Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger book review + discussion

Welcome back, everyone! I'm Paige, and today I'm doing a review of "Sheine Lende" by Darcie Little Badger. In the evolving landscape of middle-grade literature, this author is a beacon of innovative storytelling. Her books offer tales filled with magic and mystery but also profoundly explore themes of cultural identity, family, and the importance of heritage- a unique combination that I'm so excited to talk about in this post.

So, what is Sheine Lende about? Well, "Elatsoe" was released first, back in 2020, and introduced a 17-year-old Lipan Apache girl named Elatsoe. She has a unique gift inherited from her ancestors- the ability to summon dead creatures. "Sheine Lende," set to release in April 16, 2024, is a prequel about her great-grandmother, who has the same ability. I read Elatsoe in preparation for this post, but you can understand this book even without reading Elatsoe.

the heart of shiene lende

Shane, Elatsoe's grandmother, embarks on a quest to find her missing mother on an emotional journey that explores familial bonds, cultural identity, and the spirit of a family that faced tragedy and historical injustices. The novel stands out for its intricate plot, rich character development, and combination of fantasy elements with modern issues​​, like how Native American land was taken.

a richly woven world

What sets "Sheine Lende" apart is Little Badger's skillful worldbuilding where the supernatural coexists with everyone else. Faeries, vampires, and the ghostly land Below are only a few elements in this book. The idea is that these ghost-whisperers live among ordinary people. At its heart, the story remains human, exploring the strength of a family.

themes and reflections

"Sheine Lende" dives into the exploration of cultural identity and generational trauma. The complexity of relationships (like between Shane and her brother, her grandfather, and her friends) adds layers to the story. And the novel doesn't shy away from discussing social themes, making it a great read for young adults navigating their understanding of the world.

why it stands out

Darcie Little Badger’s ability to blend classic fantasy elements with modern issues sets "Sheine Lende" apart. The novel is not only a fantasy adventure but also a reflection on the societal challenges we face today, wrapped in a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

what i didn't like

I would rate Sheine Lende four-stars. Although there were so many good things about this book, it just wasn't for me. This genre is just one that I usually dislike, and although it was a nice, soft comfort read, there were not many plot twists or other literary devices that I usually search for in books. Perhaps I just wasn't the intended audience for this book, so I'm not going to hold it against the author.

final thoughts

For fans of Darcie Little Badger, "Sheine Lende" is a must-read, further cementing her status as a pivotal voice in YA literature. It’s a book that not only entertains but invites readers to ponder the deeper connections between our past, our identities, and the stories we tell.

Let me know in the comments whether you've heard of Darcie Little Badger before, and if you think you want to try this book. I'm currently accept all post requests, so let me know if there's something you want to see! Make sure you comment with a Google account to get notified when I reply. See you on Monday!

Paige C, signing off