Elatsoe

By: Darcie Little Badger

Narrated by: Kinsale Hueston

Imagine an America very similar to our own. It's got homework, best friends, and pistachio ice cream.

There are some differences. This America has been shaped dramatically by the magic, monsters, knowledge, and legends of its peoples, those Indigenous and those not. Some of these forces are charmingly everyday, like the ability to make an orb of light appear or travel across the world through rings of fungi. But other forces are less charming and should never see the light of day.

Elatsoe lives in this slightly stranger America. She can raise the ghosts of dead animals, a skill passed down through generations of her Lipan Apache family. Her beloved cousin has just been murdered in a town that wants no prying eyes. But she is going to do more than pry. The picture-perfect facade of Willowbee masks gruesome secrets, and she will rely on her wits, skills, and friends to tear off the mask and protect her family.

Darcie Little Badger is an extraordinary debut talent in the world of speculative fiction.

©2020 Darcie Little Badger (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Critic reviews

"[A] refreshing voice. Indigenous myths, modern-day technology, and the supernatural successfully blend to build a fast-paced murder mystery." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Such a great story

The author did a fantastic job of weaving in indigenous American story, with early US history and current day in a weird bit of magical realism. I really loved it. The learning curve, for the indigenous magic wasn’t too steep, and the characters were endearing, especially the a little dog. The narrator did a great job too.

Wonderful story with rich and compelling character

Beautifully written with Lipan Apache wisdom intertwined with a young woman's discovery of her power and native traditions as she solves the murder of her cousin.

History of Native Americans

The story line. The ending, epilogue. I enjoy the paranormal. Makes one wonder about life.

Another AMAZING story !

I first read “Snake Falls to Earth” and fell in love with the author’s storytelling. Elatsoe is another mystical narrative about magical Lipan Apache people. Amazing narration, too. I can hardly wait to listen to the prequel!

interesting story, but distracting writing

I really liked this book overall. The story and characters were intriguing, but after listening for awhile, it was clear that this book is meant for a younger audience than me (mid 30s). some of the language and statements used felt a little juvenile, and it felt like the author tried to "weave in" fun science or history facts to the plot, but this was not done well; coming off as clunky and a bit patronizing.
That said, I liked the original story ideas. I just feel like I'm too old for this book.