Bad Cree

no interesting plot vine boom
no interesting characters vine boom
and probably no interesting ending either vine boomvine boomvine boom

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DNF @ 76%
I don't know how I made it this long. I really, and I mean REALLY wanted to like this. But everyone is so so so boring. I do not care about Mackenzie, or her family, or her dreams. Everyone is so flat, so 2D, and they give me no reason to care about them. I admire the indigenous stories and themes, those are very neat and I love learning more and expanding my horizons. But it was not enough to make me finish it. Sorry.

Dnf @16% not for me

This is a horror light 2023 release that might work for you if you fear that nightmares can have meaning beyond the dreamworld, crows terrify you, or if you want to explore family grief. For me this was a big miss, but I think I'm in the minority of folks who didn't like this book since it has a relatively high rating for Goodreads. Simply, I was never creeped me out the way I expect a horror to - my heart raced once, but barely towards the end and it didn't last. My reading experience was also dampened by the characters actively and repeatedly withholding information from one another, and that's just is not a thing that I enjoy reading about.

Though it didn't keep pace the whole time, and I found the reliance on the dream sequences a tad overdone in places and heavyhanded, this was an emotional ride I did not want to get off of. Strong! Good! Didn't cry but came close a few times.

Do yourself a favor and read this book! Dealing with the grief from the death of a grandmother and a sister, the main character is called back home to face the source of some very strange dreams. This book is haunting and I never wanted it to end! I look forward to reading whatever Jessica comes out with next.

Great spooky vibes! It happened to be available from the library during my folk horror movie streak so it complemented my movie activity.

Good book, I loved the over arching story, was a little slow in some spots but pretty dang good for a debut novel and I really do hope she writes more. If you love horror or suspense themed around the cultural stories of POC this book delivers! The characters are super relatable and the story is while being horror is also a beautiful story about grief and love.

This book built the dread and uneasiness a good horror story can invoke with each page.

Mackenzie, a young Cree woman, is still fresh with the grief of her sisters death. Miles from her family and her home she begins having vivid nightmares where she sees her sister. So vivid that when she wakes up she brings a bit of her dream back; a branch, a crow's head. When she almost drowns in her dream and wakes up throwing up water she knows this is serious. Then she receives a text from her dead sister, Sabrina. This leads Mackenzie to head home and turn to her family for help, even though there's some strain between her and them. This will take Mackenzie on a trip down memory lane and must confront her relationship with her family, herself, and the grief she feels for the loss she's experienced.

I know very little about Cree people but I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in this Cree families life. I loved learning the different words and beliefs and it took me down a research journey. The dynamics in Mackenzie's family are so beautiful yet heartbreaking but it made me want to join the family nonetheless.

The horror elements in this book I would say are slow burn. It's more that feeling of dread you get in your gut. At times your heart may speed up but it's more from the not knowing and mystery of it. The more you learn, you're still on edge but you are more and more ready to face it which is what Mackenzie experiences.

I truly enjoyed the way this story unfolded. I felt so deeply for Mackenzie and the members of her family. I don't want to give too much away, but the horror element in this book is so perfect. There's also a lot of heart and the FMC learns a lesson that will change her life. I highly recommend.

I really enjoyed the story and found that the characters seemed very real and compelling. The way the scenery was described was perfect too, just enough that you get a clear sense of what the space looks like but not so verbose as to become droning.

I wasn't too keen on the pacing however, something about it made the book seem much longer than it actually was. I say that but I would have liked to get other characters' point of view or maybe just to spend more time with them so really take that part of my review with a grain of salt.

I loved this. Go in cold, if you can. The less you know about the story, the more shocking it will be when it reveals itself to you!!!
Mackenzie is dealing with some heavy stuff: she lost her grandmother and her sister in a short period and she's trying to find her place in the world. Now this: she's having some pretty horrific dreams and, somehow, she's bringing stuff out of the dreams with her when she wakes up!!!
It's time for Mackenzie to go home. The juxtaposition of Mackenzie's family (full of strong females, tight-knit, very supportive) with this big bad (that I shall not mention) that tortures her in her dreams is amazing.
I loved every minute of this story and the ending is perfect. The pacing on this novel is perfect, the characters are very well developed and some of the scenes are never going to leave me. It was darn near perfect. I can't believe it is a debut.

I love a good atmospheric horror read and man did Bad Cree fit the bill. It's dark, emotional and has some really great spooky moments.

I especially love the lore that is woven into the story, and the strength of family that is at the core of it all. This would make a perfect book for Spooktober.

I sincerely appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

Bad Cree built on themes of storytelling I love (dreams, grief, family, self-reflection) and created a beautiful narrative. Mackenzie was a lovely protagonist and I was SO invested in her journey. The character dynamics were so engaging and fun and real. The writing was gripping and kept me reading. The level of suspense was perfect. I can't wait to handsell this book!