While most of the world has drowned beneath the sudden rising waters of a climate apocalypse, Dinétah (formerly the Navajo reservation) has been reborn. The gods and heroes of legend walk the land, but so do monsters.
Maggie Hoskie is a Dinétah monster hunter, a supernaturally gifted killer. When a small town needs help finding a missing girl, Maggie is their last—and best—hope. But what Maggie uncovers about the monster is much larger and more terrifying than anything she could imagine. She reluctantly enlists the aid of Kai Arviso, an unconventional medicine man, and together they travel the rez to unravel clues from ancient legends, trade favors with tricksters, and battle dark witchcraft in a patchwork world of deteriorating technology.
My thoughts:
This book is a unique mix of apocalyptic fiction, urban fantasy, and Navajo myth and legend. And it totally works! Maggie's clan powers make her a fast and efficient killer--the perfect monster slayer. (Although there's a darkness inside her that sometimes makes her wonder if she might just be a monster herself.) Kai's clan powers run to healing and controlling the elements, making them a formidable team. Not that Maggie wants Kai as her partner. She's still hung up on her former mentor, a Monsterslayer who also happens to be an immortal legend. As characters, Kai and Maggie are complete opposites. I liked them both!
I also really liked how this novel is steeped in the Navajo culture and language. It adds another fascinating layer to the magic and mystery. And there's some great magic in this book! There's also a twist at the end that means I now have to read the second book in this series as soon as possible. About the only thing I didn't love about this novel is that it's written in first person present tense, which isn't my favorite; but the story and the characters are so compelling, I got over it. For me, this was a 4½-star read.
Happy Reading!
So many elements packed in this story! It must be a good read since you gave 4½-star!
ReplyDeleteI just really enjoyed reading this one. (And I just finished reading the second one, and it's really good, too.)
DeleteThis sounds so good! I have a copy on my TBR pile and you make me want to pick it up right now. I am glad you loved it, Lark.
ReplyDeleteI hope you love it, too. :)
DeleteThis sounds so good. I love the mix of climate apocalypse plus Navajo resurgence, plus magic. :) I've always liked the idea of element control as well. I really need this obviously!
ReplyDelete:D I loved it's uniqueness and Roanhorse's storytelling.
DeleteI really enjoy novels that immerse the reader in Native American culture from both the past and the present. I spent two weeks in that part of the country last summer and I'm more intrigued than ever by their story.
ReplyDeleteTheir culture is certainly a fascinating one!
DeleteThe culture and language makes this such an attractive pick, and from you're review, there's so much more there to get hooked on too. Oooh, ok, you got me wanting this all over again!
ReplyDeleteMaggie's a great character. My mom calls her the Navajo Buffy. :D
DeleteI need to dive into this series. I've put it off forever but I'm pretty sure I'll love it!
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot to like about this series! The second book, Storm of Locusts, is really good, too.
DeleteI want this one!
ReplyDeleteI think you'd really like it! :)
DeleteI have to get a copy of this book! Native American legends fascinate me. And combining that with apocalyptic fiction and urban fantasy! Those are some of my favorite things! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd to have them all in one book makes it even better. :D
DeleteIt sounds quite interesting. I've struggled in recent years to find urban fantasy that excites me.
ReplyDeleteThis one certainly has a different feel to it than your typical urban fantasy novel, which made it fun.
DeleteI've heard the second book is a good as the first so you have that to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteI actually just finished reading the second book; and I enjoyed it as much as the first. :)
DeleteUrban fantasy really isn't my thing, but this one still sounds really good. I might have to give it a try! Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI liked the combination of magic and apocalypse. It was different and fun.
DeleteThis sounds really good, Lark! Btw, I'm almost done with The Vanishing Season (Ellery Hathaway #1) and I'm loving it! Thanks for the recommend. I already have book 2 on hold. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're liking The Vanishing Season! I think No Mercy is even better. :D
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