4.5 stars for a slow start, but makes up for it with fascinating cultural aspects, an asexual MC, and a pack of ghost dogs.
Should someone tag “the dog dies” if the dog in question is a ghost?

Even though this is a Teen Novel, I really really enjoyed it. The story was so unique and a perspective I’d never heard before. I look forward to their next book!

Outside of the obvious reasons why this book is a good fit for me— world building, mythology, cool casually queer characters, ghosts— I love the parallel narrative. So sneaky. So good. Make sure you pay attention to the images that start each chapter.

I read this for the Book Riot challenge and it took a while, because I had to return it to the library before I finished and then had a long wait to get it back. But once I did, it was worth the wait! This is a genre-defying book, with Native American history and folklore, paranormal fantasy, and a murder mystery all wrapped up together.

I find myself rating a lot of books higher than I ought to just for the sake of enjoyment (and maybe kindness?) but Elatsoe is one of the rare few that just filled my heart.

Were there things that could have been better? Sure. But that never took away from just how fun and intriguing and beautiful this world and this story are.

Reading this book is the equivalent of taking a nap after a day in the sun. I feel warm, I feel fulfilled, I feel satisfied and happy. This book, in my opinion, is truly something special.

I loved this book so much!

It's been a while since I've been so captivated and charmed by wolrdbuilding, but I kept getting excited at the worldbuilding in this book. It was so fresh, fun and beautiful. The stories woven of the past woven into the narrative only added to the enchanting world. It was just, really, really good. I somehow didn't know much going in and didn't expect magic and the supernatural to be accepted into that world and I loved how it was done, how it influenced so much of everyday life. It was so cool!

The characters were also incredible. Ellie and Kirby are a wonderful team. Also casual ace rep on the page! Though it sometimes looked more like implied aroace rep? Ronnie tells Ellie she can bring a platonic partner to her wedding, and Ellie says she never wants to be married, so there was actually more hints at lack of romantic attraction than lack of sexual attraction but it's really up to interpretation there.
My favourite was still Jay, mostly because he had strong neurodivergent vibes haha. He was such a good friend, he was cute, and I loved his enthusiasm for cheerleading.

One other thing I loved is the important involvement of the parents! In most YA stories, parents are always trying to prevent their children from doing anything to 'save the world' or whatever, but Ellie's parents believed in her and were with her when she tried to solve the mystery. They still tried to keep her safe but only by helping her as much as they could. Generally, the importance of family in the book was wonderful.

The mystery was great! I'm generally good at guessing twists so I did guess a few but it was still enjoyable and had twists and turns that were fun to follow. It wasn't really fast-paced, at least not in the first half, but I enjoyed it nontheless. It focused more on the characters and worldbuilding than a fast-paced plot and I enjoyed it. I also loved the spooky elements, there were a few really scary images and moments!

Overall, Elatsoe is definitely a new favourite of this year