The Marrow Thieves

by Cherie Dimaline
The Marrow Thieves cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £8.99
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Technical
  • ID: 10019
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9781770864863
  • Publisher: Dcb
  • Published: 2017-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In a dystopian future, the world has been ravaged by climate change, and people have lost the ability to dream. The only ones who can still dream are the Indigenous people of North America, making them valuable targets for a government that seeks to harvest their bone marrow to restore dreaming to the population. The story follows a group of Indigenous survivors as they evade capture and fight for their survival. The novel explores themes of identity, culture, and the importance of dreams and memories in shaping who we are. It is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of a world where the last remnants of humanity's soul are at stake.

Reviews
Hedwig's World of Books · 2022-08-21
thought-provoking 4.50

This is a poignant story with a strong environmental message, warning about the consequences of our actions. It's a gripping tale that blends adventure with deep emotional resonance.

This reviewer found the story to be a powerful warning about climate devastation and its impact on humanity. They appreciated the blend of adventure and emotional depth, making it a compelling read. The narrative's focus on consequence and the harsh realities of a post-climate world left a lasting impression, highlighting the urgency of the environmental message. The characters and their journeys are woven together in a way that resonates deeply, making it a thought-provoking and engaging story.

Quick quotes

    It's very much a story of consequence and a warning to what we are doing to the world.

    This is a post climate devastation story as well, the ...

    This is a gripping tale that blends adventure with deep emotional resonance.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2020-04-01
intense 3.00

The book is intense and powerful, with a distinctive structure and cadence. It has its flaws but is ultimately a compelling read.

Kara Babcock found the book to be intense and powerful, with a unique structure and cadence that makes it stand out. They noted that while it's not perfect, the story's emotional depth and the exploration of its themes make it a compelling read. The characters are well-developed, and the narrative's pacing keeps the reader engaged throughout. The book's flaws are overshadowed by its strengths, making it a memorable and impactful story.

Quick quotes

    The Marrow Thieves is intense and powerful in many ways.

    It's far from perfect, but it has an enjoyable structure and cadence to it.

    With distinctive characters and a compelling narrative, it's a book that leaves a lasting impression.

Karissa Reads Books · 2020-01-23
engaging 4.00

The plot is fast-paced and engaging, with well-developed characters and backstories. The leader, Miig, stands out as a particularly compelling figure.

This reviewer was captivated by the fast-paced plot and the richly drawn characters. The backstories of the characters add layers of complexity to the narrative, making it more than just a survival story. The reviewer particularly admired the character of Miig, who is portrayed with such depth and strength that he becomes a focal point of the book. The reviewer appreciated how the author balances action with emotional depth, creating a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The plot is fast-paced and Dimaline does an excellent job of weaving in the various characters' backstories.

    Their leader, Miig, is one of the ...

    The book is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

The Books Are Everywhere · 2019-08-30
intriguing 3.00

The concept is intriguing but feels underdeveloped, leaving room for further exploration. The book's potential to educate and inspire is notable.

While the reviewer found the premise of the book fascinating, they felt that it could have delved deeper into certain aspects. The exploration of indigenous experiences is a welcome addition to the literary landscape, but the reviewer wishes more time was spent developing these themes. Despite this, the book's potential to educate and inspire readers about indigenous cultures and histories is commendable. The reviewer hopes to see more works that build on this foundation.

Quick quotes

    Overall, the concept was interesting but left unexplored and underdeveloped.

    I'd love to read more books exploring indigenous people and it's ...

    The book's potential to teach non- ...

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