Trail of Lightning

January 1, 2018

In a world sinking beneath climate-warmed waves, Maggie works as a monster hunter in Dinetah, once the Navajo reservation. There, she encounters a creature that out-Grendels Grendel and seeks help from medicine man Kai Arviso.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 30, 2018
Roanhorse vividly depicts Navajo land, legends, and culture in her marvelous fantasy debut, which launches the Sixth World series. After a cataclysm flooded much of the earth, the Dinétah—the homeland of the Navajo, or Diné—was one of the few remaining areas where people could survive. Legendary powers have risen among the Diné, and Maggie Hoskie is one of those who wield them. She was trained by a supernatural mentor to hunt monsters, and after vicious creatures commit a series of grisly murders, she has to muster all her skills to confront the incredibly powerful witch creating them. Roanhorse unspools a fascinating narrative of colorful magic in a world made otherwise bleak by both natural and man-made circumstances. The monster-hunting plot nearly takes a back seat to Maggie’s challenging journey of working through personal and cultural trauma, including the violent deaths of loved ones and an abusive relationship. Her partner, Kai, is a force for healing despite, or because of, his own history of pain. Their story is a fresh take on the tale of the emotionally and spiritually wounded hero who faces down increasing evil to make the world better. This rich tale from a strong Native American voice is recommended for all fantasy audiences. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary.

July 1, 2018
After the Big Water, Maggie Hoskie's monster-slaying clan powers have woken up. She's going to need them on a journey culminating in the kind of battle fantasy readers will relish. In Roanhorse's hard-hitting debut novel, most of the world has perished, and Dinétah (the Navajo Nation) has risen. A wall has been built to keep the Diné safe from what remains, but little can keep them safe from the monsters that have woken up inside those borders and the witches who work to destroy what life is left. Little except Maggie, whose grandmother was murdered in front of her, who was abandoned by the god Neizghání, who'd saved her. Maggie has been left to hunt monsters alone, hoping for the return of the god she loved like a father and wanted as a lover. In walks the troublingly sexy Kai, whom she reluctantly takes along to hunt monsters and who has medicine big enough to perhaps heal the Earth from the Big Water. As her quest grows, Maggie and Kai battle immortals and mortals alike, and Maggie ends up wondering whom to trust. Propelled by the Coyote god Ma'ii, Maggie confronts her past, her love, and her own power in a war where the stakes are higher than she ever imagined.Roanhorse, the first Indigenous American to win a Nebula and a finalist for a Hugo, has given us a sharp, wonderfully dreamy, action-driven novel. Here's hoping that the next two in this trilogy will deliver more heart-racing, heart-rending prose.

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September 1, 2018

The earth has fallen into postapocalyptic chaos and catastrophe. Floods have taken the lives of millions of people, and monsters, created by witches, seek human flesh. Maggie, also known as "The Monster Hunter," is gifted with supernatural powers of speed and assassination through her Native American clan power, or "K'aahanaánii." Maggie is strong and skilled but plagued by past love and loss. She sets out to uncover clues about the newly ruthless monsters that have been taking over the land. Along the way, she hesitantly accepts the help of a medicine man, Kai. Together they collect clues and discover what they least expect. Maggie has to confront her past head-on in order to survive-no easy task. With intriguing and mysterious characters, this series opener will keep readers wondering. VERDICT Purchase this original and thrilling spin on the postapocalyptic genre everywhere speculative fiction is popular.-Amanda LeMay, Neptune Township Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2018
It is the near future, and a cataclysmic flood has drowned two thirds of the planet. The bulk of the remaining land is the Din�tah, home of the Navajo (known among themselves as the Din�). When the Big Water rose up, so did the gods and monsters of the old stories, who now roam freely through Din�tah alongside clans, families, and gangs. Maggie Hoskie is a monster hunter, trained and then abandoned by the immortal Neizgh�n�. She hunts alone, tormented by her painful past, believing she is almost a monster herself. When a different type of creature begins appearing, Maggie knows she must find its source before it puts the Din� at risk. She reluctantly teams up with an enigmatic medicine man to face down the witch behind it all. Roanhorse is an exciting new voice in speculative fiction, and her depictions of Navajo legends and culture make for a fascinating read. This cross between Neil Gaiman's American Gods and Mad Max: Fury Road will leave readers wanting to know what Maggie does in the next series installment.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)