By Stephen Graham Jones
This book is about an old Native American myth turned dark and contemporary. It alludes to many of the struggles Native Americans face on and off the reservations today, burdened by an illustrious history and a future rife with cliche and despair. Again, it’s very dark, and not just the horror aspects.
The tale follows four initially-unrelated Native Americans through the eerie culmination of each of their separate tales. The reader discovers the origin of their particular myth, and sees all the interwoven pieces create a complete picture. I don’t want to give too much away, but in classic tradition, it is an animal myth. This animal is bent on revenge however, and doesn’t care who gets in its path.
The book illustrates many of the problems I was vaguely aware of with stark realism. It made me think hard of all the culture and beauty we lost when white people took everything from Native Americans and left them with mere vestiges of grace. As guilty as the main players may be in this drama, we are far more culpable of worse deeds.
Again, this book is horror, so if you are not comfortable with gore and monstrosity – this one is not for you. My complaint is the innocent who are killed without remorse throughout the book, both animal and human. The ending also left me feeling unfulfilled.
Soundtrack
- Native Son – Bryan Adams
- Whiskey Lullaby – Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss
- Voodoo – Godsmack (I realize Native Americans did/do not practice Voodoo, but it hits the mood perfectly)
- Cherokee – Europe
- I Will Find You – Clannad
- Main Title from Last of the Mohicans
Pros & Cons & Potential Spoilers
Pros
- Liked learning about a new culture
- Interesting, never-before-encountered villain
- Very vivid storytelling
Cons
- Animal Violence
- Violence against innocent individuals
- Lack of fulfillment and justice in the ending