Comprehensive Review of Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Introduction

Darcie Little Badger’s Elatsoe is a unique blend of magical realism, mystery, and Indigenous storytelling, offering a fresh perspective in the young adult (YA) genre. It follows the journey of Elatsoe (Ellie), a Lipan Apache teen who possesses the rare ability to summon animal ghosts. Set in an alternate America where supernatural beings like vampires and fairies coexist with humans, the novel explores themes of grief, justice, identity, and the power of family.

Plot Overview

Ellie’s life takes a dark turn when she learns that her beloved cousin, Trevor, has died under mysterious circumstances. Before passing, Trevor’s spirit appears to her in a dream, revealing that he was murdered and naming his killer. With the help of her family, her best friend Jay, and the ghost of her childhood dog, Kirby, Ellie embarks on a mission to uncover the truth and seek justice. However, in a world where powerful forces seek to silence the truth, Ellie must rely on her ancestral knowledge, magical abilities, and unwavering determination to navigate the dangers ahead.

Strengths of the Novel

  1. Rich Indigenous Representation
    One of Elatsoe's strongest elements is its deep connection to Lipan Apache culture. Through folklore, ancestral wisdom, and storytelling, the novel presents an authentic portrayal of Indigenous beliefs and traditions. The presence of Ellie’s six-times-great-grandmother, a legendary figure who once raised a ghostly woolly mammoth, reinforces the idea that history and identity are interwoven.
  2. A Unique Protagonist
    Ellie is a refreshingly different YA heroine. Unlike many protagonists in the genre, she is not motivated by reckless independence but rather by a deep sense of responsibility to her family and community. She is strong yet grounded, and her determination comes from a place of love rather than defiance. Her intelligence, bravery, and connection to her ancestors make her a compelling character.
  3. The Power of Family and Friendship
    Unlike many YA books where protagonists are isolated, Ellie is surrounded by a supportive and loving family. Her parents, friends, and ancestors play an integral role in her journey, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational wisdom. Her best friend, Jay, is also a standout character—a supportive, loyal companion who respects her boundaries and is never positioned as a romantic interest.
  4. Casual LGBTQ+ Representation
    Ellie is explicitly asexual, and this aspect of her identity is woven into the story in a natural and unforced way. Rather than being treated as a defining trait or a struggle, her asexuality is simply a part of who she is, which is a refreshing departure from how LGBTQ+ identities are often portrayed in fiction.
  5. A Well-Crafted Mystery with Magical Elements
    The novel successfully blends supernatural elements with a compelling murder mystery. Ellie’s investigation into Trevor’s death is engaging, and the incorporation of magical abilities into her detective work adds a fascinating layer to the plot.
  6. Beautiful Prose and Stunning Illustrations
    Darcie Little Badger’s writing is vivid and poetic, particularly when describing the supernatural aspects of Ellie’s world. Additionally, the book features stunning illustrations by Rovina Cai, which enhance the story’s dreamlike quality.

Criticisms

  1. World-Building Issues
    While the novel presents an intriguing alternate version of America, the world-building lacks consistency. Some readers found the supernatural elements to be introduced too conveniently, without clear rules governing how magic operates. The presence of vampires, fairies, and ghost animals, while fascinating, sometimes felt disjointed.
  2. Middle Grade vs. Young Adult Tone
    Although marketed as a YA novel, Elatsoe often reads more like a middle-grade book. Ellie’s voice and interactions with others make her feel younger than 17, and the dialogue sometimes lacks the complexity expected in YA fiction. This tonal inconsistency might make it less appealing to older teen readers.
  3. Lack of Emotional Depth in the Mystery
    While the murder mystery is compelling, some readers found that the resolution was too straightforward. The antagonist is a clear-cut villain without much nuance, and the investigation unfolds without major twists or red herrings. This makes the mystery element less suspenseful than it could have been.
  4. Limited Character Development Beyond Ellie
    While Ellie is a well-developed protagonist, some supporting characters—especially her parents—could have been explored in greater depth. Their reactions to certain events sometimes feel too accepting or underdeveloped, which lessens the emotional impact of the story.

Impact and Legacy

Despite its flaws, Elatsoe is an important novel that brings much-needed Indigenous representation to YA literature. Its themes of justice, family, and identity resonate strongly, and its casual inclusion of LGBTQ+ representation sets a positive precedent for future YA books. Given its success, Darcie Little Badger has established herself as a writer to watch, and readers can look forward to her future works.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Reading?

Absolutely. Elatsoe is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh take on supernatural mystery. While it has some pacing and world-building inconsistencies, its strengths—particularly its Indigenous representation and strong protagonist—far outweigh its weaknesses. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy:

  • Mysteries with supernatural elements.
  • Stories centered on family and cultural heritage.
  • YA books with casual LGBTQ+ representation.
  • Fantasy novels that blend folklore with modern settings.

While it may not be perfect, Elatsoe stands out as a meaningful and engaging read that expands the boundaries of the YA genre.