book unsure of what to expect. The cover I felt was a little misleading … I thought it was a fantasy book. But I guess that is what you get for judging a book by its cover. Still… I loved the cover and this novel exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. Wonderful! I will honestly say it is probably one my favorite YA reads this year. I couldn’t put it down!

I don’t want to discuss too much of the summary, so read the published summary above. I think they did a great job summarizing it… concealing some twists, that shocked me a little.

The characters in Fire Keeper’s Daughter were fantastic! Each one was unique and well written. Daunis was a strong female lead; she is real. The other characters feed in to the storyline well. Although there are many characters, each has their part in the storyline. One of the things I love is the tribal stories, history, and traditions. I think this is what makes the story. It takes you to a different place and you learn about a new culture. The mystery and twists are good, but the setting really makes it all work. Interweaving the Ojibew stories and traditions makes this novel stand out.

The only thing I struggled with was language. I loved the use of Ojibew tribal language, but sometimes I couldn’t remember what some words or phrases meant. But it didn’t take it away from the story and I will still give it five stars because the story and characters are so well done!

Congratulations Angeline Boulley on your excellent, debut novel! Thank you Netgalley and Henry Holt and Company for an ARC. I look forward to adding this book to our library shelf and for other books by Boulley!