I went into this book knowing absolutely nothing except that it was apocalyptic and eerie and I feel that was the best way to go into it. Rice manages to paint a realistic picture of a sort of apocalypse in a cold, unforgiving landscape and the building tension is very well done. You feel a sense of dread as you read on and you can see how everything is falling apart. The dialogue wasn't always my favourite though so that's why it's a four. 
I really appreciated the insight into Anishinaabe culture that the story provided and I felt that it was very well woven into the plot, it didn't feel too info-dumpy when certain cultural aspects were explained which I liked.
I'm excited to check out the sequel and seeing more of this world and the characters.