Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Sheine Lende," a prequel to Darcie Little Badger's acclaimed "Elatsoe," is a captivating blend of mystery, fantasy, and Indigenous storytelling. With Rovina Cai's evocative illustrations enhancing the narrative, this Young Adult novel delves into the world of Ellie's grandmother, Shane, and her extraordinary journey.

The story revolves around Shane, who, alongside her mother and their ghost dogs, dedicates her life to finding missing persons, often without the promise of payment. Their lives are marked by loss, having been displaced from their home after a tragic flood claimed Shane's father and grandparents. The plot thickens when Shane's mother and a local boy disappear under mysterious circumstances involving a fairy ring. Shane, accompanied by her brother, friends, and a distrusted surviving grandparent, embarks on a quest that transcends the boundaries of time and reality.

Little Badger's narrative is both gripping and rich in cultural depth. She masterfully intertwines elements of traditional stories with contemporary themes, creating a world that is both fantastical and deeply rooted in Indigenous experience. The characters are well-developed, with Shane standing out as a resilient and determined protagonist. Her journey is not just a physical one but also a voyage of self-discovery and connection to her heritage.

The book shines in its seamless integration of supernatural elements into the modern world, making the fantastical aspects feel natural and believable. However, some readers might find the shifting timelines and realms a bit challenging to follow. Despite this, the novel's pacing is well-managed, balancing action with character development.

Cai's illustrations add an extra layer of allure to the story, capturing the essence of Little Badger's world in a way that is both haunting and beautiful. They enhance the reader's immersion into the narrative, complementing the textual storytelling superbly.

In conclusion, "Sheine Lende" is a remarkable addition to the YA fantasy genre, offering a unique blend of mystery, Indigenous lore, and rich characterization. Darcie Little Badger and Rovina Cai have created a world that is not only enchanting but also resonant with cultural significance. This book will not only appeal to fans of "Elatsoe" but also to new readers looking for a story that is both magical and meaningful.

Sheine Lende sees infamous Elatsoe ancestor Shane, working with her mother and their ghost dogs to track down missing persons in their town. When Shane's mother goes missing, a new cast of characters must traverse the thin barriers between worlds to retrieve both her mother and friend's brother.

Thumbs up: An imaginative world filled with heart, magic, and very real tales of oppression that weave this multilayered story together. Fans of Elatsoe will be delighted for another opportunity to re-enter the world from another era.

Thumbs down: I think this novel is quite dialogue heavy (e.g. a lot of "he said" and then "she said" and then "she said") and could have spent more time within the world building of the novel. The draw for me in picking this up was the fantastic elements of the novel. Unfortunately, it didn't feel that enough time was spent building up the reader's imagination. For example, there are ghosts, time/space travel, and Fae mentioned but it seems like such an afterthought to the plot. I would have loved to see more effort spent on the fantasy aspects then the extremely heavy dialogue.

Was it a nail biter? It was a good book and I hope to see more from the author in the future! 3/5.