Trail of lightning (edição: 2018)

Well now, that was a *lot* of fun, and a lot of ground I haven't seen touched this way before. So, excellent story on its own, the added joy of including some of the pieces of my childhood stories as a starting point. Lovely writing throughout, and holy hell ow in places. ( )

Trying to get back to Sword and Laser schedule, which I haven't been very good with. It took me awhile to get into this, but in the end I enjoyed quite a lot. I'm intrigued to know what happens next... ( )

I thought I could finish this book and not go straight on to the sequel but was so wrong it’s hilarious. I’m trying very hard not to caps lock all over the place but THE WHOLE BOOK WAS EXCELLENT, I’LL BE REREADING IT ASAP, BUT FOR NOW I NEED TO GO DEVOUR THE SECOND. ( )

[audiobook version]

I will start with the narration. Tanis Parenteau did a fantastic job. There was never a moment I was confused as to who was speaking.

I will admit biases up front. I am a huge fan everything related to the Southwest. Growing up I spent many hours in our local southwest museum pouring over exhibits about the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Spanish Southwest, Californios, cowboys and just about everything you can imagine.

The book is set in a post-apocalyptic world were much of the world is devastated by the 'Big Water' an allusion to climate change or some similar climatic event. It is a world that is broken but not gone as there indications that civilization continues on beyond the Rez. The book has a dark tone, despite moments of humor and levity. Our protagonist has been cursed/blessed by powers beyond her control which has left her bitter, feeling her life has been robbed and forced into a roll that may or may not turn her into something she herself hunts.

The supernatural elements are woven through the story, it is a world were nearly forgotten stories and faiths have come back and the people who remain struggle to adapt. Coyote is present of course, a darker, crueler version that is usually presented (say like Coyote Blue) however I enjoyed him non the less and hopefully he pop back-up eventually.

This is a rich book, full of Navajo lore (I personally hope that future books might venture into Hopi mythology so we can run into the Ogres or Left-Handed-Hunter but that's me) and imagery of the old west and post-apoc all wrapped up into a complex, compelling story. ( )

Loved this - http://www.susanhatedliterature.net/2019/06/trail-of-lightening/ ( )