Ratings15
Average rating4
Following the Scotiabank Giller Prize-shortlisted Son of a Trickster comes Trickster Drift, the second book in Eden Robinson's captivating Trickster trilogy. In an effort to keep all forms of magic at bay, Jared, 17, has quit drugs and drinking. But his troubles are not over: now he's being stalked by David, his mom's ex--a preppy, khaki-wearing psycho with a proclivity for rib-breaking. And his mother, Maggie, a living, breathing badass as well as a witch, can't protect him like she used to because he's moved away from Kitimat to Vancouver for school. Even though he's got a year of sobriety under his belt (no thanks to his enabling, ever-partying mom), Jared also struggles with the temptation of drinking. And he's got to get his grades up, find a job that doesn't involve weed cookies, and somehow live peacefully with his Aunt Mave, who has been estranged from the family ever since she tried to "rescue" him as a baby from his mother. An indigenous activist and writer, Mave smothers him with pet names and hugs, but she is blind to the real dangers that lurk around them--the spirits and supernatural activity that fill her apartment. As the son of a Trickster, Jared is a magnet for magic, whether he hates it or not--he sees ghosts, he sees the monster moving underneath his Aunt Georgina's skin, he sees the creature that comes out of his bedroom wall and creepily wants to suck his toes. He also still hears the Trickster in his head, and other voices too. When the David situation becomes a crisis, Jared can't ignore his true nature any longer.
Featured Series
3 primary booksTrickster is a 3-book series with 3 released primary works first released in 2009 with contributions by Eden Robinson.
Reviews with the most likes.
What a fantastic followup to Son of the Trickster! I loved every character and the story of Jared finding himself in BC was a perfect progression of his story. I immediately borrowed the third book and I can't wait to read the conclusion of the trilogy!
Also, big thanks to Robyn for the great recommendation!
This was a great continuation of the series started with Son of a Trickster. Robinson does a great job of presenting a protagonist who faces relatable challenges that would be difficult for any young person to cope with - Jared has to deal with issues about identity and belonging, escaping cycles of violence and dysfunction, and trying to stay connected to his heritage while building a life for himself.
The fact that he's the son of a trickster spirit, and is living in a house filled with otherworldly beings, is an extra layer put on top of all that, but one that doesn't define Jared's experience, and the story is stronger for it.
The new setting and supporting cast are all interesting and enjoyable, and add a lot of depth to the book.